Kitty C.
About me
| Kitty C. | |
| English and Related Literature | |
| English and Related Literature | |
| Undergraduate | |
| Derwent | |
| 1975 | |
| United Kingdom |
My employment
| Freelance journalist | |
| United Kingdom | |
| Journalism and publishing |
Like this profile?
Add this profile to your favourites so you can return to it later from your account.
A day in the life of a Freelance journalist in the United Kingdom
Be as versatile as possible rather than, at first, saying you only want to write about sport. Consider sub-editor vacancies and learn how to edit your and other people's work.
Briefly describe the organisation you work for
I am a freelance writer and editor working in Hay-on-Wye, where one of my positions is writer/editor at Hay Festival of Literature and the Arts. Before I moved to Hay almost 10 years ago, I was Deputy Editor of Country Living Magazine in London for 16 years.
What do you do?
I write features on rural and environmental issues, also on small businesses (mainly crafts) and wildlife. I try to stay versatile. At Hay Festival, I edit all written material going out to the public and co-run a newsdesk during the Festival in May/June. I also do editing work for other organisations.
Reflecting upon your past employment and education, what led you to your current career choice?
I was lways interested in journalism, but straight after York I went travelling for 18 months, eventually arriving in London and started my career at D C Thomson in Fleet Street.
Is your current job sector different from what you thought you would enter when you graduated?
I had no idea I would end up in magazines, but that is my comfort zone, not newspapers or broadcasting, though I did learn a lot at York Student TV 1972-5.
Describe your most memorable day at work
Too many of them!
Are there any challenges associated with your job?
Yes, it is highly pressured but also very rewarding. The onus is on you to come up with good, original ideas and pitch them to features editors who may or may not commission you after you have already done a lot of unpaid research. I have found sub-editing experience invaluable, and make more money from this than from writing, but one complements the other.
What’s your work environment and culture like?
I enjoyed office working for many years but knew this would change after leaving London and going freelance. After Covid, remote working is suddenly respectable and has been to my advantage. You don't have to be in London or a big city to succeed.
What extracurricular activities did you undertake at university and what transferable skills did you develop through these?
Working with York Student TV. I learned how to write a script and how to present.
What would you like to do next with your career?
Write a book relating to my travels in Africa.
What top tips do you have for York students preparing for today’s job market and life after graduation?
Try to get an internship on a national or regional magazine. Be as versatile as possible rather than, at first, saying you only want to write about sport. Consider sub-editor vacancies and learn how to edit your and other people's work. Be prepared to make the tea and say yes bto everything in your first job/internship.
What topics from students are you happy to answer questions on?
Anything to do with magazine journalism, writing or editing. Working or living in London (where I worked for 34 years).
Next steps...
If you like the look of Kitty’s profile, the next steps are down to you! You can send Kitty a message to find out more about their career journey. If you feel you would benefit from more in-depth conversations, ask Kitty to be your mentor.