Everyone writes, at least after attaining a certain age. It seems we write almost constantly as adults. We use email, text messages, and social media posts; we make lists, informational notes, and occasionally cards of congratulations or condolence. But those are not the kinds of writing that are the focus of this post. Let’s look at the types of writing that a freelance writer might produce.
In general, freelance writers produce material primarily in two basic types: fiction and non-fiction. Fictional writing is most often short stories, poetry, or novels. I’m sure anyone reading this can think of many authors that produce works in those styles. Those authors are people whose works appear on bestseller lists and most of us are at least familiar with the names, if not the actual works. Non-fiction authors are usually more obscure as they often produce content for newspapers & magazines, various instructional materials, websites, and some books (usually of the instructional or self-help genres). It is often much harder for a non-fiction author to have a bestselling book published without first being well known. Fiction writers are usually published because an agent or editor likes their work, and then they can become well known.
Most of the material I have written and had published is of the non-fiction variety. I have written content for websites, corporate materials, paid blog posts (and unpaid, like this one), magazine articles, and instructional materials. If someone is a good writer and can produce under deadline pressure, it is entirely possible to make a living with non-fiction writing. While it is also possible to derive income from fiction writing, it is usually a much more speculative process and usually takes much more time from writing to publication to payment.
No matter whether an author produces fiction or non-fiction, most start writing as a side hustle. This is the quintessential “freelance writer”. The writing becomes an outlet for ideas that are not accommodated in someone’s daily work role. Or perhaps someone seeks out an opportunity to produce various kinds of business content in their spare time. Very few companies employ full-time writers, these roles are usually filled by freelancers or by someone working for another company (like an advertising agency) which can produce content on a contract basis. Sometimes this kind of writing is enough of an outlet, other times the freelance writer produces more work in their off hours to fulfill that inner desire to create further.
Writing for a living is not usually a job for the faint-of-heart. Rejection comes often (and then no payment), even when reaching out to a large number of possible publishing outlets. But many freelance writers (myself included) continue to persevere, sometimes in the hope of reaching just one other person. And producing one’s own content on a personal website is one path to this goal. The inner drive to write can be almost overwhelming. If it strikes you, feel free to give in to the impulse. Sometimes just the sheer joy of writing is enough.