20+ Types of Freelance Writing to Explore in 2024 

Are you interested in becoming a freelance writer in 2024 but are not sure of the type of freelance writing to get into? I was once like this. The options were too many that I didn’t even know what they meant talk less of choosing the right type.

The good news is, no matter what you’re into, whether it’s crafting persuasive copy, writing fiction or into technical topics, there’s a niche that perfectly matches your unique skills. This article highlights 20 types of freelance writing in 2024 and how you can get clients.

What is Freelance Writing

Freelance writing is a form of self-employment, where you sell written content to clients without being permanently employed. It’s a fantastic way to showcase your writing skills and earn a living doing what you love. You can write on any topic, from fashion to current events. Plus it allows you to control your work schedule, workload, clients, and content creation.

The demand for freelance writers has increased significantly as businesses recognize the importance of high-quality content for their websites, social media, and blogs. Studies have shown that the demand for freelance writers is expected to continue growing, with the Bureau of Labor Statistics projecting a 4% increase in employment for writers and authors from 2021 to 2031.

What are the types of Freelance Writing

Here are some of the most popular categories in freelance writing you can pick and start making money.  

Copywriting

Copywriting was my first shot at freelance writing. It involves crafting an informative and captivating message to entice the reader toward a particular action. Studies have shown that freelance copywriters earn an average yearly salary of $49,989.

With increased competition, businesses are leveraging the power of persuasive writing to cut through the noise and make their products or services visible to the target audience. Copywriting has become a valuable skill in this digital age, from creating slogans, taglines, and ads to writing product descriptions and website copy. 

However, honing your copywriting skills is no walk in the park. It requires creativity, research, and a good understanding of human psychology. Here are some of my top copywriting books that will help you learn the skill faster.

A good copywriter has the power to change the way people think and act, making them an essential aspect of any marketing campaign.

Ghostwriting 

Have you ever read a post on Twitter and wondered if the person who wrote it is the same person who posted it? Well, chances are that a ghostwriter wrote the tweet. 

You would be shocked to know that Elon Musk hires a ghostwriter to write his tweets

Ghostwriting is a practice in which a writer is hired to write for someone else, but the content is published under that person’s name. It’s a way for busy people, like celebrities or CEOs, to maintain a strong online presence without putting in the time and effort to write themselves. 

Although ghostwriting can be controversial, it’s a common practice in many industries. So the next time you see a tweet that seems too polished to have been written on the spot, remember that it could be the work of a Twitter ghostwriter.

Here are some tips for starting your ghostwriting and copywriting business on Twitter

Technical Writing

In the freelance writing world, specializing in various types of writing is common. One popular area is technical writing, which involves creating easy-to-understand documents like manuals and product reviews to convey complex information.

To excel in technical writing, it’s crucial to have subject knowledge, understand the target audience, and effectively communicate important information. This allows for engaging and informative documents that impress clients.

With many businesses seeking technical writers, this field offers promising opportunities for those with strong writing skills and a passion for technology.

Content Curation

Content is king. Companies and creators seek ways to stand out online. Enter content writers.

Content curation involves researching and gathering information on a topic and then creating informative and engaging blog posts or articles for a specific audience. Brands are always on the lookout for talented writers to help them with their content. 

SEO Copywriting 

In the fast-paced digital world, the success of a website or online platform heavily relies on search engine optimization. This is where SEO copywriting becomes crucial. SEO copywriting is the art of creating compelling content to establish a balance between readability and keyword optimization. 

The ultimate goal is to make it easier for search engines to crawl and rank your website and generate organic traffic. It involves crafting informative, unique, and relevant content for your target audience while incorporating keywords and phrases people seek. 

To get into this, you need to learn SEO and copywriting frameworks like AIDA and PAS to gain your readers’ attention. 

Blogging

If you think blogging is dead, you probably live under a rock. Some people blog for personal reasons, while others use it as a tool to build their brand or business. Ultimately, there’s still much money to make from blogging, even in 2023!

To thrive as a blogger, you must be proficient in SEO. Here are some SEO software to help you improve your search engine

But the idea behind blogging is to create engaging, informative, and timely content. When choosing topics for your blog, it’s important to choose subjects (and keywords) that you are passionate about or knowledgeable about and have low competition (thus allowing you to rank for the keyword). 

By doing so, you can provide valuable insights and opinions on the subject matter. Additionally, staying up-to-date on current events and trends in your niche will help ensure that your blog posts are timely and relevant. With dedication and consistency, blogging can be a rewarding experience.

Social Media Copywriting 

Social media has become an essential aspect of any modern business. However, having a social media presence alone may not take your business far. Effective copy for social media posts and ads is crucial to help you achieve the desired results. 

Whether it’s Facebook ads, Instagram ads, or LinkedIn captions, each platform has its audience and way of communicating. Your copywriting should be tailored to suit the platform’s audience to attract, engage, and convert potential customers. 

With the right wording and tone, your social media copy can help keep your brand top-of-mind and create connections with prospects and existing customers. So, take the time to understand your target audience and create compelling copy that resonates with them.

News Writing 

Journalism and news writing are integral parts of our society. We rely on journalists to report on current events and newsworthy topics. Some magazines even pay reporters between $200 – $1500 for their stories. 

News writing requires skill and dedication to research and accurately and objectively report facts. It is a challenging profession that demands a passion for storytelling and a deep understanding of the issues that shape our world. 

Having talented journalists dedicated to uncovering the truth and holding people accountable is super important. Their reporting shapes public opinion and helps us make informed decisions.

Creative Writing

Are you an aspiring writer looking to turn your creative ideas into compelling stories? There has never been a better time to pursue your passion for creative writing. With the rise of digital platforms like Upwork, clients are on the lookout for talented writers to help bring their stories to life. 

And the best part? Some clients are willing to pay top dollar – over $2000 – for top-notch fiction, poetry, or creative non-fiction. If you’re good at spinning a good story, why not give it a shot and see where your imagination takes you?

Whether it’s a gripping novel, a touching poem, or an engaging memoir, the possibilities are endless for creative writing. The stage is set, so what are you waiting for? Start developing your creativity and let your words do the talking!

Editing 

Editing is essential to ensure that written material is free from errors and conveys a clear message to the reader. A skilled editor is responsible for reading through the written content and correcting grammar, spelling, and punctuation mistakes. 

Errors can compromise the quality of the text, making it unsuitable for publication or distribution. Clarity is another element that editors focus on, simplifying complex sentences to make them easier to understand. 

In short, editing requires a trained eye for detail, a good understanding of the language, and a passion for the written word. It is a crucial and often overlooked step in the writing process.

Also, numerous websites and companies are dedicated to connecting professional editors with clients needing editing services. Some popular examples include Editfast, Scribendi, and ProofreadingServices.com. These platforms provide opportunities for skilled editors to showcase their expertise and find employment in editing and proofreading.

Grant Writing 

Writing a successful grant proposal requires a lot of groundwork, which means researching the information necessary to apply for the grant. The process begins with identifying the right funding opportunity and reviewing the grant guidelines. 

This initial step provides the foundation for the grant, including the key points and requirements that must be addressed in the application. In addition to understanding the grant requirements, touchpoints with the grant-maker are necessary to ask clarifying questions and build a beneficial working relationship. 

Once the groundwork is laid, you can start researching the topic and collecting data to support your proposal. Ultimately, researching the information is the first step in building a strong case for funding and convincing the grant-maker that you are the right organization for the grant.

Speechwriting 

Speechwriting is an engaging career path that involves crafting compelling messages for public figures such as politicians or celebrities. This role requires a deep understanding of the speaker and their intended audience. 

To succeed in this field, one must write in a tone and language that resonates with the audience and effectively delivers the speaker’s intended message. Fortunately, there are many opportunities to find work in speechwriting, with job postings available on PeoplePerHour, Linkedin, and Indeed. 

If you are a skilled wordsmith passionate about storytelling, speechwriting could be a fulfilling and financially rewarding career.

Product Reviews 

Product reviews are essential for consumers to make informed purchasing decisions, but they are also crucial for businesses to improve their products and services. This is where professional reviewers come in. 

I used to get tons of product review jobs on Upwork, and I’ve learned that the key to producing a great review is to approach it with a neutral perspective. A neutral review means identifying the product’s strong and weak points and providing honest feedback without bias or favoritism. 

A neutral perspective requires looking at the product as a consumer critically assessing every aspect, from packaging and quality to pricing and usability. Ultimately, a well-written review can provide valuable insights to both consumers and businesses, helping them make better choices.

Press Releases 

A well-written press release can be key to noticing your business or organization. To make your press releases attention-grabbing, focus on your core message and develop a hook that will make your news stand out. This could be a unique angle, a strong quote, or a surprising statistic.

Ensure your language is clear and concise, and use active voice to communicate your message effectively. Don’t forget to include relevant contact info and a clear call to action. By following these tips, you can create a press release that not only tells your story but also grabs your audience’s attention.

White Papers 

White papers are an essential part of any modern business’s marketing strategy. These thought leadership articles serve as a way to establish a company’s expertise in a particular industry by offering unique insights and analysis. 

But here’s the thing: writing a successful white paper goes beyond skimming through data. It takes hours of research and analysis to gather all the necessary information and create a strong and coherent argument. You’ve got to dig deep!

A convincing argument involves resonating with the intended audience, potential clients, investors, or industry peers. By creating a well-researched white paper, businesses can establish themselves as authoritative thought leaders in their respective industries, paving the way for long-term success.

Establishing credibility and visibility through valuable content is crucial for effective SEO optimization and industry recognition.

Ebooks 

Ebooks have become a popular mode of sharing information in today’s digital world. These digital books can be crafted on any subject and made available to readers across the globe, providing a convenient and accessible way to access information. 

As ebooks gain traction, they are becoming increasingly important for writers, businesses, and entrepreneurs to share their knowledge and expertise with a wider audience. 

I know this first-hand, having written many ebooks for my Upwork clients as lead magnets. These digital books can be an effective tool to engage with potential customers, build trust, and establish oneself as an authority in the field.

Video Scripts 

Video scripts play a crucial role in achieving successful and engaging video presentations. From YouTube scripts for automation channels to Video Sales Letters (VSLs), the right script will support the message and purpose of the video while engaging the audience. 

A well-crafted script should be relatable and persuasive, capturing the viewer’s attention and interest. It needs to convey the message concisely and professionally, allowing for better understanding and retention of information. Video scripts also bring another crucial benefit: they provide consistency and coherence to the presentation. 

Whether targeting a specific audience or aiming to reach a broader audience, creating an engaging video script that complements your video presentation is a surefire way to increase viewer engagement and drive better outcomes.

Resumes/Cover Letters

Creating a resume and cover letter that stands out in a crowded job market can be daunting. With the rise of artificial intelligence software, job seekers prefer to use a computer program to create their documents. 

However, when searching for that perfect job, people understand that the key to success is personalization. Hiring managers want to see applicants who have taken the time to understand the company and its needs. This is where targeted resumes and cover letters come in. 

While AI may be helpful, job seekers prefer the assistance of a professional who can guide them through the process and ensure their application catches the eye of potential employers.

Email Copywriting

Emails are one of my favorite types of copywriting. They are crucial for businesses to reach and engage their customers online successfully. It requires more than just crafting the perfect subject line and hitting send. The content must be engaging, informative, and personalized to resonate with the reader and drive results. And this is where a skilled copywriter comes in. 

Attention-grabbing headlines and concise copy are key, along with a clear call to action that encourages recipients to take action. It’s important to tailor the content to the specific audience and segment your email lists to ensure your message hits the right people at the right time. 

Academic writing

Academic writing is a key skill that plays a vital role in higher education and scholarly communication. It encompasses various forms of writing, such as research papers, essays, and dissertations, and requires high precision and critical analysis. I usually hired people to write my essays at University because the entire process was stressful. Why do you have to add a flipping reference to every sentence?

Okay, I’m done with my 3 seconds rant. Let’s get back to the article. 

Effective academic writing involves presenting ideas and arguments coherently, supporting claims with evidence, and adhering to academic integrity conventions. It is a valuable tool for sharing knowledge, contributing to the academic community, and advancing our understanding in various fields of study. 

Students post academic writing jobs frequently on Upwork and Fiverr so that you can get a job there. 

What are the Key Considerations for Successfully Picking One of the Types of Freelance Writing

When it comes to choosing the right type of freelance writing to pursue, it’s a game-changer! You’ve got to consider a few key things that’ll help you make the best choice. First, you must figure out what you’re truly passionate about and where your expertise lies. Your love for a specific niche or writing style makes a difference in the quality of your work and your overall satisfaction with the job.

But that’s not all! You also have to think about the market demand for your chosen niche. You want to go for a field that offers consistent opportunities. You must find that sweet spot with demand but not too much competition. 

Don’t forget to think about your career goals. Some niches have more stable, long-term income, while others allow you to express your creativity. It’s all about what you’re looking for. And don’t be afraid to explore different niches and diversify your skills. 

Taking it to the Next Level: How to go beyond Freelance Writing

Freelancing is not the end unless you want to go the agency route, which is fine. But even with that you need a personal brand to attract customers. To remedy this, you want to start creating content for yourself. This could be in the form of a podcast, YouTube channel, blog, or Twitter account – then building your email list. Here are some newsletter ideas to help

This way, when you eventually make a million dollars a year (my goal), you can teach people behind you how to do the same – and here’s the catch – for a huge fee. This is how you stop selling your time for money.

Conclusion

Writing has taken on a whole new meaning in the digital age, and anyone with an idea and some skill can become a writer in some shape or form. Writing is no longer limited to books but has landed itself in many different facets of modern life, from creating technical documents to email marketing content writing and many other fields. 

And with the ever-growing demand for fresh perspectives, storytelling, and creativity, these fields are gaining more popularity than ever before. If you’re interested in exploring the world of writing further, consider taking any of the 20 types of writing mentioned above that best suits your abilities. 

Turn your passion into a vocation and create something remarkable with words by developing your knowledge and exploring what’s possible in this field! Don’t wait any longer—start writing today!