So, you want to be a freelance writer
Years ago, when my hair was more luxuriant, I was hitch-hiking on Sydney's northern beaches when a white Porsche pulled up and the driver offered me a ride.
We got talking. He ran a small advertising agency in North Sydney, and I asked him if he ever needed a copywriter. He said he did. So I told him I was a writer, and he said to come on in for a chat.
Next day, I went in, and he commissioned me to write a puff-piece about a new car product his firm was promoting. He liked what I wrote.
And so began my illustrious freelance writing career.
Some 30 years, and a few career gyrations later, and I'm still writing. And I'm still enjoying this sometimes lucrative, occasionally precarious lifestyle.
I've written corporate videos, posters, brochures, books, histories, and headlines on a ridiculous range of subjects.
I've been a sports writer and editor, covering over 20 different sports.
And I've been Australian correspondent for United Press International, writing on everything from refugees to the famed Madonna fence-post of Coogee.
I've interviewed politicians, unionists, sports stars, religious leaders, scientists, businessmen and crooks.
With the benefit of mobile technology, I once interviewed the boss of a major Australian gold mining company while pushing my toddler on a swing in Queens Park, and taking notes with my free hand.
So, what does it take to be a freelance writer? Here's my 10-point recipe.
1. Stay calm. Freelance writing can be stressful. Challenging budgets, deadlines and clients can all upset your equilibrium, if you let them.
2. Procreate. Teenage sons can solve most of your computing issues. If you don't have ready access to teenage boys, start working on it.
3. Find a partner with a steady income. No need to explain this one.
4. Have fun. Get out and enjoy your non-office conditions. Remember: while you're at the gym working on your abs, others are stuck in commuter traffic working on their apps.
5. Enjoy coffee. Freelance writers and editors are often at the end of the process chain, so be prepared for the occasional all-nighter.
6. Keep ‘em happy. In the words of Simon and Garfunkel: keep the customer satisfied.
7. Be confident. It's okay – the phone will ring again.
8. Just say yes. Small projects often lead to bigger ones. Dull projects often lead to interesting ones.
9. Love the chase. When you're not busy, hit the phones.
10. Distract yourself – play guitar, draw, do yoga, go for a run. Fill out the spaces doing things you enjoy.
... By Stephen Sheldon
Stephen Sheldon is a Sydney-based freelance writer and editor. His business, Write to the Point, works for companies and government agencies across Australia and overseas. Stephen Sheldon have worked as a reporter for wire services, newspapers and magazines, feature writer, editor, and copywriter.
To learn more about copy writing, editing and Stephen Sheldon himself please follow: www.writetothepoint.net.au
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