Examples of Freelance Writing Work

One of the things, and there are quite a few, that surprised me about freelance writing is that freelance writing comes in many forms. Each type of freelance writing seems like it comes with its nuances, terminology, and rules, so getting an idea of different examples of freelance writing work can help you zero in on the type of writing you want to do.

Some examples of freelance writing work include editorial writing, content marketing, copywriting, ghostwriting, and social media writing, and we’ll go over these and more in this article to help you get a handhold in what can feel like an overwhelming number of options. The type of writing you choose to pursue will depend on the publications you want to write for, the type of content you want to write, and the amount of research you want to do.

The tricky part can be that many of these types of writing have similarities and subtle overlaps. For instance, you could be a ghostwriter and a social media writer if you’re writing LinkedIn posts for company executives. Or you can do content marketing writing for a company’s blog. 

But the good news is that while this can make things confusing, it can also make it easy to move from one type of freelance writing to another if you want or need to. 

What are Examples of Freelance Writing Work?

Here are some different examples of freelance writing work. See freelance writing samples and different ways freelance writing can be explained in the business world. This can help you be on your way when exploring how to find freelance writing jobs.

Editorial Writing

Editorial writing is typically included in online and print magazines, newspapers, and other publications. In it, the writer takes a specific stance on an issue or writes from their perspective about a topic with a very defined angle. 

To become an editorial writer, you need to position yourself as an expert in the area you’re writing about, and it doesn’t necessarily have to be politics or climate or anything that heavy. 

You may be an expert in efficiency or healthy products for your home and then leverage that into writing expert editorial content.  In some circles, editorial writing for magazines and websites is synonymous with journalism writing. For others, examples of freelance writing samples that include editorial writing might be an opinion piece.

Freelance Writing Example: The New York Times — The newspaper is a good place to see editorial writing in action. 

Content Marketing Writing

Companies use content marketing writing to inform and educate their customers (and potential customers) as well as engage them with the brand. If you’ve headed to a brand’s blog, gotten a series of emails from a company, or read a case study of a company’s past projects, you’ve seen content marketing in action.

This type of freelance writing is intended to position a person or brand as an expert in their field and engage their current and potential customers or clients. Content marketing writing can take many forms, typically blog posts and articles, email sequences, and even case studies. 

This type of freelance writing work can easily overlap with ghostwriting because some brands may not want the content attributed to a specific writer but rather act as the voice of the brand speaking to their consumers.  A freelance writing sample in this niche could address “7 Ways to Use X New Product” from the company or something like “7 Signs Your Teeth Aren’t as Clean As You Think” on a dental product brand site.

Freelance Writing Example: Get even with dark spots: Hyperpigmentation explained

Copywriting

Whether you know it or not, you see copywriting just about everywhere. Copywriting in its most basic form is writing advertisements, but it can include product descriptions, product labels, website copy, newsletters, scripts for commercials, and more. Essentially, it persuades readers or listeners to take action and purchase, subscribe, follow, etc. Copywriting doesn’t typically come with a byline, but you may be able to see your writing out in the wild.

Freelance Writing Example: Native Whole Body Deodorant Spray — Check out the Scent Description as a freelance copywriting example. (Actually, all of the webpage copy could be examples of copywriting.)

Sponsored Content Writing

Sponsored content writing overlaps with content marketing writing, blog writing, and social media writing depending on where it’s published. Sponsored content writing includes a product or service that’s being promoted by the brand. 

This type of freelance writing can even be woven into editorial writing, and it can sometimes be so seamlessly integrated that it can be difficult to spot unless you know what you’re looking for. Look for copy that says “sponsored content” or “sponsored by” on a website article page or a print magazine page.

Freelance Writing Example: 3 Easy Ways to Make Your Home Look More Luxe — Sponsored by MINWAX

Technical Writing

If you’ve used a product’s instructions to set up a new device or gadget, you’ve experienced technical writing. This type of writing includes writing user manuals and product instructions as well as white papers that do a deep dive into a particular subject or aspect of a company’s business. 

To be a successful technical writer, you’ll need to be a skilled researcher as well as have a deep knowledge of the subject matter or business. If you have real-world experience in the industry you’re writing about, that’s definitely a plus.

Freelance Writing Example: Shark Detect Pro Robot Vacuum User Guide 

Ghostwriting

Ghostwriting means writing under another person or company’s name. Ghostwriters can write books, speeches, blog posts, and more. The downside to this is that you may not get recognition for your work, and you may not even be able to discuss it depending on the nature of the work. 

But the upside is that you can work with clients to craft their tone which can create a rewarding experience for you.

Freelance Writing Example: Arktura — The company’s blog, as well as an Op-Ed could be ghostwritten, or LinkedIn posts and articles might be ghostwriting examples. (It’s hard to spot these!)

Journalism

Journalism refers to reporting on current events, issues, and trends, but it can also overlap with content writing depending on how much reporting you’re doing. If you’re working for a news publication, the type of writing will likely rest firmly in the journalism category. But certain types of content writing in which you interview expert sources about a topic and then report your findings or use it to support the topic can also fall under the journalism umbrella.

Freelance Writing Example: Your favorite news source

Video or Podcast Script Writing

Video or podcast producers can hire a freelance writer to create the script from which they will produce their content. Depending on the structure of the video or podcast, you may write a fully fleshed-out and detailed script, or you may be responsible for creating a looser outline if the show is more free-flowing. The amount of research and expertise you need will also depend on the type of content they produce. This could overlap with social media writing if you’re writing scripts for TikTok, Instagram, or YouTube.

Freelance Writing Example: Solar System 101 | National Geographic — Someone had to write the script for the narrator to read. 

Social Media Writing

Social media writing typically deals with writing copy for social posts on Instagram, LinkedIn, or X, but it may also consist of writing scripts for Reels or TikTok videos and include content strategy depending on the client and their needs. You can work with individuals, brands, or other companies. Because the line between social media writing and content creation can be blurry, make sure you discuss expectations with your clients and clearly lay out what deliverables you’ll be producing for them. 

Freelance Writing Example: The Skinny Confidential Instagram

Blog Writing

Many companies maintain blogs, and therefore need blog writers. Blog writing is a broad category because examples of freelance blogs can range from thought leadership content from Fortune 500 companies to tips and tricks from a beauty brand to information about your local HVAC company.

Blogs often fall under the content marketing umbrella because the goal of a blog post is to reach potential customers and inform and engage them, so they think of the company when they need to reach out for products or services. Blogs can also be a form of editorial writing or come directly from an individual for whom you can ghostwrite.  You might want to create freelance writing samples that show how you’d write a blog for a particular client and feature it on your website.

Freelance Writing Example: Better Money Habits — Bank of America’s blog, which would also be an example of content marketing writing.

How to choose the best type of freelance writing work for you

Finding the right type of writing work often takes some trial and error. I’ve tried copywriting and email sequences, but I mainly focus on content marketing, especially blogs and articles.

Your choice might also depend on the time you have for research. When I’m busy, I prefer jobs with light research over more in-depth journalistic writing.

Exploring different freelance work and connecting with editors will help you discover what you enjoy and excel at.