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Freelance Script Writer Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

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Freelance Script Writer information

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How much do freelance script writer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for freelance script writer in Chicago, IL is $24.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.06 and $27.02 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a freelance script writer do?

A freelance script writer creates scripts for various media such as films, television shows, commercials, video games, or online videos on a project-by-project basis. Unlike staff writers, freelancers work independently and are hired by clients or production companies to develop original stories, adapt existing material, or revise existing scripts. Their responsibilities often include brainstorming ideas, drafting and editing scripts, and collaborating with directors or producers to meet the project's needs.

What does a freelance script writer do?

As a freelance script writer, your duties vary somewhat depending on the needs of your clients, though for the most part you focus on the writing and editing of scripts for video productions. You can write and pitch a screenplay to an agent, who will attempt to sell it to a film production studio, television studio, or other media production company. Some clients hire freelance script writers to help improve existing scripts as part of a writing team, while advertising agencies and commercial production companies hire scriptwriters to create the scripts for video or audio advertising. If a studio or producer hires you or accepts your script pitch, you work on the project on a contract basis.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a freelance script writer?

To thrive as a Freelance Script Writer, you need excellent storytelling abilities, strong command of language, and a solid understanding of script formatting and structure, usually supported by a relevant degree or portfolio. Familiarity with screenwriting software such as Final Draft or Celtx and knowledge of copyright basics are typically required. Creativity, adaptability, and effective communication set standout writers apart in collaborating with clients and meeting diverse project needs. These skills are crucial for producing compelling scripts that resonate with audiences and satisfy client expectations in a competitive freelance market.

How much money can a freelance script writer make?

Freelance script writers typically earn between $20 and $150 per hour, depending on experience, project complexity, and industry. Many also charge per project or per word, with rates varying widely based on the writer's reputation and the type of content produced.

How do freelance script writers typically collaborate with clients and production teams during a project?

Freelance script writers often work closely with clients, directors, and producers to develop scripts that align with the project's vision. Communication is usually conducted through virtual meetings, emails, or collaborative platforms, where feedback and revisions are exchanged. Writers may be involved in brainstorming sessions, table reads, or script workshops to refine their work. Maintaining flexibility and openness to feedback is essential, as scripts often undergo multiple drafts based on collaborative input. Building strong professional relationships and clear communication channels helps ensure a smooth workflow and successful outcomes.

What is the difference between Freelance Script Writer vs Screenwriter?

AspectFreelance Script WriterScreenwriter
CredentialsWriting experience, portfolio, sometimes film/TV coursesFilm/TV writing background, often with industry training
Work EnvironmentFreelance, remote or client sitesStudio, production company, or freelance
Employer/IndustryClients across various industries, including advertising, entertainmentFilm, TV, streaming platforms
Search/Comparison IntentSeeking freelance writing opportunities, script projectsSeeking professional script development for media

Freelance Script Writers typically work independently on diverse projects for various clients, often remotely. Screenwriters focus on creating scripts specifically for film or television productions, often within the entertainment industry. While both roles require strong writing skills, screenwriters usually have industry-specific experience and may work within production environments, whereas freelance script writers have more flexibility and diverse client bases.

How much do freelance script writers make?

Freelance script writers typically earn between $20 and $150 per hour, depending on experience, project complexity, and industry. Many work on a per-project basis, with rates varying based on the script length and client budget, and successful freelancers often build portfolios to command higher fees.
What are the most commonly searched types of Script Writer jobs in Chicago, IL? The most popular types of Script Writer jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What job categories do people searching Freelance Script Writer jobs in Chicago, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Freelance Script Writer jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Freelance Script Writer jobs? Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Freelance Script Writer job openings:
Infographic showing various Freelance Script Writer job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 58% Full Time, and 42% Contract. Highlights an 100% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $49,910 per year, or $24 per hour.

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision

Posted 6 days ago


Job description

nar.realtor
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JOIN OUR TEAM >> Newsletter Editor
Newsletter Editor
Summary
Title: Newsletter Editor ID: 1629 Location: Chicago, IL Group: Marketing , Communications & Events
More about this job >
Description

Position Summary:

Reporting to the Director of News and Content, the Newsletter Editor is responsible for leading the editorial vision, strategy, quality standards, and day-to-day execution of NAR's flagship digital newsletter publications. 

This position is responsible for developing, assigning, editing, and producing high-quality content that informs, engages, and supports NAR members, association executives, and other key audiences following our strategic content goals of helping members get to their next transaction and showing how NAR is helping members get to their next transaction. The Newsletter Editor is expected to be a hands-on leader who can write, substantively edit, copy edit, package and approve content for publication. 

The Newsletter Editor works closely with the Content, Digital, Video, Communications, Research, Legal, Advocacy, Marketing, Advertising, and Events teams to ensure editorial alignment, uphold NAR's voice and standards, and deliver content through the most effective channels. The role is "content first" and media agnostic, determining the best vehicle for a story or message rather than writing for a single distribution method. The position also supports the evolution, refresh, and modernization of NAR's distribution channels. 

Duties and Responsibilities:

Editorial Strategy, Leadership & Publication Oversight: 

  • Assist News Director in setting editorial direction, mission, tone, style, quality standards, and content priorities. 
  • Help lead long- and short-term editorial planning, including annual editorial calendars, story pitch meeting, special emphasis areas, and special editions. 
  • Oversee editorial decisions for NAR's daily, weekly, monthly, and commercial newsletter publications, including story selection, article structure, issue packaging, headlines, decks, captions, covers, and final language. 
  • Partner with other digital content leaders at NAR on video, multimedia, and other new media opportunities to ensure topic alignment and effective distribution. 
  • Help track execution of editorial plans, assess results, and implement process improvements to improve quality, efficiency, and impact. 
  • Help manage editorial coverage of NAR meetings and major association events. 
  • Help plan advance conference assignments, including stories, photography, live coverage, and staff responsibilities. 

Content Creation, Editing & Quality Control: 

  • Write original content for digital publications and other platforms, including news articles, features, profiles, blurbs, scripts, and other member-facing communications. 
  • Provide detailed, substantive edits of all assigned content to ensure accuracy, clarity, structure, tone, grammar, editorial style, and alignment with NAR messaging. 
  • Conduct final reviews of covers, articles, headlines, captions, marketing copy, member-facing materials, and other high-visibility communications. 
  • Ensure content follows NAR editorial standards, reflects the REALTOR brand appropriately, and maintains consistency with NAR voice. 
  • Help determine when content requires review by Legal, Advocacy, Research, Communications, or other subject-matter experts. 
  • Help develop "breaking news" pieces or urgent organizational content in coordination with Public Relations/Communications, Digital, and other relevant teams. 
  • Identify members, association executives, leaders, and subject-matter experts to spotlight in features, profiles, and editorial packages. 

Qualifications:

Required: 

  • 7+ years of progressively responsible editorial, journalism, magazine, publishing, or content leadership experience in a newsroom environment. 
  • Strong background in digital content strategy, editorial planning, and multimedia storytelling. 
  • Strong news judgment and ability to manage sensitive, high-visibility, or fast-moving content with discretion and accuracy. 
  • Exceptional writing, substantive editing, headline writing, copy judgment, and editorial packaging skills. 
  • Demonstrated ability to set and enforce editorial standards, publication voice, style, tone, and quality expectations. 
  • Ability to manage freelance writers, contractors, subject-matter experts, and internal contributors. 
  • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to advise senior leaders, collaborate with stakeholders, and uphold editorial standards across teams. 
  • Knowledge of audience analytics, digital engagement metrics, SEO, newsletter strategy, and content performance measurement. 

Preferred: 

  • Demonstrated experience serving in a senior editorial role, preferably as an editor in chief, executive editor, managing editor, or equivalent. 
  • Experience covering real estate, housing, business, public policy, association management, or member-driven industries. 
  • Familiarity with REALTOR issues, NAR priorities, association governance, and member communications. 
  • Experience working with editorial advisory committees, member leaders, association executives, or volunteer governance structures. 
  • Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience in journalism, communications, English, publishing, marketing, or a related field. 
Compensation: $125,000-$145,000 depending on office location.

NAR provides comprehensive benefits including health/dental/vision insurance.
NAR is on a hybrid schedule and in the office 3 days a week.


Organizational Overview:

The National Association of REALTORS (NAR) is a team of professionals dedicated to providing world-class service to approximately 1.5 million REALTORS working in the United States and around the world. The real estate industry is fast-paced and fast-changing--each year, our members participate in the sale, lease, and management of real estate. As in every industry, our members' value proposition is constantly being challenged by innovation.
It is our mission to empower REALTORS as they preserve, protect and advance the right to real property for all. We cannot do that without the ideas, passion, and commitment from our talented employees. As our greatest assets, employees are offered their pick of competitive benefits/perks and flexible work options. 

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