Freelancer In Focus for December 2007 - Walking Stork

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Address: Worcestershire Email: enquiries@walkingstork.com Website: http://www.walkingstork.com Area of Expertise: Proofreading and editing

Description How have you found working freelance? What are the highs and lows, the frustrations and the bonuses? One of the most challenging things about working freelance is juggling many contracts. At any one time we can be working for a variety of clients, both corporate and individual, all with their own requirements and timescales. It can be very stressful when everything arrives at once! Proofreading and editing is a tricky area to be in as well - most people don't think they need a proofreader or editor until you point out the benefits (like well written copy!). And they underestimate how long the job takes so they're reluctant to pay professional rates. It’s always worrying when invoice time comes round as you never know whether it's to be chips or champagne! Has being a member of Freelancers In The UK helped you? We’d like to think so but how? We heard about Freelancers a few years ago, but only joined this year. It's been a breath of fresh air, not just in raising our profile, but in getting new contacts. The new projects are a constant source of interest. What are the biggest challenges for you for 2008? Keeping going! Trying to find a good work/lifestyle balance. The pulsing nature of the workflow means that often lifestyle is all work and no style. Also maintaining the cashflow, paying the bills and seeking out new clients. We pride ourselves on high quality proofing and editing and also have a lot of expertise in web editing so we'd like to do more of that (and can edit remotely so where you are isn't an issue - New Zealand or New York would be fine!). It would also be good to have more quality time with the cats - they can be more demanding than our clients! 4. What are you hoping you'll find in your stocking this Christmas? A computer system that never goes wrong. A printer that never goes wrong. Above all a computer system that will do the work, while we put our feet up! More seriously, lots of writing, editing and proofing possibilities. A new year, a new start, who knows!