The Work-Flow Cycle of the Editorial Industry

August 31, 2009

If you’re new to the editorial profession (eg, freelance writing), you may not be aware that it is a seasonal profession. The pattern usually evolves like this:

Slow Times in Freelance Writing

From mid-June through Labor Day and from Christmas through the end of January are usually pretty slow. If you are a regular reader of a newspaper, ever notice how thin it is during the summer — especially the Help Wanted section?

Busy Times for Freelance Writers

The “pickup” months are usually September through mid-November and the first couple of weeks of December. Then it slows down for about three weeks, picking up again in late January/early February and going through May/early June.

What is the point in bringing this to your attention? Two reasons. First, relax and enjoy the really slow months: June July and August and the holiday season. When things pick up again, you’ll be glad you took advantage of the down time.

Secondly, focus on preparatory work during the slow months. For example, redesign your website, write and submit content to article directories, revise your professional profile and/or resume, update marketing materials, take a class to upgrade your skills, add more samples to your portfolio, etc.

Resume Tips for Editorial Professionals

FYI, if you’re looking for a job while continuing to freelance, there are some great resume tips geared specifically toward the editorial industry on this site. I hope you find them helpful.

Copyright © Originally posted in July 2001. Republished 2009: All material on this site is copyright protected and cannot be reproduced in any manner whatsoever without my written consent (linking to is fine).


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2 Responses to “The Work-Flow Cycle of the Editorial Industry”

  1. Freelance Writer Advice: 6 Ways to Increase Your Freelance Writing Income During the Slow Summer Months : Inkwell Editorial Says:
    April 27th, 2010 at 9:25 pm

    [...] Freelance writing is a cyclical industry. Many who have been freelanced for years may not even be aware of the problem. Why is it important to know this? Because you can increase your freelance writing income during the slow summer months by being proactive. [...]

  2. Advice for Freelance Writers: How to Land Freelance Writing Jobs During the Slow Summer Months : Inkwell Editorial Says:
    April 29th, 2010 at 10:04 am

    [...] freelance writing tends to be a cyclical profession — just like many others. Here is the workflow cycle of the editorial industry. [...]

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