The Siren Call

I get paid per article for the online editing that I do. I can edit, on average, about six articles an hour.

Unlike my book editing, for which I receive an annual salary as a "permanent freelancer," the online editing literally represents "time is money."

So, for example, when I'm watching a "Seinfeld" re-run, the thought occurs to me that I could knock out a few articles in the same period of time.

I've come to feel that piece work is the editorial equivalent of heroin addiction. And the possible "quantity" bonuses that the client dangles in front of the editors are not exactly methadone!

One editor wrote on our forum that she edits while nursing her baby.

I think I hear my checking account whispering, "Feed me. Feed me."