Wearing Many Hats as a Freelance Writer
What do I write and why?
I didn’t grow up writing stories or poems in a secret notebook like some people did. I didn’t start writing seriously until after high school, when I was in my early twenties. I only started writing out of boredom and because I read somewhere that writing down one's emotions helps one express them in a healthy way.
I started with poetry and a few raw, emotional diary entries. Writing quickly became my safe space. It helped me process confusing thoughts and emotions and gave me a healthy way to vent my frustrations. Whoever came up with the idea of writing as an emotional outlet was a genius. There’s something powerful about putting your thoughts into words; it clears your head and lightens your mood. That’s why I write. And over the years, it’s become more than just a personal outlet; it’s become a career.
What I do as a freelance writer
Freelance writing isn’t just one thing. It’s a mix of projects that all need different skills. I help write cover letters (and sometimes resumes) for job seekers. Let’s be honest, writing about yourself is hard (even for me). I can't remember how many times I have agonised over writing a cover letter for a job post I was interested in. It usually takes me a minimum of two days to write a 300 to 400-word letter to a potential employer. And it takes me another hour of nitpicking every word on the page before I half send it (I am not exaggerating about any of these).
But when it comes to writing for someone else, I am surprisingly confident in my writing skills. That's why I've decided to write for others; I know exactly how it feels to overanalyse every word you write about yourself until you start doubting if you have the skills to do the job you're applying for.
I help job seekers write cover letters that highlight their best qualities without sounding braggy or generic. By tailoring each letter to the job they’re applying for, I make sure their applications don’t just blend in with the rest. And it feels great to know I played a part in that.
I also write book reviews. This is one of my favourite parts of freelancing. I get to read all sorts of stories and share my honest thoughts about them. I talk about the plot, the characters, the themes, and what the book made me feel or think. Book reviews help readers decide what to read next and give authors helpful feedback on what worked and what didn’t. Plus, reviewing books keeps me connected to the literary world I love so much.
I wrote book reviews for publications like Online Book Club, Reader Views, and I am currently a contributor for Book Trib.
I also used to help to be helps busy students write their academic papers, but I don't do that anymore. This is mostly because academic writing requires a lot of research and time, and time is something I no longer have a lot of these days. Instead, I now focus on editing and proofreading academic papers, theses, and dissertations.
Wearing Many Hats
Freelance writing lets me do what I love while helping others. Whether I’m helping a student polish their research paper, helping someone hunt for their dream job, or helping a reader look for their next great read, I get to be part of their journey. Every project is different, but they all allow me to learn, grow, and use my skills to make a real difference. It keeps things interesting and gives me the chance to work with all sorts of people.