A few weeks ago I took a quiz – a classic Buzzfeed one – to identify which Friends character I am most like. Twelve completely random questions later, it was revealed that I “am” Chandler, my second-favorite actual character. (Phoebe wins.) But when reading the description, I realized I really am Chandler. I tell jokes when I’m uncomfortable. I (maybe) have a heart of gold. And most tellingly, no one knows what I do for work. Sure I’ve told them – repeatedly – but for the most part, folks have no idea what I do every day.
So to save all of us some heartache, I decided to craft this nifty little blog. Where I answer all the FAQs about my job. (Or at least, what I want to tell you about my job.) The next time a burning question arises, you all can read and re-read the answer until your heart’s content.
What Do I Do?
I’m a freelance writer and editor. More specifically, I write magazine articles, blogs, web content (the words that appear on websites), and social media posts. Sometimes I get more out-of-the-box projects (like helping folks with Internet research, editing academic papers, or WordPress maintenance), but the above accounts for 90% of my days.
Do I Come Up with the Topics?
Sometimes – depends on the client. I’m always willing to pitch ideas, but some folks come in with their own.
How Do I Find Work?
If I have time slots open up, I apply. (Or if there’s something/one I really want to write for.) Sometimes people find me through my website/word of mouth. While others I’ve worked for in the past, but they only have intermittent work.
How Did I Get Started?
In the midst of the job crisis, no available positions interested me. I started working on gaining bylines and freelance clients (while waitressing) until I could do it full time.
What Made Me Want to Write Professionally?
Why does anyone ever want to do anything professionally? Because they love doing it. It just so happened that all I needed was thick skin and a computer to follow my passion. (i.e. not a massive business loan)
What’s the Best Part of My Job?
I get to learn about weird stuff every day. I’m my own boss. And I can write creatively while getting paid.
What’s the Worst Part of My Job?
Keeping the books – taxes, billing, and the other blah parts. Or as I like to call it, necessary eye poking.
Do I Ever Have to Write Boring Stuff?
Yes. But now that I have more work, I’m able to choose the projects I like best.
How Do I “Make” Myself Work?
If I don’t work, I don’t get paid. Kind of like your job, but with way more bosses to please. Think of it as fun homework.
Plus, it’s oddly satisfying to be organized.
How Do I Get Paid?
- Check or PayPal, or by direct deposit if it’s offered.
- 90% of work is “per-piece,” meaning I get X dollars each blog or article. Fees are based on word length, interview time, etc. and agreed upon with each client before I write it.
Who Do I Write For?
Glad you asked. Check out this nifty little portfolio page. Spoiler: I have plenty of clients I can’t disclose, as I’m a ghostwriter (writing under a different/no name) but this is a good hunk.
Where Do I Work?
I have a home office (with a sweet set-up), but I’m able to work anywhere there’s Internet access. I often work from coffee shops or the library for a change of scenery.
How Many Blogs/Articles Do I Write Per Day?
Depends. I break up the week by workloads, not payment, so that each day has the same amount of work but at the end of the week, I’ve still met my monetary goal. Overall, it’s between four to seven blogs or projects per day. (A project might mean hunks of social media posts, sections of long articles, etc.)
And for now … that’s it. Hopefully, when playing a trivia game where your apartment’s on the line, you’ll now win. Since you know what I do and all. Good luck.
Bethaney Wallace
Bethaney Wallace is a tea drinking, Amazon loving writer and editor. When she's not working on TSR or her personal blog, she loves reading and looking for new DIY projects.
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The post Yes THIS Is My Job – FAQs about Being a Professional Writer by Bethaney Wallace appeared first on The Social Robot.