I do a lot of waiting while I’m freelancing.
I send out an email, wait for the response……. (the dots represent my endless waiting)
I call someone up, wait for their callback.
I send in a story, wait for it to go up.
I wonder how much more I could get done if I didn’t have to wait for other people? Better question, I wonder how much more money I could make if I didn’t wait for other people?
The trick is learning to juggle multiple projects at a time, that way the checks are always rolling in.
Luckily I have a part time gig at Columbia Journalism Review, to keep me going during slow times.
What I really need to do is diversify the publications I write for (I really just wanted to use the word diversify).
I just sent a pitch to LA Times Magazine and Business 2.0. Problem is, in addition to more waiting, I have no connections to these publications. But at least for LA Times Magazine I had an actual email exchange (eight of them) which means I know the pitch was read.
The real art is finding ways to feel productive while waiting as a freelancer.
There is, of course, the art of self improvement. Right now I’m waiting to hear back from grad school (to see if i got in). But if I don’t get in, its always good to try and hone my craft.
All writers can improve. It’s a matter of reading a lot of other writing, but also studying. There are plenty of books or websites dedicated to helping writers. I often use CJR’s Journalism Tools, which I also help update.
But there are a ton of these sites. You can get lost on them for hours if you want (and you are interested). It’s best not to try and do long sittings, but little reads every day.
Writing comes naturally to some people, but nobody is perfect or can go without quick lessons. Even small tips like word selection can go a long way.
Okay, that’s the end of this rant. Take it for what it is.