“Network with other freelancers” is one essential tip veteran freelance journalist Katherine Reynolds Lewis gave in her presentation at the National Press Club in November.
“Nobody can take on every assignment and you’ll benefit from comparing marketing and negotiation strategies and problem clients,” Lewis told about 50 people attending the Nov. 18 program. The half-day program was sponsored by SPJ-DC and the National Press Club’s freelance committee, headed by Peggy Orchowski.
Lewis recommended that freelancers “turn down poor-paying gigs,” and advised: “don’t count on your stable of clients remaining the same. Always be seeking new clients and planning for the possibility of losing an anchor client.” An anchor client provides a set weekly or monthly income that a freelancer can count on to cover minimum expenses.
Hazel Becker, co-coordinator of the D.C. chapter’s freelance group, stressed thinking like a business owner. In her presentation she discussed how to track income and expenses, budget, set rates and manage clients.
Have an agreement or contract covering every job and client, Becker recommended, even if it is just an informal agreement, such as an email confirming the details the assignment.
Keep good records, “find out if you need a business license in your jurisdiction” and “know the tax rules that apply to your business – federal, state and local,” she said.
Stephenie Overman, co-coordinator of the D.C. chapter’s freelance group, moderated a panel discussion on what editors are looking for from freelancers.
The editors who took part in the discussion were:
- Ben Pauker, senior editor at Foreign Policy, a global magazine of politics and economics.
- Gordon Witkin, senior managing editor of iWatch News, the online publication of The Center for Public Integrity. iWatch News provides original and exclusive daily stories as well as in-depth investigations and commentary.
- Holly J. Morris, a founding editor of the Washington Post Express, which launched in 2003. As an AME, Morris oversees digital development and most of the original content sections.
The D.C. chapter and the National Press Club freelance committee plan to collaborate again on a program some time in the spring. The next topic will be on marketing yourself as a professional freelancer.