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Going to the SPJ convention?

This year's annual SPJ convention, in Atlanta Sept. 4-7, will offer a one-hour session and half-day workshop on freelancing. I need your ideas on what we should focus on.

An obvious idea for either the one-hour session or the workshop is an introduction to the business. How to get started, that sort of thing. But I need you to tell me whether more advanced freelancers will attend who will want something more. What do you want to learn about?

Other ideas. Trying to keep these broad since we have only two time slots.
  • Pitching and query writing.
  • Marketing and networking.
  • Magazine writing.
  • Book writing.
  • Personal finance.
  • Online writing and self-syndication.
I also am looking for panelists. I can't help with travel expenses, but of course the opportunity would give you exposure and satisfaction from helping other independent journalists like you. Please let me know if you're interested.
Published Tuesday, May 20, 2008 4:56 PM by AmyGreen

Comments

# re: Going to the SPJ conference?

Friday, May 23, 2008 1:46 AM by jamrward
I just moved to Atlanta and will hopefully be able to attend the conference. I'm relatively new to journalism and am interested in pitch writing, magazine writing and freelance work. One question I have right off the bat is how do I get started working in a new market? Whom should I contact? How do you get your foot in the door? I haven't had much success in that department yet. Is my website no good?
http://jamrward.googlepages.com/

# re: Going to the SPJ conference?

Tuesday, May 27, 2008 9:32 AM by AmyGreen
Hi there, thanks so much for this feedback. There are some good books that can help you get started. Handbook to Freelance Writing by Michael Perry is one. And if you've got a Writer's Market there are some good articles there about how to get started. Keep trying. Keep pitching, calling, e-mailing, networking and everything else. Develop a firm sense of tenacity and self-confidence, and you will succeed. You gotta keep putting yourself out there. Hope this helps, and good luck!
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