"Freelance employees" refer to individuals who work independently on a project basis for different clients or companies without being permanently employed by one specific organization. Full definition
I regularly employ freelance employees in my business, as well. (careerdigital.com)
As for the gatekeeper, the acquisition editors and the agents, that model imploded a long time ago when the publishers basically outsourced the slush pile to the agents, thus turning them into freelance employees of the publisher and away from being the advocate for writers and their work. (killzoneblog.com)
Technology has facilitated a global market shift that provides more options for freelance employees. (entrepreneur.com)