A writer asserts that something is true (or not) just because they wrote it; a journalist verifies it. Journalists are concerned with the methods of uncovering, analyzing, and verifying the truth. That usually is accomplished through the sources we talk to.

Sources don’t just verify a story, they also lend their voice to its telling, and selecting between sources can take a story in different directions, improve it, or ruin it.

We’ll be talking about the topic of selecting sources — what I call “casting” — at the next Freelance Writers Meetup, Journalists, Sources and the Art of “Casting” a Story, co-hosted by ProfNet, April 11, at PR Newswire’s offices in New York. 

The Freelance Writers Meetup has been Contently’s opportunity to make physical the resources and knowledge we’re trying to create and share with writers. The coming Meetup is our first with a co-host, one that is equally committed to the task. ProfNet, part of PR Newswire, is a service that connects journalists on deadline with expert sources. Public relations personnel pay ProfNet for the privilege to read reporters’ queries and connect their clients, mostly busuiness executives and university researchers, to reporters.

Bob Van Voris, of Bloomberg, and Kaitlin Ugolik, of Law360, will walk our guests through the art of casting a story by identifying the strongest sources, evaluating their level of knowledge, and connecting with hard to find experts. We will also explore using anonymous sources, managing sources and the role of editors.

Hope to see you out April 11. Meanwhile, Contently portfolio users are encouraged to use ProfNet experts to bolster your next story. Submit your query at this link: http://pbli.sh/pnquery.

(Image by thivierr via Flickr, CC2.0)

The Freelance Strategist is a daily publication for and by freelance creative workers navigating today's changing employment landscape. Brought to you by Contently.

They’re going to kill Google Reader.

Google announced Wednesday that it would shut down the beloved RSS reader July 1. And few communities were as upset by the notice as journalists. (Read a few of the roundups from Editor’s Weblog, Journalism.co.uk, PaidContent, and Poynter.)

Why has the decision by a Silicon Valley giant to shutter a free, consumer technology lit up the journalism community? Because so many of us use it. Everyday. Often, first thing. I hesitate to say we rely on it, but Google Reader has become a vital tool of journalists to track the news, observe the competition, and generate story ideas. I rely on it.

What will we do without Google Reader?

The bigger question is what problem were we using Google Reader to solve in the first place?

For me, it is a water cooler around my beat, a story generator, and a research tool. And I found I needed it even more as a freelancer than when I was tied to a staff.

• Water cooler – I use it to make sure I’m at the very least aware of the headlines going out from my competitors. Twitter is a source for the best of or maybe just the most noted, not everything. Google Reader was everything.
• Story generator – I follow press release services and wires for the stories everyone will have to write, including me. Additionally, watching RSS feeds around a single topic all day, a good editor will begin to see trends taking shape.
• Research tool – By saving, “starring,” and filing articles in folders, I was able to create archives for stories I was following.

For an idea of how we might replace Google Reader, Paul Bradshaw, a professor of Journalism at City College, London, blogged about what comes next and is collecting alternative RSS reader options via an open Google Doc. The alternatives are familiar — BlogLines, Feedly, Flipboard, Pulse, Reeder, and dozens more.

It’s probably time for a new player, one that is integrated closer to our intended goal reporting and tied to the text editor where we pen our notes and prepare our drafts. Spundge, a Montreal-based service that allows users to subscribe to feeds from RSS, keyword searches and curated “Firehouses” of information, and track them in source notebooks, comes closer than anything I can think of for independent Journalists.

What are you planning to use to replace Google Reader? tell us or contribute to Prof. Bradshaw’s list.

(Image by NS Newsflash via Flickr, CC2.0)

The Freelance Strategist is a daily publication for and by freelance creative workers navigating today's changing employment landscape. Brought to you by Contently.

One of our missions at Contently is to provide for unaffiliated freelancers some of the resources that a journalist might find working for a staff. We started the Freelance Writers Meetup last summer to add some of the collegiality and sharing of best practices that might come from walking around the newsroom.

Jay Irani’s session in January on photojournalism was the lastest of these events that showcases an experienced journalist leading a discussion on a pressing topic faced by freelance journalists. Past events have focused on the benefits of specializing, making it as a travel writer and balancing work you love and work that pays.

Past guests have included the New York Times’s Dan Saltzstein, Current TV’s Jo Piazza and ZDnet’s Mary Jo Foley.

To date, these events have been monthly in New York, but we recently invited you, our Contently journalists worldwide, to host your own Freelance Writers Meetups. Events were held last month in 22 cities from Milwaukee to Singapore. And we’re not done. THAT response inspired us to hit the road.

This year we plan to bring the Freelance Writers Meetup to more cities in the U.S., to be cohosted with established organizations in those towns. If you’d like to organize such an event, reply to this email. We’ll give it a shot.

Additionally, we’re planning a tour this spring of graduate and undergraduate journalism programs to lead a discussion on the changing employment landscape for for new journalists and building your personal brand to grow your career. If you’d like to see us on your campus, reply to this email.

Look for these and other events from us and we hope to see you in your city or campus. We’ll keep you posted here, on The Freelance Strategist, Facebook, Twitter, and wherever else you can find Contently.

Our bags are packed.

Read more about the Freelance Writers Meetup.

- John Hazard

(Image by santheo via Flickr, CC2.0)

The Freelance Strategist is a daily publication for and by freelance creative workers navigating today's changing employment landscape. Brought to you by Contently.

Writing Authority on Google+

Demian Farnworth of CopyBlogger reports on how writers can build influence and authority using Google+.

They need to put out solid biographies, follow people they know and then people they want to know, and create original content for the site, he writes. They should also create content for their Circles instead of sharing everything witheveryone. Writers can join one of the many communities on the site and facilitate Hangouts with others.

Branding Tips for Freelancers

Mike Smith of Guerilla Freelancing compiled a list of social media tactics to brand oneself.

Freelancers should use the same profile image and username on all websites, and write quality content directed at a target audience. The message needs to be consistent online, and freelancers have to be as personal and approachable as possible.

In terms of friends, they should ask friends what they can do for them and contact them when they think there is something of interest to them.

Making a Freelance Writing Career Sustainable

Future Expats Forum covers the topic of making a living freelance writing.

Writers have to evaluate their skills, passions, and desires, and figure out what they need to do to strengthen their skills, whether it means taking a class or researching through online programs. They can create an initial prospect list (of 20-50 contacts) then reach out and follow up with them. A bonus tip? Write every day.

Letting Go of Negativity to Freelance

Write Your Revolution reports on what it takes to stop being negative and getting on with a freelancing career.

The post states, “anger and resentment can eat at your soul and effectively stop the flow of your creativity, something we have to have a lot of.”

If it’s the scenery that’s bringing freelancers down, they should change it up by moving things around and getting rid of stuff that’s not needed.

Career-Destroying Habits for Freelancers

HongKiat covers what habits can destroy a person’s freelance career.

If writers sell themselves short by lowering their rates, it can hurt their careers. Social media sites can destroy productivity, and taking offense to rejection and criticism might harm client relationships. Taking on too many projects at once may cause writers to miss deadlines, and claiming to be an expert in a certain field can lead to a loss of credibility and trust.

Earning a Living Freelance Blogging

Freelance Switch reports on what it takes to make money as a freelance blogger.

Jobs can be found on the Freelance Switch Job Board, as well as other job listing sites. Writers need to “give priority to those ads where the advertiser has gone through the trouble of giving you important details about the nature of the gig and their expectations. Also give preference to those positions where they haven’t chosen to remain anonymous.”

Writers should send out warm emails, which include an introduction, asking whether or not a company needs help, explaining how they’d bring value to the company, and asking if they work with outside writers.

The Freelance Strategist is a daily publication for and by freelance creative workers navigating today's changing employment landscape. Brought to you by Contently.

Making an Author Platform

Freelance Writing’s Irene Watson discusses author platforms, which are enhanced resumes that help “publishers and the media take notice that you are a professional, you have experience, you are good at promoting yourself and promoting your book and topic of interest without being self-serving, and overall, you know what you are doing.”

Websites should include the home page, about the author, places to buy products, media kits, and blogs. A list should be kept of publishing experiences, speaking engagements, and workshops. Writers need online forums to connect with fans, whether it’s a Facebook page on a discussion group the website.

Growing the Freelancing Income

Make a Living Writing covers what writers can do to increase their income. They can tell clients that their rates are going up, set up a website, raise rates for new clients, and grow their network.

They should stop waiting around and doubting themselves, and respond to full-time job ads to see if organizations need freelancers. They shouldn’t go to job bidding websites, where it’s a race to the bottom, but rather send query letters and do more research to find new markets.

Want to Go Freelance?

The Guardian covers freelance writing and what it takes to work at home. Before jumping into it, workers need to ask themselves if they can give up the weekly pay, company of co-workers, and holidays/paid holiday time.

They need to figure out if there’s a market for what they do, and if they can work from a computer and not get too distracted. If absenteeism is sickness are common, freelancing won’t be best, since work at home writers are their own bosses.

The Freelance Strategist is a daily publication for and by freelance creative workers navigating today's changing employment landscape. Brought to you by Contently.

According to the Wall Street Journal, Apple has introduced a new section of iBookstore called Breakout Books that features self-published authors.

There are 60 titles already in the section in the romance, mysteries, and fantasies genres, to name a few. Chief Executive of the Idea Logical Co., publishing consultants Mike Shatzkin said, “This could be Apple wanting to do a good enough job for self-published authors that they won’t go Amazon-only for their titles.”

Mindsets of Freelancers

Dana Sitar of Make a Living Writing says that freelancers should not treat clients like bosses and be afraid to give their critiques. It’s okay to say “no” to a certain client since freelancers have many clients they work for.

Writers set their own rates and don’t wait for pay raises. While employees follow a straight path, writers make their own, and discover that there are many ways to make money and keep their career going.

She says writers should not get stuck in any of these mindsets and that they need to remind themselves who they are and why they became freelancers in the first place.

A Guide to Guest Posting on Blogs

Content Marketing Institute’s Jami Oetting writes about the rules of guest posting on blogs. She says that guest posters should start with one to two posts per month and think about what they want to accomplish by contributing.

They have to consider the audience and determine what value the content will bring to them, and determine at least three business goals to achieve with that content.

Peter Perl’s WaPo Departure

According to Poynter, Peter Perl, who has been at the Washington Post for 32 years, is leaving the paper to do freelance writing, editing, and executive coaching.

He was the assistant managing editor and confirmed the news via his Twitter, where he said, “After 32 years, announced I’ll be retiring from The Post. Great run at a great place, now on to new challenges & fun & grandparenting!”

The Freelance Strategist is a daily publication for and by freelance creative workers navigating today's changing employment landscape. Brought to you by Contently.

Apps for Freelancers

DesignBeep covers apps that are out there for freelancers to use that will make their lives easier.

There’s Dropbox, which gives users 4 GB of data for free and “allows you to synchronize all of your files on all of your devices with a straightforward drag-and-drop system.”

Mint can help freelancers manage their finances and organize spending habits into simple categories, while Evernote “allows you to store text, video or audio notes from your mobile phone or computer, and then synchronizes them in the cloud for fast retrieval and easy edits anywhere, and anytime.”

Working with Your Flaws

According to Allena Tapia, freelance writers should want constant stimulation and excitement. Freelancing is a great fit for night owls. She warns, however, that “your clients’ needs trump your circadian cycles, and you’ll have to be able to bend a little if you want to be successful.”

Independent writers should yearn for the rush (thanks to deadlines) and, of course, they are probably shut-ins. She also writes that it’s important to have some social skills, because these are also business skills.

Ethical Freelancing

Jennifer Mattern of All Freelance Writing has some suggestions for freelancers so they don’t sell out. 

When they are offered to write about a topic that needs covered, but they don’t believe in it, they should refer the job to a friend. Before publishing favorable reviews of products, writers should actually use them, or else it’s unethical.

Financial relationships need to be disclosed to readers, and writers need to make sure they appeal to the type of clients they would like to work for. “When you attract clients that satisfy your professional goals and ethics, you can make plenty of money without even feeling the temptation to sell out,” she says.

The Freelance Strategist is a daily publication for and by freelance creative workers navigating today's changing employment landscape. Brought to you by Contently.

Taxes for Freelancers

According to AOL’s Daily Finance, 16 percent of freelancers have been unable to pay for their taxes.

Freelancers need to watch out for the IRS and expect to pay taxes and report income through 1099s. Home offices can be deducted, as can travel, health care, and computers. Freelancers absolutely must save up for their taxes and have six to nine months worth of savings.

Problems with Freelancing

Freelance Folder highlights exactly what can go wrong when freelancing.

For instance, when writers work as subcontractors, they are risking miscommunication since they are not working directly for an end client. Contracts are necessary to have with an intermediary client since the end client might not even know the freelancer exists.

Everything should be in writing, and it’s not the best idea to work with friends and family. Invoices need to be sent out promptly and spelled out in contracts to avoid any payment issues.

Making Money Freelancing in 2013

According to Lisa Mason, there are many ways that freelance writers can make money this year. 

She says they need to let go of doubts and stop being afraid of rejection. Writers have to go out (in real life) and network, which includes handing a business card to everybody.

They can join a writer’s community, and should learn to master LinkedIn. She says, “When you build a solid, professional profile for yourself, people will also reach out to you and they’ll be ready to treat you a lot better than someone on some bottom-feeding job board.”

The Freelance Strategist is a daily publication for and by freelance creative workers navigating today's changing employment landscape. Brought to you by Contently.

Layoffs at Time Inc.

The New York Times reports that Time Inc. will be laying off about 480 of its 8,000 employees worldwide, which equates to 6 percent of the company.

Half of the cuts will be made to the Time Inc. staff in New York, and buyouts were sent to staffers at People and Time.

Firing a Writing Client

For freelancers, firing clients they work for is part of the job. A post on Success Works highlights how to do this.

Writers need to ask themselves what the problem is, whether there is a personality conflict, pay issue, or a question of ethics. Before making the leap, writers need to fulfill all the work on active contracts, try to replace the client, and remain professional.

Beating Writer’s Block

It’s a curse, but it can be broken. The English Web’s Caimin Jones says that to beat writer’s block, one must not be afraid to write badly.

A writer should sit down and work at the same time every day, and read an inspiring author to “remind you of why you became one yourself.” Having an outline helps narrow down choices, and setting a deadline will ensure that goals are reached.

The Freelance Strategist is a daily publication for and by freelance creative workers navigating today's changing employment landscape. Brought to you by Contently.

Tumblr’s New Design

On Thursday, Tumblr unveiled its new Dashboard design. 

Multiple blog users can manage all the accounts now from the dashboard, and next to the “create post” widget, “a dropdown menu allows users to choose between publishing immediately, preview, adding to queue and saving as draft.”

Before uploading a video, users can now play the clip in the dashboard. The company is aiming to make the Dashboard “a smaller and more streamlined experience.”

Picking What to Write About

The Renegade Writer reports on whether or not it’s feasible for writers to work on pieces focusing on what they love. Unfortunately, if writers aren’t interested in health, technology, business, or other in-demand topics, it will be a difficult journey. However, it can be done.

Writers need to find publications that cover subjects they’re interested in and pitch accordingly. Freelancers should be curious about every topic, however.

“If your goal is to make a living through freelance writing and you’re doing a lot of marketing, it’s a certainty that one day you’ll be presented with an assignment on a topic you don’t love
. If you can become interested in that idea, then yes — you’re earning a living writing only about what you’re interested in.”

How Writers Can Use Downtime

Another gem from The Renegade Writer’s Lisa Evans: The blogger outlines what writers should be doing during their downtime to keep up their freelancing businesses.

They can research editorial calendars and plan out stories, start personal blogs or websites, produce a marketing plan and set sales goals, or sign up for online courses to expand their expertise. Writers should look at new markets, go to informational interviews with other writers, and do work for online markets.

The Freelance Strategist is a daily publication for and by freelance creative workers navigating today's changing employment landscape. Brought to you by Contently.