What’s Included in This Freelance Writing Terms Guide:
This Article Serves as a Practical Beginner’s Guide to Freelance Writing Terms Used by Working Freelance Writers.
Writers Needing Step-by-step Guidance on How to Start a Freelance Writing Career Should Understand These Terms.
Learning the Terms Below Supports General Knowledge of the Freelance Writing Industry and Provides Career Insights for Writers.
Learning Freelance Writing Industry Terms Helps Writers Communicate More Effectively to Boost Writing Income + Earnings.
Why Understanding Freelance Writing Terms Matters for Writers
Entering the Freelance Writing world without a clear understanding of commonly used freelance writing terms is the fastest way to disaster when it comes to landing writing jobs, negotiating fair compensation, and meeting client expectations.
Understanding Freelance Writing Terminology means navigating the writing industry with confidence, avoiding costly mistakes, and communicating professionally with clients, editors, publishers, and your audience.
The following is the first set of seven terms every beginning writer should know.
7 Freelance Writing Terms Every Beginner Should Know – 7:1
1. Freelance Writer
Freelance Writers are independent professionals who provide contracted writing services and support for one or more clients.
Today’s Freelance Writers manage their own schedules, set their own rates, and choose their own clients. They typically maintain an author website or blog where clients, partners, and followers can engage with their content and request services.
Becoming a successful Freelance Writer depends on your willingness to update your writing skills, use effective communication tools, and develop the ability to market your services all while building lasting client relationships in an increasingly competitive industry.
Freelance Writers work across a variety of industries and produce content for one-person operations to enterprise-sized organizations with thousands of employees.
Related Terms: Copywriter, Ghostwriter, Blogger, Technical Writer, UX Writer
2. Copywriting
Copywriting is a form of persuasive writing that uses the principles of consumer behavior, psychology, and marketing to encourage readers to take specific actions.
Website copywriting walks potential customers through the process of making a purchase by providing one or more clear calls to action as the next logical step in the buyer’s journey.
Skilled Copywriters create content to attract website visitors and to encourage in-store visits.
Related Terms: Sales Writing, Sales Copy, Marketing Writer
3. Content Writing
Content Writing is a professional writing style designed to educate, inform, or entertain readers.
This long-form content style provides readers with an in-depth education and pertinent information about products and services highlighted in blog posts, website articles, e-guides, online tutorials, and consumer resource pages.
While Copywriting and Content Writing often have similar goals, the primary difference between the two is their goals.
Copywriting is short, to the point, and typically includes multiple calls to action.
Content Writing is longer, more mellow, and prioritizes information and education before introducing a call-to-action at the end of the content.
Related Terms: Article Writing, Informational Writing, Web Content Creation
4. Ghostwriting
Ghostwriting involves a writer creating content that is eventually published under another person or organization’s name.
Today’s Ghostwriters produce online and offline content for books, articles, speeches, lyrics, blog posts, social media posts, scripts, and beyond.
People hire Ghostwriters when they need help articulating their ideas and communicating with their audiences effectively.
These behind-the-scenes writing professionals spend their time researching, fact-checking, and following client guidelines for matching their preferred writing tone and style.
Related Terms: Collaborative Writing, White-Label Writing, Behind-the-Scenes Writing
5. Byline
A byline is the line of text that identifies the author of a published piece of content. Bylines help writers to build credibility in their niche and are typically found at the beginning or end of an article.
Bylined writers typically have access to more media opportunities and higher paying clients.
Freelance Writers building their writing career can write bylined articles for clients, as guest posts, or for employers as they establish thought leadership in their niche.
Related Terms: Author Attribution, Author Credit, Publication Credit
6. Pitch
A writing pitch is a proposal sent to a potential client, publication, or editor explaining why a writer should be hired for a project or why a topic deserves publication.
Effective pitches are concise, persuasive, and tailored to the recipient’s needs.
Here’s a reality that surprises many beginners: editors may receive hundreds of pitches every week and reject most of them within seconds.
A strong pitch demonstrates expertise, originality, and an understanding of the audience.
Learning how to write effective pitches is one of the most important skills a freelance writer can develop because it directly influences the ability to secure work.
Related Terms: Proposal, Story Idea Submission, Content Proposal
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7. Query Letter
A query letter is a formal pitch sent to editors, publishers, agents, or media outlets proposing an article, story, or book idea.
It outlines the topic, explains why it is relevant, and highlights the writer’s qualifications.
Many successful writing careers have started with a single query letter. The challenge is that rejection is common, even for experienced professionals.
A well-crafted query letter demonstrates professionalism and shows that the writer understands the publication’s audience.
While receiving a rejection can feel discouraging, every accepted query has the potential to open doors to larger assignments and ongoing professional relationships.
Learn: How to Have Better Communication with Your Freelance Clients
Related Terms: Article Proposal, Submission Letter, Editorial Pitch Letter
Technology for Writers
For writers, bloggers, freelancers, and digital entrepreneurs, the right phone matters.
The Google Pixel lineup helps keep writing projects, client communications, research, and content organized from virtually anywhere.
From quick app setup and cloud syncing to productivity tools and AI-powered features, these devices make it easier to manage freelance work and your freelance lifestyle which requires balancing home, work, and family on the go.
Google Pixel phones are part of the preferred tech stack used by msloydwrites! 🤳🏽🤸🏽🎉
We love using our Pixel Phones for drafting blog content, reviewing documents, collaborating with clients, and scheduling social media posts on the go.
We thought you might like this great deal on a Google Pixel from The Google Store!
Use msloydwrites code: REF-77PL00FHEQ0SO7AJAAAN3XH at checkout!
More details on Google Pixel Phones and related products and services can be found at: Google Store.
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Latest Freelance Writing Personality Quiz:
Recommended Reads for Writers on
It never hurts to polish your writing skills or learn new industry best-practices for driving your freelance writing career forward.
The following are a few recommended reads for writing professionals seeking to learn or enhance their skills.
AI Can’t Write, But You Can
AI Can’t Write, But You Can explores the value of authentic storytelling, emotional intelligence, critical thinking, and persuasive communication that only real writers can deliver.
This recommended read is ideal for copywriters, bloggers, content writers, and freelancers who want to strengthen their voice and remain competitive in the age of AI-powered content tools.
The Freelancer’s Business Brain
Successful freelancing requires more than writing talent alone.
The Freelancer’s Business Brain helps independent professionals understand the business side of freelancing, including client management, pricing, productivity, marketing, organization, and long-term growth strategies.
Copywriting Made Simple
Strong copywriting skills can transform a freelance writing career by helping writers create content that drives clicks, conversions, engagement, and sales.
Copywriting Made Simple breaks down persuasive writing techniques into practical lessons that are easy to understand and apply across websites, blogs, email marketing campaigns.
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