I absolutely adore my job as a writing contractor. While I would like to do more freelance work in the future, this is the perfect place for where I’m at. As a college student, I am not committed to a full-time job, so doing contract work has been the perfect path for me. When I started, I didn’t know what I was getting into, but now that I’m more experienced, there are things I certainly wish I had known when starting as a writing contractor.
1. What does it mean to be a writing contractor?
A contractor is not the same as an employee or staff writer. Contractors are hired for specific assignments or time periods but don’t have employee status or benefits. You are your own business and contract out your services to the place(s) you are writing for.
2. What’s the difference between being a contractor and a freelancer?
Freelancers get paid per piece and may only submit one article to a place before moving to the next, but contractors sign on for an assignment or a set of assignments for a specific amount of time. Freelancers aren’t consistently writing for the same location as contractors are. So while contractors aren’t employees, they may be involved with a company and part of a team for the period of their contract.
3. The job
Contracting jobs vary a lot but have certain consistent features. Companies are more likely to reach out to contractors, but since you aren’t an employee, you can’t count on staying with the company if you don’t do well. Unless specifically stated in the contract, they aren’t obligated to keep contracting your services if you are not producing quality content.
4. Payment and taxes
Contractors fall into two categories: they are either a part of a company that contracts out writers or are their own “company,” as is my case. Since you aren’t an employee, you don’t get the same benefits, and since you are paid directly, taxes are not withdrawn. This means that when it’s time to file taxes, you will often owe money, as income tax was not withheld. It can seem confusing – it definitely was for me – but there’s something pretty cool about being your own business and your own boss.
5. Working with a team
Not all contract work is on your own. You might be working with employees of the company you are contracting for or with other contractors. Since you aren’t a one-time writer, they may involve you in more functions. If you are accustomed to a place’s writing style and expectations, they’ll want to keep you around and involve you more in their team.
6. How to stand apart in the workplace
In my job, I am one of just under a dozen writing contractors. We all do a similar job and have a similar level of experience. So how do you stand out in that kind of situation and make an impact? The key is to go beyond what is expected: ask questions, be meticulous, and take criticism well. Look to improve and work well with publication teams and editors. If you are seen as reliable, you are more likely to get interesting assignments and good references from employers.
7. Self-motivation
Being a contractor isn’t the usual 8-to-5 job, which is one of the biggest perks, as well as one of the biggest curses. Because you aren’t locked in to certain specifications you might be as a staff writer, you have to be self-motivated. Setting goals for yourself is crucial for you to be successful, stay on top of your deadlines and make an impression on the company you are working for.
This type of work isn’t for everyone, and that’s okay! The type of work and the pace do not fit everyone’s lifestyle, ambitions, or personalities. And yet, if you end up becoming a contractor someday, these are some tips to keep in mind before signing on.