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Freelance copywriter vs creative writer

The differences between freelance copywriters and creative writers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 1-2 years to become both a freelance copywriter and a creative writer. Additionally, a creative writer has an average salary of $73,095, which is higher than the $69,978 average annual salary of a freelance copywriter.

The top three skills for a freelance copywriter include web content, blog posts and copywriting. The most important skills for a creative writer are digital marketing, proofreading, and email campaigns.

Freelance copywriter vs creative writer overview

Freelance CopywriterCreative Writer
Yearly salary$69,978$73,095
Hourly rate$33.64$35.14
Growth rate4%4%
Number of jobs2,98119,129
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 82%Bachelor's Degree, 73%
Average age4242
Years of experience22

What does a freelance copywriter do?

A Freelance Copywriter generates the words, slogans, and audio scripts that accompany advertising visuals. They work as an independent contractor, either on their own, or through a recruitment agency.

What does a creative writer do?

Creative writers are professionals who employ their imagination and discipline to convey new and interesting ideas to an audience in an engaging way, such as books, screenplays, and promotional marketing material. These writers must select a subject or theme for their writing projects while conducting research to obtain factual information and authentic detail for their content. They must review and submit their work for approval to meet the needs of their clients, publishers, or directors. Creative writers can also work for magazines, websites, and advertising or become a freelancer.

Freelance copywriter vs creative writer salary

Freelance copywriters and creative writers have different pay scales, as shown below.

Freelance CopywriterCreative Writer
Average salary$69,978$73,095
Salary rangeBetween $46,000 And $105,000Between $46,000 And $114,000
Highest paying City-Redwood City, CA
Highest paying state-California
Best paying company-Apple
Best paying industry-Internet

Differences between freelance copywriter and creative writer education

There are a few differences between a freelance copywriter and a creative writer in terms of educational background:

Freelance CopywriterCreative Writer
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 82%Bachelor's Degree, 73%
Most common majorEnglishEnglish
Most common collegeMassachusetts Institute of TechnologyMassachusetts Institute of Technology

Freelance copywriter vs creative writer demographics

Here are the differences between freelance copywriters' and creative writers' demographics:

Freelance CopywriterCreative Writer
Average age4242
Gender ratioMale, 46.3% Female, 53.7%Male, 45.8% Female, 54.2%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 5.9% Unknown, 5.6% Hispanic or Latino, 7.6% Asian, 4.9% White, 75.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4%Black or African American, 5.9% Unknown, 5.6% Hispanic or Latino, 7.6% Asian, 4.9% White, 75.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4%
LGBT Percentage16%16%

Differences between freelance copywriter and creative writer duties and responsibilities

Freelance copywriter example responsibilities.

  • Manage proposal process from RFP (request for proposal) receipt to writing and editing various contributions to final RFP submission.
  • Provide copywriting services to clients using proven direct response marketing elements to optimize conversions.
  • Experience with brand development, copywriting, advertising, and integrate social media marketing communications.
  • Participate in brainstorming sessions to cultivate creative solutions to advertising opportunities with uniquely clever messages.
  • Provide career branding services, including resume, LinkedIn, and professional biography writing services.
  • Develop and administer the company's RFP database; greatly streamline the RFP process.
  • Show more

Creative writer example responsibilities.

  • Manage the website, twitter, and facebook.
  • Manage publication review process, including technical and editorial review by in-house and outside reviewers.
  • Create and publish advertising copy, press releases, brochures and technical manuals.
  • Develop an eye for detail and proofreading.
  • Hire to write several papers for NIH fund grant projects.
  • Work with blogs, Wikipedia page management, and Youtube content.
  • Show more

Freelance copywriter vs creative writer skills

Common freelance copywriter skills
  • Web Content, 22%
  • Blog Posts, 8%
  • Copywriting, 7%
  • Creative Concepts, 6%
  • Brainstorm, 5%
  • Email Campaigns, 5%
Common creative writer skills
  • Digital Marketing, 17%
  • Proofreading, 15%
  • Email Campaigns, 11%
  • Video Scripts, 6%
  • Web Content, 5%
  • Proofread, 4%

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