The rise of freelance columnist jobs
With the ever-growing demand for fresh and diverse content in the digital age, freelance columnist jobs have become increasingly popular. Many media outlets, online publications, and blogs are seeking talented writers to contribute their unique perspectives on various topics.
Narratively asks for unique stories with a clear arc that engages the reader, so some creative writing skills are crucial. They pay around 0.10$ per word, and most articles are within the 2,000-5,000 words range. Are you open to having an editorial job while you write on the side? You can always find employment opportunities directly at publishing houses’ websites.
Benefits of freelance columnist jobs
The original authors have been and are still self-publishing lovely compilations throughout the years. They’re always looking for fresh new stories, and though it’s not a long-term gig, the theme varies with time so you can submit different pieces every now and then. For each story (which are capped at 1,200 words), the contributor gets paid $200. You don’t have to be an author to be writing in publishing — you can be an editor, a ghostwriter, or you can even have a book marketing job (which involves writing things like flap copies). Here are some of the best sites for you to find those jobs. All of that to say nothing of the fact that running a freelance writing business is its own job, once you get started.
One of the main advantages of pursuing freelance columnist jobs is the flexibility it offers. Writers have the freedom to choose their own topics, work schedule, and even set their rates. This level of autonomy allows for a better work-life balance and the opportunity to explore different writing styles and genres.
Our own Jon Morrow says he’s only had a small handful of writers over the years ask him for a testimonial — even though he would’ve been perfectly happy to give one to them. If you want to go for full-time writing and editing positions at a news outlet, check out Vox Media. With many magazines and ezines under its umbrella, from the culinary publication Eater to cultural sites like The Verge, there are plenty of vacancies to be filled. You’ll find a mix of entry and senior level positions on their board, many of which are available remotely.
Challenges of freelance columnist jobs
While freelance columnist jobs offer independence and creativity, they also come with challenges. Writers must constantly pitch ideas, meet deadlines, and manage their finances effectively. In addition, the competitive nature of the industry can make it difficult to secure consistent work.
Networking goes a long way in the freelance world, and LinkedIn is a great resource to do some networking through common connections. FreelanceWriting provides a nice compendium of freelance writing and editing jobs with competitive pay rates. MediaBistro is a great resource for media freelancers of all stripes, offering online courses, tools and information that can help you navigate your career. Because their team literally saves you hours of scouring job boards.
Unless they’ve written for an identical client before, their writing samples will be a bit off. Ultimately, most clients don’t care about your experience or credentials. They just want a freelance writer who can complete their assignment and get results.
As its name would suggest, the ProBlogger Job Board is a popular one among bloggers in search of freelance writing work and blogger jobs. Next, find and follow trending topics related to your writing niche as well as the type of content you create (articles, content marketing, email copy, web copy, etc.). Whether you’re a UX writer or a content strategist, this site is a great option to find work in content design, marketing, management and more.
How to succeed as a freelance columnist
To thrive in the world of freelance columnist jobs, writers must be proactive, adaptable, and willing to network. Building a strong portfolio, honing your writing skills, and cultivating relationships with editors and other writers can help you stand out in a crowded field.
