Sunday, October 5, 2008

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.

Today, the word "freelance" has changed into different forms: as a noun, freelance or freelancer; as a verb, a photographer who freelances; and 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.

Here are a few 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.

* 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.

* 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.

* Improved Income. Freelance copywriters can usually bring in higher income for their projects because they are hired for their specific talents and skills. This is a plus because they are paid well but do not have to work full-time at a firm, nor do they have to give some of it to an advertising agency. Though income for freelancers can vary, most freelancers still benefit from it. Freelance copywriters charge by the hour, by the day, or on per-project basis. Others use value-based pricing methods instead of imposing a flat rate. Payments are arranged based on the agreement between the copywriter and client. The payment could be done upfront, staggered, or paid 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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