Comments on: What to Call Yourself

By: Lori

Lori — Thu, 30 Dec 2010 14:55:03 +0000

LOL! I remember having that same confusion once, Amie. Funny how things change when you ask questions. 🙂

By: Amie

Amie — Thu, 30 Dec 2010 02:53:52 +0000

I love to call myself a copywriter and watch people's confused expressions as they try to figure out what a "copyrighter" does.

By: Caroline Braeken - Tillieux

Caroline Braeken - Tillieux — Tue, 28 Dec 2010 20:23:31 +0000

Thanks! Indeed, that does seem like an excellent suggestion. I think I'll stick to the "straight and simple". Might also come over as more professional than a long list of specific job titles that cramp the space on business cards…

By: Lori

Lori — Tue, 28 Dec 2010 16:28:44 +0000

Love it, Joseph! Arrrrrgh! Oh wait. That's a pirate. :) But hey, the pen IS mightier than the sword anyway, right? :)

Sal, somehow I don't see you in bunny slippers, but I agree. It's the image a lot of people get when they hear the word "freelance." I used to envision writers sitting at a coffee shop spouting poetry and talking about "the craft." Man, was I delusional! LOL

Devon, I agree. To describe ourselves in great detail on the card is just too difficult. We are masters of many trades. I like to consider myself a five-minute scholar on many topics.

Anne, I would love to agree that clients know better, but I've had run-ins with those who think "freelance" means "waiting for someone to bless us with work, paying or not." But yes, I think many of us are able to vocalize the distinction. :)

Hi Caroline! Welcome. :) May I make a suggestion? Call your business nothing until you're sure about it. I chose to use my own name and "Writing & Editing" after. The thought was I would change it when I thought of something catchier. But I kept it because it describes what I do succinctly enough. I wouldn't go too fancy at first. Just let it come naturally.

By: Joseph Hayes

Joseph Hayes — Tue, 28 Dec 2010 16:04:06 +0000

Just to remind everyone (thanks to Wikipedia): The term was first used by Sir Walter Scott in Ivanhoe to describe a "medieval mercenary warrior" or "free-lance".

Warriors are we!

By: Sal

Sal — Tue, 28 Dec 2010 13:40:15 +0000

I usually introduce myself as a "copywriter" or "business writer." If the conversation goes further, I dive into other things I do, such as web content and a little HTML/CSS coding.

My business card says Founder of Prolific Studios and then lists some of the writing I specialize in, so usually just saying "writer" while handing them my card will take care of it. Freelancer - I too stay away from. I just feel it puts out a negative connotation, just like you guys said. Brings visions of bunny slipper work ethic, which I do not want to convey in my business.

By: Devon Ellington

Devon Ellington — Tue, 28 Dec 2010 12:40:41 +0000

My business card just says "writer". When I pitch, I get into more detail, depending on to whom I'm talking.

By: Devon Ellington

Devon Ellington — Tue, 28 Dec 2010 12:40:39 +0000

My business card just says "writer". When I pitch, I get into more detail, depending on to whom I'm talking.

By: Anne Wayman

Anne Wayman — Mon, 27 Dec 2010 20:24:42 +0000

Hi Lori, good Christmas here as well.

I'm a writer, freelance writer and/or ghostwriter. No idea how I choose which... just another thing to get mindful about.

I don't buy the argument that using free in freelance means people think I write for free... and if they do I quickly tell them they are wrong, nicely. ;)

By: Caroline Braeken - Tillieux

Caroline Braeken - Tillieux — Mon, 27 Dec 2010 19:28:54 +0000

Dear me, it's rather daunting reading all this. I'm only starting out and finding a title for my job is one thing I'm still working on. In any case, thanks for the advice Lori and also for all the other helpful comments, I think I might just have found the answer here!