I spoke with Johanna from the The Freelance Outdoorswoman about what it takes to be a freelance writer. Here’s a snippet of our interview, but check her site for the full thing.
What made you decide to start freelancing?
I wanted to move to the mountains and I wanted more freedom and flexibility. I didn’t want to be confined to an office chair from 9-6 every day. I wanted to tell stories across different outlets and actually be able to report them in person, traveling and on the ground. I also knew I wanted to have kids and that being freelance would afford the freedom of schedule that I wanted as a parent.
What was the most challenging thing for you when you first started?
The fact that you don’t get paid right away. So, the first year or so, I was waiting on checks from assignments I’d completed months prior. It felt like I was making no money, since my bank account wasn’t showing any income, even though money was owed to me. By a year in, I was able to adjust to that process and save accordingly, but still, that was especially hard. Basically, if you want to go freelance, you’ll need a decent amount of savings up front just so you’re not completely broke your first few months on the job. I would also say the rejections from editors were hard to hear, but those are still hard. That part hasn’t gotten any easier.
What helped you the most when starting out?
Other freelancers! I had friends who I’d worked with as their editor when I was on staff and other writers I’d met through press trips and trade shows and such, and having that community to bounce ideas, issues, problems off of was and continues to be hugely helpful. I still call, email, text my fellow freelance friends and say: Do you have a contact at Sunset magazine? Or how much does Men’s Journal pay you? Or can I send you a draft of something I’m working on? When you work for yourself, you have no coworkers. So building your own little set of colleagues can be life and career saving.