As a freelance academic writer, your ability to deliver high-quality, well-researched, and properly formatted content is essential for building a successful career in the competitive online writing market. Academic writing requires more than just technical knowledge; it demands clarity, precision, and the ability to communicate complex ideas effectively. Whether you're working on research papers, essays, dissertations, or other academic documents, understanding the nuances of academic writing can set you apart from the competition and help you meet the specific demands of clients.
This updated 2025 online academic writing guide (tutorial) is designed specifically for freelance writers seeking to enhance their academic writing skills. It provides essential tips on structuring your work, adhering to various citation styles, avoiding plagiarism, and mastering the revision process. We will also explore strategies for improving your writing style, ensuring your work meets the academic standards expected by clients from diverse educational institutions.
By following the advice in this guide, you'll gain the tools needed to navigate the unique challenges of freelance academic writing, improve your efficiency, and provide clients with well-crafted, scholarly content. Whether you're just starting out or you're an experienced writer, this guide will help you refine your skills and build a strong reputation as a reliable academic writer.
PART 1
CONTENT
Content is the most crucial element for success as a freelance academic writer. To excel in the academic writing industry, you must focus on delivering content that aligns with the specific requirements of each assignment. To master this, it's essential to follow the provided instructions—often referred to as the rubric—precisely and without deviation. Adhering to these guidelines ensures that your work meets the expectations of your clients and demonstrates your attention to detail and commitment to producing high-quality content. First, a writer should take a few minutes to fully understand and internalize the order instructions. Second, the writer should approach these instructions with intrinsic critical thinking. Failure to critically evaluate the instructions can lead to frustration, delays, and ultimately late submissions, which attract heavy penalties. Thus, mastering CONTENT is crucial for anyone aspiring to rise through the ranks and achieve success swiftly.
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Question: Write a 10-page paper on the United States.
The above instructions can strike fear in a newbie due to the perceived complexity of the content required. To make the task manageable, one needs to develop a structured table of contents (outline).
PLEASE DON’T BE SUBJECTIVE IN REASONING. BE OBJECTIVE AND AVOID MASS FALLACY.
For example, an inexperienced writer might approach the task as follows:
"The United States is a very good country with a lot of opportunities. The country is big and has everything that an individual needs to survive. The current president is Joe Biden. The U.S. is known globally, and many people aspire to live there because..."
This kind of content is shallow, incoherent, and subjective. Such an approach lacks depth and professionalism. Instead, think critically and create an outline that uses topical organization rather than chronological or free-flowing prose. For long orders, typically five pages or more, the structure must include an introduction (with a thesis statement), a detailed body, and a conclusion. An experienced writer would approach the same instructions using the following outline:
The United States
Introduction
Write a vivid description of the United States in approximately 150 words. Conclude the introductory paragraph with a clear thesis statement, e.g., "This paper discusses the United States in terms of its geographical, social, political, and economic status."
Body
- Geography (2 Pages)
- Discuss the location, size, climate, and significant geographical features.
- Social/Cultural (2 Pages)
- Highlight aspects of diversity, cultural practices, education systems, and societal values.
- Political Landscape (3 Pages)
- Provide an in-depth analysis of governance, political history, and key institutions. This section should carry the most weight.
- Economic Overview (2 Pages)
- Explore the economy, industries, trade systems, and global influence.
Conclusion
- Summarize the paper’s key points within one paragraph.
- Restate the thesis in light of the discussion.
The introduction and conclusion combined should occupy approximately one page or slightly less. This approach simplifies the writing process, making it engaging and structured. Without an outline and critical thinking, one risks becoming repetitive and disengaged. By adhering to this method, a writer can effectively cover the 10 pages within four hours, avoiding unnecessary delays caused by distractions such as power outages or computer malfunctions.
Also Read: How to Earn with Online Article Writing
PART 2
SEARCHING FOR CONTENT AND SOURCES
Searching for content can be a significant challenge, especially when the order question falls outside the writer’s area of expertise. However, with the right mindset and tools, nothing is insurmountable. Critical thinking skills and effective use of search engines like Google are your best allies. If you cannot find relevant information online, it is unlikely that the topic forms part of any serious academic study at a reputable institution.
Where Can One Find Content?
The simplest way to search for content is by entering the main sentence, keyword, or phrase into Google. The first page will often feature a mix of websites, including Wikipedia. Focus on three or four sources that appear credible. Avoid outdated personal blogs or questionable sites. Triangulation—cross-verifying information from multiple sources—is the best strategy for ensuring accuracy.
Prioritize websites with domains ending in: ".gov," ".edu," or trusted ".org" sites.
While Wikipedia is generally discouraged in academic writing, it can serve as a starting point to gather background information. The key is to use it wisely. Instead of copying content directly or paraphrasing poorly, read and understand the material, then rewrite it in your own words. Some people struggle with paraphrasing, leading to sentences that lack coherence or fail to align with the surrounding text. To avoid this, use synonyms, antonyms, and your unique phrasing to eliminate plagiarism.
Additional Resources for Finding Content
1. Book Previews: Use Google Books to access previews of relevant books.
2. eBooks: Explore Project Gutenberg for free public domain eBooks.
3. Journal Articles: Visit Elsevier or similar academic databases for credible journal articles.
4. PDF Articles: When searching for specific topics, append “PDF” to your search query (e.g., “marketing strategies PDF”) to find downloadable articles often written by subject matter experts.
Managing a Large Number of Sources
If tasked with citing numerous sources, don’t panic. Start by revisiting the references listed on the Wikipedia page you used for initial research. Extract books and journal articles published within the last 10 years. Use Google Books to search for related materials, or download a journal article and utilize its bibliography to identify additional sources.
Missing Elements in Sources
Every academic source should ideally include the author(s), title, city, date, publisher, and edition (if applicable). If any of these elements are missing, use tools like BibMe to generate a complete citation. Simply enter the title, and BibMe will help create a formatted bibliography entry for you.
Rule: Avoid listing an excessive number of websites in your bibliography, even if most of your research was conducted online. Instead, compile a related bibliography using a balanced mix of books and journals, and ensure you cite them appropriately in the text.
PART 3
PARAGRAPHING, PLAGIARISM, WRITING STYLES, AND PAPER FORMATTING
1) Paragraphing
Many new writers struggle to fully understand the concept of paragraphing. It is important to remember that paragraphing is not just about splitting the text into blocks but about organizing and presenting ideas logically and cohesively. The following principles are fundamental to effective paragraphing:
a. A paragraph should not consist of only one sentence.
b. Each paragraph should focus on a single idea. When introducing a new idea, start a new paragraph.
c. A paragraph should have a minimum of three related sentences.
d. A well-constructed paragraph should include an introductory sentence, at least one supporting sentence, and a concluding sentence (see Example 1).
Example 1:
Reliable sources argue that the United States is one of the leading nations globally. The country is known for its formidable military, stable political system, and robust economy. While nations like Russia and China pose increasing competition, the U.S. remains a dominant global force for the foreseeable future.
Note: The first sentence introduces the paragraph, the second and third sentences offer supporting details, and the final sentence provides a conclusion.
e. Avoid overly long sentences. A well-structured sentence should typically span no more than three lines. This prevents convoluted sentences filled with unnecessary clauses.
f. A good paragraph should have at least six lines but no more than 12 lines, depending on the assignment requirements.
g. Overuse of "however" can lead to awkward phrasing. Ensure that "however" follows a period and is preceded by a comma (see Example 2).
Example 2:
There is no fundamental difference between humans and other animals. However, humans are distinguished by their intelligence, as evidenced by their ability to queue.
OR
There is no fundamental difference between humans and other animals; however, humans are distinguished by their intelligence, as evidenced by their ability to queue.
h. The word "therefore" should always be set off by commas on both sides.
i. Aim to include at least one citation per paragraph unless the paragraph solely contains your opinion.
j. Minimize the use of passive voice where possible.
k. Always run your document through spelling and grammar check software like Microsoft Word before using additional tools for more thorough editing.
Example 3:
Incorrect: "Jackie was promoted by the manager to head the department."
Correct: "The manager promoted Jackie to head the department."
Note: Passive voice should be used sparingly as it can sometimes be unavoidable in certain contexts.
2) Plagiarism
Plagiarism is a serious issue in academic writing and can damage your reputation. To avoid plagiarism, ensure that your ideas are original, properly paraphrased, or quoted and cited correctly. Once your paper is complete, run it through a plagiarism checker to ensure it meets academic standards.
One trusted tool for checking plagiarism is Grammarly and Turnitin, but you can also use other free reliable services like Quilbot.
Note: Some phrases, such as widely known facts, titles, or organizational names, may be flagged as plagiarized but are generally considered non-plagiarizable.
3) Writing Style
Focus on writing grammatically correct content first, and then consider applying your chosen citation style. The most commonly used citation styles are:
- APA (author, date) – Example: (Smith, 1999)
Two authors: (Smith & Howard, 1999) - MLA (author page) – Example: (Smith 22)
Two authors: (Smith and Howard 22) - Harvard (author date: page) – Example: (Smith 1999:22)
Two authors: (Smith & Howard:22) - Chicago/Turabian (footnotes)
For legal papers, Oscola is frequently used, though it is less common outside of law. The order above roughly reflects the complexity of each style, from least to most intricate.
4) Formatting
Formatting your paper properly ensures it aligns with both the writing style requirements and any specific instructions. This includes organizing the title page, adjusting font size, ensuring proper grammar, and creating a correct list of sources. The most widely accepted font for academic work is 12-point Times New Roman.
Note: For a more polished appearance, justify your text to create even margins on both sides. This doesn’t indicate content correctness but helps achieve a uniform layout. To justify your text in Microsoft Word, highlight the text and press CTRL + J or go to the Paragraph section in the ribbon and select the justify option.
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2025 Academic Writing Page Length and Formats
Page length: 250-275 words (Unless stated otherwise)
Font and Font Size: Times New Roman, 12point
Margins: 1” (inch) Margins all round
Line Spacing: Double-space
Paragraph Spacing: Double-space, 10pt after every paragraph
Paragraph Indents: First Line Indent
Word Per Paragraph: 100-125 Words
Microsoft Word (.doc/docx) file type
Text Alignment: left alignment of the text
Always Use Academic Prose:
Always apply the following requirements to your writings:
- Do not use contractions such as “I’m, I’ll, we’ll, we’d”, and others alike.
- Do not use first-person pronouns such as "I" "me" "my."
- Do not use second-person pronouns such as "you" "your" "yours."
- Do not engage in personal stories, meaning stories of your own life experiences, or the experiences of friends, family, and so on.
- Do not begin sentences with conjunctions: but, and, or, nor, for, so, yet.
- Do not pose any questions in any assignments. This means, quite literally, not to use questions. Write sentences in the form of statements instead.
- Do not quote the bible or allude to religion in any way.
- Avoid any form of direct address to the reader, such as "think about the fact that . . ."
- Avoid too casual of a prose style, such as sentences that begin with words like "well, sure, now, yes, no."
- Do not use phrases such as, "a lot," "lots" or "lots of," which can usually be replaced with one of the following words: many, most, much, often.
- Do not use exclamation points, for they are usually unnecessary.
- Periods and commas should be inside of quotation marks, but other forms of punctuation go outside of quotation marks.
- Do not use the word "okay" when words like "acceptable" are applicable instead.
- Do not use the word "nowadays," "nowadays," or any slight variation thereof.
PART 4
GENERAL TIPS
1) Revisions
No one is perfect. It’s not uncommon to receive a revision request for that ten-page paper you submitted days ago, especially if you’ve already forgotten about it. Don’t panic or feel discouraged. A revision request typically means that you missed some key instructions that could have improved your paper. Read the feedback carefully and follow the provided instructions precisely. If you revise diligently and in line with the guidance, you’ll improve your chances of earning your payment. Think of revisions as an opportunity to learn from your mistakes and grow as a writer. Some clients may be harder to please and might ask for multiple revisions before they’re satisfied. This should not discourage you from continuing to write and improve.
2) Language Use
It’s important to understand the differences between British and American English. Depending on the institution or client, you may be asked to write in one style or the other. A UK-based institution will expect you to use British English, while an American institution requires American English. There are differences in spelling between the two, and sometimes the same thing is referred to by different names.
Examples:
a) In British English, "trouser" is commonly used, while in American English, the term is "pants."
b) Words with different spellings but the same meaning:
- Tire (U.S. English) vs. Tyre (British English)
- Center (U.S. English) vs. Centre (British English)
- Meter (U.S. English) vs. Metre (British English)
Practice:
Be mindful of words like "color" vs. "colour," "favor" vs. "favour," "liter" vs. "litre," and "honor" vs. "honour." Using American English spellings when writing in British English can lead to spelling mistakes, as shown above.
3) Country-Specific Requirements
Some assignments require materials specific to certain countries. If the materials from the required country or jurisdiction aren’t used, the paper may be considered irrelevant and rejected. For example, legal papers should reference the correct legal system—using Zimbabwean law in a paper intended to follow U.S. or UK law would be unacceptable. Always check the specific requirements for your assignments, especially when dealing with law or other country-specific topics. Never use resources from your home country for international orders! Always tailor your work to the appropriate country or region, particularly if the assignment is for U.S. or UK-based institutions.
Difference Between Academic And Ordinary Writing
For example, compare the following two paragraphs: although the ideas expressed in the paragraphs are the same, one presents them in a much more formal, academic way.
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Example 1 (Academic) |
Example 2 (Ordinary) |
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Capital is a complex notion. There are many definitions of the word itself, and capital as applied in accounting can be viewed conceptually from a number of standpoints; that is, there is legal capital, financial capital and physical capital. The application of financial and physical concepts of capital is not straightforward as there are various permutations of these concepts applied in the business environment... |
Capital is a difficult thing to understand. We can explain it in different ways, and in accounting, we can look at it from different angles. Accountants talk about legal capital, financial capital and physical capital. How we apply financial and physical concepts of capital is not easy because people in business use it differently... |
Parting Shot
To succeed as an academic writer, you don’t need to be a genius; you just need to focus on producing quality work and continuously strive for improvement. Keep an open mind and learn new techniques each day. Sharing knowledge with others can be just as valuable as learning it yourself. Be patient with yourself, and be quick to learn from your experiences.
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