The Independent Journalist

Programming Note: We've Moved!

2009-09-13T18:11:00Z

The SPJ Blogs Network has moved to the Wordpress platform, making it easier than ever to join the convesation. No registration of any kind is necessary. You can find the new home of the Independent Journalist blog by following this link. RSS subscribers, update your readers by pointing it to this URL.

Other Links
— Visit the new SPJ Blogs Network
— RSS (All National Blogs)
— RSS (All Regional Blogs)

SPJ Webcasts

2009-09-10T21:02:00Z

Hi guys, for those of us who work from home these Webcasts are a very helpful way to keep in touch with the changing journalism industry. Looks like Webcasts also are available at www.mediabistrom.com, for a fee for non-AvantGuild members. Amy Green, freelance committee chairwoman.

CATCH THE AUDIO ACTION

Of the many perks to SPJ membership, access to great professional development resources is certainly at the top of the list. If you missed the 2009 SPJ Convention & National Journalism Conference, or would like to review programs you attended, see the SPJ Web site for a collection of audio from sessions and speeches. SPJ members can access the streaming media, including Roxana Saberi's keynote speech and a session on running a profitable freelance business. And anyone can read articles from The Working Press, the daily newspaper that follows convention news.

How to build a Web site

2009-09-08T12:52:00Z

Hi guys, another Web cast from the American Society of Journalists and Authors. Nonmembers can listen in for a fee. Check it out! Amy Green, freelance committee chairwoman.

Whether you're launching your first website or want to take an existing one to the next level, our expert speakers will give you the inside scoop on showcasing your writing talents and professional skills for optimal impact. Get smart, easy-to-follow tips on design, search engine optimization, where to host, avoiding common mistakes, and adding sizzle to boost sales. In these challenging times for freelancers, knowing how to market yourself effectively is crucial for success and survival.

Moderator Lisa Collier Cool, a past ASJA president, bestselling author and winner of 18 journalism awards, has made more than $30,000 in sales to new clients who found her through her website, http://www.lisacolliercool.com , launched in February of this year. She's the author of How to Write Irresistible Query Letters and has sold more 500 articles to Reader's Digest, Parade, Wall Street Journal, Ladies Home Journal, Woman's Day, Glamour, Self and many others.

The speakers are:

* Rhea Drysdale is Co-Founder and COO of Outspoken Media, Inc., an Internet marketing company that specializes in competitive search results. Rhea has over five years experience in online reputation management, search engine optimization and social media, and has spoken at events like Pubcon, SEMNE, ACCM and IM Spring Break. Website: http://outspokenmedia.com

* Tim Harper, ASJA member and editor of The ASJA Guide to Freelance Writing: A Professional Guide to the Business, for Nonfiction Writers of All Experience Levels, teaches and serves as writing coach at CUNY Graduate School of Journalism, where he helps young writers launch their websites. An award-winning journalist and author of 12 books, his credits include Atlantic Monthly; Readers Digest; Forbes; Time; Crain's New York. Advertising Age; Editor & Publisher; and many others. Website: http://www.nvo.com/timharper

* Barbara Krasner, ASJA member, is a senior web copywriter and editor at LexisNexis, and spent 30 years in marketing for Pearson, R. R. Bowker, AT&T, and Alcatel-Lucent. She's an award-winning journalist and author of four books. Website: http://www.barbarakrasner.com

* Eric Yaverbaum has been a regular on the talk show and lecture circuit for 25 years. You can find him everywhere from Good Morning America to Larry King and on the covers of USA Today, Forbes and Business Week. He has written five bestselling books, including Public Relations Kit For Dummies, Secrets of the WorldÆs Most Successful CEOs, and Everything Leadership, and ran the 11th ranked public relations agency in the country. Website: http://www.erichopr.com/meet.htm

Date: Thursday, September 24, 2009

Time: 5:30 to 8:00 PM (program/webcast starts at 6:00 PM Eastern time).

Place: CUNY Graduate School of Journalism, Room 308, 219 West 40th Street, New York City. Bring photo ID, which may be requested by CUNY staff.

Cost: $25 for members and guests; $35 for non-members; $5 for students. Sandwiches, soft drinks and desserts included in the price of admission. Sign up early -- space is limited.

Reservation required to attend the program. Members' signup:
http://www.asja.org/members/calendar/calmem.php

Nonmembers can reserve at:
http://www.asja.org/calendar/calendar.php

Viewing the live webcast is a free, members-only benefit. On the day of the program, check the members calendar page for the link:
http://www.asja.org/members/calendar/calmem.php

Nonmembers can buy a download of this or previous programs for $10 each at the ASJA Store:
http://www.asja.org/store/store.php

We hope to see you at the program!

A freelance home where the buffalo roam?

2009-09-03T19:40:00Z

A friend sent an email about his wonderful new house in Oklahoma. "We bought a 2,200 sq. ft. home on two acres for $120,000, with property taxes totaling $1,400 per year."

Where I live, outside of Boston, my wife and I spent more than four times that amount for our somewhat smaller house. I sometimes wonder, would I pursue different sorts of stories if I weren't paying Boston-baked bills?

Moving is a fantasy for me; my wife has a good job here, as well as family. But if I were less attached, I could see moving some place like Las Vegas. The housing bust means property is cheap, and the airport features flights to all sorts of interesting destinations. It's also an epicenter of the U.S. populace's westward shift. A place like Pittsburgh offers cheap, solid neighborhoods and puts me in between the two publishing capitals, New York and DC. Or, as a former Michigander, I might move to the Detroit area. I found a 2,000 sq. ft., four-bedroom, two-bath house selling for $200,0000 in tony Grosse Pointe. There are far cheaper areas around Detroit than Grosse Pointe.

Another writer friend just did leave New York (well, New Jersey) for Bozeman, Mont. He bought his dream house for about what his modest house sold for, he dramatically lowered both his taxes and his living expenses, and there's plenty for the kids to do.

True, none of these places would allow me to regularly rub shoulders with editors. But I've found that editors tend to make time for a cup of coffee when writers come from out of town. It's clearly possible to have an established and successful freelance career outside of the major coastal centers. I have long possessed real estate envy for a friend who freelances from Durham, N.C. He doesn't make as much income as I do, but he probably lives better.

I'd love to hear what freelancers think about what it would mean to move away from pricey publishing centers like New York. Would it help your career or hurt it?

Opportunity

2009-09-01T14:43:00Z

August 24, 2009

Syracuse University’ S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications will award four Carnegie/Newhouse School Legal Reporting Fellowships to support freelance journalists reporting on legal issues.

The $3,000 awards include paid student research assistants for each reporting fellow, which will give Newhouse students practical experience covering law and the courts. The fellowships are open to freelance journalists working in any medium with the intent of helping them pay out-of-pocket expenses.

“These days, freelancers covering legal issues need as much support as they can get,” said Roy Gutterman, director of the Newhouse School’s Carnegie Legal Reporting Program, and an assistant professor of communications law and journalism. “Offering the public thorough, comprehensive coverage of legal issues is an important function of the press and we want to help those efforts.”

Fellowship applications are available online at http://newhouse.syr.edu/legal. Application deadline is October 5. A panel of faculty members from the Newhouse School will choose the winners. Fellowship money and student research assistants will be available for the 2009-10 academic year.

Newhouse students will be invited to compete for the four research assistant positions, which carry a stipend. “Our students are the lifeblood of our university,” Gutterman said. “Marrying up our students with members of the legal reporting press, provides a valuable outside-the-classroom experience.”

The Carnegie/Newhouse School Legal Reporting Fellowships are part of the Newhouse School’s Carnegie Legal Reporting Program. Supported by a grant from the Carnegie Corporation of New York and its Carnegie Journalism Initiative, the program provides a number of services designed to teach students about the workings of the American legal system and the role of the news media in covering the law. Additional funding for this year’s fellowships is provided by IJPM.

For more information, contact Gutterman (315) 443-3523 or rsgutter@syr.edu or visit http://newhouse.syr.edu/legal.

The new freelance committee!

2009-08-25T21:33:00Z

I am pleased to report SPJ's freelance committee is expanding.

President-elect Kevin Smith has indicated he wants to expand the committee to help respond to the changing journalism industry.

"As I told you a month ago it's my hope that we can really utilize this committee in more important ways as we transition so many journalists from newsrooms to living rooms," he wrote me in e-mail this month.

"There are a number of initiatives within that are operating on behalf of journalists' future. It is my hope to bring several of these committees under one umbrella. There is a committee that is tasked with looking at the future of our profession and making sure we have a say in its direction. Another group is compiling a toolbox for laid off journalists to help them regain employment. Part of that deals with freelancing. Additionally, the membership committee is looking at ways to entice people back or new people in, even those without jobs. Part of their task will be to convince these journalists that now is the best time to be with SPJ and the dues are an investment in stabilizing a career."

And so I have appointed several new members. I'd like to introduce them.

Amy Green, chairwoman. As you know I am a journalist in Orlando, Fla., whose work has appeared in PEOPLE, Newsweek, The New York Times, The Christian Science Monitor and many other publications. I specialize in faith, the environment and social issues. My Web site is at www.amybgreen.com.

Michael Fitzgerald, vice chairman. Michael writes on business, technology and culture for publications such as the Boston Globe, The Economist, Fast Company and The New York Times. He's freelanced for more than seven years and published hundreds of articles on a variety of topics.

Bruce Shutan is a Los Angeles freelance writer who has written for about 75 publications or corporate entities. His extensive reporting on the American workplace dates back to 1985, with a showbiz sideline developed in 2000 when he began contributing to Variety, a must-read for entertainment industry insiders for more than a century.

Kathy Ehrich Dowd is a longtime contributor to PEOPLE, where she has worked on everything from gritty crime stories to touching human interest pieces to fluffy celebrity news. She also blogs regularly about good news for www.Tonic.com and has contributed to publications including TV Guide, Woman's World, USA Today and Brides.com. Learn more about her at www.kathyehrichdowd.com.

Dana Neuts is a freelance magazine writer based in the Seattle area. She focuses on business, community, local government, women's issues and lifestyle pieces. She has served as president for the Western Washington Pro Chapter of SPJ and is a regional director candidate for Region 10. She is the owner and publisher of the community-based site www.iLoveKent.net.

Jillian Kramer is an award-winning newspaper reporter and freelance writer who's written for Popular Photography magazine. She graduated from Kent State University in 2006 and began working as a professional journalist before she could legally drink. Jillian took the dive into part-time freelance writing last year and can provide perspective on the challenges facing a novice in the industry. She works for the Press-Register in Mobile, Ala.

Ruth E. Thaler-Carter has been published in the Washington Post, Baltimore Business Journal, Baltimore Sun and Rochester Democrat and Chronicle. She is chapter coordinator, national newsletter editor and workshop presenter for the Editorial Freelancers Association. She also is the author and publisher of "Get Paid to Write! Getting Started as a Freelance Writer."

Michael J. Jordan is a Slovakia-based journalist who has been a freelance foreign correspondent most of the past 15 years, reporting from 25 countries for The Christian Science Monitor (www.csmonitor.com) and other clients. He also teaches journalism at universities in Slovakia, Czech Republic and, starting in September, in Hong Kong.

What do you think? How do you think the freelance committee is doing? What should we be doing different, better? We want to hear from you.

Committees can have up to 15 members. If you'd like to serve please let us know. Or perhaps you'd like to write a blog post here or column for Quill, SPJ's magazine for members.

As you know SPJ's conference is this week in Indianapolis. Unfortunately I will not be there. But several programs are planned for freelancers. If you plan to attend please visit with our new committee members who will be there and talk with them about how you feel the committee should move forward.

Let's get this committee more active! I look forward to hearing from you. Thanks, everyone, for all you do for SPJ and journalism.

Amy Green, freelance committee chairwoman Normal 0 false false false MicrosoftInternetExplorer4

Will You Be a Mentor at the SPJ Convention?

2009-08-10T13:36:00Z

If you’re planning to attend the national convention in Indianapolis Aug. 27-30, would you be willing to share a bit of your expertise with new freelancers? The SPJ Career Center is offering 30-minute, one-on-one mentoring sessions on how to pitch ideas, discover new markets and launch a successful freelancing career. We’ll need volunteer mentors for half-hour sessions Friday and Saturday from 10 to 3 Friday. No word yet how many people have signed up.

Also, the Freelance Committee will meet Friday at 2:15 pm in the Council room. Freelance Committee Chairwoman Amy Green won’t be able to attend this year’s convention, so, as vice chair, I’ll be heading up the meeting.

Please let me know if you can volunteer for Career Center duty or if you plan to attend the committee meeting. saoverman@comcast.net

This year’s convention has a wide range of programs for all types of journalists, including several sessions specifically for freelancers:

The Business End of Freelancing: With the journalism community in a state of flux, the timing is right for freelancing. Acquire the information and skills you need to turn your passion for journalism into a full-time freelance career. Learn how to establish your business, where to look for work and how to market yourself. Speaker: Dana Neuts, Freelancer.

The Truth About Freelancing: How to Run a Profitable Writing Business: Shifts within the news business are prompting many journalists to strike out on their own as freelance writers, bloggers and columnists. And it’s not a bad option. Better work/life balance, higher pay and greater fulfillment are all within reach for skilled journalists with the knowledge and work ethic to pursue them. This session will teach the ins and outs of running a profitable writing business. You’ll leave with a strong grasp of the diverse ways freelancers make a living from pitching articles and blogging for dollars to ghostwriting books and selling information directly to consumers. You’ll also learn seven secrets of profitable freelancing, and only one of them has to do with writing.
Speaker: Maya Payne Smart, Freelancer.

Launching Your Freelance Journalism Career Part of the Career Center Track: In today’s uncertain job market, journalists can be downsized and tossed out at a moment’s notice. Having some freelance work in reserve can be a lifesaver, both financially and professionally, as well as the launching pad for a new career as an independent journalist. Attendees will find out what it takes to freelance either part- or fulltime, how to find work, set rates, get paid, overcome isolation, promote their freelance efforts, network, and much more. Speaker: Ruth E. Thaler-Carter, Freelancer.

Committee report

2009-07-22T14:12:00Z

Hi all, Here is our latest committee report. Please let me know your thoughts! Amy Green

SPJ Freelance Committee
July 2009

The Society of Professional Journalists is ideal for beginning and intermediate freelancers who seek help in getting started and, as we grow more seasoned, networking and leadership training. Membership involves no minimum experience requirement, making the organization open to everyone. It is a fantastic value, offering benefits and services freelancers pay much more for through other organizations. SPJ offers networking not only with other freelancers but staffers, editors, educators, photographers and more.

These are some of the things that set SPJ apart from other organizations for freelance journalists. President-elect Kevin Smith wants to expand the committee, and of course the need is there. Whether mounting journalism layoffs will translate into more freelancers remains to be seen. What is clear is that journalism is aching for entrepreneurialism and creativity, quality professionals who are willing to take risks and try new ideas. The committee is in a unique position to nurture this entrepreneurial spirit, which now is more important than ever. SPJ's broad-based nature lends even better support.

If we decide to expand the committee I propose adding a co-chair, rather than a vice chair, and a larger number of committee members. During our committee meeting in Atlanta last year we decided anyone who wants to be involved can be, but that we would appoint a small number of committee members who are more directly involved. I would like to expand that number and get them actively involved in the committee.

Blog. I would like to give each committee member log-in information for our blog and let a more diverse discussion proliferate here on its own, in a format similar to that on the Generation J committee blog. Freelance journalism can be solitary work. Before I served in this position I peeked in on SPJ's blog for freelancers often to see what was new and to feel as though I belonged somewhere. This is why I see our blog as our most important activity. Here I write how-to posts as often as I can about the business. When I get interesting questions I share them and my answer. I invite others to weigh in. I post news and job announcements. I invite other freelancers to serve as guest bloggers.

I'd like to see more voices here. Ideally I would like to create a vibrant online forum or community. We freelancers are so diverse, and I am only one person with my own unique set of experiences. I realize this isn't necessarily helpful for everyone.

Questions. Vice chairwoman Stephenie Overman and I continue to receive many questions via e-mail about freelance journalism. Together we answer each one.

Quill. Now that we have successfully resurrected our regular column for freelancers our next project is to include more diverse material appealing not only to writers but SPJ's broad-based membership of photographers, editors, educators and more.

Programs. Chapters nationwide continue to hold programs on freelancing. Recent ones took place in Miami, Iowa and Washington, D.C.

Committee teleconferences. We held our first meeting this summer and enjoyed a lively discussion on the future of journalism and our committee.

I continue to enjoy this position. I always feel I could do more with more time and resources, but I feel we are well-positioned to help those in this line of work, whether temporarily or long-term, during such a transitionary time for our industry.

Sincerely,

Amy Green, freelance committee chairwoman

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Freelance sessions!

2009-07-06T18:24:00Z

SPJ chapters in Iowa and Miami are holding sessions on freelancing this month. Check 'em out! Amy Green

Des Moines, Iowa -- In these economic times, freelancers are looking for ways to stand out and keep the work coming. People who may not have considered freelancing are now doing so, either as a hedge against possible job loss or because they're already out of a job.

With that in mind, the Iowa Pro Chapter is holding a "Freelance Summit" for newspaper, magazine and online journalists on July 18 in Des Moines.

The day long event will include:

* Networking opportunities with area editors
* How to get started
* Best practices for running your freelance life as a business

Here are some of the names on the schedule:

* Christine Ricelli, editor of dsm magazine (magazine writing emphasis)
* Vickie Ashwill, assistant managing editor for lifestyles & entertainment at The Des Moines Register (magazine and newspaper writing emphasis)
* Deb Belt, community publications editor at The Des Moines Register (writing emphasis)
* Eric Rowley, Juice photo editor at The Des Moines Register (photography emphasis)
* Lauris Olson, publisher of Ames365.com (online writing and editing emphasis)
* Amy Tincher-Durik, managing editor of Better Homes and Gardens Online with Meredith Corp. (online writing and editing emphasis)
* Elizabeth Sedrel, editor with Meredith Corp.'s Special Interest Publications (copy editing emphasis)

So, if you are anywhere near Des Moines and want to step up your freelance game, this is an event that could pay off for you.

Also, keep in mind that SPJ has resources for freelancers. You can learn more by visiting the national web site.

___

Miami, Fla.-Now is a time of transition for journalists and the Society of Professional Journalists South Florida is there to help.

For those who have been displaced from full time careers in journalism or for anyone who would like more control over their careers a freelance career may be just the thing for you. So come learn how to build a successful freelance career at a workshop featuring three successful local freelance journalists and editors and moderated by freelance journalist Julie Kay, president of the Society of Professional Journalists South Florida.

Featured speakers are:

Oline Cogdill who after 30 years left her full time position at the Sun- Sentinel where she worked on the features desk. She still reviews mystery fiction for the Sun-Sentinel. Her mystery fiction reviews appear in more than 250 newspapers and publication sites worldwide. She also writes author profiles, essays and blogs for Mystery Scene Magazine. She also is a freelance copy editor.
Brett Graff is a freelance journalist who contributes to Glamour, Maxim, Ladies’ Home Journal, American Baby, Redbook, Good Housekeeping, Harper’s Bazaar and The Miami Herald. Prior to becoming a freelancer she worked as a correspondent for Reuters’ Miami bureau and as a staff writer covering real estate, business and government for Daily Business Review.
Tristram Korten is a freelance journalist who covers regional conflicts and environmental issues throughout the Caribbean Basin and Latin America. He also writes travel and adventure stories. His work has appeared in such publications as The New York Times, Details Magazine, Salon.com, The Miami Herald and Men’s Journal. Previously he was a staff writer and columnist for the Miami New Times.

This important event will take place on Thursday, July 16 from 6:30 to 9 p.m. at the main branch of the Miami-Dade Public Library at 101 W. Flagler Street in downtown Miami. Parking is $5 including validation. We’ve created directions you can download and print.

Please RSVP to Alana Roberts at 702-523-4111 or aroberts27@gmail.com by Wednesday, July 15.

How are you getting through the journalism collapse?

2009-07-02T21:00:00Z

Editor's Note: A few weeks ago I started an occasional series here telling the survival stories of freelancers in this journalism collapse. It is the best way to get through it, I believe, by doing it together. You can read about my experience below. If you would like to share your story please e-mail me as little as 200 words or as many as 800 at amybgreen@earthlink.net.

By Amy Green

I have decided to declare war on the recession.

Like most conflicts, this one is born of anger. An editor asked me last week whether I have any experience interviewing. Yes, I do, I said. I explained I have worked as a journalist for more than 10 years. I am a former employee of The Associated Press, the world's largest news organization. I've been on the cover of PEOPLE, the front of The New York Times' National section, and my work also has appeared in Newsweek and The Christian Science Monitor.

Great, the editor said. Then he offered me a horrible pay rate.

Today the written word is so devalued writers virtually are expected to do it for free. Editors feel no shame in this, which makes their behavior even more bizarre. Imagine visiting a doctor's office and saying to the doctor, "I cannot offer any payment for your service, but you'll be gaining valuable exposure and experience." And imagine saying this with a look so pleasant and calm it is clear you do it every day and feel as though it is entirely natural.

That's because for so many writers it is. The tragedy is so many writers go ahead and do the work for free, depressing prices for everyone.

I hear so much talk today about "branding" yourself through the Internet, on sites such as Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn. And as any conscientious freelancer would I have assembled a nice little online presence for myself through all these sites. But after suffering through article after article about the right and wrong ways to Twitter I wonder, how real is any of this? Are we all only building fake storefronts for ourselves, only to give ourselves away for free once we lure a customer inside? How do we measure success today? Is a writer who blogs and appears on The Huffington Post considered as successful as one who quietly earns $40,000 a year?

For all these reasons I have decided to declare war on the recession.

"This is America," I told Wade after hanging up with the editor. "I created my freelance business. I have run it for seven years. Every shred of success I've had has been all because of me. It is my business, and I am not letting anyone take it away from me."

Wade said I sounded like a woman possessed, and perhaps I was. I sat down at my desk and began calling and e-mailing editors. I called and e-mailed every editor who has neglected to return a message during the past two months. When an assistant asked whether she could take a message I very politely said, "I am a journalist with experience for The New York Times, PEOPLE and Newsweek. Can I just talk to the editor?"

She put me through. I left a message. The next day I called again, and miraculously the editor picked up. He sounded busy and annoyed but promised to look at my clips. A few hours later he e-mailed to say my clips looked good and here is a contract.

"I told you so," I yelled at the computer screen. Since then I've landed two more assignments, I have an editor interested in a third, and a fourth editor e-mailed today to say she wants to work with me. All are for publications that pay reasonably.

I no longer am taking no for an answer. As long as I keep getting them, the war will continue.

Amy Green is chairwoman of SPJ's freelance committee. Her work has appeared in PEOPLE, Newsweek, The New York Times, The Christian Science Monitor and many others. She is based in Orlando, Fla. Visit her Web site at amybgreen.com.

Interesting site

2009-07-01T20:49:00Z

Other sites aggregate news. Dscriber aggregates the people who make the news.

Bringing together writers, editors, photographers and filmmakers, dscriber.com provides a virtual newsroom for professionals who seek an online presence but lack the time and resources to create much more than a lonely blog. Pooling our brainpower allows us to build a site that's truly special - a valuable association to you as you build your personal brand (you) while extending your audience reach in this exciting era of digital journalism.

Too many other sites in this genre compartmentalize their writers, and thus their readerships, by adopting a "you're on your own" posture - here's your page, publish what you want, unedited. Dscriber sets itself apart in that is edited by qualified contributors and friends, generally journalists with expert eyes. Moreover, contributors have each other at their fingertips and can reach out to each other for advice and mentorship.

Overall, the site's posts are driven by our contributors' sensibilities, which, in turn, are informed by their particular areas of expertise. The end result is a daily site with a unique collection of compelling posts - similar to an online magazine. And embracing a long publishing tradition, we're planning to allocate space for fiction and artistic works.

Dscriber is a commercial venture, with an aggressive plan to seek advertising revenue. Whatever money is made will be shared fairly with the media professionals who contribute their work. We'll also use Twitter, Facebook and social bookmarking sites to get our word out regularly. We even have an e-newsletter.

How might you fit in? Are you a freelancer who needs a professional-quality online presence? Do you have film, photos, audio or original documents that you think would supplement ongoing newsworthy conversations? Do you have notes that you'd like to share, or a column? Are you a photographer or filmmaker who wants reach a larger audience? Dscriber puts the professional touch on your efforts, helping you maintain high standards at a time when editorial standards are flagging.

Join us. Too much of independent journalism is barely a peep in the vast online wilderness or, conversely, lost in the shuffle of corporate noise. Dscriber aims to be a cut above the thousands of individual, unedited efforts posted online each day. You need our help and we need yours.

Freelancing -- A Business? You Bet It Is!

2009-06-29T13:50:00Z

Many thanks to Hazel Becker of the Society of Professional Journalists' group for freelancers in Washington, D.C., for sharing this blog post. What an excellent idea, for SPJ freelancers to gather together in our own communities. Amy Green, SPJ freelance committee chairwoman

A group of freelance journalists got together this week for lunch/coffee sponsored by the D.C. Professional chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists. This was the second meeting, and I was again pleased/surprised by the variety of people who attended. What didn’t surprise me was the obvious need for discussion of business issues facing freelancers.

One important topic for all of us was how we “set” our rates. It’s only an issue when a prospective client/employer asks us what we would charge – many of our assignments come with preset fees. Some of us work for publishers who are accustomed to paying by the word, and others said they generally get a set amount per assignment. It was apparent that there is no “standard” – other than that we all want to be paid a reasonable amount for the time and effort we put into our work.

Some in the group are new to freelancing, and they were interested in talking more about how to get work. I’m sure this topic will come up again – it is an increasing challenge, as the ranks of freelancers are swelling with out-of-work journalists. I believe there’s plenty of work to go around, as publishers who lay off reporters and editors still need works to publish and “first readers” for quality control.

We talked briefly about rights – who owns the works we produce. I’m sure this topic will come up again.

These are only a few of the topics we touched on in our free-wheeling discussion, and even the long-time freelancers were seeking advice and learning from the newbies in the group. Thanks to SPJ for filling this need.

Fantastic opportunities for freelancers

2009-06-25T19:29:00Z

Two fantastic SPJ opportunities for freelancers!

Freelancers,

With the current state of the economy, now is the time to brush up on your skills, network and get your name out there. The Society of Professional Journalists offers two ways to do all of those things.

First, check out our Freelancer Directory.

The directory connects freelancers with employers seeking to hire. SPJ members may set up an account on the Freelancer Directory to have their names and specialties displayed online to employers.

Second, you can’t afford to skip the SPJ Convention & National Journalism Conference, taking place Aug. 27-30. Boost your career by signing up today! You can look forward to:

• Expanding your toolbox to include the best emerging technologies that will make you a coveted journalist for any newsroom. Find out which technologies are simply the “flavor of the month” and which possess true staying power.

• Getting back on track after losing your job. If your company downsizes, don’t be left in the dust— find out how to handle the new job search, a possible change in careers and the stress of being laid off in this tough economic climate.

Look forward to all of this and much more! See other offerings here.

This year’s Convention, in SPJ’s home base of Indianapolis, is the perfect time for you to leap ahead of your competition and learn exclusive industry tips and tricks. So what are you waiting for? Sign up today! Take advantage and save by registering before Aug. 2. Get the special SPJ rate at the Westin Indianapolis Hotel by signing up before Aug. 5. And if you’re looking for a roommate, we’ll help you find one. Post an ad or leave a reply on our Convention roommate board.

For more information on Convention events and how to register, visit the SPJ 2009 Convention Web site.

Finally, don’t forget to check the 2009 SPJ Facebook group often for weekly updates! And don’t forget to follow the national SPJ office on Twitter: @ spj_tweets.

We hope to see you in Indy!

Blogging's role in today's media

2009-06-15T20:03:00Z

Nonmembers can listen in for a fee. Amy Green, SPJ freelance committee chairwoman.

Can blogging enhance your career and livelihood? Whether you already blog and want success strategies, or have not made the plunge yet and want to know more, our panelists will give you the scoop on:

Care and feeding of a successful blog
The journey from blog to book starts with a single post
Zen and the art of self-promotion and platform building

Moderator: ASJA member Norman Schreiber, who covers media, music, travel and other good stuff in books, articles and -- yes -- blogs.

Panelists are:

Literary Agent Kate McKean, a literary agent at the Howard Morhaim Literary Agency. Before starting her publishing career, Kate McKean earned her Master's degree in Fiction Writing from the University of Southern Mississippi. She represents fiction and non-fiction in diverse subject areas, from mystery writers like Deborah Grabien to blogs such as www.ICanHasCheezburger.com.
Blogger Zach Brooks, a successful blogger who does Midtown Lunch. His loyal readers follow his quest for lunch in the food wasteland of Midtown Manhattan.
Digital PR strategist Mark Rose, Partner at Influence Consulting Group Inc., helps clients achieve best-of-class digital communications strategies and tactics.

Time: 5:30 to 8:00 PM (program starts at 6:00 PM)

Place: CUNY Graduate School of Journalism, Room 308, 219 West 40th Street, New York City

Cost: $25 for members and guests; $35 for non-members; $5 for students. Sandwiches, soft drinks, and desserts included in the price of admission. Sign up early -- space is limited.

Reservation required to attend the program. Members' signup:
www.asja.org/members/calendar/calmem.php

Nonmembers can reserve at: www.asja.org/calendar/calendar.php.

Viewing the live webcast is a free, members-only benefit: On the day of the program, check the members homepage for the link.

Nonmembers can buy a download of this or previous programs for $10 each at the ASJA Store: www.asja.org/store/store.php

We'll hope to see you at the program!

The Program Committee

How are you getting through the journalism collapse?

2009-06-01T13:17:00Z

Editor's Note: What follows is the first installment of an occasional series telling the survival stories of freelancers in this journalism collapse. It is the best way to get through it, I believe, by doing it together. If you would like to share your story here please e-mail me as little as 200 words or as many as 800 at amybgreen@earthlink.net. Or perhaps you'd like to hire Megan to build a Web site for your freelance business. Amy Green, SPJ freelance committee chairwoman.

By Megan Taylor

I graduated one year ago, with the expectation that despite the scarcity of jobs in journalism, I would find something because of my wide Web skillset. That confidence lasted until the fall, when my internship at The Miami Herald ended, and I could not find another job in journalism.

I moved to New York city, thinking that the mass media market would provide. Two weeks after I moved, the country officially went into a recession. Oops.

I started freelancing in order to supplement the meager income I got from internships. Both of the internships I've had in New York ended early, including one which was supposed to lead to a full-time job. I started freelancing by building websites for people I met through my previous internships, and they have been very good about spreading the word and securing more work for me. I got in touch with one of the many community papers in my neighborhood, and have been doing some writing for them as well. But I'm not even making enough to pay my rent at this point.

I've tried a couple of new things to find more work: advertising on Craigslist and revamping my personal website, including better SEO and adding a services page. I plan to start using Twitter to try to find work as well: searching for keywords and contacting people who might need work done. I've even drafted an e-mail to send to companies and individuals (instead of cold-calling...cold-emailing?) advertising the kind of work I can do for them.

I've been able to do more than I think I would have if I didn't have all the web skills I learned in college. I can be a one-stop-shop, providing website, video and programming services as well as writing.

Hopefully, some of these new tactics will help me to survive the storm, and I'm interested in what other people are doing to find work, and giving those a try as well.

Contact Megan at www.megantaylor.org.