Freelancing for Journalists offers an authoritative, practical and engaging guide for current and aspiring journalism freelances, exploring key aspects of the role including pitching a story, networking, branding and navigating freelance laws and rights.
Featuring case studies from experienced freelance journalists working in the UK, US, Asia and Australia, the book addresses the evolving media landscape and provides valuable tips on how to become established as a successful journalist across a variety of platforms. The authors also explore practical aspects of the trade including tips for setting up a business, managing tax and legal issues, getting paid and earning additional income in related sectors.
This book is an invaluable resource for both students and professionals who are interested in taking the next step into freelance journalism work.
Contents
List of boxes
Acknowledgements
1 Introduction
2 Evolving media landscape
3 Developing ideas
4 Pitching
5 Contacts and networking
6 Providing great copy
7 Finances
8 Law, safety, and ethics
9 Brand Me
10 Setting up at home
11 Supplementing your income
12 Conclusion
Resource list
Index
Biography
Lily Canter is a freelance money, health and lifestyle journalist working for a range of international newspapers, magazines and websites including The Guardian, South China Morning Post, The Sun, Moneywise and Metro. She is also Senior Lecturer in Journalism at Sheffield Hallam University, UK.
Emma Wilkinson is a freelance journalist writing about health, medicine and biosciences. After several staff jobs including at The Lancet and BBC News Online, she now works for several specialist websites, magazines and journals including Pulse, Chemist and Druggist, The Pharmaceutical Journal and the BMJ. She is also an Associate Lecturer at Sheffield Hallam University, UK.
"This book is an absolute godsend for anyone wanting to take the step into freelance journalism. It's not only fantastic as a go-to text for students but for industry professionals wanting to take the plunge. As well as de-mystifying the commissioning process, it provides a comprehensive toolkit that I wish I had when I first went freelance. Journalism courses across the country should have this as a core text."
Lisa Bradley, Director for Learning and Teaching for Journalism, The University of Sheffield, UK
"A comprehensive, practical, and, most importantly, honest account of how to make it work as a freelance. A lack of transparency and information is the biggest problem facing any new freelance - and this book is the perfect antidote. I wish I’d had a copy when I was first starting out."
Jem Collins, Director and Editor, Journo Resources
