While these Qs are not as FA as you might think, they do offer a good deal of information about myself and my work.
Q: What kind of freelance work do you do?
A: My primary focus is automotive journalism, and most of that is for the web. My first freelance job was updating the New York Times Autos section’s online calendar, a task I still perform twice each month. I’m also the Guide to Exotic Cars on About.com, and I blog at GoodGreenCars.com. I also write automotive articles for print outlets like the New York Times newspaper and Portland Monthly magazine.
My second line of work falls under the umbrella of editing — mostly copy editing and proofreading. I work with independent publishing firms to clean up manuscripts and I’ve been the final pair of eyes to read through magazines before being sent to the printer.
Q: What makes you unique, KHG?
A: While I spend a lot of my time doing creative work, I’m insanely organized and meticulous. I’ve never missed a deadline yet (knock on wood), and my invoicing system is professional. I also don’t pretend to be “detail-oriented” or a “multi-tasker,” though I can handle several overlapping assignments and I am an excellent proofreader. Go figure.
Q: What do you charge?
Well, it all depends, doesn’t it? The market for print articles right now seems to be holding steady at $1 a word for the kind of timely, researched articles I turn in. My editing services start at $50 an hour for simple proofreading with a quick turn-around time and increase with the complexity of the project.
Q: What kind of business relationship will we have?
I work from a home office for companies across the country, and most of my communications are via email, due to time differences. I do like to touch base via telephone every once in a while, though, and if we’re within a couple hours of each other, meeting in person is great for a freelancer like me. My cats are terrible conversationalists.
Q: How do I pay you?
Most of my clients pay via check. I know — it’s so twentieth century, but it works. I don’t accept PayPal payments, but I do have a couple of regulars who have set up direct deposit with my bank. That’s the ideal.
Q: How long have you been in business?
I’ve been in automotive journalism since February 2002, when I started at Sports Car Market magazine. In September 2006, I went solo and began my freelance career. Since then, I’ve written for Details magazine, worked on an editing project for CitySearch, and attended the Detroit auto show for About.com.
Q: Where are you located, and what are your hours?
I’m in Portland, Oregon, and I generally work Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Pacific Time. Most Friday mornings I walk dogs at the Humane Society, but they’re flexible if I have a deadline looming or interview to do.
