Where Does Your Time Go?

Anyone who has been in the freelance writing game for more than a few months has probably realized there is much more to it than writing. In fact, I spend less time on the actual writing than on everything else that goes with it.

“Like what?” you might ask?

I can’t speak for all writers, but I spend my time on the following tasks:

· Researching and contacting sources.

· Developing interview questions.

· Conducting interviews.

· Researching background information.

· Writing.

· Self-editing/proofreading*

· Requesting/sending photos.

· Invoicing.

*Not everyone does this, but I am hardwired to do a thorough self-edit. Pressed for time? I suggest double checking names, titles, company names, and locations at the very minimum.

Sometimes I’m given a list of potential sources. Sometimes I find them on my own. Sometimes the sources I’m given aren’t a good fit for the piece, so I still have to find my own. Next, I prepare interview questions for the source, followed by reaching out to folks. When I finally reach the potential source, we schedule an interview time (most folks dislike chatting on the spot). I often send my questions in advance so the source can prepare answers or locate information as needed. That’s another email exchange. I frequently need to speak with multiple sources, so I plan on at least 30 minutes per interview.

Then, there’s the interview itself, followed by transcribing any notes as needed. Sometimes extra research is required. This can be anything from clarifying brand names to looking up statistics. Depending on the piece, I might have to brush up on the topic or source.

When all of that is complete, then it’s time to sit down and write. Even this is not a quick, straightforward process. Sometimes I need clarification on a quote, more information on a product or something mentioned during the interview. When I have a working draft, I print out a hard copy and grab my trusty red pen and do a thorough self-edit. (Yes, I know there are countless editing programs available, but to me, nothing beats a hard copy for this step of the process!)

I wrote this post for two reasons. One, to show that “writing” is sometimes the least time-consuming of the entire writing process, and two, to encourage freelancers to account for the above steps when determining rates. Quite often, we are just asked for a per-word rate, which does not account for everything else that goes into writing. Always keep the “other stuff” in mind when calculating a rate. Time is precious—make it count.

When working on an assignment, where does your time go?