Freelancing
Sir Walter Scott, a renowned Scottish historical novelist and poet, first coined the word ?freelance?. In his first book, Ivanhoe, which he wrote in 1819, he referred to a medieval mercenary warrior as a “freelancer.” The term has since then shifted and gained many more meanings. In the 1860s, freelance became figurative, and in 1903, the Oxford English Dictionary officially recognized it as a verb.
The word “freelance” can now be used many different ways: It can be used as a noun (freelance or freelancer), or it can be used as a verb (a photographer who freelances), and it can be used as an adverb (he works freelance).
Working freelance has become a career and lifestyle choice in many different markets, including copywriting. It has given more copywriters a variety of benefits over regular employed positions at advertising agencies and firms. These copywriters feel that freelancing is the best career option because of the flexibility and control they have over their work.
Here are some reasons why copywriters are becoming freelancers:
* Many Different Kinds of Projects. Freelance copywriting allows copywriters to work on different kinds of copywriting than if they were at a firm or agency. The Internet also offers more opportunities to freelancers: It helps copywriters gain access to more opportunities, better projects, and a higher income. Freelance copywriters can also work on different jobs at once. Meaning they could be writing a sales letter for one client, while they are writing web content for another.
* Fast Turnaround on Projects. Most freelance copywriting jobs are time based, meaning there is a time limit within which you have to complete your project. These jobs are usually done fast and allow freelance copywriters to move on to new projects quickly.
* There is More Freedom and Flexibility in Freelance Copywriting. Freelance copywriting allows you to pick when and where you work. Even though there are contracts involved, freelance copywriting is a no employee-no employer working relationship. Freelance copywriters don’t have to be stuck to a 9 to 5 schedule because they can dictate their own schedule. Freelance copywriters have more time to pursue other interests or take on more jobs. Many freelance copywriters also feel that they can spend more time with their families and work their schedule around their lives.
* Better Income. Freelance copywriters usually have a higher income over regular copywriters. Their special skill and talent help make freelancers marketable while they don’t have to give any of the money to an advertising agency. Income for freelance copywriters can vary, but most freelancers still make a great salary. Freelance copywriters can charge by the hour, day, or per-project. Some use value-based scales instead of a flat rate and payments are arranged based on agreements between the copywriter and client. Payments can be made upfront, staggered, or when the project is completed.
The Internet immensely helps freelance copywriters today. It helps copywriters and clients do business with each other from all over the world. Projects range from writing short articles to web content or sales letters. You should do some more research into freelance copywriting to see if it is right for your life.