In this regular feature, Story Board asks Canadian freelancers to share a few details about their work habits and their strategies for navigating the ups and downs of freelance life.

Sheila Pinder is a dog lover, bird watcher, horseback rider, retired elementary school principal, and storyteller. As a freelancer, she focuses on proofreading and editing and she’s an online course facilitator at Fleming College.

How did you develop your skill set?

I was born a proofreader (it’s a curse) and became a better writer through extensive practice (10 years full-time freelance) and reading critically.

What’s been your best professional development experience? How did that shape your work?

A Continuing Education course at Western University started my freelance journey in 1991…I connected with a group of folks who wanted the same things professionally…we supported and encouraged one another, and shared work when we could.

How much was your first paid freelance assignment?

$50. I wrote a column for editor Dave Dauphnee at the London Free Press about Canada’s first-ever National Day of Mourning for workers injured or killed in the workplace.

What kind of clients do you love working with? What are your “green flags”?

Clients who recognize my skillset, who ask questions but don’t insist they always know best, clients who understand that perfect is not possible.

Have you had a “this is why I do this” moment? Tell us about it.

I am in the process of proofreading/editing my son’s third novel (I’ve completed work on his first two). He is a much better and more prolific writer than I am. If I provided him with any kind of inspiration through my own career path, then that is what makes me most proud.

If you freelance part-time as a side hustle, what is your ultimate goal?

I want to have my own books published traditionally one day. I’ve learned that I’m better at telling other people’s stories than my own.

Find Sheila online!

• LinkedIn