Reminders and Upcoming Dates
Tuesday, Nov. 22:
We’re now entering the point in the semester when in many ways, your time outside of the classroom reporting is more valuable than time inside of the classroom. Next week is Thanksgiving and in my experience, when I try to hold class early in the week, a lot of students don’t show up; so I’m giving you next class off to work on reporting your Story #2. However, I will be available that day to meet with anyone who would like to schedule a one-on-one Zoom call or in-person meeting with me. Please reach out to me by email to request a meeting that day.
Monday, Nov. 28 and Tuesday, Nov. 29:
When we come back from Thanksgiving weekend, instead of regular class, I’m instead going to hold individual meetings with everyone on Monday, Nov. 28 and Tuesday, Nov. 29. You can sign up for a time slot here.
During that meeting, we can check in on your story progress, we can discuss what the story still needs in terms of voices/sources, and/or I can take a look at whatever you have so far and make suggestions on structure or writing.
Thursday, Dec. 1:
Your rough drafts of Story #2 are due by class time on Dec. 1. We will workshop them in class that day.
Tuesday, Dec. 13:
Your final drafts are due by class time on Dec. 13, our last day of class.
A Quick Guide to the Practical Realities of Freelancing
When we think about being a journalist who reports internationally, we often focus on the technical and practical skills that the job requires: how to craft a story, how to shoot photos or record audio or video, how to handle the logistics and get around safely, etc. But I want to talk a little today about the less-glamorous side of the job, which for a majority of international correspondents, means essentially running your own business as a freelancer.
How do expenses work?
Typically, you have to pay for things like flights and fixer fees yourself in advance, and then file for reimbursement when you file your invoice.
How do you send an invoice?
How do you know how much to charge?
A lot of news organizations have a flat rate they pay everyone that is standard, like $600 per story plus $100 if you also filed photos, or a $400 day rate for videographers, for example. But if you’re ever in the position of being asked how much you charge, it can be paralyzing if you don’t know what to ask for. A lot of inexperienced journalists ask for too little. The best advice I can give is to consult with freelance friends and colleagues and ask their advice about what’s a good range to shoot for.
How do taxes work when you’re a freelancer?
https://turbotax.intuit.com/tax-tips/self-employment-taxes/a-freelancers-guide-to-taxes/L6ACNfKVW
Make sure you have a website
Having a portfolio website is one of the best ways to make it clear to editors that you take yourself seriously, and that you have a baseline of professionalism in this industry. If you don’t have a website yet, think about making one.
Don’t be afraid of a little self-promotion
Think about branding yourself. If you’re interested in launching yourself as a photojournalist specifically, make sure you have an Instagram that is full of well-curated photos of your work, updated regularly. If political commentary and analysis is more your speed, Twitter might be the best social media platform for you; go on there and contribute to the conversation. Don’t be shy.