There’s no such thing as a free(lance) lunch: Kate McAuley

There’s no such thing as a free(lance) lunch is a series that asks professional freelancers the questions you want to ask them.  Think of it as having coffee with everyone at the same time. This week from the UK: Kate McAuley.

 

Who are you, what do you do? What’s your speciality?

I’m Kate McAuley. I’m a freelance writer. I also consult, host events, blog and do a bit of copywriting too. My speciality is lifestyle – food, fashion, travel, interiors and beauty.

How long have you been freelancing?

On and off for ten years.

How did you/What made you start freelancing?

I got my start after I was caught up in a very dangerous riot in Papua New Guinea. I sold my story to one of the Australian newspapers and went from there. It was a great way in, if not a little extreme.

How did you sell your first piece/pitch your first job?

I was in the right place at the right time. I was the only Aussie in the centre of the violence, so I took a shot (no pun intended).

What are the pros?

My husband is posted all over the world for his job, which means I have to have something transferable if I want to continue working. Freelancing gives me this freedom. I also love working from home, being my own boss and all the unique experiences I am offered. I also never have to cover anything that I’m not interested in, which is great.

What are the cons?  

I’m always working – either writing, attending events, networking travelling or looking for my next commission. Luckily I LOVE my job, so it doesn’t get me down too much.

Let’s talk networking. Some people think of it as a dirty word. What do you think about networking and how do you do it?

Networking is essential – especially if you’re new to a market or city. I find editors commission from people they know and trust.

Is it really who you know when you freelance?

Yes, but not always. I belong to a few journalists’ databases and I often get offered work through them. Cold pitching sometimes works, but often it’s better to try to build a relationship. If the roles were reversed, I’d feel the same way.

What do you think about the ‘pick your brain over coffee’ invite? Do you do it?

I get asked for advice all the time. I don’t mind, but I see very few people follow it. So, I pick and choose who I sit down with. They have to really want it.

Do you think you have to have a certain personality to freelance?

Not necessarily, but being able to talk to people and build a rapport is important – but I would say this is true of all journalists, staff or not.

What are your tips?

Be tenacious. I see too many people give up when they haven’t achieved overnight success. It takes time, but the most successful freelancers I know have kept at it and worked incredibly hard. It’s not an easy job, but it is rewarding.

I would also shy away from giving your writing away for free. Is a by-line really worth that much? Not only does it cheapen you, it also makes it more difficult for the rest of us to get paid work. If you really want to prove your serious about writing, start a blog. It’s what I did when I moved to London from Dubai and now I actually get commissioned to write on my website, as well as make additional cash through advertising and affiliate links.

Do you think freelancing is a viable way of making a full-time living?

If you’re talking about pure writing, then I don’t think so. I’ve diversified to include event hosting and social media training and management. I’m also working on video production and presenting.

 You can read Kate McAuley’s work at i am not a celebrity and Fashion for the Forecast.

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Free(lance) lunch is a weekly series published every Monday. If you are a freelancer and want to be featured on Free(lance) lunch, please email [email protected].