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About Cathy Clamp
Expertise
I'm happy to answer questions about any aspect of writing articles, short stories and novels, from the beginning kernel of an idea through completion. I can help with writing a query letter and synopsis to an agent or editor. I can explain publishing terminology and acronyms. I can also assist with questions about verifying the credentials of agents/publishers and how to proceed once you've been accepted for publication. I can teach the rules of formatting a manuscript, creating viable plots, characterization and flow in the following genres: romance, science fiction, fantasy, thrillers, suspense, horror, women's fiction, mainstream and mystery. I can also answer questions about writing for major print magazines in the outdoor genre (hunting/fishing/boating/travel.)

Experience
I'm a USA Today bestselling author of romance fiction in the Tor/Forge Books paranormal romance line. Along with a co-author, I've published twelve mass market novels since 2004, and have contracts for four more books through 2009. I've also published more than two dozen feature articles in leading outdoor magazines.

Organizations
Romance Writers of America, Science Fiction & Fantasy Writers of America, International Thriller Writers, Western Outdoor Writers, Horror Writers of America, National Association of Legal Assistants.

Publications
Magazines--Guns & Ammo, Fur-Fish-Game, Rocky Mountain Game & Fish, Deer & Deer Hunting. Many others. Novels--Tor/Forge Books, Western Reflections Publishing

Education/Credentials
Published Author. Published Freelance Writer. Certified Paralegal with specialities in intellectual property (copyright, trademark, patent) and real estate.

Awards and Honors
USA Today bestseller, Waldenbooks Mass Market Paperback Top 20 bestseller, Nielsen BookScan Top 20 bestseller, Romantic Times Best Werewolf Novel, 2005, Write Touch Readers Award, EVVY Award, The Lories Best Paranormal. Many others.

You are here: Experts > Arts/Humanities > Writing > Careers: Writing > hiring freelancers

Careers: Writing - hiring freelancers

Expert: Cathy Clamp - 11/3/2009

Question
QUESTION: Hi. Can you tell me if a bad economy affects freelance writers? I would guess yes because I can't imagine publications hiring/paying freelancers during this time. Thanks

ANSWER: Hi, Danielle!

I saw your question in the pool and thought I'd try to help out. Actually, the reverse is true. When the economy gets tight, a lot of places lay off full-time workers because the combination of salary, insurance and attendant costs are higher. It's much cheaper to hire freelance writers on an as-needed basis, because you only pay them as you need them. So, a bad economy is actually a really good time to begin the freelance process. If you need more information about how the process works, feel free to drop me a follow-up question.

Good luck!

Cathy

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Actually, I do have another question, but it's really pertaining to book publishing companies. I'm trying to find out the current condition of the industry from someone who is currently working for a publishing company, or someone who is very familiar with the business. Being a book editor is also something that interests me, but I don't want to pursue it if the publishing industry is not stable. I have read a few articles that mention e-readers having an affect on business and how people are reading more these days, just not books. I've also heard of publishers laying off workers. Do you know of any articles that can really give me a firsthand look at the current state of the publishing industry? Thanks

Answer
Danielle,

Here's a good article about the state of the entire industry, since the market isn't all about novels.

http://sbdcnet.org/index.php?option=com_docman&task=doc_download&gid=482&Itemid=...

If you want to learn to be a book editor, I'd recommend first contacting local independent publishers in your area to see if they need any volunteer help---maybe with proofreading or vetting (fact checking). It would help you learn about the process and you might be able to take on some freelance editing once the publisher or senior editor determines you have the ability. Know that fiction editing is TOTALLY different from non-fiction or magazine editing. They have some similar elements, but they're very different. So it's good to know what you're best at before you start to put yourself out there as having the skills.

I think the publishing market is as stable as any market. It depends very much on the wants and needs of the public. If the economy is bad, people cut back. Magazines suffer because people don't renew subscriptions. But they do buy books as "cheap" entertainment. But they also will frequent the library or used store instead of new, so that's something to keep in mind. But I do think the publishing business will survive. It'll change, as all things do, but it's never a bad thing to get some skills in the marketplace that are above and beyond just writing.

Hope that helps, and good luck!

Cathy

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