Freelancing

The landscape is very different today: publications have folded, arts coverage has dried up, and most opinion writing is on Substack.

Becoming a mother was the motivation one freelance writer needed to abandon the toxic hustle culture by which she defined “success”.

Writing an opinion piece about a topic in the news or in the zeitgeist is a way for even inexperienced writers to get the attention of editors.

There is no formalized career path for freelance editors. From the hosts of the Independent Editor Podcast, here are tips on what to expect.

Being a freelance editor requires lifelong curiosity, persistent self-education, ruthless support—and the ability to do all this quickly.

Freelance writing—even for little or no pay—offers a low-stakes way to gain publication credit, hone your skills, and raise your visibility.

When you’re starting out as a freelancer, it can be tempting to say yes to every project. But, as in writing, the key to success is often to go narrow.

Copy editors are known for perfectionism. But while there’s no end to the fussing you can do, there’s a limit to what someone will pay you to do it. In this guest post, CMOS contributing editor Carol Saller explains how to determine what your time is worth.

Big-picture editing is a series of judgment calls. But how should those judgment calls be conveyed to the writer? Two rules stand the test of time: (1) Praise. (2) Ask questions.

Writing for businesses is a way for skilled writers to earn a good, dependable income. Someone is responsible for writing all the websites, brochures, and marketing materials out there. Why not you?

In 2014, I made the leap from conventional employment to a full-time freelance career. Here's how I did it—and what I earned, down to the dollar.

When I began working as a freelancer, I wanted to find clients to pay me in the thousands. Once I figured out how to land writing jobs, I was working long hours, always seeking more clients, and somehow still getting paid next to nothing. I was missing something on the business side of things—an essential piece of the puzzle.

If you dream of a full-time freelance writing career, don't be discouraged by the largely negative messages about how difficult it is out there.

Author and ghostwriter Roz Morris discusses the necessary characteristics for a ghostwriter, as well as who hires ghostwriters and why.

Writer and editor Zachary Petit discusses breaking into the freelance market with big-name publications.

A few lessons I've learned after more than a full year of full-time freelancing