Freelancing for Journalists

Can you have a successful freelance journalism career outside of London? This week we spoke to two freelancers living outside the capital about how they make it work and the benefits of being based elsewhere in the country.Broadcast journalist Danielle Hayden currently lives in Manchester and is determined to work away from London, whilst print journalist Nicola Slawson wishes she had moved to Shrewsbury years ago.The guestsNicola Slawson @Nicola_Slawsonhttps://thesinglesupplement.substack.com/aboutDanielle Hayden @DaniellehaydResourcesFFJ newsletter https://freelancingforjournalists.substack.com/Medical Journalists Association https://www.mjauk.org/Scott Trust Bursary https://workforus.theguardian.com/index.php/entry-level-opportunities/scott-trust-bursaries/Positive News https://www.positive.news/Write About Your Life https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/write-about-your-life-how-to-pitch-and-find-new-stories-tickets-129277010017Broadcast Journalists Forum https://www.facebook.com/groups/863351437010810People in TV: Northern England https://www.facebook.com/groups/IneedCREWNorthernEnglandFreelancing for Journalists Facebook community https://www.facebook.com/groups/freelancingforjournalistsNo.1 Freelance Media Women https://www.facebook.com/groups/No1FreelanceMediaWomenNorthern Freelance UK journalists & media group https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=freelance%20northFreelancing for Journalists is sponsored by The Tax Farm, the accountancy service dedicated to freelancers, the self-employed and small business owners.  The right accountant is more than a number cruncher and tax return filer – they’re your business guardian, helping you make better financial decisions.  Talk to John at The Tax Farm today and quote ‘FFJ15’ to claim your exclusive 15% discount.

We joined forces with journalism graduates George Goldberg, Bryony Smith and Oli Hammett, the hosts of podcast Jobs Bored, for this special bonus episode.We talk about the freelance journey, scrutinising CVs and what our alternative jobs might be. Lily and Emma also answer dilemmas from Jobs Bored listeners.

This week we talk about the nagging feeling that freelance journalists get when they doubt their accomplishments or talents and fear being exposed as a fraud.We speak to award-winning journalist Donna Ferguson and entertainment specialist Nick McGrath about acknowledging your achievements, dealing with rejection and putting negative thoughts into perspective.The guestsDonna Ferguson @DonnaLFergusonhttps://www.theguardian.com/profile/donna-fergusonNick McGrath @nhmcgrathhttps://www.nick-mcgrath-freelance-journalist.co.uk/ResourcesHow to pitch, get commissioned and make a living interviewing celebrities https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/how-to-pitch-get-commissioned-and-make-a-living-interviewing-celebrities-tickets-118077632377 Donna's article: How to accept rejection https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2018/aug/26/turn-rejection-into-success-share-hashtagMentor schemes: https://womeninjournalism.co.uk/mentoring-2020/https://www.journoresources.org.uk/journalism-mentoring-journalist-mentor/https://journalismassembly.com/assemblyhttps://presspad.co.uk/how-it-works/https://www.journalismdiversityfund.com/

In this episode we discuss the challenges of working as a freelance journalist whilst living with a disability. We talk candidly to freelance writer Lydia Wilkins, who is on the autistic spectrum, and sports broadcaster Gemma Stevenson, who was diagnosed with dystonia following a car accident.Our guests talk passionately about tackling prejudice, overcoming physical and mental barriers and making the most of opportunities.The guests:Lydia WilkinsTwitter: @Journo_LydiaBlog: https://mademoisellewomen.com/Newsletter: https://lydia.substack.com/Sign up - with paid option: https://lydia.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=web&utm_source=subscribe-widget&utm_content=347386Special offer for podcast listeners: Get 20% off for a year (offer ends September 2) https://lydia.substack.com/cd313585 Gemma StevensonTwitter: @gstevensonsportWebsite: https://www.gemmalouisestevenson.com/The Constant Cheerleader podcast: https://www.gemmalouisestevenson.com/podcastResources:Access to Work policy: https://www.gov.uk/access-to-workAccess to Work advisor handbook: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/877171/access-to-work-staff-guide.pdfDisability rights under 2010 Equality Act: https://www.gov.uk/browse/disabilities/rightsNCTJ Journalism Diversity Fund: https://www.journalismdiversityfund.com/Thomas Read Bursary:http://www.thomasread.org/Ableism: https://metro.co.uk/2020/02/11/what-does-being-ableist-mean-12221655/National Autistic Society: https://www.autism.org.uk/Dystonia UK: https://www.dystonia.org.uk/

In this episode we discuss fighting for fair pay as a freelancer and how to build confidence in order to effectively challenge commissioning editors.We speak to freelance advocate Anna Codrea-Rado who launched the #FairPayForFreelancers campaign last year and award-winning journalist Chris Wheal who took the Guardian to the small claims court.The episode covers payment on publication, late payment fees, negotiation and how to equip yourself with the knowledge to fight back against low pay rates and slow payment systems.The guests:Anna Codrea-RadoTwitter: @annacodWebsite: https://www.annacodrearado.com/aboutNewsletter: https://theprofessionalfreelancer.substack.com/Is This Working? podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/is-this-working/id1473508626Chris WhealTwitter: @whealieEditorial services: https://www.whealassociates.com/Blog: https://www.chriswheal.com/Resources:#FairPayForFreelancers open letter https://docs.google.com/document/d/1BvCJbsaLVlNkgCPCqiyBxnqHtFincmCyvIOvRiw5LOo/editThe Freelancer Pay Gap project https://theprofessionalfreelancer.substack.com/p/the-freelancer-pay-gapFreelancer Pay Gap data https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1GajDnwJHgWDzNnaZRmi8eoZtaV5A8NZqLV8l_aKJf08/edit?usp=sharingWho Pays Writers? rates http://whopayswriters.com/#/resultsCan Pay, Won't Pay Freelance Journalists https://www.facebook.com/groups/614195525419319Late payment legislation https://www.gov.uk/late-commercial-payments-interest-debt-recoveryPayment on publication in-depth article https://www.pressgazette.co.uk/how-payment-on-publication-is-making-life-a-misery-for-many-freelance-journalists/How to get paid on time guide https://www.chriswheal.com/how-to/get-paid/Accountancy software https://www.xero.com/uk/, https://quickbooks.intuit.com/uk/

In this episode we discuss how to work internationally as a freelance journalist. We talk about working in the UK for overseas publications and moving abroad to freelance. Investigative journalist Jessica Bateman tells us about living and working in Greece and Germany, whilst financial expert Pete Carvill explains how he ended up living in Berlin working for publications in the UK and USA.The episode covers managing international transactions, cultural barriers and coronavirus travel restrictions plus the impact of Brexit on working across Europe.The Guests:Jessica Bateman @JessicaBatemanPete Carvill @Pete_CarvillResources:Summer of Solidarity project https://www.summerofsolidarity.eu/Funding for investigative journalism in Europe https://www.journalismfund.eu/International payments https://transferwise.com/Business payment platforms https://stripe.com/ and https://www.revolut.com/Global Investigative Journalism Network https://gijn.org/

In this episode we discuss how to look after your mental health and well being whilst working as a freelance journalist. We talk candidly to Jenny Stallard of newsletter and podcast Freelance Feels and gaming journalist Jake Tucker.Jenny opens up about working through periods of low self-esteem and Jake talks us through his struggles with Asperger syndrome, depression and anxiety. We also discuss strategies for motivation and how being freelance can be a huge advantage when it comes to managing our mental load. The Guests:Jenny Stallard @JStallard_Media https://www.freelancefeels.com/Jake Tucker @_JakeTuckerResources:Freelance Feels podcast https://www.freelancefeels.com/podcastNo.1 Freelance Media Women https://www.facebook.com/groups/No1FreelanceMediaWomenFreelancing for Journalists https://www.facebook.com/groups/2526455974236281Society of Freelance Journalists https://freelancesoc.org/Freelance Heroes https://www.facebook.com/groups/freelanceheroesDoing It For The Kids https://www.facebook.com/groups/DIFTKA Few Good Hacks https://www.facebook.com/groups/213675832507619Mind mental health support https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/

In this episode we celebrate the launch of our first book Freelancing for Journalists. We talk to freelance journalists and published authors Michelle Rawlins and Frank Shennan about getting your first non-fiction book published and navigating the world of agents, ghost writing and self-publishing.Michelle has recently released Women of Steel which tells the stories of the feisty factory sisters who helped to win the Second World War. Frank is co-author of Rebels in Paradise, the inside story of the battle for Celtic Football Club together with a range of other non-fiction books.The guests:Michelle Rawlins @Mrawlins1974Frank (Francis) Shennan @francisshennanResources:Crowd funding publisher https://unbound.com/Facebook group - The No 1 author ladies buddy agency https://www.facebook.com/groups/629905610420201Publishers Marketplace https://www.publishersmarketplace.com/ How to get published guide https://getpublished.penguin.co.uk/

In this episode we talk to Jem Collins, director of Journo Resources and recent journalism graduate Connor Stringer about how to get started as a freelance journalist.We discuss keeping lists, contacting the tax office and creating email addresses - plus much more! if you want to get started in freelance journalism but are not sure how to get organised, then this is the perfect episode for you.*This was recorded online so there is the occasional dip in sound quality.The guests:Jem Collins @Jem_CollinsConnor Stringer @connor_stringerResources: Freelancing for Journalists published by Routledge  https://www.routledge.com/Freelancing-for-Journalists/Canter-Wilkinson/p/book/9780367135553Journo Resources https://www.journoresources.org.ukList of pitching guidelines: https://www.journoresources.org.uk/pitching-guidelines/Trello https://trello.comThe Professional Freelancer Newsletter by Anna Codrea-Rado  https://theprofessionalfreelancer.substack.com Press Pad https://presspad.co.ukEJC Freelance Assembly https://journalismassembly.com/assemblyJournalism.co.uk https://www.journalism.co.ukYoung Journalist Community  https://www.facebook.com/groups/330881737884535Wired pitching guidelines https://www.wired.co.uk/article/contributor-guidelinesHMRC register as self-employed https://www.gov.uk/log-in-file-self-assessment-tax-return/register-if-youre-self-employed

In this episode we speak to LinkedIn experts James Upsher and Linda Aitchison about how freelance journalists can make the most of this professional networking platform.We discuss building brand reputation, promoting your work and finding case studies on LinkedIn, a platform that often mystifies hosts Lily and Emma.If you would like to support the podcast series then head over to our Kofi page to buy us a cuppa: https://ko-fi.com/freelancingforjournalistsThe Guests James Upsher @JamesUpsher Linda Aitchison @LindaAitchison https://www.lindaaitchison.co.uk/ResourcesLinkedIn for Journalists: https://news.linkedin.com/media-resources/linkedin-for-journalists