10 Writing Terms Every Freelancer Must Know

Writing Terms Every Freelancer should Know

Freelance content writing operates with the help of a set of terms which is continuously applied. These terms form a fundamental part of the content writing business discourse. If we have, among our readers, people interested in content writing, then they should do a good research on these terms.

When you look up the Internet, you will come across a huge range of these terms which may end up confusing you. However fret not, as we are here to help you sort out the most useful and frequently used writing terms.

In this article, we have compiled together 10 writing terms which every one of you should keep in mind. So, without further ado, let us take a look at them and find out what they are all about.

1. Deliverable

Once you get selected and negotiations begin, one of the areas where the discussion is rigorous is over the amount of work you would submit. These projects which you will complete at the end of a particular time are basically your deliverables.

As the word in itself suggests, a deliverable is what you deliver. It is the final shape of the project on which you get paid. Thus, it is a crucial term in the content writing business.

2. Slush Pile

ASlush pile means a pile of rejected applications, articles or queries. You can call it a trash-bin of the clients—something you should clearly avoid if you want to excel.

A slush pile is usually created when clients receive indistinctly written applications and articles. Therefore, it is recommended that whatever you send, you should draft it smartly so that it stands out from the other chunk the client ordinarily receives.

3. Proofread

Proofread is a common term in English whose meaning is simple: it is double-checking the content to flush out any grammatical mistake. It also includes the exercise of ascertaining whether the content has been written along the lines of the directives.

For a content writer, it is unbecoming to submit any project without properly editing and proofreading it. Grammatical mistakes and failure to observe guidelines are not glorified in the industry, and therefore, the value of proofreading can never be overstated.

4. Red Ink

Red Ink is what “Track Changes” is for most of us. It essentially means the changes which the editor makes in the content. Conventionally, and when technology was not as advanced as it is today, changes were made in red ink and hence, the name.

Today, you will often be told to edit the article and track changes. Those who are not well-acquainted with Windows Word should know that the reference is made to a feature found under the review option situated at the top.

5. On Spec

When the client does not promise you the publication of the submission, he is asking you write on spec. Until the piece really gets published, you will be in a state of uncertainty as to whether the article will get published at all.

It is not uncommon to find clients who ask freelancers to write on spec. Most of the time, they want to test your writing skills without making any grand promises. So, if you write nicely, then you might reach a point when you no longer need to write on spec.

6. Keyword

For SEO writers, the word ‘keyword’ is indispensable. If you wish to excel in SEO article writing, then you must learn the art of choosing the right keywords.

The emphasis on keywords is huge because it is based on the keywords you use in the content a search engine’s results will be indexed. Every website owner would want his content to be featured in the first few results so that more traffic is diverted and money is made.

7. Native Ads

Anyone who is really into blog marketing knows the value of Native Ads. To put it simply, native ads are sponsored blog posts.

In a native ad, you write down a blog post for a particular business and get paid for that. These blogs generate a lot of revenue and have become quite popular tools in the hands of freelance content writers.

8. Hyperlink

 

Hyperlink, as the name suggests, deals with links. It is an important referencing tool in the content writing industry. It is inserted into the content and lets users to directly jump to the link from which the content has been derived or could be found.

It is necessary to give due respect to the works of other people. When you are referring to other people’s work, it is highly advisable that you hyperlink the document or website wherever necessary.

You need not worry about using hyperlink, as it is a simple procedure. All you need to do is to select a word, phrase or sentence and right-click on it. You will notice hyperlink as an option.

9. Work For Hire

If you have applied for an opening which states this term, then you must be aware of a few implications of the same.

When there is work for hire, it means that you have agreed to give up all your rights in your work to the client in consideration of payment. So, you should be wary of this term and only apply when you are up for it.

10. Kill Fee

To save yourself from moments when despite all your efforts your piece does not get published, you should keep a provision for a kill fee in your contract.

A kill fee is a nominal price which is paid in aforementioned situations. You will not be rendered unpaid due to any circumstances leading to non-publication.

A freelance content writer needs to keep updating his customized freelance dictionary to ensure that he is able to perform effectively. These writing terms we just read are not exhaustive in nature, and there are plenty others you might want to refer.

This article highlights the most commonly used terms in the content writing industry, though our readers are free to agree or disagree. So, if you like the article, please share it. In case you have any view to give, feel free to comment.