Read on Twitter
What @Emmajourno and I have learned from 20 combined years working as freelance journalists for @BBCNews @guardian @Telegraph @MetroUKNews @pulsetoday @theovertake @the_limbic and more - a handy little thread to share 
@Mrawlins1974 @stann2 @paulbradshaw @Paulwiltshire
@Mrawlins1974 @stann2 @paulbradshaw @Paulwiltshire
1) You need to know where to look for work
Freelance gigs are out there but it takes time to find editors and opportunities that are right for you
Freelance gigs are out there but it takes time to find editors and opportunities that are right for you
2) Rates are negotiable 
Just because you aren't offered any money for your work, it doesn't mean there isn't any budget! But it takes confidence and knowledge to empower yourself to negotiate fair rates.
Just because you aren't offered any money for your work, it doesn't mean there isn't any budget! But it takes confidence and knowledge to empower yourself to negotiate fair rates.
3) Branding is vital 
Knowing how to sell yourself, without directly selling yourself, is a freelance skills worth learning.
Need help with this? The come to our @freelancingfor masterclass next week! https://www.tickettailor.com/events/freelancingforjournalists/382888/
Knowing how to sell yourself, without directly selling yourself, is a freelance skills worth learning.
Need help with this? The come to our @freelancingfor masterclass next week! https://www.tickettailor.com/events/freelancingforjournalists/382888/
4) Media law is not just for court reporters 
The most innocuous stories can create the biggest legal grief so knowing your media law is vital for all freelance journos.
The most innocuous stories can create the biggest legal grief so knowing your media law is vital for all freelance journos.
5) Finding case studies is undervalued skill 
Journalism courses often focus on story structure, getting juicy quotes and securing expert sources but knowing where to find excellent case studies in the first place is an art in itself
Journalism courses often focus on story structure, getting juicy quotes and securing expert sources but knowing where to find excellent case studies in the first place is an art in itself
6) Timing is everything when pitching 
Knowing when to send a pitch is just as important as what to put in it.
If you think you need help with this, then have I mentioned we have freelance journalism masterclass running next week? Tickets just ÂŁ10: https://www.tickettailor.com/events/freelancingforjournalists/382888/
Knowing when to send a pitch is just as important as what to put in it.
If you think you need help with this, then have I mentioned we have freelance journalism masterclass running next week? Tickets just ÂŁ10: https://www.tickettailor.com/events/freelancingforjournalists/382888/
7) Editors are excellent at hiding in plain sight 
Knowing where to find the right editor to contact will propel your freelance career no end. But it isn't always easy finding them.
Knowing where to find the right editor to contact will propel your freelance career no end. But it isn't always easy finding them.
8) Problem solving is fundamental for success 
Knowing how to adapt quickly and rise to constant challenges will make you a better, more reliable freelancer
Knowing how to adapt quickly and rise to constant challenges will make you a better, more reliable freelancer
9) Side hustles should be embraced 
Don't be embarrassed about having a portfolio career. It doesn't stop you from being a journalist first and foremost. Alongside working as a freelance journalist, I teach at university and in the evenings I coach runners.
Don't be embarrassed about having a portfolio career. It doesn't stop you from being a journalist first and foremost. Alongside working as a freelance journalist, I teach at university and in the evenings I coach runners.
10) Take inspiration from others 
We can all learn from one another. Special thanks to @LaurenRazavi for inspiring me to write this thread. She is another great fountain of knowledge when it comes to freelance life.
We can all learn from one another. Special thanks to @LaurenRazavi for inspiring me to write this thread. She is another great fountain of knowledge when it comes to freelance life.
