Last Updated on: January 4th, 2017
Academic writing is different from content writing.
Bloggers do content writing. So do some freelance writers.
But other freelance writers do academic writing.
What’s the difference? And which type of writing should YOU do?
Today we are going to answer this question, which will help you decide on the type of freelancer you can be.
The Difference between Academic Writing and Content Writing
Content Writing
Content writing involves writing content for the web.
Content writing is what bloggers do. They share information via blog posts, which are articles written for their websites (or others’ websites, if they do guest posting).
Content writing allows for flexibility. Writers can share their personal stories as they teach others.
Content writing involves formatting your blog posts properly to achieve maximum effect and capture your audience’s attention.
Content writing involves referencing others’ works via both direct quotes and links. As noted in Plagiarism (VS Fair Use): What Bloggers Need to Know, it’s not a good idea to copy others without providing proper attribution.
Content writers know about many topics related to blogging, such as marketing, SEO rules for blogging success, and how to edit HTML in order to do fancy things like creating page jumps.
Basically, content writers are bloggers who write content, using the 10 Effective Strategies to Becoming a Successful Blogger.
Academic Writing
Academic writing, on the other hand, is totally different from content writing.
Academic writing involves writing lengthy papers on (sometimes) boring topics. That’s one reason why people often use writing service companies to help them.
Academic writers have to cite their sources according to specific instructions or specifications, such as using the MLA citation style or the APA citation style. Many students have problems citing sources, even when clear instructions are given.
Academic writing also involves writing papers for others. I personally don’t do this. Instead, I recommend them to use services like Elite Assignment, which provides help to students in high school, college, and university. Writing services such as this one, and dissertation help offers students the option of having others write their essays, term papers, or dissertations for them.
My personal ethics do not allow me to write such things. I believe that everyone should write their own term papers and essays! However, I also know that writing is tough for a lot of people. Many people suffer from writer’s block. Writer’s Block (+ the 10 Best Ways to Overcome It) will help such people.
However, sometimes other factors come into play. For example, maybe there was a death in your family and your term paper is due next week. Do you really have the time or energy to devote to a stupid paper when you’re grieving? I think not.
Should Freelancers do Academic Writing or Content Writing?
Honestly, my answer to this question is this: It’s up to you.
If you are a strong writer who enjoys writing essays and term papers, then you should definitely do it… if your personal ethics will let you!
If you have a degree in English (like I do), and are not working but need some quick money, then put your skills to work and offer your writing services to a writing company. Just do a quick Google search for websites that have an “Apply as an Academic Writer” page. Submit your application, and hope for the best. This is one way you can earn money quickly if you don’t have a writer website but want to do some freelance writing work.
Different companies have different rates. Sometimes it’s easier to take any job you are given than to find an employer who will pay you what you’re truly worth, especially if you are in need of money.
If your writing skills are not that great, you should read 20 Ways to Be a Master Writer and Improve Your Writing Skills.
Most writing companies require you to have strong writing skills.
To polish your writing, you can use these 5 self-editing tips. (An additional 17 tips are available for download.)
You could also become an author… 😉 Both Alicia Rades and I did this!
Read Alicia’s story here: Can You Be a Freelance Writer and a Fiction Writer? You Bet!
Whatever you decide to do, I wish you the best of luck!
PS. If you *really* want to succeed in the freelancing field, I highly suggest you take Elna’s course, Write Your Way to Your First $1k.
And don’t forget that I’m a freelance blogger, writer, and editor for hire. (And an author who can help you create an e-book to give away on your site, sell, and even turn into a print book… to help you earn passive income.)
There are different essay formats in writing. For instance, the APA essay format is a system that uses parenthesis. This means the reference appears in the body text in brackets with information that includes the surname of the author, the publication date and the page number(s) of the reference.
Matthew, yes, each system has its own rules for formatting essays.
There are many differences between academic writing and content writing, too, as explained in this post!
Although it is often ignored, the way headers are formatted is one of the most essential aspects of formatting an essay. For example, while headers should appear on every page of an essay, only the page number should be shown on the first page of the essay. If you don’t know how to format college essay you may ask our professional writers to do it for you.
I agree with you, John. That’s why freelance writers and essay-writing agencies exist! Not everyone knows how to do such things!
Very informative. When it comes to academic writing, many students underestimate the requirements of that. They usually think because they are good general content writer or blogger then they can be good at academic writing. However, this is more complex. Notes like this could really open up many eyes. Thanks for sharing.
Peachy Essay recently posted…Business Ethics; Interview on How to Have An Ethical Lifestyle In A Corporate
Thank you for the compliment on the post. I am glad you liked it!
This is a good article. I really like the article.
Thanks, Arafat!
I agree. The difference btn academic writing and content writing is quite significant. I started off as an academic writer now am a content writer and I can attest to that.
And yet you still use abbreviations such as “btn”? Tsk. Tsk. Shame on you!
There is a massive distinction in content material writing and academic writing. In educational academic, the writer is constrained to feature his/her non-public perspectives and factors. But if we speak about content material writing, bloggers can share their private tales on the topic.
Exactly!
Obviously there is a huge difference between content writing and academic writing and you write well. I enjoyed your article a lot
Thanks, Rajon. I appreciate the compliment. I’m an English teacher, so I should! 😉
Hey Lorraine,
I never had a chance to read about the difference between academic and content writing. It seems a little one.
It matters only with the length of the content. Or maybe the story lines.Thanks for this new information.
You’re welcome, Chris.
Hi Lorraine,
Great article, thanks for sharing.
You’re welcome. 🙂
There is a big difference in content writing and academic writing. In academic writing, the writer is restricted to add his/her personal views and points. But if we talk about content writing, bloggers can share their personal stories on the topic.
Exactly! 🙂
Hey Lorraine, I am an academic writer working for British Essay Writing from past 5 years. If you have any query regarding writing or if you want Professional Essay Writer, do contact me.
I don’t need any essay writers. Sorry!
On the off chance that you have a degree in English (as I do), and are not working but rather require some fast cash, at that point set your abilities to work and offer your written work administrations to a composition organization. Dissertation Help Simply do a brisk Google scan for sites that have an “Apply as an Academic Writer” page.
I DO have a degree. 🙂
But I get enough regular editing work that I don’t need to look for writing work!
Thanks for sharing this excellent and exciting post. I was not aware of the difference between the academic writing and content writing. Thanks for this new information.
Sathish, most people don’t always know the difference. It’s okay. I’m glad you liked the post. 🙂
Thank you for sharing this amazing knowledge and very nice article.
You’re welcome.
Hey lorraine,
I was not aware of the difference between these two. Finally, I got the difference between these two.
Thank you for sharing.
pawan recently posted…How to Build a Strong Brand Image for Your Blog
Pawan, you’re a blogger, so you do content writing.
This post was actually more for freelancers, but I appreciate you commenting here.
Thanks, too, for helping me resolve my issues with the commenting plugin, CommentLuv, and its linking ability. I wasn’t aware of this problem until you told me about it… after I told you about your Gravatar issue!
It’s a good thing we are connected on Facebook and were able to have a conversation about this… and fix BOTH issues! 🙂
Yeah. This thing make us bloggers, because we help each other.
Thank you for mentioning me here. 🙂
pawan recently posted…How to Build a Strong Brand Image for Your Blog
Yes, blogging is all about helping one another. 🙂
You’re welcome. 🙂 I’m glad we have a good, mutually helpful relationship. 🙂
Hey Lorraine,
I never had a chance to read about the difference between academic and content writing. It seems a little one.
It matters only with the length of the content. Or maybe the story lines.
I would go with the content writing. It’s because I am not a long article writer. Maximum 2500 words.
Glad to read about it.
~Ravi
Hi, Ravi.
There is actually a big difference between content writing and academic writing.
Content writing is what bloggers do when they write blog posts.
Academic writing is what students do, whether they are writing essays, term papers, or dissertations.