As I mentioned yesterday, I recorded a radio interview last night about my ebook: Curing Camden. I’ll be sure to post the link when the show airs!

The host started our interview by asking about my work as a freelance writer. He wanted listeners to understand what it means to be a freelancer. After I described the process (which I outlined in a post earlier this month), he described me as a sort of journalism entrepreneur.

The definition fits. It’s true that as a freelance writer, I make my living writing. But I’m also the CEO of my own business. Here’s what makes me an entrepreneur:

• I’m responsible for my own insurance, including health insurance. I started freelancing before I was married and purchased own health insurance for a few years (an expensive endeavor!).
• I don’t get the benefits that full-time employees do, such as paid sick leave and vacation time. I need to budget for these days.
• Similarly, I handle my own retirement savings — without an employer match.
• I’m my own accounting department. I negotiate rates, send invoices (and follow up when payments are late), and pay my taxes quarterly.
• It’s up to me to keep the work flowing. When there’s room in my schedule, I pitch editors and seek out new opportunities.

While it can be a drag to spend an afternoon drafting invoices or tracking payments when I’d rather be writing, I love being a freelancer. There are so many benefits, including flexibility and freedom. But that’s a post for another day…

Image by a.love photography