Making schedules (and MISTAKES) as a full-time freelancer | Freelance vlog #1

After meticulously planning out my schedule for the first three months of 2022, things immediately went (slightly) awry. Also, some honest talk about rates, especially for those just starting out with freelancing, and oh, hey, a little book release celebration!
LINKS
Enveritas Group (the agency I worked with for over 5 years) enveritasgroup...
Apply to join their team of freelance designers, editors, translators, & writers here: apply.workable...
I use Reedsy to get most of my freelance ghostwriting work. Sign up to offer your services here (and we'll both get bonus $$ when you get your first client!): reedsy.com/p/m...
More about my book coaching services: www.michellesc...
Creative writing for teens (starts Jan 10!): writingworksho...
Not a teen? No worries, I have other courses!
Planning a novel without plotting: skl.sh/3G60GNM
Character transformation: skl.sh/33iwgFH
Writing a killer book description: skl.sh/356PtLg
And hey, THE DOG'S MEOW (amzn.to/3EXjZa5) and MY OTTER HALF (amzn.to/3FXRrP9) are now out in the wild!
Like the music in this vid? Try Epidemic Sound! www.epidemicso...
I use Canva for all my thumbnails and graphics: partner.canva....
Stuff I use as a full time writer/author (that you may have spotted in this video!) (affiliate links are afoot):
WRITING/WORK STUFF
Macbook Air. amzn.to/3soroc2
iPAPA laptop case: amzn.to/3slflwf
Mind-Reader adjustable/portable laptop desk. I LOVE this thing. Typing with my arms at an angle has drastically reduced elbow/wrist pain. amzn.to/2OYh0tX
Bluelight blocker glasses: amzn.to/2VAG51u
Best writing pens, hands down. I use them every time I revise a book. amzn.to/311nRoP
Acer monitor. I kind of hate the word gamechanger but this really was that kind of purchase. amzn.to/3vH71Kh
Brother laser printer. amzn.to/3tzIvZE
Alphasmart Neo2. Highly highly recommend. amzn.to/3cStKui
I'm a Skillshare Ambassador! I've been binging their courses on filmmaking and video editing, as well as writing, but there's all kinds of stuff for creative types! Try it out FREE for two week! skillshare.eqc...
COFFEE STUFF
Ninja coffee maker. amzn.to/31533Nu
Cold brew pitcher. amzn.to/3cSKVM9
Zulay milk frother. amzn.to/3r7DDJu
VIDEO MAKING STUFF
Canon G7X Mark iii camera. I love the flip up screen (ie, you can see yourself as you film) and the fact that there’s a mic port. amzn.to/3r9BfCb
Savage studio lights. I mostly use these for ‘talking head’ videos. amzn.to/3r7G6Un
Ubeesize 10” ring light. That’s the little guy sitting on my desk. I mostly use it for vlogging. amzn.to/31hqpzD
JJC mini tripod. amzn.to/3feXxjJ
Rode clip mic. amzn.to/2OSaLb2
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I've got lots of other freebies for you to download and use on your writing journey: www.michellesc...
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BLACK LIVES MATTER. To my fellow white authors: we have to show up every day. We have to speak out. We have to make it clear to the Black authors and creators in our community that we are here for them. Silence is not an option. Please check out this Google Doc for hundreds of resources on how you can support, donate, and learn--not just in February, not just when another senseless tragedy due to racism occurs, but every single day from right now moving forward: docs.google.co...
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SUPPORT INDIES!
Like audiobooks? I switched from Audible to Libro.fm in 2019 and have zero regrets. Libro.fm sends your $ to the indie bookstore of your choice! The monthly fee is the same. Sign up with this referral link and get a FREE audiobook: libro.fm/referr...
Looking for your next writing craft book? Check out my Bookshop and support indies! bookshop.org/l...
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Looking for a ghostwriter for your novel? I might be your gal! reedsy.com/mic...
If you're interested in using Reedsy to offer your ghostwriting or editing services, sign up here: reedsy.com/p/m...
*full disclosure: the above link is a referral! If you sign up and get a project, you and I each get $100!*
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MY BOOKS
/ 6522087.michelle_schus...
www.goodreads....
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DISCLAIMER: Links included in this description may be affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I may receive a small commission from purchases. There is no additional charge to you!

[@MichelleSchustermanAuthor]

*~*Allllll the links!*~* Enveritas Group (the agency I worked with for over 5 years) enveritasgroup.com/ Apply to join their team of freelance designers, editors, translators, & writers here: apply.workable.com/enveritasgroup/j/DA02D582C6/ I use Reedsy to get most of my freelance ghostwriting work. Sign up to offer your services here (and we'll both get bonus $$ when you get your first client!): reedsy.com/p/michelle-schusterman More about my book coaching services: www.michelleschusterman.com/story-coaching-services Creative writing for teens (starts Jan 10!): writingworkshops.com/products/1584107 And hey, THE DOG'S MEOW (amzn.to/3EXjZa5) and MY OTTER HALF (amzn.to/3FXRrP9) are now out in the wild! 🐶🐈

[@LiselleSambury]

The panic I felt for you when you listed the projects and almost all were due at the end of March 😱 Truly in awe of you managing deadlines like that

[@MichelleSchustermanAuthor]

😂Thanks, Liselle! It took a loooong time for me to get to a place where I can manage this workload. 2016 Michelle would have died lol

[@LiselleSambury]

@@MichelleSchustermanAuthor 2016 Michelle is me lol I would die. But that’s fantastic that you’ve been able to hone your process so well to be at this point

[@wordcharm2649]

Very inspiring to hear how hard working you are, Michelle! I have a similar schedule now that I'm back to drafting my series. Basically, 5-10k days M-TH, Friday is 2-5k day (so more relaxed); and Sat/Sun is replenish the well, family time, and no writing UNLESS I feel absolutely compelled to write something. And despite having a word count, I'm treating writing in terms of "scenes" now so that's always my main focus: Complete the scene. Then move to the next scene. It's been a lot less stressful than thinking exclusively in word count.

[@MichelleSchustermanAuthor]

Our schedules do look really similar! 5-10k days - damn, get it! :D You're totally right about that - thinking in scenes rather than word count is SO much less stressful.

[@reginaduke7451]

What a lovely surprise! Getting another cup of coffee, sitting back, and watching. Sigh. Thanks!

[@MichelleSchustermanAuthor]

Thank YOU for watching, Regina! :)

[@reginaduke7451]

"I'm working on my own mystery novel..." --- How??? That is a mind-blowing work load! (Feeling your pain.)

[@BarrettLaurie]

Me too Regina. This is what more than a decade in publishing does…sharpens the skills and improved the efficiency in the tasks! Besides Regina, you’re one of the most prolific writers I know! 💜🤟🏼

[@MichelleSchustermanAuthor]

Aw thanks, Regina! You are quite prolific yourself!!!! :)

[@BarrettLaurie]

Thank you for bringing us this video. I freelanced as a social media specialist and as a crisis management communications expert. So fascinated to see the writerly side of things. I think we’re looking to you to see what opportunities exist. And probably if I qualify to do any writerly freelancing. What sort of experience should one have before they venture into publishing freelancing? What sorts of freelancing opportunities are best for newbies? What sorts of business protections (LLC, insurance, etc) is needed when you begin freelancing? What advice do you have for time management on freelance jobs? What advice do you have for pricing time for freelance jobs? I was a night owl in my twenties and now that has totally shifted. I write my best stuff before noon. It’s a total shift for me so I feel that. Book coaching is interesting. Didn’t know you offered this service. Thank you for all that you do! We appreciate you. PS - Your workload is a lot! Mad props!

[@MichelleSchustermanAuthor]

Ohh these are FABULOUS questions! Thank you so much, Barrett! You just handed me a ton of content 😂

[@BarrettLaurie]

@@MichelleSchustermanAuthor I got you! 😂🤣

[@booksvsmovies]

Two freelancing questions 1. How did you balance client work when you had contracted writing from a publisher to do? 2. Do you consider KZbin a freelancing endeavour or just a hobby?

[@MichelleSchustermanAuthor]

Ooh, excellent questions!! I'll add that to the list of stuff to talk about in the next vlog - thank you! :)

[@herbivore101able]

Not interested in freelancing, BUT desperately hoping to work on my organization so I still found this useful 💖

[@MichelleSchustermanAuthor]

I'm happy to hear that, Matty! Thanks for watching! :)

[@JoeyPaulOnline]

You manage to juggle so much work that my hat goes off to you! Loving this series already, and happy double book birthday!

[@MichelleSchustermanAuthor]

Thanks so much, Joey! :D Happy new year, hope you're doing well!

[@JoeyPaulOnline]

@@MichelleSchustermanAuthor I am doing good, today’s my 40th birthday so had a wonderful day and enjoying myself!

[@MichelleSchustermanAuthor]

@@JoeyPaulOnline Ahhh happy birthday!!!!! :D

[@JoeyPaulOnline]

@@MichelleSchustermanAuthor Thanks!!

[@kanashiiookami6537]

Congrats on the book releases! Also thanks for the info so far. As soon as you said about how a lot of people would rather work at the office rather than at home, I was thinking working from home would be a better idea. (No travel, no colleagues, no stress beyond family, etc) Until you mentioned the part about thinking "nah, I could scroll for a bit longer" which I knew would be my downfall for work. If I know I can skive, I will, thinking "just for a few minutes" which inevitably turns into a few hours because I easily lose track of time. 😅 so yeah, that with added stress of deadlines means I'd probably be frazzled working from home. I can't wait to hear more, though, because it may help me to figure out (if I ever get the ability/access to do this) how to work around these little obstacles for a good work from home life. Thank you again for the video, and I hope your writing is going well today!

[@MichelleSchustermanAuthor]

Thanks so much, K! :) Yeah, that balance is so hard to find when you work from home. I think in general it's easier to have structure when someone else imposes it on you! It took years before I really figured it out. I hope you're having a great week!!

[@hannahguthrie9112]

Hey! This isn't a question about freelancing necessarily but would you consider making a video of what the ghostwriting process is like? It would be really interesting to learn what it's like from the time you sign a client to when that project is finished! ❤️ Congratulations on your releases!

[@MichelleSchustermanAuthor]

Absolutely! I did a video on my process with clients in my ghostwriting series last year: kzbin.info/www/bejne/iJ-2g2uLiK53ibM And thank you so much, Hannah! :)

[@vfmejia.author]

First off congrats on the books! The cute animal pairings on the covers always make me smile ☺️ I’m so happy you’re starting this series! I’m in my first year of being a freelance assistance after a horrendous first job right after college. I loved your words on time management and procrastination, that’s a huge lesson I’m learning now. For future topics you can touch on, I wonder if you have any tools you can share that have helped you organize your work? Like physical planners or online calendars/organizers. What do you use to keep all your client work separate? Also tools like things on your desk or items that have helped you along the way. I’m excited to see more videos about this! Thank you!

[@MichelleSchustermanAuthor]

Thanks so much, Valeria!! :) Congrats on getting out of that horrendous job and getting into freelancing - that's so exciting! Also, those are GREAT suggestions - I'm making a note to mention all of that in my next vlog. Thank you!!

[@ekstn645]

This is so interesting! I have no plans to freelance, but I already know that I’m really going to enjoy this series.

[@MichelleSchustermanAuthor]

Thanks so much, Kealani! I appreciate you watching! :)

[@j.s.elliot7121]

Thanks for this video, Michelle. And congratulations on your new releases! 🙂 Have you ever had any issues from clients while freelancing when there were infrastructure issues (like last February)? I'd hope people would be reasonable about that, but I know there are always some that aren't.

[@MichelleSchustermanAuthor]

Thanks so much, JS! :) Ooh, that's a great question. The short answer is yes...nothing super terrible, but definitely some issues. I'll add that to the list of things to talk about in this series!

[@Avionne_Parris]

Congrats on your double release, Michelle! So excited for you and I sincerely hope you get mad sales during this January month right after the holidays. Covid has created some new and interesting reading trends so you never know what could happen. Best of luck either way. Hope you sell alot! Mad respect for freelancers though. My plan is to eventually write full-time once I publish my first book. But I actually love my remote job so the plan is to cut down on hours and certain tasks but never to quit. "Diversify your income" is what I've been taught so working on multiple revenue streams is what I'll be setting up in 2022. That schedule made my hyperventilate a little; how do you keep each clients' story straight? Must be a gift cause I find myself struggling to work on multiple projects. Tried it but I'd get my stories mixed up all the time. Must be me cause I cant multitask in my remote job either. Use to in my previous role but had to switch due to stress. Unreasonable deadlines, micromanaging and multitasking are not good combos for me lolz. One task at a time and I will do it 100%. And dont harass me for an ETA, if I need help, I'll ask. Thank God for an amazing boss. Need to create my own schedule. And organise my life. This year will be great. Here's hoping yours is too, Michelle! Hey Rosa :-)

[@MichelleSchustermanAuthor]

Thank you so much, Sio!! Diversity your income is probably the BEST advice overall when it comes to freelancing. Hell, not just freelancing - I wish I'd done more of that even back when I had a full-time salaried job! As for keeping books straight...honestly, it's just something I've slowly gotten better at over the years. I used to be a one-book-at-a-time writer, and I just gradually started stretching myself. I'm glad you have a great boss! That makes all the difference. And yes, here's to a GREAT 2022!!

[@erikaannette7397]

I was wondering if you could give any insight on how one gets into editing as a freelancer. What kind of experience or qualifications would you want to have? I currently freelance full time narrating audiobooks and I have a degree in English, but I'd love to diversify my workload and editing seems like the next logical step.

[@erikaannette7397]

I know this video is old, but fingers crossed you'll still see this 😂

[@lesaboutin1430]

Thanks for this. It's been very helpful. I'm looking forward to more on freelancing.

[@MichelleSchustermanAuthor]

So glad it was helpful, Lesa! Thank you for watching! :)

[@enuelcaraballo]

very interesting I personally have never thought about freelancing just because I am really learning all the writing skills so I do not think I am at the level but I found this very interesting. Thank you for sharing, a great video, I cant wait to hear when you achieve all those jobs. Just because for me that's is a whole lot lol.

[@MichelleSchustermanAuthor]

Thank you so much, Enuel! :) So glad you enjoyed the video, and I appreciate you watching!

[@kaseylealma]

Do you use dictation with your clients or just with your own writing?

[@MichelleSchustermanAuthor]

Both!! :)