Taking Charge as a Freelancer: Pitching, managing finances, and collaborating with editors

Hear from editors about how to craft pitches that catch their attention and ultimately get a green light. Learn what kind of pitches work and which ones don’t.

Panelists: 

• Anjuman Ali, deputy editor, Well + Being, Washington Post
• Juliet M. Beverly, senior editor, BrainFacts.org
• Jamila Bey, editorial director, WHYY News
• Patrick Hruby, deputy editor, Washingtonian
• Moderator: Beth Francesco, executive director, National Press Club Journalism Institute

15 minute break. Network, grab some coffee and treats.

2:15-3:15 pm: Business of freelancing

Get tips and advice on how to manage your freelance business for financial success. Topics covered will include marketing, negotiating contracts, value of finding your specialization.

Introduction: Bara Vaida, director of training, National Press Club Journalism Institute

Instructor: Katherine Lewis, Institute for Independent Journalists founder and experienced freelancer

15 minute break. Network, grab some more coffee (or tea) and more snacks.

3:30-4:30 pm: Managing the writer-editor relationship

Learn how to start a dialogue with editors, what editors want and need from freelancers and how freelancers can work with editors to keep the work flowing. Panelists: 

• Chris Adams, director state news, AARP Bulletin
• Jonathan L. Fischer, business and technology editor, Slate
• Rachel Pollack, managing editor, Industry Dive publications
• Teresa Wiltz, deputy editor, special projects, Politico magazine
• Moderator: Bara Vaida, director of training, National Press Club Journalism Institute

4:45-5:30 pm: The afternoon isn’t over. Take this opportunity to network with colleagues.

Continue the conversation in the Eric Freiham library (just to the left of the front desk) or if you are an NPC member, head on upstairs for taco night and a drink.

We hope you enjoyed your afternoon with us and took away some key tips to feel empowered as you move into the new year. If you haven’t already, sign up for to the afternoon edition of The Latest newsletter, where you’ll be alerted to upcoming programs like these in the coming year.

We wish you a good holiday season and a great start to 2024!

Getting to the National Press Club

The National Press Club is located at 529 14th St. NW, the entrance at the corner of F & 14th Streets NW, in downtown Washington. The club is on the 13th floor of the historic National Press Building.

About the National Press Club Journalism Institute

The National Press Club Journalism Institute promotes an engaged global citizenry through an independent and free press, and equips journalists with skills and standards to inform the public in ways that inspire a more representative democracy. As the non-profit affiliate of the National Press Club, the Institute powers journalism in the public interest.