A freelance copywriter is a self-employed copywriter who does not work for any specific corporation, agency, or association, instead choosing to be his or her own boss. The freelance copywriting world is not an easy one to survive in--not only do you have to be remarkably good at what you do, but you have to excel at selling yourself. Freelance copywriters must be extremely self-motivated and driven and persevering. They can make a lot of money--the good ones can make over $100,000 a year--but there are a lot of risks involved.
Freelance copywriting is writing copy, just like traditional copywriting, but instead of being handed clients, you have to go find them; you will need to sell to them your writing expertise. A freelance copywriting expert may specialize in one copywriting segment, such as advertising copy (still the main role of copywriting), marketing communications, websites, brochures, catalogs, sales letters and presentations, newsletters, or training programs. However, most freelancers can provide a whole array of services.
Make sure you always have plenty of sample copy writing on-hand when you are freelancing in the copywriting industry. Companies will demand to see your freelance work. You need to keep a healthy freelance copywriting portfolio.
Excellent books that teach the art of copywriting and becoming a better freelance copywriting professional:
The Renegade Writer: A Totally Unconventional Guide to Freelance Writing Success. Fun and on-target, this book tackles the nuts and bolts of freelancing, including coming up with article ideas, writing solid queries, breaking in new markets, the ins and outs of contracts, getting good interviews and collecting money that's due.
The Well-Fed Writer: Financial Self-Sufficiency as a Freelance Writer in Six Months or Less. This is a great compendium of tips, tricks and techniques essential for aspiring writers to "turn pro" and be able to support themselves on their earnings; truly rewarding reading for aspiring freelance writers, copy writers, scriptwriters, columnists, journalists, and anyone else wanting to earn from what they write.
Great directories of freelance copywriting professionals and other copywriting services can be found on the Internet:
Also, here is a good site that addresses freelance writing: