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Freelance Feature Writing Jobs in Park Ridge, IL

WFMT Digital Writer/Editor

Chicago, IL · On-site

$57K - $65K/yr

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES: • Develop, pitch, write and produce original feature content related to ... freelance contributors to ensure high editorial standards, accuracy, and alignment with WFMT ...

WFMT Digital Writer/Editor

Chicago, IL · On-site

$57K - $65K/yr

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES: • Develop, pitch, write and produce original feature content related to ... freelance contributors to ensure high editorial standards, accuracy, and alignment with WFMT ...

Director, Art Department (Productions)

Chicago, IL · On-site

$124K - $130K/yr

Design and art direct feature stories, cover packages, special sections, and editorial projects ... Collaborate closely with writers, editors, photographers, and freelancers to develop strong visual ...

Editor

Evanston, IL · On-site

$81K - $90K/yr

Managing freelancers and assigning news and feature stories. * Developing guidance and staying up to date on standards for reporting and writing about sensitive topics such as race, gender ...

Editor

Evanston, IL · Hybrid

$81K - $90K/yr

Managing freelancers and assigning news and feature stories. * Developing guidance and staying up to date on standards for reporting and writing about sensitive topics such as race, gender ...

Director of Product Strategy

Chicago, IL · On-site

$180K - $220K/yr

Develop and maintain product roadmaps, feature prioritization frameworks, and delivery timelines ... Hire and manage freelancers in adjacent roles as needed (e.g., content strategy, UX design)

Freelance Feature Writing information

See Park Ridge, IL salary details

$7

$22

$32

How much do freelance feature writing jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for freelance feature writing in Park Ridge, IL is $22.90, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.10 and $25.77 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Freelance Feature Writer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Freelance Feature Writer, you need strong research abilities, excellent storytelling skills, and proficiency in grammar and AP or other relevant style guides, often supported by a portfolio of published work. Familiarity with content management systems (CMS), SEO tools, and digital publishing platforms is typically required. Creativity, persistence, and the ability to communicate professionally with editors and sources are key soft skills that set successful writers apart. These skills ensure the production of engaging, accurate, and marketable content that meets editorial standards and deadlines.

What is freelance feature writing?

Freelance feature writing involves independently creating in-depth, narrative-driven articles for magazines, newspapers, websites, or other publications. Unlike news articles, features usually explore topics in detail, often focusing on human interest, trends, or investigative stories. Freelance feature writers pitch their ideas to editors, conduct research and interviews, and are paid per piece rather than being on staff. This career offers flexibility and variety but requires strong writing skills, self-motivation, and the ability to meet deadlines.

What is the difference between Freelance Feature Writing vs Freelance News Writing?

AspectFreelance Feature WritingFreelance News Writing
CredentialsStrong writing portfolio, storytelling skillsStrong reporting skills, accuracy, and timeliness
Work EnvironmentCreative, in-depth research, flexible deadlinesFast-paced, deadline-driven, often on tight schedules
Employer & IndustryMagazines, online publications, blogsNews outlets, newspapers, online news platforms

Freelance Feature Writing involves creating in-depth, engaging stories with a focus on storytelling and detailed research, often for magazines or online publications. Freelance News Writing emphasizes timely, accurate reporting of current events, typically for news outlets or newspapers. Both roles require strong writing skills, but differ in style, pace, and purpose.

What are some common challenges freelance feature writers face when working with multiple editors or publications?

Freelance feature writers often juggle assignments from various editors, each with their own style, expectations, and editorial processes. This can lead to challenges such as adapting to different voice and tone guidelines, managing overlapping deadlines, and negotiating contracts or payment terms. Building strong communication skills and maintaining organized tracking systems for pitches, drafts, and payments can help writers navigate these complexities and foster positive relationships with multiple clients.
What are popular job titles related to Freelance Feature Writing jobs in Park Ridge, IL? For Freelance Feature Writing jobs in Park Ridge, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities near Park Ridge, IL are hiring for Freelance Feature Writing jobs? Cities near Park Ridge, IL with the most Freelance Feature Writing job openings:
Freelance Field Producer, Chicago Bureau

Freelance Field Producer, Chicago Bureau

Fox

Chicago, IL • On-site

Part-time

Posted 11 days ago


Job description

OVERVIEW OF THE COMPANY

Fox News MediaFOX News Media operates the FOX News Channel (FNC), FOX Business Network (FBN), FOX News Digital, FOX News Audio, FOX News Books, the direct-to-consumer digital streaming services FOX Nation and FOX News International and the newly announced platform FOX Weather. Currently the number one network in all of cable, FNC has also been the most watched television news channel for 20 consecutive years, while FBN currently ranks among the top business channels on cable. Owned by FOX Corporation, FOX News Media reaches 200 million people each month.JOB DESCRIPTION

Fox News is committed to delivering news as it happens. We love what we do and we're looking for passionate, talented people to help us lead, grow, and achieve our goals. Joining the number one cable news network in America is a singular opportunity to be part of a highly successful, dynamic team that has transformed the way people get their information.

Fox News is looking for a Freelance Field Producer to work in the Chicago Bureau. As a Freelance Field Producer, you will cover major stories including breaking news, initiative stories, and special events.

A SNAPSHOT OF YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Producing reporter liveshots and packages on location

  • Traveling domestically and internationally to cover breaking news, often at the last minute for extended periods of time

  • Pitching and developing original story ideas

  • Newsgathering logistics, booking travel, assigning field crews

  • Responsible for coordinating all aspects of production, including booking, writing, ordering graphics, and producing both taped segments and live shots

  • Candidate needs to demonstrate, through past experience, strong communication skills to work with correspondents and photographers in the field

WHAT YOU WILL NEED

  • Bachelor's degree in journalism or a related field of study is preferred, or equivalent experience

  • 3 years' experience as a reporter, writer, producer, and/or editor at a news organization

  • Extensive field production experience

  • Strong writing skills

  • Extensive experience in edit room

  • Production experience in breaking news, and feature reporting

  • Ability to shoot video and operate LiveU

  • Willingness to travel and work long hours, including weekends with short notice

#LI-AA1

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, gender identity, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. We will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories consistent with applicable law.

Pursuant to state and local pay disclosure requirements, the pay rate/range for this role, with final offer amount dependent on education, skills, experience, and location is $40.00-50.00 per hour.