Friday, January 23, 2009

Freelancing

By Ray Edwards

Sir Walter Scott, a renowned Scottish historical novelist and poet, referred to mercenary soldiers as "freelancers" in his book Ivanhoe. This is where the word found its genesis. Since then, the word "freelancer" has gained new meanings. It became much more figurative by the 1860's and was finally officially recognized as a word by the English Oxford Dictionary in 1903.

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).

People from many different markets, including copywriting, have determined that freelancing is a better option than regular employment. They feel this way because freelancing offers more control and flexibility over their work.

Today, more and more copywriters are leaving the security of their day jobs and engaging in freelance copywriting work because of the following factors:

* Variety of Projects. More copywriters are drawn to freelancing for this reason alone. Freelance work offers a greater variety of assignments compared to regular employment at a firm. And with the Internet offering more opportunities, freelancing has helped those who are seeking more options, better projects, and higher pay. A freelance copywriter can also take on different jobs at once. They can design a website and write a sales letter at the same time.

* Projects Have Fast Turnaround. Since most freelance copywriting jobs are time based, they have to be done by a certain date. Copywriters can generally do these jobs quickly with ease, allowing them to pack in more projects per year than regular copywriters.

* More Freedom and Flexibility. A freelance copywriter can choose which projects to write, where they work, and when they work. Despite that freelancing does require contracts, freelance copywriting is still a no employee-no employer work relationship. Freelance copywriting also frees someone from the normal confines of a 9 to 5 job. Since a freelance copywriter can be their own boss, they can choose their own working hours. This freedom allows freelance copywriters to pursue other interests, take on more jobs, and help take care of their family.

* Greater Income. Because freelance copywriters are hired because of their specialized skill, and because they don't have to split their profits with an advertising agency, they can make more money than other copywriters. Freelance copywriters usually charge by the hour, day, or per-project. Others don't use flat rates but use value-based pricing methods instead. Payments are arranged based on the contract determined by the copywriter and client. Generally, they can pay upfront, staggered, or when the project is completed.

Today, freelancers can easily find work through the Internet. The Internet facilitates work between freelance copywriters and clients around the world. These jobs can range from writing short articles, web content, and sales letters. There is a lot of demand out there for freelance copywriters and there are a lot of opportunities for good freelance copywriting.

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