The day I had the aha moment to become a freelance writer, I was very excited to get the business going. I had so many ideas and tasks on my mind. I would need a website, a logo, a definition of my service, and a good pitch explaining what I do. Also, I need to find clients! At that moment, I decided to go with copywriting. I am a copywriter.
As I explained to my friends what my entrepreneurial plans were, I wondered if I have chosen the right title for myself. I had to be sure I was talking the talk so I could really walk the walk. I would be creating content, but I wouldn’t completely be in the land of Mad Men with full-on ad creations, so is calling myself a copywriter the right branding for me?
And so I began the hunt for the best title that would describe me and what I do.
Definitions
First off, let’s get copyrighting out of the way.
1. Copyright
From Merriam-Webster: the exclusive legal right to reproduce, publish, sell, or distribute the matter and form of something (such as a literary, musical, or artistic work)
This is undoubtedly an essential aspect of writing and publishing but is clearly not a person who writes. I’ll come back to copyright in another post for another day.
2. Copy
- matter to be set especially for printing
- something considered printable or newsworthy —used without an article
- text especially of an advertisement
3. Copywriter
From Merriam-Webster: a writer of advertising or publicity copy
Then let’s add to the Mix
4. Content
From Merriam-Webster: the principal substance (such as written matter, illustrations, or music) offered by a website
5. Writer
From Merriam-Webster: one that writes
Ok, so it is clear that I fit the definition of
- Writer – ✓
I am one that writes
- I write Content and create illustrations – ✓
I will write for pages, blogs, and articles digitally that will end up on a website, and I create illustrations in Canva to help tell a story and emphasize points.
- I write copy, and therefore I am a copywriter – ✓
Now the matter of Copy. I want to think that some of my work would be considered printable or newsworthy, and I have and will write to advertise or sell products and services for my clients.
So my title is – Freelance Content Writer and Copywriter.
But what about a content creator or storyteller and consulting vs. freelance?
I think I found the formula for what I can brand myself as, but I feel it isn’t that simple, with questions still looming. I need to dig into the history of writing. Yes, I am going down the rabbit hole. I am sure to find a plethora (I like this word) of information following in the footsteps of others who had the same question. Grab a shovel and head down with me.
Next Time
Copy versus Content Writer – The History of Writing