Careers

Freelance writers and authors basically write any sort of literature on an infinite number of topics, and then sell it to publishers, publications, or companies. Poets, playwrights, and fiction novelists seem to have the easiest jobs, as they don't need to prove their credibility or that of their sources. They do, however, need creativity, originality, and the ability to write engaging works. All freelancers must compete with each other for sales or publication of their work, which I believe is the most stressful part of the job.

Many freelance writers may enter contracts with a publisher or company to write a story or article, and then they have to work under a deadline, which is rather stressful as well. As a writer for the Fox Journal, I have had a small taste of what it's like to write under a publication deadline. Writing papers for classes is stressful, but if they're not turned in, the only person it hurts is the author. When a deadline is missed for a publication or a company, not only is the author's credibility and professional reputation injured, but the company or people expecting the literature then have to find something to find a solution to the empty space in their publication.

Freelancers who enter contracts tend to have a more steady income than those who write something and then try to sell it. As long as they meet the deadline, they know that they will be paid for their work. However, they must write what other people want, and work under a deadline. Writers who write their own work and then sell it are able to work their own hours and do not have a specific deadline to adhere to. Their income, however, may fluctuate greatly, and is never definite. Many writers work for years on end before they finally get anything bought or published.

Some writers choose not to write, but to edit or write specific works according to the company they work for. Editors work for publishing houses, magazines, or newspapers,