What is freelance article writing?
Freelance article writers write articles for a wide range of publications and clients, including online sites and print magazines. They often work in niches of expertise, such as gardening or outdoor living. They may also offer ghostwriting services.
The type of content they create varies, but all freelance article writers have exceptional verbal and writing skills. They research, write, edit and proofread articles in a variety of styles (AP Style, Chicago Manual of Style) and understand how to create compelling and effective written communications. They are capable of delivering creative and engaging content that aligns with a brand’s tone and image.
They have excellent organizational skills and are able to complete projects within a set deadline. They have a strong understanding of how to write for digital channels and are familiar with content marketing practices, SEO, keyword research and placement, user engagement metrics and other important issues.
A successful freelance long-form writer should be able to explain complex topics in an easily digestible and engaging way that makes sense for the general or specific audience they are writing for. They should have a strong grasp of grammar and writing standards, and be willing to make changes to their writing to meet the needs of their audience.
Some article writers use a traditional mail-in submission process, while others submit their articles electronically and upload them to publication sites for review. When submitting, ensure your documents are formatted correctly and follow the publication’s submission guidelines. It’s best to include a cover letter, an author’s bio and a one-page sample of your writing in addition to the main body of your work.
The first and most important step in any article submission is to make sure the facts are correct. Getting them wrong will not only be detrimental to the publication, but also to you as an author. Using quotations, proper nouns and dates from other sources is a good idea, but it’s always better to check these facts yourself.
Once you’ve gotten all the facts right, read through your article and find any errors in grammar or spelling. This will help you to improve the quality of your work.
You should also proofread your final draft before sending it off to the publication. This will save you time in the long run. If you aren’t an experienced editor, you should get help from someone who is.
In addition to researching and writing the actual articles, you should also have the skills and experience to pitch your ideas and work with a client through the entire project. This requires the ability to write a well-developed, polished proposal for the project that outlines your scope, pricing and deadlines.
Having a well-written and informative proposal will give you the edge over other potential article writers. It will also give you the confidence to take on a project when you have a firm understanding of the requirements and expectations of your client.
