Career Advice

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How to plan a break from freelance writing

Whether it’s a few weeks off for holiday travel or a month or more of parental leave, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to taking time off

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How to fact-check your business story

Whether there’s been a rise in misinformation online or simply more awareness of it, one thing is for certain: news organizations are under more scrutiny

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Own your style but don’t get owned by it

There’s a level of writing development and individuality that many if not most reporters try to achieve—personal style. It’s a unique form of expression that

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Stop falling for off-the-record interviews

Hearing from people who ask for interviews off the record has become a regular part of business journalism. In my experience, that’s most frequently done

Trust is a the heart of the DOL's new fiduciary rule. Here are three big stories to develop for your readers. ("Handshake with smile" by Vilmos Vincze via Flicker, CC BY 2.0)

The freelance writers’ guide to networking

While journalism requires a certain willingness to talk to strangers and interview sources, many writers are introverts who’d rather not spend their downtime schmoozing. But,

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Don’t use sources who are phonies

If your experience reporting is anything like mine, you’ll constantly hear from people who want to be sources and their reps. It may be in

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Watch sources for lying

Finding good sources can be a challenge and chances are you spend a good amount of time looking for them. You want someone with knowledge

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The 2025 Barlett and Steele Awards are now open for submissions!
Submit your work in one of three categories. There are cash prizes for winners and never any entry fees!