ONA Pittsburgh and the Press Club of Western Pennsylvania present “Freelancing in the new media landscape”
It’s no secret the news industry in Pittsburgh and across the country has changed. Due to several rounds of layoffs and buyouts, writers and photographers find themselves seeking new ways to continue to do the work they love.
Many of the Pittsburgh area’s newspapers, magazines and websites are relying on freelance reporters and photographers more than ever to cover assignments, follow beats and pitch stories. So how do you get started as a freelancer in this brave new world?
We’ll hear from some of the region’s freelancers — including Shelly Anderson, Martha Rial, Larissa Dudkiewicz and Andrea Laurion — who have found work across the area and the country with new and traditional outlets. Mila Sanina will offer the editor’s point of view, including what to pitch and how.
Whether you’ve been freelancing for many years or a few months, this event will help offer you a realistic understanding of what it takes to freelance, and whether you’re ready to make the plunge.
Topics will include:
» How to pitch your idea (including how long to wait for an answer before pitching elsewhere)
» How to negotiate compensation
» Is it ever OK to work for free (aka “exposure”)?
» How to build contacts
» How to run your freelance “business,” including contracts, and where to turn for advice
» How to get credentials and permissions to execute your story ideas and assignments
Discussion will be moderated by ONA Pittsburgh group leader Kim Lyons.
The event is free and open to the public.