This week, we're taking on a writer-requested series of questions regarding organization. One subscriber writes in asking about how to keep track of pitches, assignments, invoices, and payments.
(Getting our answers to your questions is a paid subscribers perk. Thank you for writing to us, Lisa! )
Hello Hannah-Squared!
Question for you: Now that I’m back in the freelance world full-time, I’ve been having issues on how to keep track of pitches, assignments, invoices and payments.
Also another question would be around the mental organization when you write for multiple pubs. I’m finding that while I’m getting great work, I sometimes have difficulty with the stress of dealing with so many ‘bosses’ as well as all the back-and-forth emails. Do you have a process of dealing with that?
- Lisa
There are a lot of different ways to track the influx of data that is the world of the freelance writer. I'm not necessarily here to argue that there is a best method so much as I'm here to argue that a method is best. I'm a bit of a Luddite, so I use an old school, color-coded Excel spreadsheet, with a color key that allows me to see which assignments are in progress; which are completed and unfiled; and which are completed, filed, and awaiting payment. My assignments are grouped together by publication, and I track pitches on a separate-but-equal document.
Excel is not for everyone! It requires a paid subscription these days, and you can do plenty of tracking on Google Sheets. The point here is that you should be tracking your data. When emails go out, circle back to your record-keeping system and make sure to take note of where things stand. When you get paid, remove the assignment from pending payment. It's useful to attribute dates to assignments so that you know when it's appropriate to check back in with editors, in case a payment has slipped through the cracks. I prefer daily bookkeeping, but some writers check in every couple of days, or once per week. Ultimately, whatever method keeps you tidy is the best method for you.
-Hannah S
Like Hannah said - there’s no one right way, and so much ink has been spilled on organizational strategy and best practices. But what matters is what works for you, and what will help your brain feel like you have a grasp as to what’s on your plate.
Here’s what works for me:
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