Freelance Files

Freelance Files is a quarterly column for and by environmental journalism freelancers in which a rotating cast of writers share hard-earned wisdom here about myriad aspects of weaving a life and business out of their independent status. Also check out SEJ.org's Freelance Resource Page.

For questions and comments, to suggest future Freelance Files columns or to offer to write one, email Freelance Files Co-Editors Elyse Hauser at elysehauser@outlook.com or Marianne Messina at mhdekm@gmail.com.

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October 15, 2014

Committing to Collaboration: How Two Freelancers Pulled Off a Cross-Pacific Partnership

Winnifred Bird and Jane Braxton Little, a former SEJ mentor program pair, describe (with humor!) the process of how they turned their shared interest in the Fukushima disaster's affect on forest ecosystems and rural communities into a successful writing collaboration.

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July 15, 2014

Freelancers and Fellowships: A Path for Growth

Perhaps the biggest value in fellowships is that they can provide a base of knowledge about issues a journalist has not yet investigated. And there’s no telling when that knowledge will come in handy. Read how freelancer Lisa Palmer's experiences with fellowships profoundly shaped her career, and explore resources to help you find a program that will best suit your needs.

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April 15, 2014

Getting the Most from Conferences

Freelance writer and editor Jennifer Weeks extolls the virtues of freelancers attending conferences and shares her wisdom on choosing ones that meet your needs ("SEJ’s annual conference... my favorite after a decade of freelancing"), and what to do before, during and after. Photo: © Roger Archibald.

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January 15, 2014

Finding Funders: A User’s Guide to Foundation-Backed Journalism

Public radio journalist Karen Schaefer shares how she pursued and won a grant, bumps in the road she overcame, lessons learned, and tips for unearthing funders. Photo: Schaefer on the job at a cow barn at Vander Made Farms near Sherwood, Ohio. Photo by Chris Kick, Farm and Dairy.

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October 15, 2013

Juggling Chainsaws, Torches and Watermelons: How to Manage Multiple Assignments

Environmental journalist Adam Hinterthuer (pictured, estimating the circumference of an old-growth tree) shares in Freelance Files his tips for staying sane while balancing a love of writing with responsibilities as employee, father and husband.

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July 15, 2013

If It’s Tuesday, This Must Be Guyana (Or Qatar, or France): How One Freelancer Supports a Travel Addiction

Freelancer Erica Gies shares how she has created a "citizen of the world" reporting portfolio, gets paid to travel, and gains perspective on herself, her country and the common problems we all face.

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April 15, 2013

Goal-Setting 101: You Must Lose a Fly to Catch a Trout

Freelancer Christine Woodside shares her hard-earned wisdom about myriad aspects of weaving a life and business out of independent status in the inaugural column, "The Freelance Files."

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January 15, 2012

So Now You’re A Freelancer. Here Are Some Very Important Things To Consider.

Bud Ward covers topics of interest to freelancers, including cash flow, incorporation, health insurance, business expenses and more.

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Freelance Files

October 15, 2014

Committing to Collaboration: How Two Freelancers Pulled Off a Cross-Pacific Partnership

July 15, 2014

Freelancers and Fellowships: A Path for Growth

April 15, 2014

Getting the Most from Conferences

January 15, 2014

Finding Funders: A User’s Guide to Foundation-Backed Journalism

October 15, 2013

Juggling Chainsaws, Torches and Watermelons: How to Manage Multiple Assignments

July 15, 2013

If It’s Tuesday, This Must Be Guyana (Or Qatar, or France): How One Freelancer Supports a Travel Addiction

April 15, 2013

Goal-Setting 101: You Must Lose a Fly to Catch a Trout

January 15, 2012

So Now You’re A Freelancer. Here Are Some Very Important Things To Consider.

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