Freelancer. For years, I used this word on my own business cards. And I’ve had a love-hate relationship with it for just as long. Because as a freelancer, you never really feel like you belong. You’re the first one they call when internal deadlines get tight and when a last-minute report has to be put together. Yet they only get around to paying your invoice 60 days later. That’s why we don’t work with freelancers at ZINNIG. We work with independent, like-minded language lovers who we refer to as zinspelers (meaning-makers).

*Quick clarification. We do work with freelance copywriters, translators, and editors at ZINNIG, but we prefer to call them zinspelers (meaning-makers) because we’re all too familiar with the negative connotations associated with the word ‘freelancer’.

Free agent?

According to Wikipedia, the term freelance comes from Middle English and means ‘an unbound knight or mercenary’. The word also appeared in the 1918 novel Ivanhoe by Walter Scott, about a medieval mercenary whose lance wasn’t tied to a specific lord. He offered his services to multiple bidders.

Long-term relationships

At ZINNIG, we love working with independent professionals alongside our core team, always prioritising building long-term partnerships. We’re not looking for ‘unbound knights’, but for passionate zinspelers who are connected to us while maintaining their independence. To us, this is a win-win for everyone involved: independent copywriters, translators, and editors have the freedom to work when and where they want, while our clients benefit from their specific expertise and fast turnaround times. Plus, these zinspelers get to work on projects that truly interest them. Because writing about topics you care about is easier and more rewarding.

Payment terms

We pair quick turnaround times with fast payments. We know how frustrating it is to chase down unpaid invoices, which is why we do our best to pay our zinspelers promptly. While many accountants advise against paying invoices before the due date, we happily do just that to show our appreciation for a job well done and on-time delivery.

Always welcome

Our zinspelers choose when and where they work: at home or on a tropical island, from 9 to 5, before dawn or in the dead of night. They’re always welcome to come to the office (during regular office hours, of course!). We’re more than happy to set them up with a spot where they can enjoy our view of Hasselt’s city centre. This makes it easier to brainstorm on big projects and strengthen the bond with our team.

Written with love

Another reason we prefer to work with zinspelers? Because a talent for crafting words and shaping sentences says more than a job title ever could. Those who write, rewrite, edit and translate, who brainstorm with clients and knock out deadlines for the love of language, are a great fit for ZINNIG. Whether you prefer a pay cheque or an invoice doesn’t really matter. If we can make a difference together: mission accomplished.

Think you have the expertise we’re looking for? Interested in joining us as a zinspeler? We’d love to meet you!