How to Be Married to Another Full Time Freelance Writer

Being married to another writer sounds like the description of a sitcom plot and in many cases it feels like one. However, there are some challenges to being married to another fulltime freelance writer. Beyond getting writing assignments, there are some practical things you need to do to set up your writing as a joint affair.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Business cards
• More than one computer
• All-in-one printer/fax/copier/scanner
• High speed Internet
• Networking router
• Cell phones that can synchronize

1. Treat writing as a business. Come up with a company name and get an Internet domain. Also, order business cards.
2. Determine your needs before purchasing computers. Do you write copy only or does your writing involve graphics? Will you need two desktop computers, two laptops, or one of each? Discuss all the aspects of your computer needs and buy as much as your budget allows.
3. Purchase a printer/fax/copier/scanner. Look for one with a flatbed scanner; it’ll be easier to make copies of your writing for clips. Unless you create graphics for your writing clients, you don’t need a laser jet or even a high-end ink jet.
4. Deciding on high speed Internet will depend on what is available in your area. Buy a networking router as you will need this for file sharing and access to the printer.
5. Buy two cell phones that can be synched with a program that has an address book and calendar. Sync both computers and phones at least once a week. This will avoid scheduling conflicts, like your spouse setting up an interview for both of you when you are scheduled to meet with an editor.
6. Set aside a time to have a staff meeting. It’s a good idea to do this once a week. Discuss what was accomplished in the previous week, the coming week’s calendar, deadlines, scheduled interviews, to do lists, and what invoices are still waiting to be paid. Include any personal items that might affect your calendar. List all of this on a computer document and save them for future reference.
7. Split up responsibilities according to your strengths. Are you better at organization? Then manage the schedules and sync the computers with the phones. Is your spouse better with money? Let him take care of submitting invoices, following up on payments and doing the taxes.
8. Set up a daily schedule. Plan coffee breaks and lunch, as well as laundry, dishes and mowing the lawn. Because working from home means you never leave your office, set a quitting time and don’t go beyond unless it is important.
9. Discuss your assignments and read each other’s work before it is sent to the editor or client. Be each other’s best, and worst, editor. Be generous with praise and picky with grammar.

Tips & Warnings

• You probably won't be able to get everything you need at first. Make a wish list according to the priority of your needs and buy the items as you can afford them.

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