November 2nd, 2017 • Quill Archives
Freelancers: Learn to overcome record request hurdles
“And who are you reporting for?” This the most dreaded question I hear as a freelancer, especially when I’m calling a public office to request records. I don’t fault anyone for asking it — it’s a natural question, and I’m sure I would ask it too, if the tables were turned.
August 28th, 2017 • Featured
Freelancing: Putting on the boss hat
Autonomy is part of the appeal of freelancing. As independent journalists, we work with editors as our clients, not our supervisors. We choose our projects and set our own schedules. We may or may not work in our pajamas, or from a lawn chair in the backyard.
June 14th, 2017 • Quill Archives
Freelancing: You Can, Sometimes, Get What You Want
“Unless you know exactly what you want, you’re sure not to get it.” I could attempt to diagram that sentence. Instead, I’ll explain how this nugget of advice became a cornerstone of my freelance business — and how it can help yours.
April 13th, 2017 • Quill Archives
Freelancing Through Upheaval Takes Grit
By definition, upheaval uproots. Practices and institutions that that once felt secure suddenly seem flimsy. Even if you didn’t like them to begin with, you may find yourself wishing for them again, for the familiarity. Upheaval, by its nature, isolates. Independent journalists work in a constant state of upheaval: We work without roots, often alone.
