Freelancing
There are about 320,000 writers and editors working today, and more than 33 percent are freelancers. Freelance writers and editors have diverse workplaces. Some are in sedate offices; others work in chaotic environments with a lot of background noise. The quest for information can take writers to various locales, but many more find that the world can come to them through the Internet. Laptop computers and wireless communication allows writers to work from home and on the road. The ability to e-mail, transmit, and download stories, research, or editorial materials using the Internet allows writers and editors greater freedom and flexibility.
Alert
While many freelancers enjoy the advantages of working flexible hours, most face the pressures of either dealing with multiple simultaneous projects or of sitting by a phone that is ominously silent for days at a time. This combination of deadline pressures and erratic assignments can cause stress and burnout. In addition, the daily use of computers can cause back pain, eyestrain, or fatigue.
Freelance writers sell their work to numerous entities: publishers, public relations departments, advertising agencies, and many other venues for the written word. Sometimes, they contract with a publisher to write a book or an article, or they may be hired to complete specific assignments.
