We’re back everyone! The award-winning Freelancing for Journalists podcast is returning for series 6 with another set of fantastic episodes.
We’ve some great chats with amazing guests from the UK and much further afield for this series. The episodes cover switching to journalism later in life, saying no, blogging, moral choices and securing steady work. Lily and Emma will also be doing a bonus episode to update you all on whether they actually stuck to those appraisal targets they set at the end of the last series.
We’re kicking off with a marvellous advice-packed episode on Ghosting. So if you have ever been ignored, blanked or just generally wondered if your emails were written in invisible ink when you’re trying to get a response from someone who has commissioned you to do some work, you need to listen to this!
Solape Alatise, a freelance journalist with business and financial reporting experience, and Joel Snape a fitness writer and former commissioning editor at Men's Fitness tell us all about how to deal with professional ghosting and how they avoid taking it personally.
We have also been asking all the guests this series to give a shout out to a freelance journalist they think has been doing great work recently as our way of sharing the love so tune in to find out more.
You can find it wherever you get your podcasts or at the button below.
This series of the podcast is sponsored by Cision. We caught up with Cheryl Douglas, global director MR and CR operations, to find out more about the services they offer for freelance journalists.
What are the key benefits of using Cision as a freelancer?
We are all about the connection between the PR industry and the media. There are a number of ways to utilise our services, but first and foremost being on our database ensures you receive the latest press releases and make connections with PRs. As a freelancer it’s invaluable in helping build those all-important networks. Beyond that we also have our media request service to help you source leads for any stories you’re working on. Through the Media Moves newsletters you can announce your availability for commissioned work - and don’t forget to search Cision Jobs, the number one jobs site for journalists.
How can freelance journalists make connections with PRs?
Utilise our services, such as our media request service, to reach out for story ideas. You can also connect with past clients on a regular basis, including commissioning editors. Keep a list of PRs that send content to you via Cision, creating a go-to leads list so you have your own directory as and when required.
Do you have any advice for someone who is starting out as a freelance journalist?
Do your research - what do you want to write about and for whom do you want to write? Keep your portfolio up to date and easy to find. Remember not just to connect with editors and staffers but to find your support network among fellow freelancers.
How can a freelance journalist make the best use of your services?
Keep your profile updated, it’s the best way for PRs to connect with you and send relevant content or pitch to you. This also includes your Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn. If your details change you can not only update your profile but also advertise your latest information for free in the Media Moves newsletter.
You join Cision by emailing ukmediaupdates@cision.com or visiting cision.co.uk/journalists-services
Triumph of the week
One of us was asked to take on a great leadership role opportunity. The other got a puppy. We definitely know which one is more exciting!
That feeling when…
You have prepared a whole four-hour teaching session then can’t find the slides. Does anyone else’s Powerpoint hide files from them? Anyway, found it, phew!
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!