‘Advice’

What to charge for your writing

by Rachel Sanders When you’re offered a juicy writing assignment, sometimes the fee seems less important than the experience, the enjoyment, or the byline you’re expecting to get out of it. But as you move along in your writing career, it’s important to consider what your time is worth. If you want to freelance full-time, […]

Posted on January 9, 2014 at 9:05 am by editor · LEAVE A COMMENT · Tagged with: , , , ,

The Born Freelancer on Classic “Media” Movies

This series of posts by the Born Freelancer shares personal experiences and thoughts on issues relevant to freelancers. Have something to add to the conversation? Your input is welcome in the comments.   Over the years I think certain classic entertainment movies about media have had as much impact on my life’s decision to work in media and as […]

Posted on January 3, 2014 at 9:05 am by editor · 2 Comments · Tagged with: ,

The Born Freelancer’s 2013 Holiday Wish List

This series of posts by the Born Freelancer shares personal experiences and thoughts on issues relevant to freelancers. Have something to add to the conversation? Your input is welcome in the comments.   Of course we’d all like more work; better pay; understanding editors/producers; and enjoyably challenging assignments. It goes without saying. And I wish all of these unto you […]

Posted on December 17, 2013 at 9:05 am by editor · LEAVE A COMMENT · Tagged with: , , , ,

The 5-Minute Freelancer Q&A #14 – Lyndsie Bourgon

In this regular feature, Story Board asks Canadian writers to share a few details about their work habits and their strategies for navigating the ups and downs of freelance life.   1. What’s the most important thing you’ve done over the years for professional development? I took a feature writing course at Ryerson and that was really helpful for […]

Posted on December 11, 2013 at 9:05 am by editor · LEAVE A COMMENT · Tagged with: , , ,

Freelance contracts: what to look for

There was a commotion on Twitter last week. A graphic designer named Juan Luis Garcia claimed he was asked to design some posters for Spike Lee’s new movie, Oldboy. After spending weeks on his designs, he says, the agency that hired him offered an “insultingly low rate” for the use of his posters. He was […]

Posted on December 6, 2013 at 9:05 am by editor · LEAVE A COMMENT · Tagged with: , , ,

Chris Brookes on life as an independent radio producer

  Chris Brookes’ radio documentaries have been broadcast all over the world. From the U.S. to Europe to Australia, the work of this Newfoundland-based producer has caught the ear of international audiences and won multiple awards. In September, Brookes gave a presentation at the Canadian Media Guild’s Freelance Survival Seminar in Toronto. He described the […]

Posted on December 4, 2013 at 9:05 am by editor · LEAVE A COMMENT · Tagged with: , , , , ,

Pay the Writers (and other ideas on the potential of the Internet)

by Andrea Hoff   The Internet is not only a place of connectivity, it is also a place that is constantly morphing and changing. That is something as writers we can use to our advantage. If we can use the Internet in solidarity, we have the ability to change the current conversation. This was one […]

Posted on November 28, 2013 at 9:15 am by editor · LEAVE A COMMENT · Tagged with: , ,

The Born Freelancer on Animation Writing, Part 1

This series of posts by the Born Freelancer shares personal experiences and thoughts on issues relevant to freelancers. Have something to add to the conversation? Your input is welcome in the comments.   In my last post, I talked about writing radio plays. I especially addressed those of you who would normally never consider such work and pointed out […]

Posted on November 22, 2013 at 9:15 am by editor · LEAVE A COMMENT · Tagged with: , ,

Social Media tips for writers from the Freelancer’s Toolbox

  Social media can be a real productivity destroyer, but Rebecca Coleman says that freelancers just need to learn how to use it well in order to reap its many benefits. At the Freelancer’s Toolbox seminar in Vancouver earlier this month, Coleman — a blogger, teacher and freelance PR specialist — said that writers should be using social networks in three […]

Posted on November 21, 2013 at 9:05 am by editor · LEAVE A COMMENT · Tagged with: , , ,

Reuse and Recycle

by Tanya Lloyd Kyi   We all have the same complaints. Newspapers are regurgitating content. Editors are reusing tired articles. Publishers are recycling old ideas. But while we writers and readers continue to push for great content, we can also steal a page from the publishing playbook. Why not see how many ways we can […]

Posted on November 15, 2013 at 9:05 am by editor · LEAVE A COMMENT · Tagged with: , , ,