Terms Every Freelance Writer Should Know

Ghostwrite
This is when a writer sells writes something but then sells their rights to the work to another person who places their name on the work as their writing. This is done often with online content. Often though the rights owner doesn't really place their name on the work, they simply post it on their website.

SEO
This stands for Search Engine Optimized. It is a form of online content writing which boosts search engine ratings because it is written in such a way to attract search engine spiders.

Portfolio
This is a grouping of some of your best work from different areas. It is often used to show a potential employer your abilities and work performance.

Copy Editor
An editor who prepares text for publication

Proofreader
To read (copy or proof) in order to find errors and mark corrections.

Transcription
Something written, especially copied from one medium to another, as a typewritten version of dictation. This type of work is often included on Freelance writing job sites. It most often includes writing down a speech or some other information from an audio format.

Press Release
An announcement of an event, performance, or other newsworthy item that is issued to the press.

White Papers
An authoritative report on a major issue, as by a team of journalists.