WTF Am I Doing?

What does it take to become a freelance writer or editor, and how do you know if this career path is right for you? In this episode, co-hosts Jenni Gritters and Wudan Yan explain their career trajectories, as well as what they've learned from building successful freelance writing and editing businesses during their collective 12+ years of work. If you're thinking about becoming a freelance writer, this episode will give you a jumping off point, including questions to consider and key first steps toward success.
May we recommend some resources?
1. Check out Alexandra Cavoulacos' book, The New Rules of Work, which will help you think about what you value in a workplace. If you're going to create your own dream job as a freelancer, you have to learn to be a good manager for yourself! This book is a great place to start.
2. Now that season one is over, we've compiled every episode's resources into a workbook, which you can buy here.
3. We also pulled all our business planning resources into a handbook; once you're done, you'll have a one-sheeter that you can use to update your website and focus your energy. Grab that here.
4. We also have a brand-new new offering: If you're just getting started with your freelance business, you'll want to enroll in freelance biz school @ The Writers’ Co-op Academy! We're offering two courses: One that helps you build a business plan (Biz Basics) and one to help you understand media contracts. It's like 1-1 coaching, but cheaper.

You're invited to support the podcast by becoming an official Writers' Co-op member on Patreon. All members $3 and up get access to event discounts, a Q&A form, and more. All-Access members receive special worksheets and other downloads along with each episode, plus an exclusive episode at the end of each season, and access to our Slack channel. And if you're a VIP or Pod Squad member, you also get monthly coaching sessions along with the aforementioned resources.

If you're not a member, you can buy each episode's accompanying resources a la carte on our website. Episode transcriptions are also available there.