After several journalists I knew lost their jobs on account of the coronavirus pandemic, I started offering (free) help to freelancers. My friends Emily Smibert and Chloé Braithwaite, both writers and editors themselves, graciously offered to volunteer. We made it a semi-regular thing we called “Freelance Fridays” over on Instagram, and that ran for just over two years.
What became apparent to me as we went on doing this was that the media is severely skewed in favour of those with privilege. Often, only people with enough social and cultural capital end up in editorial roles, and, subsequently, (unknowingly or knowingly) gatekeep. Getting more freelance voices (especially marginalised ones) out there became a logical step in my passion for decolonising the media.
On this page, I’ve sectioned off a few starting points for freelancers (primarily in journalism, but a few in content and copy). Contained within these sections is a list of resources that either I’ve personally found useful or that have come heavily recommended by freelancer friends. Think of these as a glossary directing you to the real resources rather than a definitive list of places to go to and things to read.
— Akanksha
Note: These contain no affiliate links.
Where to start, what to read, where to pitch, etc.
Everything you need to know about finding unfindable email addresses.
(Mostly links that themselves collate grant and fellowship opps)
Finding sources, good sources, interviewing them, etc.
Your rights, red flags to look out for, negotiation tips, templates, and more.
Setting your own, tracking them down, transparency, asking for more
Resources for writing opinion and commentary + commentary about writing opinion pieces and commentary.
Writing them, reading them, and more.
Reading about writing and journalism