I had a great time yesterday being interviewed by Kim Pawlak of the Text and Academic Authors Association about how I’ve made a successful career by writing for higher education/college textbook publishers.
Right-click here to save the podcast to your computer or mp3 player for later listening.
If you are serious about about this freelance writing niche (I make $50-$100 per hour), check out my ebook Writing College Textbook Supplements: Developing Test Questions, Quiz Questions, Instructor Manuals, Lecture Outlines, and Other Curriculum Components.
What I Discuss in the Interview
Here are the questions I answer in detail:
1. How did you get started writing supplements for college textbooks?
2. What do you enjoy most about writing textbook supplements?
3. What background does a freelance writer need in order to write for higher education publishers?
4. What are the best ways to find editors at textbook publishing companies?
5. What is the earning potential?
6. What are your favorite types of projects?
7. What are the important characteristics of a successful supplements writer?
8. What are the best ways to get assignments done quickly?
John,
Your podcast went really well! I enjoyed your insights into getting started in the field and how to best communicate with publishers in getting assignments as well as decent pay.
Was it interesting speaking to an anonymous audience?
These podcast/teleseminar interviews overall feel like having a conversation with a person, but of course, when the questions come toward the end I don’t get to see the questioner.
Most of my speaking experience came from teaching college in the classroom, and I think I prefer seeing people face-to-face.
Thanks for letting us know about the podcast, John, I enjoyed listening! Some of what you said in the interview got me thinking about a question that has been lurking in my mind lately. You said in the interview that there are some times when you don’t have any work coming in (which, as you said, can be a good time for vacations, life, etc.). As you know, I am just starting out in this field and even though I have work lined up until February, I am already starting to think about what will happen after that. Could I ask you what advice you would give regarding keeping projects in the pipeline?
Excellent question Dionne. You should keep marketing yourself to new editors, and stay in touch with the editors you’ve worked with the past. Also ask the editors you’re currently working for if they have any future projects for you.