For the inaugural installment of A Typical Workday, a periodic interview with freelancers about how they get the job done, AHCJ’s freelance community correspondent Barbara Mantel interviewed Jen A. Miller. Miller is an award-winning freelance writer and author and a frequent contributor to The New York Times and Supply Chain Dive. She has also written for The Guardian, SELF, BuzzFeed, The Washington Post and The Philadelphia Inquirer, among others. She also shares insights and advice about how to build a successful freelance career through Notes from a Hired Pen, her newsletter and e-book series.
Tag Archives: freelance business
These resources can help meet your 2020 freelance business goals

Photo: Luke Jones via Flickr
Setting goals, creating a business plan, outlining quarterly objectives — the process may go by different names, but the steps typically are similar. When you run your own freelance business, it’s important to review what you did previously and decide what you want to do next. Early in their careers, freelance writers may set specific goals for marketing, pitching and publishing to reach the income and dream publications they want. With more experience, freelancers may set broader intentions for the year and their next steps forward, which could include writing a book, speaking on stages or building a brand. Continue reading
Webcast: Tips for pitching to top publications
- March 27, 1 p.m. ET
A big feature in a glossy magazine can bring more than financial rewards. Writing for top publications strengthens your platform and boosts your chances of receiving a prestigious fellowship, or even a book deal. On the practical side, working with highly skilled editors will boost your writing and reporting skills. However, breaking into top-tier magazines takes an exceptionally good pitch letter.
In this webcast, a panel of editors will explain what they need to see in a top pitch letter. (Hint: you’ll need more than a winning idea.) A great pitch also needs to include the right information about yourself to convince the editor that you have the chops to pull off the story you’re proposing. Continue reading
Freelancer concerns: You might get caught in your pajamas

Photo: Carla K. Johnson.Independent writers Cindy Kuzma and Jenni Prokopy and accountant Deborah Conatser (left to right) speak to the Chicago chapter of the Association of Health Care Journalists on Nov. 11 in Chicago.
Freelance journalist Jenni Prokopy recently agreed to do a podcast interview, not realizing that it would include video. Working at home, she was wearing pajamas. “I immediately lifted the camera, so you could just see from here,” Prokopy said gesturing to her neck. “Busted! Now even for podcast interviews, I will be putting on a blouse.”
Prokopy and two other panelists shared their sometimes-humorous experiences and hard-earned wisdom about setting up and maintaining a healthy freelance business at a recent AHCJ Chicago chapter event. Continue reading