| There's no denying that with more and more news | | | | always accept invitations to industry events such as |
| going online, the rise of the citizen journalist and the | | | | book launches, for example, because you never know |
| increasingly interactive nature of reporting, the | | | | who you'll meet! Always be willing to go for a drink and |
| traditional newspaper industry - and subsequently | | | | engage with others in the industry, but be aware of the |
| journalists - have felt the consequences. Staff cut | | | | fine line between trying to sell your ideas and |
| backs and reduced budgets have been a prominent | | | | establishing a relationship. Always ask lots of questions |
| feature of the newspaper industry in recent times. | | | | and carry a business card. |
| In a democratic country, however, there will always be | | | | Establish yourself as an 'expert' in an area. Freelance |
| the need for journalism as well as a market for good | | | | writers who establish themselves as an 'expert' in an |
| quality journalism. Although there might not be as many | | | | area are always employable. If there's a topic, subject |
| opportunities for cadetships and full time jobs with | | | | or hobby that you're interested in, then establish |
| established newspapers, there are still ways for | | | | yourself as an expert in that area and editors will |
| journalists to break into the industry and get work. | | | | immediately think of you when stories in that subject |
| Freelance journalism is one such way. Freelance | | | | area arise. For example, if you love organic gardening, |
| journalism allows writers to contribute to a wide | | | | there are a number of story ideas and publications that |
| variety of publications on a wide variety of subjects. | | | | could use articles related to your hobby. |
| Freelance journalists essentially work for themselves, | | | | Be able to rework stories and story ideas for different |
| and can either be commissioned by a publication to | | | | publications. Get as many articles as you can from |
| write a story, or submit their stories to a publication in | | | | your research and story ideas. There are always a |
| the hope that it will be published. | | | | number of angles and ways to structure and focus a |
| As with all professions, however, success depends on | | | | story. Always write a story in a tone and format that |
| a number of factors. For a freelance journalist, polished | | | | is appropriate to the publication you are pitching it to, |
| writing skills are essential - journalism courses are a | | | | while keeping in mind different angles, perspectives and |
| good way for writers to improve their written | | | | publications that could suit the story. |
| expression. There are a number of other skills, | | | | If you're interested in joining the freelance world, then |
| however, that are essential to freelance journalistic | | | | freelance journalism courses will help teach you not |
| success. These include: | | | | only the writing, but the marketing and business skills |
| Good networking skills. As a freelance journalist, | | | | behind freelance work. If you're interested in a flexible |
| contacts in the industry are essential. A people-friendly | | | | career that promises diversity then freelance |
| and social attitude are essential, and freelancers should | | | | journalism could be the writing career for you. |