Freelance Writer Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the world of modern communication, the need for freelance writers has never been greater.

As content continues to reign supreme, the demand for skilled wordsmiths who can create, polish, and disseminate our written communication grows louder.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from a freelance writer?

Whether you are:

A job seeker trying to understand the intricacies of this role,
A hiring manager conceptualizing the perfect candidate,
Or simply captivated by the art of freelance writing,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we present a customizable freelance writer job description template, designed for effortless posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive in.

Contents show

Freelance Writer Duties and Responsibilities

Freelance Writers create a variety of content for clients based on their specific requirements and objectives.

They can write across different genres, from news articles and blog posts to scripts and technical pieces.

A Freelance Writer’s key duties and responsibilities typically include:

Communicating with clients to understand their content needs and objectives
Researching topics to gain an in-depth understanding before starting to write
Creating unique, engaging, and error-free content based on client specifications
Editing and proofreading their own work to ensure it is free of errors
Adapting their writing style to suit different audiences and industries
Meeting deadlines set by clients for content delivery
Responding to feedback from clients and making necessary revisions
Ensuring all written content is in line with the client’s brand voice and style guidelines
Managing multiple projects simultaneously while maintaining a high standard of work
Keeping up-to-date with industry trends and popular content strategies
Invoicing clients and keeping track of payments

Freelance Writer Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are searching for a dedicated and experienced Freelance Writer to create compelling articles, blog posts, and other types of written content.

The Freelance Writer’s responsibilities include conducting thorough research on industry-related topics, generating ideas for new content types, and proofreading articles before publication.

Ideal candidates should be able to deliver quality writing pieces that appeal to our audiences, attract customers and boost brand awareness.

Responsibilities

Conduct comprehensive research on industry-related topics to create original content
Write clear marketing copy to promote our products/services
Prepare well-structured drafts using Content Management Systems
Proofread and edit blog posts before publication
Submit work to editors for input and approval
Coordinate with marketing and design teams to illustrate articles
Ensure all-around consistency (style, fonts, images and tone)
Update website content as needed
Use SEO guidelines to increase web traffic

Qualifications

Proven work experience as a Content Writer, Copywriter or similar role
Portfolio of published articles
Experience doing research using multiple sources
Familiarity with web publications
Excellent writing and editing skills in English
Ability to meet deadlines
Hands-on experience with Content Management Systems (e.g. WordPress)
BSc in Marketing, English, Journalism or related field

Additional Information

Job Title: Freelance Writer
Work Environment: As a freelance writer, you have the flexibility to work from any location. You may need to visit the office or meet with clients occasionally, depending on project requirements.
Reporting Structure: Reports to the Content Manager or Editor-in-Chief.
Pay Range: Rates are typically set per article or per word, depending on experience and the complexity of the subject matter.
Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
Employment Type: Contract
Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity in our freelancers. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
Application Instructions: Please submit your resume, a portfolio of your writing, and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

What Does a Freelance Writer Do?

Freelance Writers are self-employed professionals who produce written content for a variety of clients across different industries.

They may write articles, blog posts, scripts, books, or other types of textual content.

Their work can be used for websites, magazines, advertising campaigns, or any platform where written content is required.

These writers need to research their topics thoroughly to produce informative and accurate content.

They are often responsible for editing and proofreading their work to ensure it is free from errors and meets the client’s specifications.

Freelance Writers often need to pitch their ideas to potential clients or publications, so they must be skilled in selling their work and their writing abilities.

They may also have to handle other aspects of their business, such as billing and invoicing, networking, and maintaining a digital portfolio of their work.

Regardless of the project they are working on, their main responsibility is to create engaging, clear, and concise content that meets their clients’ needs and objectives.

Freelance Writer Qualifications and Skills

A proficient freelance writer should possess a variety of skills and qualifications in order to deliver high-quality written content, including:

Strong writing skills to articulate ideas and concepts clearly and effectively, with a good command of language, grammar, and punctuation
Research skills to gather relevant information from diverse sources and incorporate it into the written piece
Creativity and originality to develop engaging, unique, and innovative content
Time management skills to handle multiple assignments, meet deadlines, and work efficiently under pressure
Communication skills to understand client requirements, provide updates, and receive feedback
Self-motivation and discipline to work independently without direct supervision
SEO knowledge to create content that is search engine friendly and drives traffic to the client’s website
Technical skills such as familiarity with word processing software, content management systems, and basic HTML
Proofreading skills to review, revise and edit content ensuring it is free from errors

Freelance Writer Experience Requirements

Freelance writers often start their careers by contributing to blogs, local newspapers, or online platforms while still in school or during their spare time.

This allows them to gain valuable writing experience and build a diverse portfolio.

Such experience can be in the form of internships, part-time roles, or volunteer writing jobs.

Some freelance writers have a background in journalism or English, with bachelor’s degrees in these fields providing a solid foundation of writing and research skills.

However, many successful freelance writers come from different backgrounds and gain their experience through consistent practice and self-learning.

Freelance writers with 1 to 3 years of experience should have a good understanding of their niche, show excellent writing skills, have experience with SEO, and be able to meet deadlines and handle client communication effectively.

They would typically have built a small but strong portfolio demonstrating their ability to write on a range of topics.

Those with more than 3 years of experience are generally expert writers who have established a solid reputation in their chosen niche.

These individuals may have published works in reputed platforms, have a strong network of clients and excellent project management skills.

Freelance writers with over 5 years of experience may have substantial published works, a strong client base, and the ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously.

They might have experience in mentoring new writers, editing, and could be ready for higher level tasks such as content strategy and management roles.

Freelance Writer Education and Training Requirements

Freelance Writers often have a bachelor’s degree in English, journalism, communications, or a related field.

However, the necessary training and education for this role can vary significantly based on the type of writing the freelancer focuses on.

Strong writing and grammar skills are key for this role, and these skills can be developed and enhanced through various writing and literature courses.

Knowledge of a specific subject matter can also be beneficial depending on the area of writing specialization.

For those wanting to specialize in a particular area like technical writing, a degree in that specific field, such as engineering or computer science, can be beneficial.

However, many successful freelance writers do not have specific degrees but have built their careers based on their passion for writing and their ability to effectively communicate and engage with their audience.

There are also many professional writing certificate programs that can provide the necessary training and enhance a freelance writer’s skills.

These programs offer courses in areas such as grammar, style, formatting, and the use of software tools.

In addition to formal education, freelance writers often need to possess research skills, SEO knowledge, and an understanding of social media platforms and blogging.

Continuous learning and adapting to the changing digital landscape is crucial for a freelance writer.

Thus, many participate in ongoing professional development courses, workshops, webinars, and conferences.

While not always required, having a portfolio showcasing their work can significantly increase a freelance writer’s opportunities.

This portfolio acts as a practical demonstration of their writing skills and style.

Freelance Writer Salary Expectations

A Freelance Writer can expect to earn an average of $24.70 (USD) per hour.

However, income can greatly vary based on factors such as experience, area of expertise, the complexity of the project, and the writer’s reputation.

Additionally, freelance writers often have the opportunity to set their own rates, which can potentially increase earnings.

Freelance Writer Job Description FAQs

What skills does a freelance writer need?

Freelance writers need to have excellent written communication skills, and they should be able to write in a clear and concise manner.

They need good research skills to gather information for their pieces and creativity to make their writing engaging and original.

Time management is also crucial as they often work on multiple projects with different deadlines.

Do freelance writers need a degree?

While having a degree in English, Journalism, or a related field can be beneficial, it’s not necessarily a requirement for becoming a freelance writer.

Many successful freelance writers don’t have specific writing degrees.

However, they have strong writing skills, knowledge in a particular field, and the determination to consistently find and complete writing assignments.

What should you look for in a freelance writer’s resume?

A freelance writer’s resume should showcase their writing experience, including any publications where their work has been featured.

Look for variety in their work samples to see their versatility in writing different topics and for different audiences.

Additionally, any references or testimonies from previous clients can give an idea of their professionalism and reliability.

What qualities make a good freelance writer?

A good freelance writer is disciplined, as they often have to work independently and meet tight deadlines.

They also need to be adaptable, as they may need to write about various topics and adjust their writing style to different audiences.

A good freelance writer is also persistent, as finding consistent work can sometimes be challenging.

What is the average pay for a freelance writer?

The pay for freelance writers can vary greatly, depending on factors such as experience, expertise, and the complexity of the work.

Some freelance writers charge by the hour, while others charge per word or per project.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median pay for writers and authors, which includes freelancers, was $63,200 per year in 2019.

However, freelance writers often have the potential to earn more based on the volume and the nature of the projects they undertake.

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve unraveled the intricacies of what it truly means to be a freelance writer.

Surprise, surprise!

It’s not just about stringing words together.

It’s about creating compelling narratives, one word at a time.

Armed with our dedicated freelance writer job description template and real-world examples, you’re ready to dive in.

But don’t stop just yet!

Explore further with our job description generator. It’s your indispensable tool to crafting precise job listings or honing your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every word contributes to the story.

Let’s craft those narratives. Together.

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