The Born Freelancer on Email Self-Marketing
This series of posts by the Born Freelancer shares personal experiences and thoughts on issues relevant to freelancers. Have something to add to the conversation? Your input is welcome in the comments. I still use old-school email to promote myself to potential new clients as well as for keeping in touch with select past clients. They appear […]
Warning to freelancers: The Revelation Magazine
Freelance writers, photographers and web developers are advised that a Toronto-based startup magazine is behind on payments to its contributors. The Revelation Magazine, an online publication that bills itself as a “non-denomination Christian lifestyle magazine,” published one issue in December before suspending publication in mid-January. More than two dozen freelancers — writers, photographers and graphic […]
5 Common Tax Mistakes Freelancers Can Avoid
By Sunny Widerman, Personal Tax Advisors 1. Not setting aside enough funds for taxes When you’re self-employed, you have to be proactive and set aside enough money to cover your tax bill. If not, you may be in for a shock at tax time! There’s no one-size-fits-all for everyone, but for most of our […]
The Born Freelancer on Working Through the Winter Blues
This series of posts by the Born Freelancer shares personal experiences and thoughts on issues relevant to freelancers. Have something to add to the conversation? Your input is welcome in the comments. “I love winter” I hear some of you professing. “Stop being such a wuss”. Well, good for you and your well-adjusted mental attitude. You possess a […]
Finding your online writing niche
by Andrea Hoff What kind of writing is best suited to online publishing? According to Bethany Blanchard—a freelance writer, editor, and critic based in Melbourne, Australia— how you frame your online writing is as important as what you publish. Should you start your own blog or publish in an existing journal? What media and platforms should […]
Omar Mouallem advises budding freelancers at NASH
by Allison Leonard “There is a science to pitching freelance magazine articles,” said Omar Mouallem, a freelance magazine writer and editor who has contributed to publications including the Globe and Mail, The Walrus and Alberta Views. Last weekend, Mouallem spoke to delegates at the Canadian University Press’s annual national conference, NASH 76, in Edmonton. […]
What to charge for your writing
by Rachel Sanders When you’re offered a juicy writing assignment, sometimes the fee seems less important than the experience, the enjoyment, or the byline you’re expecting to get out of it. But as you move along in your writing career, it’s important to consider what your time is worth. If you want to freelance full-time, […]
The Born Freelancer’s 2013 Holiday Wish List
This series of posts by the Born Freelancer shares personal experiences and thoughts on issues relevant to freelancers. Have something to add to the conversation? Your input is welcome in the comments. Of course we’d all like more work; better pay; understanding editors/producers; and enjoyably challenging assignments. It goes without saying. And I wish all of these unto you […]
The 5-Minute Freelancer Q&A #14 – Lyndsie Bourgon
In this regular feature, Story Board asks Canadian writers to share a few details about their work habits and their strategies for navigating the ups and downs of freelance life. 1. What’s the most important thing you’ve done over the years for professional development? I took a feature writing course at Ryerson and that was really helpful for […]
Freelance contracts: what to look for
There was a commotion on Twitter last week. A graphic designer named Juan Luis Garcia claimed he was asked to design some posters for Spike Lee’s new movie, Oldboy. After spending weeks on his designs, he says, the agency that hired him offered an “insultingly low rate” for the use of his posters. He was […]
