In November we are running our four-week online course for the fifth time through journalism.co.uk. We sometimes come across the view that you can’t teach someone how to be a freelance, you just learn by doing.
Of course there is no qualification needed - we both just jumped in the deep end. But there are a lot of practicalities and tricks of the trade you never get taught at university or college.
Our aim from the outset was to create a course that was very practical, building up confidence step by step, but also with a huge amount of tailored feedback. We get delegates from all over the world and at completely different stages in their journalism careers - from just graduated, moving to journalism from another profession, or experienced staffer looking for a new direction. We also wanted to make the course as accessible as possible and previous delegates have commented on it’s value for money.
The course is super practical. All assignments are designed to help you build the skills and practices of a freelance journalist. I liked the 'journey' of it, where each week built up to eventually getting quality pitches out there. The community element on Slack is great! It really motivated me. I learned a lot from other people's ideas and feedback and the general chat.
Through our Slack group, we both give detailed feedback on questions and assignments, tailored to where that individual is at in their understanding of freelancing. They also, through the course, meet fellow newbies and get that peer support that is so important.
The feedback we have had shows how attendees have really appreciated this approach. And we have worked with them to develop ideas and craft pitches that have ultimately been published in The Guardian, Metro, Black Ballad, Euro Observer, Euro News, Runner’s World, Stylist, The Breakdown among others.
This is cliche but the course has been the 'missing piece' for me. I've always thought freelance journalism is a job reserved for the lucky few who know everyone on Fleet Street. The course has changed my perception entirely and I now see it as a viable option, provided I put in the graft.
We advocate strongly that the business side of freelancing should be taught on journalism degrees and the tide is slowly starting to turn on that. We teach at a number of universities who have started to incorporate freelance skills. We’re all stronger when everyone is clear about what the process should look like, the rights they have and has confidence to ask for fair and timely payment.
The step-by-step approach meant I progressed at a pace I could manage. Lily and Emma were responsive and supportive, answering queries and all the time encouraging you to think beyond your initial idea.
You hear quite often that there is no money is freelance journalism. While it is true that rates have been stagnant for years, we both earn the vast majority of our income from journalism and it is absolutely possible to make a good living. But freelancing might look a bit different from the regular large spreads or column in a national newspaper approach. The media landscape has shifted and there are of course supplementary income streams. Having a clear understanding of what that landscape looks like and how to find work is all part and parcel of it.
I think this is the only course I’ve ever taken where I am leaving with some tangible action items actually completed! I now have a website, updated social media profiles, some pitches in draft form and one pitch sent out. I have a well organized database of publications and editors. Before starting the course I was just thinking about getting into writing again, it would have taken me months to get to where I am now.
If you feel like you may benefit from the course but have questions you can contact us at freelancingforjournalists@gmail.com. It can be done completely in your own time - everything is online and flexible. Find our more or grab your place below.
What’s coming up
Did you know we have published a series of Quick Guides. Just £5 each these 20-page PDFs provide the low-down on four key freelancing topics. You can find them at https://payhip.com/FreelancingforJournalists.
Triumph of the week
Students getting very interested when talking to them about the finances of freelancing including tax. Who knew!
That feeling when…
You find a great story and it’s commissioned straightway with no fuss but then you have to find the time to actually write it…
We love to hear your feedback on everything we do, so feel free to drop us an email anytime at freelancingforjournalists@gmail.com
Bye for now!