The Study Hall Podcast Managing Your Finances As A Freelance Writer ft. Katherine Reynolds Lewis
Dec 1, 2025
Katherine Reynolds Lewis, an award-winning journalist and founder of the Institute for Independent Journalists, dives into the world of freelance finances. She discusses negotiating fair rates and spotting contract red flags. Lewis emphasizes the importance of establishing anchor clients for income stability and balancing pay with portfolio and passion. Practical tips include tracking expenses, preparing for taxes, and preventing late payments. Katherine also highlights the realities of creator income and offers insights on treating freelancing as a business.
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Build A Side Hustle And Community
- Start a side hustle and meet regularly with colleagues to build freelance stability and ideas.
- Treat freelancing as a business by sharing nuts-and-bolts practices openly, Katherine Reynolds Lewis recommends.
Stay Ready With Small, Consistent Steps
- Keep one foot out the door by doing consistent side work, even two hours weekly can snowball into major projects.
- Maintain and systematically activate your network so people will help you quickly after a layoff.
Value Anchor Clients
- Anchor gigs provide predictable income through regular assignments or formal retainers.
- Rely on two or three anchors to spread risk because single clients can cut assignments or rates.