I started my freelance career without an internet connection. And yet when I started getting assignments, and running back and forth to the library to use its internet became a hassle, I embraced learning my way around. I designed and set up my own blog. I taught myself to transfer that blog from Blogger to a self-hosted WordPress site. I started another blog, and another. I took courses and read tons on SEO, keywords, metadata, social media, affiliate advertising and more.
Once, an editor asked me for a certain size headshot. I didn’t know a pixel from a Pekingese. So, I found out.
Another editor sent me a W-9 to fill out and return–electronically. I had no idea how to do that. So I found out.
As a freelance writer, we spend a great deal of time doing research in order to write our stories. We research to find experts on our topics and conduct interviews. We ask questions. We learn. So, why is it that we tend to shy away from something as helpful as technology?
Writing is a service profession. In order to serve our editors, we need to be the best that we can be at what we do. If that involves learning how to electronically sign a document, then so be it.
One tip: Don’t ask the editor how to do things you should know how to do. She doesn’t have time to hold your hand. That’s what Google is for.
Make Technology Your Friend
Need to know a few things? Here are a few places to start:
- How to electronically sign a Word doc
- How to electronically sign a pdf
- How to get started in blogging (aff. link)
- Journalism courses
Now get out there and ask questions. Exercise those search engines. Barter with other writers if you have to. Just get those technical jobs done.
What technical things have you taught yourself to do? I’d love for you to share in the comments.