June Feature:
Tools for Freelancers
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For someone setting up a freelance business in publishing, many questions need addressing: what type of computer should I buy? Do I need high-speed Internet service? How do I manage the financial side of freelancing? Joen Kinnan, a freelance writer, uses a laptop computer that she takes to conferences. At home, she converts the laptop to a desktop computer via a separate monitor, keyboard, and wireless mouse. She also uses a wireless router to move the computer from room to room. Another important piece of equipment for Kinnan is a digital tape recorder, for recording interviews and conference proceedings. She explains that it is very small and plugs directly into her computer. This enables her to upload files, some of which contain several hours of recordings. Before turning on the tape recorder, however, she must tell the other person the conversation is being recorded, Kinnan pointed out. "It is illegal not to," she said. Lara C. Pullen, PhD, a freelance medical writer and consultant on environmental health issues, said she does a lot of research online and cannot afford to waste time with slow Internet service. "Absolutely spend your money on high-speed Internet service," she said. For the most part, she uses Microsoft Word and e-mails files as attachments to clients. Kathy Louden seconded the need for high-speed Internet service. "The number one tool that every freelance communicator needs today is a high-speed Internet connection," said the freelance health writer and editor from Gurnee. For Maureen and Ted Glasoe, owners of The Glasoe Group, a design and editorial business in Evanston, a cable connection is preferable to DSL. "As designers, we often send very large files over the Internet," Ted explained. "For sending files via FTP (file transfer protocol), cable is better than DSL." One of the most important determinants of success in freelance companies is managing the business side, Pullen said. "You need a system to keep track of finances." Setting up this system is simpler when you're starting out, she explained, because you have few clients and not much revenue. Pullen and the Glasoes use QuickBooks to track their companies' finances. It is important to keep business finances separate from personal finances, Pullen said, and one way to do this is to open up a business credit card (such as American Express) and charge everything related to the business to that card. Pullen also advises freelancers to open up an account with an office supply store (such as OfficeMax). She orders all of her supplies online and they are delivered the next day. "It's all about saving time," she explained. Janice Snider is a medical editor in Chicago. She can be reached at jansnider@earthlink.net. |