Do you focus on the lowest-common denominator freelance gigs that are easier to come by and easier to write but pay less and have a heck of a lot more competition vying for the opportunity? Or do you aim higher, going for the tougher assignments that are harder to land, harder to complete but pay more too?
WordCount Repeats: Should you trade in freelancing for a full-time job?
While I’m away from the keyboard this week, I’m re-running a handful of posts that didn’t get the attention – or web traffic – they deserved the first time around. I’ll return with fresh insights on the business of writing next week. – Michelle Rafter Is this a good time for a self-employed writer to […]
WordCount Repeats: 5 reasons freelancers need vacations
While I’m away from the keyboard this week, I’m re-running a handful of posts that didn’t get the attention – or web traffic – they deserved the first time around. I’ll return with fresh insights on the business of writing next week. – Michelle Rafter Don’t underestimate the power of a good vacation. I just […]
The medium is changing, reporting basics aren't
You should have been there. A crowd of more than 100 reporters and bloggers showed up for Digital Journalism Camp in Portland on Aug. 1. Everyone was there to figure out how they fit into a media industry that’s shifting away from old revenue and distribution models to new ones that aren’t yet clearly defined. […]
It pays freelancers to find wiggle room in exclusivity clauses
Given what’s happening in the media business, freelancers can’t afford to cultivate an exclusive relationship with one newspaper or magazine. Actually, an exclusive relationship would be sweet – think of all those letters of introduction you’d avoid having to do and the time you’d save. But unless you’re under contract at The New Yorker – […]
A little something on the side
Is it just me, or does it seem like these days everybody’s got a job and a little something on the side? Here in Portland, examples are everywhere: A local PR guy moonlights as the Silicon Florist, chronicler of the city’s tech start up scene. A photographer is helping organize WordCamp Portland, the annual gathering […]