Hi Friend,
Listen, there are a lot of people out there who want to banish the word freelance; relegate it to the annals of history, like chandler (except as a name), ostler (which sounds incredible) and haberdasher (which isn’t entirely gone but is definitely on its way out).
I get where they’re coming from. They argue the “free” part of “freelancer” makes clients think they can pay less for the work. Or they say the word freelance has unprofessional connotations, giving the impression of a hobbyist sitting at their computer for two hours every day, writing a few words, pounding back some whiskey, then going back to their regular job (as a haberdasher, I presume).
True, some clients want to pay their writers or editors as close to nothing as they can. Less than nothing, if possible. But would eliminating the word freelance change that?
I think it has less to do with the words we use to describe ourselves and more to do with the fact that some clients simply don’t value writing or editing.
What does freelance mean?
I love the word freelancer. I’m deeply opposed to the movement to rid ourselves of it. And while I might not always use it to describe myself, that’s because my role is changing, not because I don’t think the term is useful.
The word freelancer encompasses a wide range of work arrangements—from someone who writes or edits for a company once to someone on a retainer for years. And it covers everyone from newbies up to those who’ve been doing the work for decades, and will likely continue it even as much as six months after they’ve died.
Each of these cases has something in common—not being an employee. And please note: it’s not enough to say you aren’t an employee, the work you do and how the client treats you must line up with being a contractor. Getting this wrong can cost you significantly. Here are some guidelines for Canada and the US.
Freelance was never meant to mean cheap, it was meant to signify one who isn’t committed or obligated to an employer. In the days of yore and yesteryear, a free lance was a mercenary warrior or knight whose services could be bought by anyone willing to pay. The free meant “free from long-term allegiance” or independent. (So basically we’re descended from knights, most likely those represented in Ivanhoe.)
In other words, the free lance (yup, it was two words) could work for the highest bidder, as long as the bidder was willing to pay. When things fell apart or the work was done, the free lance could move on. They were completely autonomous.
Most clients understand the phrase “freelance writer” or “freelance editor” to be exactly what it is. A writer or editor who works on a contract basis. And when they’re searching for someone to write or edit for them, a lot of clients still use that phrasing. So if you want to be found online, it probably helps to use it as well.
And if we’re parsing words, “lance” is part of the word “freelance,” but no one expects me to show up at a meeting with a knight’s lance in my hands (although wouldn’t that be a showstopper?).
Why not other phrases?
Other phrases feel convoluted. Independent writer sounds like an author working with a small publishing house. Writing consultant is only true if you’re consulting on aspects of the writing, not if you’re the one doing the writing. I’m not fully sure I even understand what content producer means, because it could mean a lot of things.
Freelance is actually quite clear. If you say you’re a freelance writer or freelance editor, most people understand it, even at its most basic level. They might still have follow-up questions, but they generally know that you write or edit for clients as an independent.
When should you stop using freelance to describe yourself?
That’s up to you. I still use it sometimes. It’s an easy way to describe what I do; as I mentioned, people generally understand it in a way they don’t understand content strategist.
Might some clients expect you to charge less because of the word freelance? Sure. But those clients would likely expect to pay any independent consultant less. I don’t think it’s predicated on the word freelance, I think it’s about paying independent workers as little as possible because that’s the way society is right now.
Most of the arguments I agree with for getting rid of the word freelance are more applicable to people with a few years of experience. At that point, it makes sense to specialize and become more specific with the words you use to describe yourself. You’re likely also focused more on relational marketing, so potential clients can get to know you before working with you.
But if you’re at the start of your writing or editing career and haven’t built up much of a network, freelance writer or freelance editor are perfectly adequate, accurate, and relevant descriptions of your role.
I’ve never been ashamed or felt uncomfortable about calling myself a freelancer. I am a business owner, yes, but that’s of no concern to my clients. None of them will go online searching for “writer who owns their own business” when they need content written or edited.
Keep your clients in mind
Use the phrasing you’re comfortable with, but don’t reject freelancer just because of the possibility some clients might use it to pay you less. Those aren’t the clients you want. And it’s still such a highly relevant search phrase that a lot of good clients are probably using it, too. So go with what your ideal clients are likely to understand and call you.
Of course, if you have thoughts about the word “freelancer,” feel free to share them in the comments. What do you call yourself when you talk about what you do?
And now here’s something you can do for me: I’d love to write an article about finding your first clients. I’ll share what I did, but I’d love to hear from you. How did you find your very first paying client? Reply to this newsletter to let me know and I’ll write an article about all ways new freelancers can find their first clients.
Here’s to your ongoing freelance success,
Heidi
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