Writing can be kinda lonely: all those hours hunched over a computer, searching for the perfect word or phrase and churning out stories by the hour. Though some writers actually prefer it this way and worry that swapping tips could encourage the competition, I am not one of them.
I need outside stimulation, and I need to know that other people can relate. Which is why I find friendships with other freelancer writers so vital and invigorating. Here are a few more reasons.
They know people. When I’m stumped about finding an editor’s email address, there’s usually someone in my Gmail contacts who’s written for that editor and will often pass on their information. Plus, they’re good about warning me when a certain pub is habitually late on payment or generally being a PITA (of course, it feels good to pass on that info when I have it, too).
Their success is (partly) your success. When I hear that one of my writing pals has broken into a big dream market, it’s almost as exciting as hearing she’s just gotten engaged or promoted at work. And I think, if she can do, maybe next time it will be me! Plus, swapping editorial contacts and hearing that someone got an assignment based on your recommendation is pretty validating.
They’ll look out for you. I have a few freelance friends who can actually recognize my articles just based on the headline – talk about being tight! Plus, they make me laugh and share the ups and downs of writing.
They get it. My real life friends are a pretty ambitious crowd: we have a law student, a medical resident, several PhD candidates, and the like. But unless they freelance themselves, it’s difficult for them to understand the intricacies of writing a query or negotiating first serial rights. My freelance friends understand what’s at stake when I email a major editor asking for more money or discover that the magazine I’ve been contributing to is going bust. They get why it’s necessary to obsess over headlines and second-guess story angles, because they’ve been there.
See also: finding sources through social networking.
What do you love about your fellow freelancers? Leave a comment and let me know!
Sunday, January 6, 2008
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8 comments:
I just wanted to take the time to personally congratulate on the number of queries you submitted this year --- I'm glad we both were ambitious enough --- although I'm not competitive, this was in line with one of my major goals for the year, so I was disciplined in following through...I hope this effort put forth more $$$ in your pocketbook chica!!
Aww! Freelance friends do rock! :)
Hi Jessica,
Thanks for your message and congrats!! The challenge definitely lit a fire under me and, more importantly, led to some great opportunities (financial and persona) I might not have had without stepping outside my comfort zone. :)
Beth, you're right, but then I usually agree with you.
Good post. I value my freelance friends because they know what I'm going through unlike anyone else. With my friends/family, they sort of pat me on the head and say it will all be okay. One family member's solution to a lack-of-work problem is "well, just write some more" and "you get paid by the word...just include more words."
Sigh.
Jen
Jen,
I hear ya! The paid by the word thing is baffling to people outside the writing community, because they don't realize that word counts are in place for a reason. You can't pull a "Lucy" like on The Peanuts and end every article with "the very, very, very end" just to tack on a few more words!
Susan
Amen to this post, Susan!
My freelance friends get giddy with delight when I finish an article on workers compensation. You can't say that about other friends! LOL
You rule Susan -- I'm looking to visit Boston soon -- meet up? :) I also am looking into going to various writer's conference and was going to talk to Kristen King and you -- in maybe sharing hotel rooms if we decide to go to certain ones... ;)
Just a thought
Hey Jessica,
Let me know when you're coming to Boston and I'd love to meet up if I'm free. What writing conferences are you going to? Maybe I'll go along, too. Take care!
Susan
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