The Born Freelancer on (Not) Having Your Ideas Stolen
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? We’d love to hear from you in the comments.
The police tell us to stencil our name or other uniquely identifiable mark on our most valuable property. In the event it is stolen, that simple procedure will help identify it as ours and greatly increase the odds of having it returned.
It’s not so simple with ideas.
We writers love to discuss them. We throw them around verbally with playful abandon, embellishing them as we go along, before more fully deploying them in some creative work or another… if they haven’t irretrievably morphed and gotten away from us first.
By their very nature, ideas are a gift from the cosmos. Where do they come from? Who can say. How do we perceive them? I do not know. Are they really “ours”? Maybe – but only for a little while. Are any of them actually original? Possibly – but only very few.
During some periods in our creative lives (if we’re lucky) they flow like never ending fountains of inspiration, easily discarded because another dozen or more are soon on their way. During other, less indulgent and more stressful periods, the flow can reduce to a trickle – or even worse – it can shut off entirely for no apparent reason.
So it may appear to court the displeasure of the muses (of whom I have written elsewhere) to hoard or in any way obstruct their natural exuberance in the wild. Especially in this age when it has never been easier to share ideas or trade them with others near or far online.
However, if you’re a professional freelancer, you quickly come to the realization that your ideas are the very foundations of your creative existence, the begetters of all income. And so you must, perhaps regrettably, learn to treat them with a greater degree of protectiveness than you might wish to do otherwise.
Loose lips sink ships…
CAJ Conference opening night freelance mixer in Winnipeg May 2
Freelancers, if you’re going to be in Winnipeg during the CAJ’s annual conference next month, you’re invited to a casual opening night mixer sponsored by CMG Freelance.
Come out to Tavern United Bell MTS Place (345 Graham Ave) at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, May 2nd. It’s a chance to meet some freelance colleagues from across the country for a little networking and freelance camaraderie.
CMG Freelance will pick up the first round of drinks and some snacks for the table as well. Everyone is welcome — members and non-members alike. The reservation will be under “Don, Canadian Media Guild.”
Please RSVP to CMG Freelance president Don Genova at freelance@cmg.ca to let us know if you plan to attend. Hope to see you there!
Off the Wire: News for the Canadian media freelancer April 16-22
Once a week, we gather stories about the media business, journalism, writing, communications, and freelancing—with a Canadian focus—and share them in Off the Wire. Who needs a water cooler?
From Canada:
- Can a news media that doesn’t really oppose fascism ever cover it well? [J-Source]
- #CAJ19 conference [CAJ]
- How beat reporting in 2019 works at 3 different-sized outlets across Canada [J-Source]
From The U.S. and beyond:
- Are you sure you want to go freelance? [Work Notes]
- Northern Ireland: Freelance journalist Lyra McKee shot dead during riots [IFJ]
- 20 Inspiring Writing Podcasts to Subscribe to Right Now [The Write Life]
- 6 morning habits that will help you slay the work day [Freelancers Union]
- How a “Side Project” Helped Me Overcome Freelance Fatigue [The Freelancer]
- How to charge late fees when clients don’t pay on time [Freelancers Union]
- 7 reasons a freelance journalist should start a podcast [Muck Rack]
- Extreme loneliness or the perfect balance? How to work from home and stay healthy [Guardian]
- How to Spring Clean Your Work Computer (and Make It Feel New Again) [The Muse]
Recently on Story Board:
- 2019 Access Copyright Payback claim period open until May 31: All creators who were affiliated with Access Copyright as of December 31, 2018 are eligible to submit a claim this year for written and visual work published in books, magazines, journals and/or newspapers between 1998 and 2017…
Spot a story you think we should include in next week’s Off the Wire? Email the link to editor@thestoryboard.ca or tweet us at @storyboard_ca.
2019 Access Copyright Payback claim period open until May 31
Writers and visual artists, the 2019 Access Copyright Payback claim period is now open and you have until until May 31 to submit your claim.
All creators who were affiliated with Access Copyright as of December 31, 2018 are eligible to submit a claim this year for written and visual work published in books, magazines, journals and/or newspapers between 1998 and 2017. Works published in 2018 will be eligible for a claim next year.
If you’re not yet registered with Access Copyright and you have published work that fits the claim criteria, now is a good time to register via Access Copyright’s online affiliation portal so that you’ll be ready to submit your claim next year.
For a full explanation of how Access Copyright and the Access Copyright Foundation could contribute to your income stream, check out this Story Board post.
For more information or to submit a claim go to the Access Copyright website.
Off the Wire: News for the Canadian media freelancer April 9-15
Once a week, we gather stories about the media business, journalism, writing, communications, and freelancing—with a Canadian focus—and share them in Off the Wire. Who needs a water cooler?
From Canada:
- Seven students each awarded $10,000 in scholarships [J-Source]
- Which online skills are journalism bosses expecting from students? [J-Source]
- 3 really good things that can come from doing your taxes [Rags to Reasonable]
From The U.S. and beyond:
- 6 ways writers drive their editors crazy [Freelancers Union]
- As the industry matures, content marketing platforms develop growing pains [Managing Editor]
- Hitting home runs with pitches [Nieman Storyboard]
- Reddit for Writers: 47 Writing Subreddits to Explore [Writers Digest]
- 10 simple ways to spring clean your inbox [Inc.]
- Journalists of Color Face Harassment by Sources [Open Notebook]
- 4 Foolproof Ways To Find Expert Interviews For Your Articles [Journo Resources]
- Need Backup? How Freelance Writers Can Find Subcontractors to Work With [Freelance Writing Jobs]
- How to negotiate your rate like a pro (Part 2) [The Freelancer]
- How to negotiate your rate like a pro (Part 1) [The Freelancer]
- After a tough Winter, beware of the Springtime, “Yes, of course!” [Freelancers Union]
Recently on Story Board:
- Annual CAJ conference features sessions for freelancers: On day one of the conference, CMG Freelance is sponsoring a one-hour session dedicated to freelancing. “Going solo: 411 boot camp for the freelance journalist” features freelancers Kalli Anderson, Alison Motluk, Justin Ling, and Sunny Dhillon…
- PWAC Toronto deep research seminar April 23: The seminar will offer practical information about conducting in-depth research online, in person, at libraries and other places.You’ll pick up some tips on locating hard-to-find data, statistics, historical information, records, and transcripts and find out how to go beyond Google searches and make information requests…
Spot a story you think we should include in next week’s Off the Wire? Email the link to editor@thestoryboard.ca or tweet us at @storyboard_ca.
Annual CAJ conference features sessions for freelancers
The annual Canadian Association of Journalists conference is less than a month away and this year’s event features some special programming for freelancers. According to CAJ Toronto president Brent Jolly, the CAJ has been working to bring more discussion about freelance journalism into this year’s conference, which is happening from May 3 to 5 at the Radisson Hotel in downtown Winnipeg.
On day one of the conference, CMG Freelance is sponsoring a one-hour session dedicated to freelancing. “Going solo: 411 boot camp for the freelance journalist” features freelancers Kalli Anderson, Alison Motluk, Justin Ling, and Sunny Dhillon. They’ll be offering advice on contract negotiation, improving your productivity, and other aspects of working as a freelancer. The session will be moderated by CMG Freelance president Don Genova.
On day two of the conference, a session sponsored by the Aga Khan Foundation will explore how journalists can tell meaningful stories even if they’re employed outside of a traditional newsroom. The session “Wanted: Your journalism skills for jobs outside the newsroom” will feature guests Rosemary Quipp, Victoria Ptashnick and Emily Cain.
There are freelancers involved in other conference panels as well, including Leah Hennel and Maryam Shah. And there will be opportunities for freelancers to get some one-on-one coaching with Ramon Escobar (CNN), Jana Pruden (Globe and Mail), and U.S.-based writing coach Chuck Haga.
Jolly said another session that will be of interest to freelancers is the journalism “Dragons Den.” Participants will have the chance to pitch ideas to senior news editors and producers for feedback. The editors and producers involved in that event will be announced soon.
The conference wraps up on Saturday night with a gala dinner and the annual CAJ awards presentations. Early bird registration rates are available before April 26. For more information or to register, check out the conference page on the CAJ website.
PWAC Toronto deep research seminar April 23
Toronto-area writers, mark your calendars for another PWAC professional development seminar. “Deep Research: Practical Tips and Techniques” is scheduled for Tuesday, April 23 from 7:00 to 8:45 p.m. at the Miles Nadal JCC (750 Spadina Avenue).
The seminar will offer practical information about conducting in-depth research online, in person, at libraries and other places.You’ll pick up some tips on locating hard-to-find data, statistics, historical information, records, and transcripts and find out how to go beyond Google searches and make information requests.
The event will be moderated by crime writer Nate Hendley and the panelists will include journalist and novelist Trevor Cole, journalist George Butters and artist and author Sherry Pringle.
PWAC Toronto Chapter evening seminars are free for PWAC members and full-time students. The fee is $15 for non-members who register online, and $10 for members of partner organizations (the Association of Registered Graphic Designers, CMG Freelance and Editors Canada) who register online. Fees are subject to service charges. Online registrations close at midnight the day before the event. If you do not register online, the cost is $20 at the door (cash only). Receipts are available.
To find out more about this seminar and to register for your ticket, check out this event page.
Off the Wire: News for the Canadian media freelancer April 2-8
Once a week, we gather stories about the media business, journalism, writing, communications, and freelancing—with a Canadian focus—and share them in Off the Wire. Who needs a water cooler?
From Canada:
- What Justin Brake’s recent win means for press freedom in 2019 [J-Source]
- SABEW Canada Announces the Finalists for the 5th Annual Best in Business Awards [SABEW Canada]
- United Church Observer Out, Broadview In [J-Source]
- Editorial Self-Care: Managing Life Changes [Editors Canada]
- UC Observer relaunching as Broadview magazine [Canadian Magazines]
From The U.S. and beyond:
- Freelancers want to join unions but labour laws won’t let them [Teen Vogue]
- Freelancers have a name for endless rounds of edits: “scope creep” [CJR]
- How to maintain your competitive edge [Freelancers Union]
- BuzzFeed Bosses Flat-Out Stood Up Their Union Today [Splinter News]
- 4 effective platforms for your freelance portfolio [Freelancers Union]
- Delivering the bad news: How to reject pitches well [Open Notebook]
- From Self-Publishing to Blogging: 7 Solid Ways to Make Money Writing [The Write Life]
Recently on Story Board:
- CMG Freelance tax time advice: Spring has sprung! And that means it’s tax time. CMG Freelance president Don Genova has a special offer that will help you learn everything you need to know about running your freelance business…
- 2019 Dave Greber Awards open for submissions: Freelancers, if you’ve written about social justice issues this year, it’s time to submit your work for the Dave Greber Freelance Writers Book and Magazine Awards…
Spot a story you think we should include in next week’s Off the Wire? Email the link to editor@thestoryboard.ca or tweet us at @storyboard_ca.
CMG Freelance tax time advice
Spring has sprung! And that means it’s tax time. CMG Freelance president Don Genova has a special offer that will help you learn everything you need to know about running your freelance business. Watch his latest video update.
For more information on the costs and benefits of membership, check out this page on the CMG Freelance website.
2019 Dave Greber Freelance Writers Awards open for submissions
Freelancers, if you’ve written about social justice issues this year, it’s time to submit your work for the Dave Greber Freelance Writers Book and Magazine Awards.
The awards are now open for submissions and the competition closes on Friday June 28, 2019 at 5:00 P.M. PST.
The awards honour the memory of Dave Greber, a Calgary-based freelancer who wrote extensively about social justice issues during the final decade of his career. The awards were created in 2004, and are given each year to writers of social justice-related non-fiction.
The book award is worth $5,000 and the magazine award is set at $2,000. Work that has not yet been completed for publication is also eligible for the awards. To submit your work, you must be a resident of Canada and spend 70% of your working time as a self-employed freelance writer.
For more details about the requirements for each award, see the Dave Greber Awards website.
And you can read Story Board’s interviews with some of the past Dave Greber Award winners right here.
