Work: Message I Sent to BAEF List
Sent: Friday, January 18, 2008 12:32 PM
To: editorsforum@yahoogroups.com [Bay Area Editors' Forum]
Subject: RE: [editorsforum] Silence
Strange that the “Silence” topic would cause me to break mine.
I must admit I often feel shy and intimidated by all the brainiacs on this list and the FREELANCE list. I mostly lurk and glean important tips whenever I have the time to do so. I rarely find my voice in this forum.
My freelance editing, proofreading, and writing are my bread and butter, however, I’ve been doing it for a relatively short period (4.5 years) compared to many of you. Also, my operation is small and weirdly specialized (magazine work, computer and video game strategy guides, allied health textbooks, and the odd monograph or college text). I like my few steady, long-term clients. Oddly, this mix is usually enough.
I find I tend to go the easy route in my business at all times, in part because I’m not a true entrepreneur at heart but also because I’m mothering two small children (5 and 11 months). I often dream of marketing myself to more and better clients, taking on more challenging jobs, learning new software and skills, but usually find I have no time to pursue those things, at least right now. I am fortunate to have my husband’s income as well as my own.
I eagerly await the day when I can make the drive from Sacramento to SF for the BAEF meetings, but for now that is impractical. I wonder if there are any other BAEF members in Sacramento who would like to carpool sometime … I never thought to ask before now.
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The replies I got made me feel good, so I’m posting them here for me to keep:
Hilary Powers, Goddess of Word, wrote: “Your voice is assuredly welcome, and your specialties are fascinating, being different from mine! The relief of attending to someone else’s triumphs and problems (instead of one’s isolated own) is immense.
“More to the point, are there any BAEF members in Sacramento who would like to get together THERE from time to time?
“Just as the South Bay members did last year, you can find each other here and start brightening one another’s lives and sharing insights without hauling yourselves a coupla hours each way on a weeknight….”
AND
Christine Freeman wrote: “I wanted to say thanks to you, Sara, for sharing this. Your life now is quite a bit like mine was when my children were growing up. Being a freelance editor was a wonderful way to balance work and family. For the past several years, we’ve had both our children in college, and now the younger one is in her final semester. The week she went off to college, I had my first interview for a job in a real office, working in a team environment. …
“I’m in a “real” job in my chosen newer field now, and I’m grateful every day for what I learned from my years as a freelance editor. I wouldn’t be doing what I’m doing today, and my kids wouldn’t be who they are, without that.
“And, for years, BAEF was my major connection to others doing related work. It’s a great organization. Some day, when your kids are old enough, come into the city for a meeting that really sounds attractive to you. You’ll love it.”
