A self-employed writer who freelances earns money by writing for various clients and publication types. Freelancing is an attractive choice for those who would like to make a living using their writing talents, both as the primary source of income and as a supplement to another source of income.

Companies in need of copywriting or content development are just one potential clientele for a freelance writer; others include media outlets and publishing houses. Think you might enjoy working as a freelance writer? Before making a final call, think about the following.

Not everything is as fun and swell as one might think.

To put it bluntly, as a freelancer, you are not an employee entitled to perks like paid time off, medical coverage, and a regular paycheck. In this case, having access to emergency funds would be extremely helpful. However, not everyone has the same good fortune. It can be challenging to meet your financial obligations, like paying for food, rent, and utility bills, during times when there’s a shortage of work coming your way.

Even if you're excited about freelancing as a writer, you might want to give it some serious thought, especially before leaving your current job. You shouldn't switch to freelancing full-time until you have built up a loyal clientele and regular freelance work. Because you are the only person accountable for the success of your business, you will need to put in a lot of overtime. You will need to be able to multitask to run sales, marketing, and promotions for yourself.

But there are advantages to working independently as a writer.

For instance, the reduced requirement for social interaction at work is an attractive feature that introverts will acknowledge. In addition, you won't have to keep track of the hours you put into a project, be liable to submit any biometric data, or compulsorily show up at an office. You can set your deadlines and your price.

Freelancing as a writer will solve all your commute problems by eliminating the need for daily travel to and from work. You can choose your hours and location, be it a local cafe, library, a different coast, or even your own home if that's your thing. You can make decisions, employ creative means, and follow the necessary strategies to accomplish your objectives. In this situation, you get to call the shots. There are pros and cons to writing as a freelancer, but if the idea of working for yourself appeals to you, it's something to consider.

Certificates and diplomas are valued but not required.

Although this is a controversial take, one of the main benefits of freelancing as a writer is that you can win clients without a university degree. You can have a perfect grade point average, but if you don't present substantial writing samples to back up your ability, your offer will be rejected regardless of how well you did in school. That said, if you are targeting a narrow audience, your in-depth knowledge of the topic will serve you well. Maybe that's exactly what customers are looking for, so it'll be a plus.

Anyone with a good grasp of the English language and the ability to express themselves coherently in writing will find freelance writing to be a rewarding profession. But there are good writers out there who did not major in English, Journalism, or any field apart from Literature that is commonly associated with writers.

Cassidy George

Cassidy George is a native of New Orleans whose work has appeared in The New York Times, Vogue, GQ, The Cut, W, BBC, Dazed, i-D, and more. She studied art history, political science, and critical theory at New York University. She currently works as a freelance culture writer for SLEEK in Berlin. Her stories share a deep interest in how history, politics, and power structures inform every aspect of contemporary culture.