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Kathryn, Independent writer/editor at Self-Employed: Advize Career Interview
A successful career in writing and editing, built on a foundation of college newspaper involvement and a diverse range of experiences, is revealed in this interview.
The journey includes a paid editorship, a seven-year stint as newsletter editor and photographer, a decade as a features writer, and a rewarding transition to freelance work encompassing health and food magazines.
The interviewee's work is varied, demanding strong people skills and meticulous accuracy, while offering flexibility and the chance to connect with interesting people.
Challenges exist, particularly balancing work and life, but the rewards of a self-directed career, continuous learning, and the ability to shape one's work-life balance are clear.
The interviewee's advice highlights the importance of persistence, embracing opportunities, and exploring diverse career paths within the writing field. A holistic education and a willingness to say "yes" are emphasized as keys to success.
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Kathryn McKenzie (Kathy to my friends)
Independent writer/editor
Self-Employed
Cal Poly San Luis Obispo
No graduate programs
Creative Writing, Journalism
Arts, Entertainment & Media
Creative
Honors Student
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Career Path Of An Independent Writer And Editor As A Freelancer
Kathryn's career path began with extensive involvement in their college newspaper, culminating in a paid editorship where they "wrote columns, wrote news stories, uh, helped with layout, um, and graphics." After further newspaper experience and a seven-year stint as newsletter editor and photographer for Knob Hill Foods, a Central California grocery chain, the professional transitioned to a decade-long features writer position at the Monterey Herald before embracing freelance writing.
Main Responsibilities of an Independent Writer and Editor as a Freelancer
Kathryn's main responsibilities involve editing a health magazine for the Monterey Herald as an independent contractor, a role which includes "generating story ideas, assigning writers, making sure there's photos," and working with graphic artists—a significant shift from traditional print methods to a fully online workflow. Additionally, Kathryn freelances for *Edible Monterey Bay*, a local food magazine, while seeking to add another freelance gig to maintain flexibility as Kathryn approaches retirement, stating "I'm kind of at a point in my career where I'm actually sort of slowing things down a little bit."
A Day In The Life Of A Self-Employed Independent Writer And Editor
Kathryn's work as a self-employed writer and editor is incredibly varied, with "no two days alike," juggling tasks like assigning stories, liaising with photographers and advertisers, and intensely focused production weeks involving "emailing back and forth with the graphic artists." This multifaceted role, encompassing work for health and food magazines and prior involvement with a non-profit online news magazine, allows Kathryn to utilize their skills in diverse ways, keeping their "mind flexible and ready for whatever."
Most Important Skills for a Self-Employed Independent Writer and Editor
Kathryn, an independent writer/editor, emphasizes the importance of strong "people skills," enjoying "talking to them, finding out about what makes them tick," and meticulous accuracy, noting that "mistakes…creep in" requiring thorough fact-checking and source verification. The self-employed aspect necessitates financial management skills, including tracking income and expenses.
Favorite Parts of Being a Self-Employed Writer
Kathryn, an independent writer/editor, most enjoys the "flexibility of being self-employed," allowing for community engagement and meeting people while pursuing their introverted and extroverted interests through writing. This work provides a balance between solitary focus and social interaction, something Kathryn finds personally fulfilling.
Biggest Challenges As A Self Employed Independent Writer And Editor
Kathryn's biggest challenge as a self-employed writer/editor is balancing "meeting deadlines, even as life is going on," especially given recent personal hardships impacting work capacity; this highlights the precarious nature of freelance work, where paid leave and consistent income are not guaranteed, unlike traditional employment.
Favorite Parts of Working in Journalism as a Freelance Writer
Kathryn's favorite aspect of the writing and editing industry is the "terrific, interesting people," particularly the creative and funny writer and journalism friends; the ever-changing nature of the work, with "every day different," provides continuous learning and prevents boredom.
What Type Of Person Thrives In The Journalism Industry According To A Freelance Writer And Editor
Kathryn, an independent writer/editor, highlights the industry's appeal to those who thrive on "novelty" and "what's new," a trait explained by the recent ADHD diagnoses of some journalist colleagues. Success also requires a balance of embracing this freedom and possessing the discipline to "produce and package" high-quality work.
What A Self-Employed Writer Editor Wishes They Had Known Before Entering The Writing Industry
Kathryn, an independent writer/editor, surprisingly felt well-prepared for self-employment, but wishes they had known "the amount of time involved" outside of work hours for continuous learning and preparation. A key takeaway is their wish for earlier awareness of alternative writing-intensive career paths like policy analysis or political campaign communications, advising aspiring writers to "explore a lot of different possibilities".
Entry-Level Positions For Aspiring Writers
Kathryn's career path highlights the importance of persistence, suggesting that even seemingly unrelated roles, like "being a receptionist," can lead to writing positions. Opportunities exist in various sectors, including newspapers (though "I don't know that those kind of opportunities still exist"), government, and non-profits, requiring initiative to "keep trying and get your foot in the door."
Significant Career Lesson From a Self-Employed Independent Writer and Editor
Kathryn's most significant career lesson is to "try not to say no too much" and remain open to new opportunities. This openness has led to a diverse career path, encompassing books, government communications, and even TV scripts, demonstrating the benefits of embracing unexpected projects.
College Experiences That Helped a Self-Employed Independent Writer and Editor Succeed
Kathryn's undergraduate experience involved exploring diverse opportunities—"I didn't say no very often"—including campus radio and newspaper work, and taking varied electives for a "well-rounded liberal arts education." This broad approach, building knowledge across many areas, proved highly beneficial for their writing career, demonstrating the value of a holistic education.
How Identity Has Influenced An Independent Writer And Editor's Career
Kathryn's career path reflects a common experience for many women, choosing "softer stuff" over more aggressive news roles due to personality, and prioritizing flexible work arrangements after having children to maintain a high level of involvement in their lives; this was a personal choice that suited their needs and resulted in a fulfilling career trajectory.
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