Freelance Writing White Papers

New freelance writers will often hear the words “white papers” and have no familiarity with the term. Deciding whether or not to create white papers as a form of income is a necessary question many newbies ask as they come to the career. Learning what they are and what they can or cannot add to your freelance writing career or will add to your writing income is extremely important. Discover if this is something you would find an interest in with a little education on the matter.

What are white papers?

Do not feel alone wondering about white papers. The name itself implies for lots of writers they are some sort of scholarly type papers or content you create. The only real education needed to mold white papers is the ability to write.

White papers are defined as a report built to communicate specialized info or material to chosen group of readers. Although there is more than one type of white paper, they are essentially produced using the same method.

What does the client want from you?

Clients express what substance to communicate and what audience they would like you to reach. For the most part the material is extremely specialized and the readers they would like to grasp are only slightly familiar with it. This is where you come in to break down the information into a form that is easily understood. Along the way of “translating” for the reader you add your excellent writing skills. Most clients for white papers are sharing scientific or technical material.

How to profit with white papers

Most clients are searching for someone to write for them with a specialized skill set. For an example, an insurance client for home owners insurance needs white papers around changes they have made to several of their products.  With numerous different deductibles, exclusions and changes to more than a few long term existing policies, their new policy is full of terminology and legalese most clients are not familiar with. In order to assure they are meeting the needs of customers when rolling out changes, they will hire a freelance writer familiar with homeowner’s insurance terminology, policies or a background that demonstrates they can accomplish a wonderful set of white papers to get the job done.

Having the talents in your writing resume to get the work accomplished is great for your career on a number of levels. These are generally higher paying jobs than the average freelance writing gig for substance you are already familiar with. This familiarity normally means building the material faster and easier than most as well as constructing a future client listing in most cases. In general these are clients with more than one job opportunity available and a job well done means future income is a safe bet.

Where to find white paper jobs

Several websites specialize in these kinds of writing jobs. They connect clients searching for freelance writers. Although a number of larger companies have in-house staff writing their white papers, there are still plenty seeking the help of freelancers. Working through a website is a safer bet then using freelance writing boards. Sites help assure payment is made along with rules followed by both parties concerning writing contracts.

In conclusion

This is a niche just like any other for most freelancers. Within the niche you can focus on a precise area of expertise. Writers with specialized skills sets or education will find most client material easy to understand and are capable of creating terrific content.

As a great writer make it interesting, easy to understand and educational for the focused audience members with little or no effort. You act as the middle man between the client and the reader they wish to focus on and have the capability to make a great income while doing something you enjoy.

 

 

This particular video discusses one writer's view on the benefits of writing white papers.

find out more about the different kinds of white papers and the audience to reach here