Year: 2022

Six ways the digital age has transformed the freelancing worldSix ways the digital age has transformed the freelancing world

This is a guest article by Indiana Lee. If you want to submit a guest article of your own, be sure to read the guest article guidelines.

Working as a freelancer has come a long way, thanks to the digital revolution. It’s no longer just about learning to survive as a freelance writer, or any kind of freelancer, but learning to thrive with the help of technology. Technology has grown exceptionally over the last decade or so, completely transforming the way we work — it’s a whole new world for online freelancers now. In fact, some claim there hasn’t been this much transformation since the Industrial Revolution.

Technology and innovation are completely overturning traditional work structures. And freelancers are now starting to come out on top, rather than struggling and not knowing when their next paycheck might come rolling in.

In fact, 36% of Americans now work freelance. The COVID-19 pandemic, of course, did work as a sort of catalyst that spurred this new rise of freelancers. But in truth, freelancing has been gaining in popularity for years as advances in technology have made it more approachable and even lucrative.

So, let’s take a look at some of the many ways modern technology and the digital age have transformed the freelancing world.

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Three benefits of becoming a full-time freelance writerThree benefits of becoming a full-time freelance writer

This is a guest article by Indiana Lee. If you want to submit a guest article of your own, be sure to read the guest article guidelines.

Freelancing is nothing new, but for years many people have used it as a “side hustle” or a way to make extra cash to supplement a full-time job. More recently, however — especially throughout the pandemic — more people have started freelancing as a full-time career. There are over 4,500 freelance copywriters in the U.S. alone, and that number is likely to grow as more people make the shift from a traditional full-time career.

Making the decision to become a full-time freelance writer is a big step, and it looks different for everyone. Maybe you’re contemplating quitting your current job, or maybe you’ve been freelancing on the side for a while and you want to make the leap. If you’re still on the fence about full-time freelancing, it’s important to understand the benefits that come with it.

Let’s take a closer look at some of those benefits and how they can have a positive impact on your life as a freelancer.

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How to market yourself as a freelance writerHow to market yourself as a freelance writer

This is a guest article by Indiana Lee. If you want to submit a guest article of your own, be sure to read the guest article guidelines.

As a freelance writer, you’re essentially a one-person business. It might not feel that way, especially if you’re just starting out. However, it’s essential to market yourself the right way so you can stand out against competitors. It’s estimated that there are over one billion freelancers across the globe, and the freelance writing market makes up about 204 million of that. Knowing how to market yourself will not only help you find a niche audience but will also build your portfolio and help you find consistent work.

Chances are, however, that you didn’t want to become a writer because you have great marketing skills. If you do, you’re already one step ahead. If not, it’s never too late to learn how to market yourself and your services.

Let’s look at a few ways you can effectively market yourself so you can grow your client base, further your career, and find success as a writer.

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How to survive as a writer in the digital ageHow to survive as a writer in the digital age

This is a guest article by Indiana Lee. If you want to submit a guest article of your own, be sure to read the guest article guidelines.

The writer’s life has changed a lot over the last century. Hemingway used to get away with writing between 500 to 1000 words per day, while the contemporary novelist Stephen King commits himself to writing up to 6 pages or more. If you’re a full-time writer, you probably dream of the day when you can write 500 words in a day and call it good. But don’t feel too sorry for yourself. Hemingway may have worked to a self-paced writing schedule, but he didn’t have the opportunities that the web provides wordsmiths today.

The digital age provides you with more writing opportunities than ever before, as blogs, news outlets, literary magazines, and online journals are all looking for original content. You also have immediate access to every answer you’ve ever needed — imagine being a writer in the 1980s, writing without the ability to just Google a word that was at the tip of their tongue . . . it must have been agony!

But being a writer in the 2020s still takes discipline and a solid strategy. You can’t just wake up, type, and expect your work to appear all over the web. You have to get ahead of trends and learn the inner workings of SEO to survive in the deep waters of writing in the digital age.

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How to go full-time as a freelance writerHow to go full-time as a freelance writer

This is a guest article by Indiana Lee. If you want to submit a guest article of your own, be sure to read the guest article guidelines.

Many people who start freelancing do so as a side-hustle or part-time gig to make extra money. However, the gig economy has grown in popularity over the last few years. Combine that with the influx of people working from home throughout the pandemic, and more people are starting to dive into freelancing full-time.

It can be a bit scary if you’re going from a “traditional” full-time job to being your own boss. However, the benefits of flexibility and self-management often outweigh the risks.

Still, if you’re not sure how to make the transition from side gig to full-time freelance writer, we’ve got you covered. With a few simple tips, you can feel more confident about your decision, and more secure in your work.

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Leave Your Comfort Zone With Creative Nonfiction WritingLeave Your Comfort Zone With Creative Nonfiction Writing

This is a guest article by Indiana Lee. If you want to submit a guest article of your own, be sure to read the guest article guidelines.

It can be easy to get stuck in a rut with your writing. Whether you’re usually focused on straight reportage or speculative fiction, you may find yourself creatively unchallenged at times. This is often because getting comfortable in routines, subjects, and styles is the enemy of innovation. It’s worth taking a little time to shake up your practice and explore something different.

Creative nonfiction writing is a valuable tool in this regard. In essence, this is taking factual material and using it to tell an engaging story. It blends the committed scrutiny of journalism with the imaginative power of narrative storytelling. You’ll also find you can apply a variety of formats from blog posts to graphic novels.

So let’s take a closer look at creative nonfiction writing. How can you engage with the process and make the most of your experiences?

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