Networking
Networking is essential to the work of an independent journalist. It is how you meet fellow journalists with whom you can trade advice and support and link up with editors who can assign you stories. Learn how to network at conferences, set up a local writers’ group and find organizations to help you make connections.
And consider joining AHCJ’s Lunch and Learns, where freelancer members chat about a designated topic over Zoom every third Thursday of the month at 1 p.m. ET.
Registration is required for Lunch and Learns and is only available to current freelance AHCJ members.
The discussions are not recorded, but you can find summaries of key takeaways here.
Please note: You only need to register one time to be automatically registered for all Lunch and Learns. Not sure if you’ve already registered? Try searching your email for “AHCJ Lunch & Learn Confirmation.”
Jump to: Upcoming Lunch and Learns
Tips & Advice
From staff reporter to independent journalist: How to make the switch
In this interview, independent journalist Anna Medaris discusses her approach to launching her freelancing career and offers tips to other journalists who may be thinking of making the same transition.
Tips for finding and keeping accountability partners
An accountability partner can help with workplace isolation. This tip sheet provides pointers for creating, structuring and maintaining an accountability partnership.
8 ways to land story assignments by attending health journalism conferences
Besides the great learning opportunities offered at health journalism conferences, there are multiple ways to make contacts, glean story ideas and land assignments. Here are some that have worked for me and other freelance writers I know.
Two writers offer tips for setting up a local writers’ group
Two independent writers discuss how their Washington, D.C., writers’ group works, how it has benefited them and offer tips for freelancers looking to start a local group.
Journalism organizations that offer networking, training and more
Here is a list of other journalism organizations that AHCJ members might want to join or follow. They offer an assortment of training, networking, educational opportunities and job listings
Upcoming Lunch and Learns
Lunch and learns are on hold for the summer and will resume in September.
Lunch and Learn Summaries
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April Lunch and Learn: Repurposing Stories
Journalism may be our passion, but it’s also our business. At this Lunch & Learn, freelancers agreed that leveraging knowledge…
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February Lunch and Learn: Website makeovers
In this Lunch and Learn, participants discussed the challenges of setting up a professional website and whether it was worth…
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January Lunch and Learn: The trouble with editors
Writers may not realize it but one of our most valuable skills is diplomacy. Sometimes story edits go smoothly, but…
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November Lunch and Learn: Navigating difficult interviews
As usual, we had a good showing of members who are freelance journalists. This month, we shared tips for navigating…
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October Lunch and Learn: Staying Organized
Finding success as a freelancer is more than pitching and publishing enough stories to pay the mortgage. Freelancing is a…
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September Lunch and Learn: Accountability Partners
Working with accountability partners can bring out your better self. Such a partner can act as a sounding board for…
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June Lunch and Learn: Tips for negotiating contracts
You have just signed with a new client with the promise of a steady gig, or you have successfully pitched…
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