Freelancing 101: Making the leap to independence

As journalism outlets continue to contract or disappear, colleagues are facing layoffs or other job losses, and even those with in-house jobs are thinking about going out on their own as freelancers. This session will provide tips for launching a freelance journalism venture, such as characteristics, challenges and resources. Use this session to create a strong foundation for your freelance business. 

moderator: Hazel Becker, former SPJ Freelance Community chair
Ruth E. Thaler-Carter, freelance journalist

9 am Thursday, October 16

The freelance income puzzle: Diversifying income streams

Freelancers know the hustle doesn’t stop at one steady gig. In this session, we’ll explore the many ways journalists are diversifying their income – from reporting and content writing to editing, teaching, consulting, newsletters, nonprofit news, blogs, and even speechwriting. Learn how to piece together a sustainable career by identifying your strengths, expanding your services, setting competitive rates, and negotiating with confidence. Whether you’re just starting out or leveling up, this session offers practical advice to help you earn what you’re worth and build a career that lasts.

moderator: Nicole DeCriscio, SPJ Freelance Community publicity coordinator
Katherine Reynolds Lewis, Institute for Independent Journalists executive director
Tim Herrera, freelance writer, editorand writing coach

10 am Thursday, October 16

Tools of the trade: Streamline your freelance workflow

When you’re juggling deadlines, interviews, edits, and invoices, the right tools can make all the difference. This session dives into the apps and digital tools freelancers actually use to get work done – from time-tracking and productivity apps to transcription services, organizational tools, ethical AI, and more. We’ll focus on tools that help you do the work, not just talk about it – whether you’re writing, reporting, analyzing, or planning. Come ready to swap tips and leave with a toolkit you can actually use.

Solomon O. Smith, freelance journalist

1 pm Thursday, October 16

Writing beyond borders: How to break into international publications

Expand your bylines and your horizons with this session on writing for a global audience. Learn how to discover compelling international story ideas, pitch editors around the world, and navigate the challenges of reporting from afar. Learn where to find publications that commission overseas stories, what makes an international pitch stand out, and how to build the tools, contacts, and cultural know-how to succeed. Whether you’re aiming to cover global beats or want to see your work published in outlets abroad, you’ll walk away ready to take your reporting beyond borders.

moderator: Stacie Overton Johnson, SPJ Freelance Community chair
Jessica Jerreat, Voice of America press freedom editor
Eric Philips, Media Risk Consultant, Former VOA safety adviser

2 pm Thursday, October 16

Mental health and freelance life: Set boundaries and avoid burnout

Freelancing offers freedom – but without boundaries, it can blur the lines between work and life. This session tackles the mental health challenges of freelance journalism, with real-world tips on setting work hours, managing client expectations, and creating a sustainable schedule. We’ll also explore how to combat isolation by building community, networking with purpose, and finding support as a solo journalist. Learn how to protect your time, your energy, and your well-being.

moderator: Sergy Odiduro, SPJ Freelance Community membership coordinator
Brigid Schulte, freelance journalist and New York Times best-selling author
Lisa Carlin, Trauma Resilience and Education Center (TREC DC) co-founder

3 pm Thursday, October 16

Creating entrepreneurship systems that work for you

Learn proven systems for self-employment success! You’ll see a demo of the Institute for Independent Journalists’ interactive online freelance startup guide, which answers the key questions for ramping up a side hustle into a full-time business. Participants will learn rate setting, networking, client relationship building, and more.

Moderator: Stacie Overton Johnson,  SPJ Freelance Community chair
Katherine Reynolds Lewis, Institute for Independent Journalists executive director

4 pm Thursday, October 16

From campus to clips: Freelancing for new journalists

Given today’s media job market, breaking into full-time journalism can be tough, especially for students and early-career journalists with limited professional experience. Freelancing offers a practical way to build clips, explore different beats, gain real-world skills, and grow a network of industry contacts. It’s an excellent stepping stone for young journalists to gain confidence, develop a portfolio, and figure out their next career move.

moderator: James Mae, James Mae, SPJ Freelance Community at-large member
Brennan LaBrie, Brooklyn Paper freelance journalist
Oscar Fock, The Architect’s Newspaper and Red Hook-Star Revue freelance journalist
Hannah Yasharaff, Eater DC: Culture, Food, Lifestyle freelance journalist

9 am Friday, October 17

How freelance journalists can earn trust and demonstrate credibility

Freelancers can face skepticism about their credibility above and beyond the misassumptions connected to newsroom staffers. So what can you do, especially when it feels like you don’t have control over your stories after handing them over to newsroom editors? Learn how to build trust with your audience without the support of a newsroom, including how to add transparency elements to your individual reporting, establish credibility with sources, and engage with your audience.

moderator: Stacie Overton Johnson, SPJ Freelance Community chair
Mollie Muchna, Trusting News program manager
Lynn Walsh, Trusting News assistant director

10 am Friday, October 17

Mastering the medium: Freelancing for digital, broadcast, and print  

Learn how to seamlessly transition between print, broadcast, and digital journalism. This session explores the key differences in writing, reporting, and audience engagement across platforms while highlighting core storytelling principles that remain the same. Gain practical strategies to adapt your skills and thrive in today’s multi-platform news landscape.

moderator: Nicole DeCriscio,  SPJ Freelance Community publicity coordinator
Stacie Overton Johnson, SPJ Freelance Community chair

1 pm Friday, October 17

Breaking into trade publications

Business-to-business and trade publications – published by companies/corporations, associations, nonprofit organizations and various private-sector industry outlets – provide profitable opportunities for freelance journalists, often paying much better than traditional outlets like newspapers. Typical projects include articles, annual reports, newsletters, white papers, trend analysis and more. If you have training or experience in an industry, its targeted publications are well worth considering for assignments. Learn what it takes to take advantage of these opportunities.

Rebecca Baker, Bloomberg Industry Group editor-at-large
Stephenie Overman, freelance journalist and SPJ Region 2 coordinator

2 pm Friday, October 17

From Pitch to Publication: Freelance journalists meet with top editors

Join us for an invaluable meet-and-greet designed to bridge the gap between freelance journalists and the editors who hire them. Leading editors will share exactly what they look for in pitches, how to land a recurring gig with their publication, and the do’s and don’ts of building lasting editorial relationships. Freelancers will have the opportunity to ask questions, make connections, and gain insider tips to break into new publications – or strengthen existing ones. Walk away with fresh insights, practical advice, and the contacts you need to land your next assignment.

Moderator: Stacie Overton Johnson, SPJ Freelance Community chair
David Ewalt, Scientific American editor in chief
Rob Brunner, Washingtonian politics & culture editor
Jourdan Bennett-Begaye, ICT managing editor
James Whitman, Edible DC publisher and editor
Lou Harry, Quill Magazine editor

3-5 pm Friday October 17