2014 AAJA National Convention

Whether you’re jumping into independent journalism full-time or hoping to freelance alongside your day job, this session will help you get started. Hear from successful freelancers about the skills, attitude and connections you’ll need to succeed, how to pitch and where to meet clients. Walk away with 10 ideas to get up and running!

Freelancing extends beyond traditional newsrooms. To build a stable career as a freelancer, many journalists look beyond newspapers and news magazines as income sources. In this panel discussion, we will hear from nonprofit organizations, think tanks and other nontraditional organizations about how their institutions use freelance writers and editors – and what they look for when bringing on contract journalists. We also will hear from individuals who have used fellowships to subsidize their freelance projects.

Let’s take the “free” out of freelance. When you’re a freelancer, you’re also a small-business entrepreneur. That means negotiating contracts, setting revenue goals, tracking invoices, understanding copyright terms and managing other nitty-gritty details. Our panel of money-savvy experts will offer practical advice to help you manage the business side of your freelance career, protect your rights and maximize your income.