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Freelance Crime Writer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

DDM GROUP LLC

Breaking News Writer (Freelance)

Atlanta, GA

$20.25 - $26/hr

Atlanta Black Star is seeking experienced Freelance Breaking News Writers to join our fast-paced ... Our breaking news writers cover everything from politics, crime, culture, entertainment, celebrity ...

DDM GROUP LLC

Breaking News Writer (Freelance)

Atlanta, GA

$20.50 - $26.25/hr

Atlanta Black Star is seeking experienced Freelance Breaking News Writers to join our fast-paced ... Our breaking news writers cover everything from politics, crime, culture, entertainment, celebrity ...

Fox

Freelance Writer/Editor - Newsdesk

Los Angeles, CA

$23 - $29.25/hr

FOX Sports Digital is looking for a Freelance Football Editor/Writer to join our team. You love ... We will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories consistent with ...

FOX News Network, LLC

Freelance Radio Anchor

New York, NY · On-site

$68.75 - $77.75/hr

Write 5-minute and 1-minute newscasts for our Terrestrial Stations Nationally * Anchor long-form ... We will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories consistent with ...

Fox

Freelance Radio Anchor

New York, NY · On-site

$68.75 - $77.75/hr

Write 5-minute and 1-minutenewscasts for our Terrestrial Stations Nationally * Anchor long ... We will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories consistent with ...

Collider

Collider Network TV Writer

This is a paid freelance, remote position Collider is the #1 entertainment website and publishes up ... Criminal Minds Modern Family, New Girl, The Blacklist, The Good Doctor, Glee, How to Get Away With ...

Fox

Freelance Producer, FOX Nation

New York, NY

$35 - $48.79/hr

The ideal candidate is a seasoned writer who is detail-oriented & excellent under pressure. The ... We will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories consistent with ...

FOX News Network, LLC

Freelance Ticker Copy Editor

$20.75 - $29/hr

FOX Sports is seeking a Freelance Ticker Copy Editor, who will be responsible for writing and ... We will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories consistent with ...

Ascendium

Senior Writer (6-month)

Madison, WI · Hybrid

Freelancers are welcome to apply and must have an established, registered business and provide ... Ascendium requires criminal, employment, and education background investigations before hiring.

Ascendium

Senior Writer (6-month)

Madison, WI · On-site

Freelancers are welcome to apply and must have an established, registered business and provide ... Ascendium requires criminal, employment, and education background investigations before hiring.

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All JobsFreelance Crime Writer Jobs

Freelance Crime Writer information

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$23

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How much do freelance crime writer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 27, 2026, the average hourly pay for freelance crime writer 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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Freelance Crime Writer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Freelance Crime Writer, you need excellent research abilities, strong storytelling skills, and a solid grasp of criminal justice concepts, typically demonstrated through a background in journalism or writing. Familiarity with investigative tools, online databases, and content management systems is often required for sourcing and publishing accurate information. Persistence, attention to detail, and the ability to meet deadlines are crucial soft skills in this field. These competencies ensure the delivery of compelling, factually accurate crime stories that engage readers and meet publication standards.

How do freelance crime writers typically source credible information for their articles or stories?

Freelance crime writers often rely on a combination of public records, interviews with law enforcement or legal professionals, court documents, and reputable news outlets to gather accurate information. Building a network of reliable contacts and understanding how to access public information are essential skills for this role. Writers must also be diligent in verifying facts and respecting legal boundaries, such as not interfering with ongoing investigations. Collaboration with editors and fact-checkers is common to ensure the integrity of published work.

What are freelance crime writers?

Freelance crime writers are independent professionals who research, write, and sometimes edit content related to crime, criminal justice, law enforcement, and true crime stories. They may contribute articles, books, podcasts, or scripts for various media outlets, publishers, or private clients. Unlike staff writers, freelancers work on a project basis, allowing them to choose their assignments and work with multiple clients. Their work often involves in-depth research, interviewing sources, and crafting compelling narratives about real or fictional crimes.

What is the difference between Freelance Crime Writer vs Freelance Journalist?

AspectFreelance Crime WriterFreelance Journalist
CredentialsWriting experience, research skillsWriting experience, reporting skills
Work EnvironmentHome, client offices, remoteHome, client offices, remote
Industry UsageCrime stories, novels, articlesNews, reports, features
Search & ComparisonOften compared for storytelling focus

Freelance Crime Writers focus on creating compelling crime stories, novels, or articles, often emphasizing storytelling and research. Freelance Journalists report on current events, news, and factual stories. While both roles require strong writing skills and research, Crime Writers typically work on fictional or narrative content, whereas Journalists focus on factual reporting. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right freelance career path based on your interests and skills.

More about Freelance Crime Writer jobs
What cities are hiring for Freelance Crime Writer jobs? Cities with the most Freelance Crime Writer job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Crime Writer jobs? The most popular types of Crime Writer jobs are:
What states have the most Freelance Crime Writer jobs? States with the most job openings for Freelance Crime Writer jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Freelance Crime Writer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Freelance Crime Writer jobs are:
Freelance Crime Writer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Freelance Crime Writer job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 73% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 11% Contract. Highlights an 84% In-person, 5% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $48,412 per year, or $23.3 per hour.

Breaking News Writer (Freelance)

Diamond Diaspora Media LLC

Atlanta, GA • On-site

$20.50 - $26.25/hr

Contractor

Posted 21 days ago

Job description

EOE Statement
We are an equal employment opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.
Description
Atlanta Black Star is seeking experienced Freelance Breaking News Writers to join our fast-paced digital newsroom.
This role is designed for journalists who live and breathe the news cycle. The ideal candidate is a relentless consumer of news, has exceptional reporting instincts, thrives under tight deadlines, and can quickly identify, research, verify, and develop compelling stories across a wide range of topics.
Our breaking news writers cover everything from politics, crime, culture, entertainment, celebrity, social issues, viral moments, and human interest stories to major national and international developments. No two days are the same.
The successful candidate understands that speed matters, but accuracy matters more. They know how to move quickly, dig deeper than competing outlets, uncover key details others miss, and transform developing news into engaging stories that readers cannot stop reading.
What We're Looking For
  • A genuine news junkie who follows the news throughout the day across multiple platforms and sources
  • Strong reporting instincts and the ability to identify stories before they become widely reported
  • Exceptional research and verification skills
  • Ability to quickly understand complex situations and explain them clearly to readers
  • Strong storytelling ability that keeps readers engaged from the headline through the final paragraph
  • Comfort covering a wide range of topics and adapting quickly to new subject matter
  • Ability to work independently while maintaining speed, accuracy, and editorial standards
  • Strong understanding of digital publishing, audience behavior, and content performance

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Monitor breaking news, social platforms, public records, competitor coverage, and emerging conversations throughout the day
  • Pitch, develop, report, and write timely stories across a broad range of news topics
  • Produce clean, accurate, publish-ready copy with minimal editing required
  • Quickly gather facts from multiple sources and verify information before publication
  • Identify unique angles, overlooked details, and opportunities to advance developing stories
  • Conduct interviews by phone, email, video conference, or in person when necessary
  • Follow stories from initial development through subsequent updates and follow-up coverage
  • Collaborate with editors to develop stronger story angles, enterprise reporting opportunities, and exclusive content
  • Manage multiple stories simultaneously while consistently meeting deadlines
  • Build and maintain a network of sources that can provide tips, context, and early access to information
  • Analyze content performance, audience trends, and reader behavior to improve story selection and pitching strategy
  • Utilize CMS tools, photos, video, and supporting media to maximize engagement and reader retention
  • Maintain high editorial standards for accuracy, sourcing, fairness, and attribution under deadline pressure

Position Requirements
REQUIREMENTS FOR SUCCESS:
  • BA in English or Journalism preferred or equivalent in experience.
  • Past reporting experience required, minimum 4 years with a mainstream publication
  • Knowledge of AP stylebook a plus
  • Strong writing, reporting, and editing skills
  • Demonstrated ability to cover breaking news quickly and accurately
  • Familiarity with public records, court documents, police reports, government sources, and digital research tools
  • Strong understanding of SEO and digital news publishing best practices
  • Ability to work efficiently in a high-volume, deadline-driven environment
  • Unwavering journalistic integrity and ethical standards
  • Must have strong skills in communicating and collaborating with editors and colleagues.
  • A great work ethic and a can-do attitude.
  • Exceptional attention to detail
  • Self-starter, highly motivated to succeed under minimal supervision

Full-Time/Part-Time
Independent Contractor
Salary
Position
Breaking News Writer (Freelance)
Division
Atlanta Black Star
Number of Openings
4
Exempt/Non-Exempt
Non-Exempt
Hiring Manager(s)
Req Number
JOU-26-00004
Open Date
6/8/2026
Location
Atlanta Black Star
About the Organization
Diamond Diaspora Media exists at the intersection of technology and media. We publish narratives intentionally and specifically to enlighten and transform the world. Our digital news platforms Atlantablackstar.com, Theshadowleague.com, and Finurah.com are leading the way with powerful content that spans the culture, sports, news features and timely-financial news that resonates with our 15 million readers.
Come join us and let us change the world together.
This position is currently accepting applications.

Apply