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Tools for Freelancers
Links and Resources
Rewards and opportunities for SPJ members at Helium
Helium.com offers ongoing freelance gig opportunities from thousands of publishers partnered with Helium, and all SPJ members who join its community of writers are granted the status of Professional Writer. To read more about Helium and the numerous benefits it provides to SPJ members, follow this link.
Demand Studios is hiring freelance writers & copy editors
Every month thousands of freelancers write for Demand Studios, creating useful and interesting content read by millions of people a month. Our writers see their byline and articles on top websites and media brands. As we continue to increase our distribution, we are hiring new writers and editors to join our freelance community. To read more about Demand Studios and how you can take advantage of these opportunities, follow this link.
ASJA
The American Society of Journalists and Authors Contracts’ Watch performs a watchdog service to keep freelancers abreast of markets with less-than-favorable contracts for writers.
National Writers Union Guide to Publications Paying $1/word [PDF document]
Media Bistro
mediabistro.com is dedicated to anyone who creates or works with content, including editors, writers, television producers, graphic designers and book publishers in industries including magazines, television, radio, newspapers, book publishing, online media, advertising, PR, and graphic design. Its mission is to provide opportunities (both online and offline) for you to meet each other, share resources, become informed of job opportunities and interesting projects, improve your career skills, and showcase your work.
National Writers Union
National Writers Union has been on the cutting edge of the fight against all-rights and work-for-hire contracts. It fought the introduction of these contracts at major newspapers and magazines throughout the United States in the case of Tasini vs. The New York Times. NWU also offers a grievance service, health insurance and press credentials for its dues-paying members.
Tax Guidelines for Freelancers
Tax Tips For Small Businesses is an indispensable reference that offers clear, concise, uncomplicated and immediately useful advice on how to sidestep pitfalls and take maximum advantage of frequently missed, perfectly legal opportunities that can save many thousands of dollars.
Indemnification Clauses
How to Deal With Indemnification Clauses: A position paper from the American Society of Journalists and Authors by the ASJA Contracts Committee
Writers’ Market Online
Find out what publications are buying manuscripts, the fees available and up-to-date contact information for editors at all manner of consumer, trade and specialty publications. Although there’s also a print reference published annually (and available in the reference section of your local library), the online version provides software for tracking submissions and the most current information for a reasonable subscription.
Freelance Success
Freelance Success provides nonfiction writers with in-depth information to make more money from your work — top-paying market information, interviews with top editors, tips on managing your business, access to tools and databases, advice on using technology, links to other writer confabs and inside dish on the writing business.Subscription is $89/year
Absolute Write
Classes, market listings, articles, editorial services, forums and writers' directory for professional and beginning writers of freelance, screenplays, plays, nonfiction, poetry, songs and more.
Writing World
Tips, articles, columns, newsletters, links, guidelines, classes, and more for writers of all genres.
Featurewell Syndication Worldwide
An electronic marketplace for the global publishing industry. This website provides editors with the opportunity to purchase and republish top quality journalism. For writers, this is a great opportunity to resell work in another market. Check it out!
ASJA Writers Conference
A good lineup of panels that are perfect for both beginners and seasoned professionals. This conference also offers good sessions for those interested in writing books.
Shaw Guides: Guide to Writers Conferences & Festivals
Information about upcoming conferences, workshops and festivals around the country with links to sponsoring organizations. Searchable by region and month.
U.S. Copyright Office Forms
Contains PDFs of forms and simple instructions for registering your copyright.
at-Largely: Journalists and News Sites
List of investigative reporting sites that accept freelancers.
SPJ News
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 kathyehrichdowd.com.
Dana Neuts is a freelance magazine writer 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 iLoveKent.net.