Profitable Freelancing

Hi all. I'm Sara LaJeunesse, a freelance writer/editor and a NASW travel fellow this year. I'll be reporting on the "Profitable freelancing: Starting a business and keeping it productive" session. The goal of the session is to teach participants how to wear the many hats of a freelancer: writer and editor; CEO and employee; and treasurer and accountant. As a newbie to the freelancing world, I look forward to receiving this advice and to sharing it with you.

I say I'm new to freelancing, but I actually have freelanced on the side for many years. This year, however, is the first time I have devoted myself completely to freelancing, as I have decided to spend some time at home with my 14-month-old daughter. It's quite a juggling act, as many of you likely know, but it also is incredibly fulfilling.

My former jobs have included staff science writer/editor at Penn State, assistant director of communications at the University of Miami, and science writer at Everglades National Park. I earned a master's degree in biology at the University of Georgia and a bachelor's degree in environmental studies at the University of Tennessee.