Braving the Canadian Lake: Paolo Pietropaolo on the joys of freelancing
Freelance radio producer Paolo Pietropaolo says that working as a freelancer is like standing on the edge of a Canadian lake. When embarking on any new creative project, he says, there’s always that daunting moment where you have to figure out where to begin. The lake in front of you is huge, it’s freezing cold, you’re scared. But once […]
The Born Freelancer on Writing a Radio Play
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. It seems appropriate to spend a post on writing radio plays during the very week that marks the 75th anniversary of the initial broadcast of radio’s […]
Portfolio options for freelancers
by H.G. Watson How you present your work online can go a long way to helping you land your next job. There are now several online options that allow you to create beautiful presentations of your work, for no cost. I took a look at four of the more popular options for online portfolio […]
Social Media Tips from the Freelance Survival Seminar
The Internet changed things in a big way for publishers. Magazines and newspapers are still struggling to adapt to the evolving publishing landscape. Freelancers, meanwhile, have a whole array of new tools at their disposal. The social media session at last month’s CMG Freelance Survival Series gave an overview of the best platforms for freelancers and offered […]
ACJA Hosts Résumé Clinic for Young Aspiring Journalists
by Elliot Chan Competition is stiff for most career choices and journalism is no different. So, in the same way we keep our body in contending shape by going to the gym, we must do the same for our application package. We must work out our résumé, analyze our cover letter, and develop an […]
What’s in your contract?
Libel notice served to Toronto Life should give freelance writers pause for thought York University’s recent libel notice to Toronto Life should serve as a sobering reminder for Canadian freelance writers. The article at issue – a feature on sexual assault at York – was written by freelance contributor Katherine Laidlaw. Fortunately for Laidlaw, […]
Opportunities and Pitching — Tips from the Freelance Survival Series
Learn to sell yourself, accept all paying work, and approach new publications with your eyes wide open. Those were a few of the messages that came out of the “opportunities and pitching” session at last month’s Freelance Survival Seminar in Toronto. Writers Don Genova and Alison Garwood-Jones spent an hour sharing their experiences and offering advice to a […]
The 5-Minute Freelancer Q&A #13 – Moira Farr
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. Where are you when most of your story ideas come to you? Where do you go to brainstorm pitch ideas? MF: It’s very much related to things […]
The Born Freelancer on Managing Writer’s Block
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. It is probably inevitable. You yourself may face it one day if you have not already. Like death and taxes there may be no way to […]
Life’s a pitch (but freelancers together are stronger)
It was a packed house last night for the freelance panel discussion, “Yes We Are Worthy: Making it in the freelance world.” At the event on the University of Toronto campus, a roomful of freelancers swapped business cards and battle stories. We also received some sound advice from the panelists: writers Ann Douglas and Andrew […]
