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Freelance Author Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Editor

Washington, DC · On-site

$73K - $92K/yr

Confers with authors and recommends treatment of material. Reorganizes, cuts, or rewrites as ... May coordinate freelance activities in the unit, including finding and coordinating work among ...

Freelance Interviewer

Norfolk, NE · On-site

$551.04 - $688.80/hr

You will visit the author, usually in their own home, for a series of 12 meetings held over a six-month period. Of these, 11 meetings will last for 90 minutes, and one meeting will last for 120 ...

New

As a LifeBook Memoirs interviewer, you will help guide the author to tell their story in a logical, methodical manner. You will draw out the details, personality, and emotion of the stories, which ...

New

$76 - $87/hr

... freelance copyeditors, proofreaders, and indexers; serving as liaison with authors and volume editors; and working closely with the Prepress Manager and Production staff throughout the production ...

Senior Editor, Books

Washington, DC · On-site

$76 - $87/hr

... freelance copyeditors, proofreaders, and indexers; serving as liaison with authors and volume editors; and working closely with the Prepress Manager and Production staff throughout the production ...

Senior Editor

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$85K - $113K/yr

Reporting to the Editor in Chief, the Senior Editor will work closely with authors, designers, production coordinators, and other Getty staff and freelancers to develop, pitch, and produce a wide ...

Senior Editor

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$90 - $130/hr

Reporting to the Editor in Chief, the Senior Editor will work closely with authors, designers, production coordinators, and other Getty staff and freelancers to develop, pitch, and produce a wide ...

Reporting to the Editor in Chief, the Senior Editor will work closely with authors, designers, production coordinators, and other Getty staff and freelancers to develop, pitch, and produce a wide ...

... freelance subject-matter experts or contractors, including evaluating their quality and fit for a specific client or category. * Personal experience authoring creative, social, and media briefs, not ...

... freelance subject-matter experts or contractors, including evaluating their quality and fit for a specific client or category. * Personal experience authoring creative, social, and media briefs, not ...

Collating changes from authors and freelancers in page proofs and resolving queries ahead of transmittal. * Copyediting jacket/cover copy and ancillary marketing material, including sales quotes ...

WI · On-site

$62.80 - $85.64/hr

The core of the role is knowledge capture and course design; authoring and multimedia production are hands‑on but pragmatic, not studio-level. * Support team leads in consolidating knowledge held ...

New

Showing results 21-40

Freelance Author information

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$7

$23

$32

How much do freelance author jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average hourly pay for freelance author in the United States is $23.27, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.43 and $26.20 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a freelance author do?

A freelance author is a self-employed writer who creates content for various clients or publications without being tied to a single employer. They may write books, articles, blog posts, or other written materials on a wide range of topics. Freelance authors are responsible for finding their own clients, managing deadlines, and handling the business aspects of their work, such as contracts and invoicing. This role offers flexibility and independence but also requires strong self-motivation and business skills.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a freelance author, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Freelance Author, you need excellent writing, research, and editing skills, often supported by a strong portfolio or relevant degree in English, journalism, or communications. Familiarity with content management systems, word processing tools, and basic SEO practices is typically required. Creativity, self-motivation, and effective time management are standout soft skills in this role. These abilities are crucial for consistently producing high-quality work, meeting deadlines, and attracting clients in a competitive market.

How do freelance authors typically manage client relationships and deadlines when working with multiple publishers or clients?

Freelance authors often juggle assignments from various clients or publishers, making strong organizational skills essential. Most authors use project management tools or calendars to track deadlines, submission requirements, and client communications. Building clear communication channels with editors and clients helps set expectations and avoid misunderstandings. Regular check-ins, prompt responses to feedback, and transparent updates on progress are key to maintaining professional relationships and meeting deadlines. Successfully managing these aspects not only ensures timely delivery but can also lead to repeat work and long-term collaborations.

What is the difference between Freelance Author vs Content Writer?

AspectFreelance AuthorContent Writer
CredentialsWriting experience, portfolio, sometimes a degree in English or related fieldWriting experience, portfolio, often a degree in English, journalism, or communications
Work EnvironmentIndependent, remote, project-basedIndependent, remote, often employed by companies or agencies
Employer & Industry UsageClients, publishers, self-publishingBusinesses, marketing agencies, online platforms
Search & Comparison IntentFreelance Author vs Content Writer

Both Freelance Authors and Content Writers create written content, but Freelance Authors often focus on books, articles, or creative projects, while Content Writers typically produce marketing or web content for clients. Freelance Authors usually work independently on long-term projects, whereas Content Writers may work for companies or agencies on ongoing assignments.

What cities are hiring for Freelance Author jobs?

Cities with the most Freelance Author job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Author jobs?

The most popular types of Author jobs are:

What states have the most Freelance Author jobs?

States with the most job openings for Freelance Author jobs include:

Infographic showing various Freelance Author job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 69% Full Time, 28% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 62% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 35% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $48,412 per year, or $23.3 per hour.

$73K - $92K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 20 days ago


Job description

Job Description Summary:
Edits text and graphics for publication, including articles, manuscripts, reports, websites, journals, magazines, and/or brochures. Reads and evaluates reports and/or other materials and documents to determine the extent of editorial problems and shortcomings. Looks for inconsistencies of thought, development, or organization. Confers with authors and recommends treatment of material. Reorganizes, cuts, or rewrites as necessary. Ensures material conforms to organization's and unit's standards for style, content, and format. Works with editorial and production staff and contractors to guide manuscripts through to publication. May contribute original material where appropriate, writing about topics for a variety of audiences in multiple media formats.
Incumbent independently performs complex editing and writing tasks. Under general direction, applies specific professional-level functional knowledge to solve complex problems and has authority to deviate from standard practices, but must advise superiors of such action as well as non-routine matters. May hire, train, supervise, and evaluate support staff or serve in a lead capacity.
Job Description:
ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES:
  • Edits reports, articles, etc. and may help to shape presentation, restructuring and rewriting as needed. Marks up for composition. Ensures material conforms to organization's and unit's standards for style, content, accessibility, and format. Works with designers, graphic artists, layout specialists, web developers, marketing, and production staff on all aspects of production.
  • Negotiates revisions with authors. May network with prospective authors, scientific advisers, and news media.
  • Advises staff and authors on editing and publishing options. Holds meetings to discuss current and future projects. Answers editorial questions. Consults with staff about the progress of reports, articles, or other publications.
  • May have supervisory responsibility for editorial assistants, including hiring, training, and evaluation of work.
  • May coordinate freelance activities in the unit, including finding and coordinating work among freelancers.

NONESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES
  • Related duties and special projects as assigned.

JOB SPECIFICATIONS
ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES:
Edits reports, articles, etc. and may help to shape presentation, restructuring and rewriting as needed. Marks up for composition. Ensures material conforms to organization's and unit's standards for style, content, accessibility, and format. Works with designers, graphic artists, layout specialists, web developers, marketing, and production staff on all aspects of production. Negotiates revisions with authors. May network with prospective authors, scientific advisers, and news media. Advises staff and authors on editing and publishing options. Holds meetings to discuss current and future projects. Answers editorial questions. Consults with staff about the progress of reports, articles, or other publications. May have supervisory responsibility for editorial assistants, including hiring, training, and evaluation of work. May coordinate freelance activities in the unit, including finding and coordinating work among freelancers.
NONESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES
  • Related duties and special projects as assigned.

JOB SPECIFICATIONS
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Proficiency in Microsoft Word (including track changes and styles). Practical knowledge of WordPress or other content management system, HTML, and CSS desired. Ability to solve problems of variety and complexity. Ability to serve as a resource to others in the resolution of problems and issues. Ability to operate independently and exercise appreciable latitude for independent judgment, discretion, and action. Ability to work successfully in a team environment. Experience working in complex environments with a high degree of organizational effectiveness. Ability to develop relationships with co-workers and employees in other National Academies' departments through effective communication. Excellent communication skills with a proven ability to interact effectively with all levels of employees.
Minimum Education/Training Requirements: Bachelor's Degree in English, Journalism, Communications or related field, or equivalent knowledge.
Minimum Experience: Three years of related professional experience.
Physical Capabilities: Ability to work at a computer for extended periods of time.
Required Licenses, Certification or Registration: None.
Supervisory Responsibilities/Controls: Reports to Director or other higher level editorial position. General supervision is provided. May supervise junior staff.
Compensation & Benefits: An estimated compensation range for this position is $73,760 - $92,190. Compensation offered to the selected candidate will be based on the candidate's relevant knowledge, skills, and work experience, commensurate with compensation of current employees in comparable positions with similar knowledge, skills, and work experience, and subject to budget parameters. Note it is not typical for a candidate to be hired at the higher end of the range. This is a benefits-eligible position. Our Benefits Plan offers competitive and comprehensive benefit options, including medical, dental and vision insurance, life insurance, disability coverage, retirement and savings benefits, leave benefits such as paid holidays and paid personal leave, transportation subsidies, and education assistance. For more information, please click here.
Work Environment: Hybrid Office/Telecommute environment, expected onsite percentage 60%, with occasional travel between National Academies' facilities and to off-site meeting/sponsor locations.
Equal Opportunity Employer:
It is the policy of the National Academies to recruit, hire, transfer, compensate, and promote people in all job categories and to administer all other personnel actions, terms and conditions of employment in a manner that does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, religion, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws. It is also the institution's policy to recruit, hire, promote, and provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities and covered veterans who are otherwise qualified.
Any qualification to be considered equivalent, in lieu of stated minimum, requires the prior approval of the Office of Human Resources.
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by employees assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified. Some functions in this description may be specific to a particular unit of the National Academies and not applicable to other units
Job Family:
PUBL
Employee Type:
Employee
Scheduled Weekly Hours:
37.5
City/State:
Washington, District of Columbia