

Freelancing for Journalists
Lily Canter and Emma Wilkinson
Lifting the lid on freelance life. Experienced freelance journalists Lily Canter and Emma Wilkinson guide you through everything you need to know about working for yourself. From where to get work, to how to get paid and everything in between.
Each episode features two guests who have made freelancing a success. From film reviewers, to travel writers to bitcoin experts and current affairs broadcasters.
Packed with trade secrets, top tips and amusing anecdotes this is an unmissable How To guide for anyone interested in freelance journalism life.
Contact us via email freelancingforjournalists@gmail.com or find us on Facebook and Twitter @freelancingfor @lilycanter @emmajourno.
You can find out more about FFJ at our dedicated website here: https://freelancingforjournalists.com/
Love the podcast? Then why not buy us a virtual cuppa here: https://ko-fi.com/freelancingforjournalists
Subscribe to our free weekly newsletter to get all the latest podcast news plus additional resources: https://tinyurl.com/y6j7kx7d
For the full Freelancing for Journalists experience you can purchase our book here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Freelancing-Journalists-Media-Skills-Canter/dp/0367135558
You can also sign up to our freelancing course here: https://www.journalism.co.uk/vocational-skills-study/freelance-journalism-online-course/s43/a750959/
And check out our webinar training series here: https://www.tickettailor.com/events/freelancingforjournalists
We also offer a range of bespoke training packages under the Freelancing for Journalists brand. Email us for details.
Each episode features two guests who have made freelancing a success. From film reviewers, to travel writers to bitcoin experts and current affairs broadcasters.
Packed with trade secrets, top tips and amusing anecdotes this is an unmissable How To guide for anyone interested in freelance journalism life.
Contact us via email freelancingforjournalists@gmail.com or find us on Facebook and Twitter @freelancingfor @lilycanter @emmajourno.
You can find out more about FFJ at our dedicated website here: https://freelancingforjournalists.com/
Love the podcast? Then why not buy us a virtual cuppa here: https://ko-fi.com/freelancingforjournalists
Subscribe to our free weekly newsletter to get all the latest podcast news plus additional resources: https://tinyurl.com/y6j7kx7d
For the full Freelancing for Journalists experience you can purchase our book here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Freelancing-Journalists-Media-Skills-Canter/dp/0367135558
You can also sign up to our freelancing course here: https://www.journalism.co.uk/vocational-skills-study/freelance-journalism-online-course/s43/a750959/
And check out our webinar training series here: https://www.tickettailor.com/events/freelancingforjournalists
We also offer a range of bespoke training packages under the Freelancing for Journalists brand. Email us for details.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Aug 19, 2020 • 50min
Fighting for fair pay
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/

Aug 12, 2020 • 38min
Working internationally
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/

Aug 5, 2020 • 47min
Mental health and well being
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/

Jul 29, 2020 • 45min
Publishing your first book
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/

Jul 22, 2020 • 49min
Getting Started
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

Jul 15, 2020 • 39min
Demystifying LinkedIn
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

Jun 17, 2020 • 35min
When you become the story
In our pilot episode we speak to Sheffield Hallam University lecturers and freelance journalists David Clarke and Clare Jenkins about what happens when you become the story. David Clarke is an expert in folklore and supernatural phenomena whilst Clare Jenkins is an experienced BBC radio broadcaster focusing on human interest stories. We discuss the ethical dilemmas around interviewing friends and family and how much information to give away when you producing a personal story. The episode also looks becoming a talking head and how to handle media enquiries. Find out more about freelancing by joining our Facebook community.The Guests Clare Jenkins: http://www.pennineproductions.co.uk/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/clarejenkins13/?originalSubdomain=uk Twitter: @clarejenkins13David Clarke: https://drdavidclarke.co.uk/ @shuclarkeArticles that Lily mentions: Sweet Banning story https://www.telegraph.co.uk/family/parenting/my-children-have-never-eaten-sweets-call-me-mean---but-im-winnin/ ‘Why couples should never go running together’ https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/the-running-blog/2018/jan/04/why-couples-should-never-go-running-together Meningitis Vaccine https://www.telegraph.co.uk/health-fitness/body/should-i-have-my-child-vaccinated-for-meningitis-b/ Love Money Profile https://www.lovemoney.com/profile/352759/lily-canter Samantha Brick https://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-2124246/Samantha-Brick-downsides-looking-pretty-Why-women-hate-beautiful.html Articles that Emma mentions: Big Babies https://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-5898235/Why-British-babies-getting-bigger.html Websites/Articles Clare mentions: A Casual Clearance, Clare’s Documentary on clearing out her mother’s home https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b07wpf5n Melanie Reid https://www.thetimes.co.uk/profile/melanie-reid?page=1 https://www.amazon.co.uk/s?k=melanie+reid+the+world+i+fell+out+of&adgrpid=79461903778&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIwf7izdLG5wIVjbTtCh2s8AmNEAAYAiAAEgKHuPD_BwE&hvadid=381579673326&hvdev=c&hvlocphy=1007064&hvnetw=g&hvqmt=e&hvrand=12543101933394328236&hvtargid=kwd-645203849747&hydadcr=28213_1821156&tag=googhydr-21&ref=pd_sl_5b5dww24zx_e Bryony Gordon https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/bryony-gordon/ Liz Jones https://www.dailymail.co.uk/home/you/columnist-1009327/Liz-Jones-Diary-The-Mail-Sunday.html Websites/Articles David mentions: NUJ Freelance Fees Guide http://www.londonfreelance.org/feesguide/index.php?language=en&country=UK§ion=Welcome#general UFO Hoax https://blogs.shu.ac.uk/c3riimpact/david-clarke-bbc-insideout-ufo/?doing_wp_cron=1554430824.0856170654296875000000 Pre-order the Freelancing for Journalists book hereSHU students who helped produce this podcast:Guest liaison manager - Kendra NicholsGuest photography - Anton VelchevDesk driver - Anurag DasguptaShow notes - Isabella Tarrant Studio producer - Ben Dodd Music researcher - Ben DoddWebsite designer - Alexandra VentressSocial media - Joel Johnson, Ella Hodson

Jun 10, 2020 • 35min
Branding and Supplementary Income
In this episode we speak to radio documentary maker Perminder Khatkar and journalist-copywriter-cooking teacher Javaria Akbar about branding and supplementary income streams. We discuss how to identify as a brand and the importance of social media, websites and email signatures. We also talk about alternative income streams and how to reach out to contacts to secure teaching, writing and other forms of freelance work.Discuss branding and much more in our Facebook community.The Guests Perminder Khatkar: https://www.linkedin.com/in/perminder-khatkar-00262118/ Twitter: @Perminder_k Javaria Akbar: https://javaria-akbar.com https://muckrack.com/javaria-akbar/articles https://www.amazon.co.uk/Life-Honestly-Strong-Opinions-Smart/dp/1509887199 Twitter: @javaria_akbar ResourcesEmail signature website - https://www.wisestamp.com/ Journalism web designer - https://www.journosites.co.uk/ Life coach – https://www.henley.ac.uk/people/person/karen-foy MuckRack - https://muckrack.comPre-order the Freelancing for Journalists book here SHU students who helped produce this podcast:Guest liaison manager - Kendra NicholsGuest photography - Anton VelchevDesk driver - Anurag DasguptaShow notes - Isabella Tarrant Studio producer - Ben Dodd Music researcher - Ben DoddWebsite designer - Alexandra VentressSocial media - Joel Johnson, Ella Hodson

Jun 3, 2020 • 48min
Finances and getting paid
In this episode we discuss the emotive subject of finances and getting paid. Showbiz reporter Ed Dyson and sex and relationships writer Charlotte Grainger share their advice on how to organise invoices, chase late payments and whether it's necessary to get an accountant. We also discuss the controversial topics of payment on publication, working for free and how to negotiate fair rates. Discuss finances and much more in our Facebook community.The Guests Ed Dyson: https://unitedqueendompodc.wixsite.com/website https://open.spotify.com/show/0TDLmRw2eSeYCtODoZxjyR Twitter: @edwarddyson205 @UnitedQueendom1 Charlotte Grainger: https://charlottegrainger.contently.com/ Twitter: @LottieBetty ResourcesLondon Freelance Guide: http://www.londonfreelance.org/feesguide/index.php?language=en&country=UK§ion=Welcome NUJ Freelance Rates: https://www.nuj.org.uk/work/freelance/ Journo Resources Salary Guide: https://www.journoresources.org.uk/salaries/ Freelance Tax help: https://www.crunch.co.uk/knowledge/tax/freelancing-side-tax-implications/ Things Ed mentions: Articles he’s written for The Sun: https://www.pressrush.com/author/5774980/ed-dyson Facebook groups for Journalists: https://www.journalism.co.uk/news/10-facebook-groups-for-journalists-to-join/s2/a740420/ Freelance Journalists Christmas Drinks: https://www.nuj.org.uk/tags/christmas/ Receipt Bank Things Charlotte mentions: Rush Fees: https://www.freelancermap.com/freelancer-tips/12384-how-to-use-freelance-rush-fees PayPal: https://www.paypal.com/uk/home The #WhatToCharge Pre-order the Freelancing for Journalists book here SHU students who helped produce this podcast:Guest liaison manager - Kendra NicholsGuest photography - Anton VelchevDesk driver - Anurag DasguptaShow notes - Isabella Tarrant Studio producer - Ben Dodd Music researcher - Ben DoddWebsite designer - Alexandra VentressSocial media - Joel Johnson, Ella Hodson

May 27, 2020 • 44min
Contacts and networking
In this episode we discuss how to make great contacts and the best online and offline places for networking. Broadcast journalist Adam Hancock and technology writer Umar Hassan share their advice on using social media platforms and attending events to build up a pool of regular commissions.The GuestsAdam Hancock: linkedin.com/in/adam-hancock-0b437597Twitter: @adamhankersUmar Hassan: https://umarthejourno.com/Twitter: @umarhassan96ResourcesFreelancing for Journalists Facebook network: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2526455974236281http://birminghampressclub.com/Guild of Heath Writers: https://www.healthwriters.com/Googledoc: https://www.google.co.uk/docs/about/ Pre-order the Freelancing for Journalists book here SHU students who helped produce this podcast:Guest liaison manager - Kendra NicholsGuest photography - Anton VelchevDesk driver - Anurag DasguptaShow notes - Isabella Tarrant Studio producer - Ben Dodd Music researcher - Ben DoddWebsite designer - Alexandra VentressSocial media - Joel Johnson, Ella Hodson


