Freelance Journalism

Last night in Scripps 111 Jamie Ratermann led us in a discussion and overview of Freelance journalism. Assistant professor Ellen Gerl contributed by discussing her experiences as a freelance journalist for magazines such as Midwest Living and Ohio Magazine.

Freelance journalism is something anyone can break into, including college students. Attempting this might be even more beneficial for college students as they may get published, press, and paid- a bonus for any and all college student. They won't have to rely 100% on the income of a freelance journalist (which is sadly minimal, unless you have built a name for yourself and your writing is very valuable) but can use the change to begin to build a name for themselves. Another amazing by-product of freelance journalism is the networking chances it brings. Often freelance journalism can serve as a sort of application process. The editor will already know you, know your writing and know that they can rely on you to meet a deadline (if that is true.) Thus, an editor may be more likely to offer you a job if the opportunity arises versus an unknown writer.

SPJ members are offered multiple different resources for freelance journalists including a freelance directory that may match you up with editors, a job bank as well as a "list of resources and organizations devoted to aiding freelancers in everything from pitching stories to paying taxes."

Check out this SPJ article: "New media helps freelancers and fights repression."