Saturday, January 10, 2009

The Freelancing World

By Ray Edwards

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.

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.

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 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.

* 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.

* More Freedom, More Flexibility. Becoming a freelance copywriter can give a person the freedom to choose the place, date, and manner in which they do their work. Though some freelancing does require contracts, freelance copywriting is still a no employer-no employee relationship. Freelance work offers more freedom for someone who does not want to be confined to an 8 to 5 or 9 to 6 work schedule. A freelance copywriter is free to choose their working hours and is their own boss. Because of this freedom, freelance copywriting gives a person more time to pursue other interests or take on more jobs. Many freelancers feel that they can take care of their families easier as well.

* 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.

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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