Freelance Journalism

Becoming a freelance journalist can mean earning more money and getting a better work/life balance. But particularly with the UK now in recession and the newspaper industry hit hard, you need to be confident you will get enough work to pay your bills.

According to The Guardian, newspapers are cutting the amount they pay freelancers and there has also been a big increase in the number of journalists registered as freelance.

Is Freelancing For You?

Generally, it is not a good idea to go straight into freelancing and it is best to do this after you have been a journalist for a few years. As well as giving you the time to develop contacts, it will also give you the chance to hone your skills and learn from your mistakes.

You have to be good to be a successful freelance, and unless you have been a journalist for a few years you are unlikely to come up to the required standard. Remember that freelancers are not protected by employment law and they have to deliver the goods every time.

So even if you do have plenty of experience as a journalist, have a serious think about how much faith you have in your own ability.

How to Get Freelance Work

The key to making it as a freelance is to have a good contact book and to respected by people in senior positions on newspapers and magazines. Speak to them before you go freelance and find out how likely they are to give you work.

Other than this, the best way to get work is to pick up the phone and ask for work. It also helps if you have ideas for stories or features because this means you are offering them a good story idea as well as your writing ability.

How Much to Charge

The simple answer to this is to charge as much as people are willing to pay. But if you are unsure about what is a reasonable rate, then the National Union for Journalists' Freelance Fees Guide is a good starting point.

Financial Insecurity

While going freelance can mean you get paid more, it also means you do not have any job security or regular income.

Because of this, it is a career choice that is best for those who are in a position where their finances will not be seriously threatened by a few difficult months. For example, if you rent and are prepared to move back in with your parents as a last resort or if your partner's salary covers the mortage, then you are less likely to be too affected by the stress of freelancing.

But if you have a mortgage to pay or children who rely on your income then perhaps it is not worth taking the risk.