Dear Ms. Ng,
What does it mean to be a freelance writer? Does it mean you work at home all day? Does it mean you work after a full time job? Are books and novels included? So many women I know are calling themselves freelance writers and what they do doesn’t seem to be writing at all. Can you tell me what is a freelance writer?
C.A.B.
Dear C.A.B.,
To work freelance means you’re your own boss. So you take the projects you want and make the hours you want. Freelancing means you’re handling your own taxes & insurance because you’re not permanently employed by a single organization. Let’s see what Dictionary.com has to say about freelancing:
1. Also, freelancer. a person who works as a writer, designer, performer, or the like, selling work or services by the hour, day, job, etc., rather than working on a regular salary basis for one employer.
2. a person who contends in a cause or in a succession of various causes, as he or she chooses, without personal attachment or allegiance.
So there you have it. No allegiance.
There are different types of freelancers. For example, as a freelance writer I mostly work out of my home but will travel to meet clients. There are also freelancers who refuse to do face to face anything, or even talk on the phone. Some freelance writers enjoy the company of others and look for in house positions so they can work in an office without actually having to commit to anything.
For most of us, being a freelance writer means having the freedom to do our own thing.We choose to work the hours best for us, and take only the writing jobs we find appealing. We have the flexibility to care for our family or take a day off for the beach. I believe the “free” in freelance stands for freedom.
What do you think, FWJ community. What does it mean to be a freelance writer?
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