What The F-reelancer?

A Guide to Understanding Writers

Many writers won't specify what type of writer they are unless they are on LinkedIn, applying for a job or speaking with someone in the industry.?

Mainly because the titles can get confusing, and it can be tiring to explain to someone the difference between a copywriter and a content writer and a freelancer and a ghostwriter.

Below is a tongue-in-cheek explanation of each position and the variations between each.

The Title: Copywriter

What People Think You Do:

• You make copies.
• You work for printers.
• You copyright material for companies.
• They have no clue. They may Google it later.
• Write something, possibly?

What You Supposed To Do:

• Write direct and focused copy that helps generate sales.
• Your writing persuades and is goal driven.
• Goals are usually short-term.
• You often write ads, landing pages, brochures, slogans, and email campaigns.
• You typically aim to sell a specific service, product or idea.

What You Actually Do:

• You write everything from your boss' emails to PowerPoint presentations, all social media copy, internal memos, and the CEO's Festive Season email and speech. Even the "do not flush foreign objects down the toilet" signs—anything with words. And everything to do with sales.
• You are also expected to edit, proofread and conceptualize campaigns.
• You must have a deep working knowledge of SEO, be an analytics addict, a marketer, possibly a designer and a sales rep.
• You usually have a permanent position.

The Title: Content Writer

What People Think You Do:

• You write stuff.

?

What You Supposed To Do:

• Write informative content focused on brand awareness.
• You aim to inform, educate and inspire through what you write.
• Your content often is shareworthy and demonstrates your expertise.
• You are usually focused on long-term strategy.
• It's common for you to write blogs, newsletters, magazine features, print articles and social media posts.
• Your writing often lays the foundation for future sales.

What You Actually Do:

• You write whatever you asked to write. But mostly what the C-Suite wants because of a fantastic thing they saw another company utterly different to yours is doing.
• You are also expected to edit, proofread and conceptualize campaigns.
• You are expected to be an SEO expert, analytics maestro, marketing extraordinaire and a brilliant writer and editor with WordPress experience. PS. Basic design is usually also a must (hello, Canva).
• You usually have a permanent position.

?

The Title: Freelancer

What People Think You Do:

• Permanently on holiday and writing glamorous pieces.
• You are your own boss – so have loads of free time.
• You make loads of money.

What You Supposed To Do:

• You write for money without being permanently employed by a company or organization.
• You write whatever your paying clients need you to.

What You Actually Do:

• You are either struggling to make ends meet or so busy you don't have enough time to pee.
• You write everything from product descriptions to chairman's statements and more.
• You often have to defend your rates per word (or hour) and why you won't work for 50 cents for 5,000 words.
• You write about a lot of stuff.
• You get to use your byline.

The Title: Ghostwriter

What People Think You Do:

• You write horror stories or stories about paranormal activities.

?

What You Supposed To Do:

• You are a particular type of freelancer that writes under someone else's name.
• You create content on behalf of a brand and publish it under a client's name.
• You cannot publicly feature work on your portfolio.
• You write from books, speeches, online posts, LinkedIn content and proposals. And more!

What You Actually Do:

• You never receive open credit for your work, and the public doesn't know that you are the mastermind behind genius campaigns.
• You can make a bucketload of money but usually rely on word-of-mouth referrals. So, you may have a few "lean" years.
• You are restricted by a client's or brand's tone or voice (no matter how incredible your voice may be).
• You may even write a horror story.

In Summary

So, in summary, the main differences between a copywriter, content writer, freelancer and ghostwriter are:

• Copywriters often write intending to sell something or for a specific short-term goal.
• Content writers create content for awareness and educational and informational purposes.
• Freelance writers don't have permanent positions but can write anything a client wants. They get to write under their name.
• Ghostwriters are specialized freelancers that write under someone else's name or brand.

Most talented writers are magicians. Although they tend to specialize under one category, they can or are expected to transition easily between positions.

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