by Jeffrey A. Moore

Created on: November 22, 2008   Last Updated: December 16, 2009

Any person seriously thinking about obtaining a career as a freelance writer should have a genuine love and desire to write. If a person actually likes to write, their work as a freelance writer will come across more natural and less forced or sustained. Being able to research and write on a broad array of topics will greatly increase any potential freelance writer's employment value. Put simply, a career as a freelance writer will take a lot of dedication and hard work, but there is a growing demand in today's technological society.

According to the U.S. Department of Labor, new job openings for freelance writers will grow nearly 18% during the decade between 2004 and 2014.

Writers and editors held about 306,000 jobs in 2006. More than one-third were self-employed writers and authors holding about 135,000 jobs; editors, about 122,000 jobs; and technical writers, about 49,000 jobs. About one-third of the salaried jobs for writers and editors were in the information sector, which includes newspaper, periodical, book, and directory publishers; radio and television broadcasting; software publishers; motion picture and sound-recording industries; Internet service providers, Web search portals and data-processing services; and Internet publishing and broadcasting. Substantial numbers also worked in professional, scientific, and technical services. Other salaried writers and editors work in computer systems design and related services, public and private educational services, and religious organizations. (U.S. Department of Labor)

A high degree of education, such as a Bachelors or Masters Degree, isn't necessarily required to work as a freelance writer, but unless you have extraordinary connections or already have your foot in the door of a quality company, it will be an uphill battle finding quality work with less than an Associates Degree. WikiAnswers claims, "A college degree generally is required for a position as a writer or editor. Although some employers look for a broad liberal arts background, most prefer to hire people with degrees in communications, journalism, or English." (WikiAnswers)

*Job Outlook

Employment for freelance writers is expected to grow on average with all written word related occupations. Competition is expected for writing and editing jobs, because many people with the appropriate training and natural talent are attracted to the occupation.

Employment of writers and editors is expected to grow 10 percent, or about as fast as the average

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