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About these resources
Freelancers are in a unique position within the news industry. They do not belong to any one newsroom, nor gain the benefits of being employed staffers. Yet, they are a significant portion of independent journalism in this era of bare-bones operations, niche websites and nonprofit startups. In fact, they provide the majority of the news and information published in the nation’s magazines, as well as much of the online specialty sites. These independent journalists require assistance in finding assignments, establishing personal ethical guidelines, negotiating contracts, branding themselves and otherwise running their operations as working businesses.
By creating the go-to site for freelance health and science journalists, we also get the opportunity to expose these writers to the extensive topical resources that will inform and improve their stories. Building this kind of community also increases the chances these visitors will want to attend the deeper training provided by the conferences and our fellowship programs. All of this means more accurate and meaningful reporting reaching the public.
We thank the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation for the support that makes these resources available. The foundation has not dictated the content on these pages, but rather has provided a grant or financial sponsorship that allows us to pay for the costs associated with collecting, writing, editing and presenting valuable resources.
Send us ideas, questions, suggestions. Share your successes. Point us to good stories.
About the freelance correspondent
Barbara Mantel (@BJMantel), an independent journalist, is AHCJ’s freelance community correspondent. Her work has appeared in outlets that include CQ Researcher, Rural Health Quarterly, Undark, Healthline, NBCNews.com and NPR. Barbara is helping AHCJ members find the resources they need to succeed as freelancers and welcomes suggestions at freelance@healthjournalism.org.
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Pitching, reporting & writing
One important skill freelancers need is the ability to craft a winning pitch. In this section, freelance writers will find strategies from writers about what worked for them and from editors about what they seek from writers. See resources on the basics of pitching, what to do (and what not to do) when pitching, which pitches are effective and which ones are not.
Got a story idea? Pitch it to an editor at AHCJ’s annual PitchFest.
Editors from some of the top magazines, newspapers and websites attend our annual conference to give you an opportunity to sit down and discuss your ideas one-on-one.
"The PitchFest was great for me. I was able to speak with three editors and did receive an assignment from one magazine. I've completed the piece and am waiting for it to be published. It was well worth my time, and will likely end up covering the cost of the trip." – Shawna De La Rosa
"I did not expect to get any kind of commitment, because I'm at the earliest stage of a potential book project. For me it was valuable and informative to talk to someone who represents a later-stage step for me. I got to text my elevator pitch, and I got encouragement and good feedback. Totally worth my time." – Jill Adams
"PitchFest was the main reason why I went to the conference this year. While the experience was mixed – to be expected when meeting with multiple editors – it was well worth the investment of time and money. One of my meetings was about a book, so it is way early to report progress on that, and I still have to follow up with others. But one contact resulted in an assignment for two web stories and some travel support. We later discussed expanding that into a feature assignment but then decided to stick with the original commitment. I'm working on those stories now and anticipate an ongoing work relationship." – Bob Roehr
"The PitchFest went very well. Writers were prepared, were familiar with the magazine and came up with some great ideas. I have made, and will make more assignments with some of the writers I made. Really, the biggest problem is not having enough room for all the pitches I liked! Definitely worth my time. Thanks again!" – Tod Jones, Costco Connection
"Overall, the PitchFest experience was really good and well-organized. I do feel that it was definitely worth our time at Scientific American and appreciated the format and organization. Many thanks." – Dina Maron, Scientific American
Featured resources
7 Fatal Flaws of Story Pitches: How to identify common mistakes that get in the way of landing that big idea
On Nieman Storyboard, Jacqui Banaszynski discusses the most fundamental ways that writers fail at pitching stories. She also offers resources on pitching guidelines and what editors are looking for in a good pitch.
Be wary of assignment scams by email
In recent weeks, many freelance writers have received the same email — a consultant says she needs help with a writing project for an upcoming workshop. She wants to create an article on a specific health topic that will be given to the workshop attendees as a handbook.
Holding late-paying publications accountable
Independent journalist Wudan Yan calculated at one point that several publications she had written for were late in paying here – to the tune of almost $5,000. Read what happened when she decided to take action.
Freelance investigative reporting may not be easy, but it’s possible
The Health Journalism 2019 session on investigative reporting for freelancers revealed tips, resources and success stories to inspire freelancers to dig deeper into those suspicions they have about a story — and the hundreds or thousands of documents that it likely involves.
Freelancers, editors explore ethics, integrity and transparency
While their hearts and training may lie with traditional objective journalism, many freelancers take on additional writing assignments in order to make ends meet. But when do these non-journalistic jobs present real or potential conflicts of interest with journalism? How should writers and their editors address the ethical questions that may arise? In an evolving media landscape, how do freelance journalists maintain objectivity – and integrity – while paying the bills? Attendees who gathered in Baltimore for Health Journalism 2019 learned tips for handling the challenges.
Freelancers learn to maximize social media skills
Attendees at Health Journalism 2018 learned how to up their social media game from those who do it well — and how to avoid potential problems — at the “Freelance: Flex your social media muscle” session.
Tips for freelancers to unleash their inner entrepreneur
Two top freelancers at Health Journalism 2018 – Linda Marsa and Heather Boerner – and attorney Ruth Carter offered a series of great tips to help you start thinking of your freelance work as a real business … and make it pay like one.
Freelance: The best career hacks
A number of independent journalists – on a panel and in the audience – shared their best tools and advice for being a successful freelancer. Advice includes tools and software to use, best networking practices, how to be businesslike and building your brand.
Using smartphones and DSLRs to tell stories
Insights on some tools, techniques to offer multimedia content to clients.
Mastering the art of the pitch
In an hourlong webcast, two top editors offered their tips for selling your best story ideas and marketing yourself as an indispensable writer.
Journalists explain how freelancers can add audio, video to boost pitches – and income
Tips on building your multimedia skills and getting the most from your equipment
Success in the trades and writing for a professional audience
Notes from a panel discussion at Health Journalism 2015.
Webcast: Tips for pitching to top publications
Find out what it takes to break into top-tier publications.
What do editors want from freelancers? #ahcj14
Pitching tips from editors at Health Journalism 2014.
How to query AARP publications (Betsy Agnvall presentation)
From ‘Freelancers: Editors give the inside story’ panel at Health Journalism 2014.
Additional resources
Freelancers get 8 tips on selling related stories to multiple markets
Panelists offered eight tips for turning a story idea into multiple articles for various publications.
6 tips to find success writing for trade publications
Writing for a professional audience requires a familiarity with the lingo and an understanding of the larger context of developments in a particular field.
Pitches That Work (and Some That Don't) (David Corcoran presentation)
From ‘Freelancers: Editors give the inside story’ panel at Health Journalism 2014.
10 Ways to Get Published - Faster (Tyghe Trimble presentation)
From ‘Freelancers: Editors give the inside story’ panel at Health Journalism 2014.
Webcast: Beyond the Basics of Pitching: Becoming That Dream Writer
Craft a memorable pitch and get that assignment.
Freelance: Ideas that editors buy (David Corcoran presentation)
Guidelines and pitch suggestions from Health Journalism 2013.
Webcast: Secrets of pitching
Tip, tricks and insights into editors’ minds.
Pitches that are a hit with editors
Advice on making successful pitches from Health Journalism 2012.
Health Journalism 2011 offered several sessions focused on the needs of freelancers
Story ideas, tips and tricks targeted to freelancers. From Health Journalism 2011.
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Running a business
Being a successful freelancer means you are running your own business. Learn how to ensure you are covered for liability exposure and how to find low-cost health insurance, to negotiate fair contract terms, how to price for value, and how to understand your liability exposure. Write a business plan, set and reach your financial goals and make sure your work provides financial security for you and your family. Use social media to expand your reach, and fellowships to advance your career.
Contracts
Webcast: Contracts and legal issues
Independent journalist Linda Marsa interviewed attorney Jonathan Kirsch about legal issues that affect journalists, such as indemnity clauses, work-for-hire agreements, the Dynamex case, carrying insurance and much more.
Holding late-paying publications accountable
Independent journalist Wudan Yan calculated at one point that several publications she had written for were late in paying here – to the tune of almost $5,000. Read what happened when she decided to take action.
Four ways to deal with late payments
After independent journalist Wudan Yan wrote about her effort to get publications to pay her what they owed – a post that went viral – she pointed out some proactive steps freelancers can take to protect themselves as much as they are able to from late or missing payments.
Tips for freelancers to unleash their inner entrepreneur
Two top freelancers at Health Journalism 2018 – Linda Marsa and Heather Boerner – and attorney Ruth Carter offered a series of great tips to help you start thinking of your freelance work as a real business … and make it pay like one.
Freelance: The best career hacks
A number of independent journalists – on a panel and in the audience – shared their best tools and advice for being a successful freelancer. Advice includes tools and software to use, best networking practices, how to be businesslike and building your brand.
For freelancers, ‘Contracts 101′ was important session at #ahcj14
Info from Health Journalism 2014 on indemnity clauses, liability exposure, and fees.
Contracts & Costs … and pricing for Value (Greg Smith presentation)
Presentation from ‘Contracts 101’ panel at Health Journalism 2014.
Keys to negotiating fair contracts
Tips for handling unfair clauses and requirements.
National Writers’ Union
Find a contract advisor.
How to Deal with Warranty and Indemnification Clauses
Blog post from Writers and Editors.
Copyright, work for hire, and other rights issues
Blog post from Writers and Editors.
Copyright forms
Forms for filing copyrights. From the U.S. Library of Congress.
8 Contract Provisions Every Freelancer Should Know
From Freelancers Union.
Sample Contract: Freelance Writer’s Contract
From Columbia University Law School.
Insurance
Freelance: The best career hacks
A number of independent journalists – on a panel and in the audience – shared their best tools and advice for being a successful freelancer. Advice includes tools and software to use, best networking practices, how to be businesslike and building your brand.
For freelancers, ‘Contracts 101′ was important session at #ahcj14
Info from Health Journalism 2014 on insurance, indemnity clauses and liability exposure.
Freelancers on the hunt for health insurance
Choices and pitfalls for freelancers scoping out insurance options.
Focus on freelancing: Tips for buying liability insurance
Exploring affordable options for liability insurance.
Making sure you're covered for liability
Are you protected against libel litigation?
NerdWallet: Affordable Health Insurance for Freelance Writers
Guide to finding health insurance for freelancers.
Health Insurance Information for Freelancers
From the Society of Environmental Journalists.
Health Insurance for Writers
List of insurance providers from PEN America.
Insurance for Freelance Journalists
Tips and policy options for international journalists. From Reporters Without Borders.
Writers’ Emergency Assistance Fund
From the American Society of Journalists and Authors.
Finance and business plans
Good time to keep careful track of freelance payments
For some of AHCJ’s freelancers, payment issues were already a hassle before 2020 and the emergence of the novel coronavirus. Now they may be even more difficult, depending on the publication or editor. In several writer groups online, fellow freelancers have cheered for a surge in work but also bemoaned payment hiccups.
These resources can help meet your 2020 freelance business goals
However you approach your review and planning process in 2020 — annually, quarterly, monthly or weekly — it’s helpful to understand how others approach their work. Check out these references, depending on your preferences.
Tips for freelancers to unleash their inner entrepreneur
Two top freelancers at Health Journalism 2018 – Linda Marsa and Heather Boerner – and attorney Ruth Carter offered a series of great tips to help you start thinking of your freelance work as a real business … and make it pay like one.
Freelance: The best career hacks
A number of independent journalists – on a panel and in the audience – shared their best tools and advice for being a successful freelancer. Advice includes tools and software to use, best networking practices, how to be businesslike and building your brand.
Tools and apps for freelancers
This collection of resources for freelancers, presented at Health Journalism 2016, includes tools for tracking time, organizing, running a business, transcription and more.
Setting & Hitting Your Goals For Your Freelance Business (Ilise Benun presentation)
From "Freelance: Road to security" panel at Health Journalism 2013.
Planning for Success: Mapping Freelance Success Through Business Models and Business Plan [PDF]:
Panel of independent journalists at Health Journalism 2013.
A survival guide for brain and bank account [PDF]
Twelve tips from independent journalist Stephanie Friedhoff.
Reporters get the inside story on reader-supported journalism
Crowdfunding, when reporters collect payments from readers, offers another way for journalists to get paid.
Freelance: Managing workflow and workload
How to adapt your workload and responsibilities to your lifestyle.
Freelance: Mapping successful business plans and models
Common themes in freelance financial success.
How to Write a Business Plan for a Freelance Writer
Freelance planning from a business perspective.
Financial Management Tips for Freelancers
From DesignM.ag.
Budgeting Your Freelance Income
Tips on creating budgets and assessing income. From Financial Highway.
Tax deductions for the self-employed freelance writer
A list of popular freelance writeoffs. From Examiner.com.
Networking and branding
Freelance shares tips for creating — and protecting — your professional website
Freelance writers always have to market themselves, and one way to put yourself before potential clients is to have a work website. But figuring out how to create a website can be overwhelming. Should you try to design it yourself or use a professional? And what design features will attract editors and convince them to hire you?
Freelancers learn to maximize social media skills
Attendees at Health Journalism 2018 learned how to up their social media game from those who do it well — and how to avoid potential problems — at the “Freelance: Flex your social media muscle” session.
Tips for freelancers to unleash their inner entrepreneur
Two top freelancers at Health Journalism 2018 – Linda Marsa and Heather Boerner – and attorney Ruth Carter offered a series of great tips to help you start thinking of your freelance work as a real business … and make it pay like one.
Freelance: The best career hacks
A number of independent journalists – on a panel and in the audience – shared their best tools and advice for being a successful freelancer. Advice includes tools and software to use, best networking practices, how to be businesslike and building your brand.
Cinematic techniques can add pop to stories, says Pulitzer winner
Jacqui Banaszynski offers tips on using the techniques from television and movies to make your stories stand out.
Using smartphones and DSLRs to tell stories
Insights on some tools, techniques to offer multimedia content to clients.
Tools and apps for freelancers
This collection of resources for freelancers, presented at Health Journalism 2016, includes tools for tracking time, organizing, running a business, transcription and more.
Directory of independent journalists
Find a freelancer: Members can opt to be listed in a searchable membership directory that is available only to current AHCJ members.
The reluctant freelancer
Tips for rebranding and marketing yourself in an uncertain economy.
Fact-checking your freelance stories
Strategies to make sure you turn in error-free stories and prepare them for a publication's fact checkers.
Webcast: Using fellowships to advance your freelance career
Fellowships allow freelancers to advance their career goals while still paying the bills.
Fellowships, Internships, Training & Grants
Career development opportunities, AHCJ and non-AHCJ.
Best practices in blogging and social media
Promotion and relationship-building for freelancers.
Freelancing: Minimizing isolation, maximizing networking
Building contacts and marketing.
Twitter for health journalists
A primer on the popular service and how to make it work for you.
Multimedia and social networking for health journalists
Resources for networking and branding that go beyond the basics.
Online technology tip sheet
These links will help you learn more about social networking software and sites.
Eight months later, freelancer still generating story ideas from fellowship
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Tools & apps
Whether it’s powered by humans or artificial intelligence, a good transcription service is invaluable to the working journalist. But with so many applications on the market, it’s difficult to know which give accurate and reliable results. So AHCJ asked members which apps they like. Visit the website of each company to find out about pricing plans; there are often several options with differing levels of service. This is not an exhaustive list. If you know of other reliable tools for recording and transcribing, please email the information to freelance@healthjournalism.org so AHCJ can include them in its periodic update of this resource list.
Audacity
An app for recording, editing and mixing audio. This app may be overkill if all you want to do is record audio, but it is useful for editing audio and layering multiple tracks for radio or podcast production.
Cogi
This app records the highlights of phone conversations by buffering and then recording and stopping at a tap of a button. With membership, Cogi will professionally transcribe these highlights in 24 hours.
Google PinPoint
This app is part of Google Journalist Studio, a collection of tools for journalists. You can upload audio files for transcription that uses voice recognition software.
NCH Software
This company offers a suite of software applications for recording, editing and mixing audio. These apps probably are most useful for people who need to edit and layer multiple audio tracks.
No Notes
An app for recording calls on iPhones and Android phones. You also can create an account to have the recorded interviews professionally transcribed.
Otter.ai
Record conversations using the Otter app on your phone or web browser. Otter can transcribe these recordings, live or later, using voice recognition software. You also can upload audio files from other sources for transcription.
rev.com
This company is strictly about transcribing. It uses humans, and it promises a turnaround time of 12 hours and guarantees 99% accuracy for clear audio.
TapeACall
An app for recording calls on iPhones.
Temi
This app transcribes your uploaded audio within five minutes using voice recognition software. It time-stamps the transcript and identifies speakers.
Ubiqus On Demand, formerly Verbal Ink
This service uses humans to transcribe uploaded audio files. It also offers a new automated transcription tool using voice recognition software.
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Freelance market guide
Our Market Guide is meant to be a growing site for AHCJ’s freelancers to find out what assigning editors at specific outlets are looking for from writers. These editors have been kind enough to share the mission of their outlets and set some parameters for pitching ideas. Please follow their guidance closely.
The Atavist Magazine “publishes one incredible true story every month,” according to its website. This pioneer of digital storytelling is interested in pitches from health care reporters and pays a baseline fee of $6,000 for stories that start at 8,000 words. See the market guide...
This publication is owned by the British Medical Association but is is editorially independent of the BMA. It is read by physicians and scientists, mostly in the U.K. and U.S., with a growing audience in India and China. We want great stories that keep the medical audience in mind and refer back to the evidence. See the market guide...
Cancer Today is both a quarterly magazine and an online publication updated at least twice a week. Its articles are targeted to cancer patients, survivors, and their family members and friends. Editors are interested in pitches about science and research, family and financial matters, lifestyle choices, and quality of life. See the market guide...
Cosmopolitan (U.S. edition), the highest-circulation magazine in the world—and the best-selling magazine on college campuses—puts a priority on health coverage, said Sara Austin, senior deputy editor. And to good effect: It scored a 2014 National Magazine Award for its 12-page “Your Cosmo Guide to Contraception.” See the market guide...
Costco Connection is a print and online publication. The magazine comes out monthly and each issue reaches an estimated 30 million people. The editors are looking for pitches for features and short articles, and most stories must have some connection to Costco suppliers, services or members. See the market guide...
Discover magazine is a publication educating readers on the newest issues in science, medicine and technology. Its readership is likely individuals in their early 40s looking for cutting-edge information. One thing that differentiates Discover from other science publications is its format: the stories are not so much news focused as they are narrative. See the market guide...
The Food and Environment Reporting Network, FERN, is an independent, nonprofit news organization that fosters investigative reporting. Instead of actually publishing material, the group partners with other newspapers, magazines and websites to get reporters’ pieces published. See the market guide...
Gastroenterology & Endoscopy News goes out free to every gastroenterologist in the United States, as well as to colorectal surgeons, GI nurses and other related health care providers. Feature articles typically run from 900 to 1,200 words. The editors are always looking for good stories across the gamut of GI practice, from endoscopy to hepatology. See the market guide...
Online publisher Medscape is looking for feature and news pitches tailored to its audience of physicians and health care providers worldwide. The publication is interested in all forms of features, including profiles, Q&As, longer narratives and investigative reports. See the market guide...
MedShadow is looking for writers who agree with what MedShadow is about: helping people understand the risks and benefits of medications, that there are often side effects and that there can be alternatives. They report on the downside of medications and he wants writers who have solutions to the downsides. See the market guide...
Nature Medicine's readership is diverse. Reader interests range from somebody working on DNA sequences and patents, or are involved in advocacy on a particular illness. The main readership includes primarily biomedical researchers, physicians, and patient groups. The magazine has done specials with political/policy angles and they’ve known people in D.C. who have kept tabs on policy-oriented stories. See the market guide...
The Well section of The New York Times publishes service journalism with science-based guidance. The focus is on health and wellness. The editors are looking for pitches that are timely or have a clear news hook, and they occasionally run profiles. See the market guide...
New Scientist accepts pitches for news stories and features. The editors are looking for news stories that will surprise and features with a narrative flow that will sustain reader interest for several pages. See the market guide...
Newsweek, is a broad-based newsweekly that looks for stories that appeal to a wide and relatively affluent audience. It’s demographics are college-educated, skewed male (70 percent), ages 22 to 55 and nearly half have incomes over $100,000 annually. See the market guide...
Next Avenue, part of the PBS system, is an online news platform that caters to older readers, from Gen Xers through Baby Boomers. It has five channels: health; money & policy; work & purpose; living; and caregiving. Stories should offer readers actionable advice. See the market guide...
During a time when many health sections are closing down or shrinking, The Philadelphia Inquirer has expanded this section of its coverage. In 2013, it began producing an eight-page Sunday Health Section and broadened its news offerings online. And when a news hole expands, so does an organization’s need for writers. See the market guide...
With a readership made up of lay people and scientists, this publication is looking for pitches that are "novel, clear and concise." SciAm is a daily, online news operation that focuses on more timely developments and analyses, and a monthly print publication that takes deeper looks and runs longer features. See the market guide...
Tarbell is ramping up to publish more stories about broken systems or inequity in health care. It is looking for stories that clearly show one party and one group having more power and influence than others. See the market guide...
Undark’s audience is college-educated Americans who want to know how science intersects – and sometimes collides – with politics, economics and culture. The relatively young publication is on the web and has a regular need for freelance work: about five to six smaller pieces per week and one long-form article each month. See the market guide...
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Shared wisdom
Sometimes our freelancer peers have a quick suggestion that will help us solve a puzzle at work. Here we turn to front-line freelancers for some simple insight to add to our repository of “shared wisdom.”
How difficult is it to file a Freedom of Information request?
It’s basically just sending an email that takes a little bit longer to write. I use tools like FOIA Machine to very quickly streamline my FOIA [Freedom of Information Act] requests and to find the FOIA representative for whatever agency I’m trying to FOIA. If you make it a practice, it just feels like you’re going fishing.
The secret to any complicated FOIA request is knowing the records retention schedule, which is a public record for any agency, except maybe the CIA! And then you know exactly what records they keep, how long they keep them for, and what they’re called. I’ll just call them and ask for it. I have dealt with some agencies that are kind of hostile to FOIA, and they will make you submit a FOIA request for that records schedule. But if it’s a big story and you have the patience, I highly recommend doing that.
Katy Boss is a former journalist and a subject librarian at New York University’s Arthur L. Carter Journalism Institute. Boss helps journalism students file Freedom of Information requests to federal, state and local government agencies.
How do you know whether your idea for a long feature is worth pursuing?
Let the idea simmer: I'm someone who absolutely has to be passionate about something if I want to write about it. If I’m not, then I find writing very difficult. So the biggest piece of advice I have for writers is to sit with the idea and figure out if it is something that you can be married to for at least a month, maybe longer.
Run your idea past friends: Sometimes we can get into our own little rabbit holes and think something is super fascinating. But then you talk to other people and their eyes glaze over. So I think testing your idea in that way is important.
Read this book: Roy Peter Clark is someone who everybody in the writing world should follow. He is an instructor with the Poynter Institute and has written several books. His book “Writing Tools” was particularly influential for me. He talks about strategies for long-form writers, and he's so succinct that you just get it.
— Dr. Amitha Kalaichandran is a physician and writer and AHCJ member. Her award-winning work has appeared in the Washington Post, New York Magazine, Wired, The Atlantic, The Atavist (optioned for a film) and other publications.
How do you make the most of journalism fellowship programs?
Journalism fellowships tend to be either reporting or residential. The intent is to make you a better journalist either by providing funding and other assistance for reporting projects, or the space to explore and create your own learning experience.
Whether you’re just starting out or have been in the game for a while, fellowships are a great way to build on the work you’ve already done and enhance your knowledge and leadership skills for whatever comes next. Each fellowship taught me something and opened my eyes.
• Finding fellowship opportunities:
ProFellow’s free-to-use database lists more than 1,300 global fellowship and funding award programs, and application deadlines and requirements. Google “journalism fellowships” and you’ll find many more.
• Application tips:
Ask other fellows what gave them the edge.
Discern the guiding principle of the fellowships that interest you. Studying the site and learning about past projects they’ve funded will give you a window into what they’re looking for.
Craft an essay that shows your uniqueness, experience and passion for your proposed project.
Think ambitious but doable. Your application should show that your project will stretch you as a journalist but can definitely be achieved in the allotted time.
— Melba Newsome is an award-winning freelance writer. Her work has appeared in Time, O Magazine, ESPN Magazine, National Geographic, Wired and The New York Times. She is an AHCJ 2021 Health Performance Reporting fellow.
As a freelancer, how do you compensate for the lack of interaction that you would normally get if you went to work in an office or newsroom every day?
I have found my niche writing about medicine, health, science and the environment. Formerly, I was a reporter for The Los Angeles Times and I am now a contributing editor at Discover, which means I can work from home, which can be isolating. My advice to others is to take classes and workshops and go to as many conferences every year as your time and budget allow. Always look into whether conferences you want to attend will cover your travel costs. Also, apply for fellowships. One of the benefits of winning fellowships is that they can make you more marketable because you can become an expert of sorts in some areas in which you might not have had any prior experience.
Get involved with professional organizations such as AHCJ. Usually, these organizations would welcome your help; it's important to give back, you can connect with colleagues and expand your network of contacts, and doing so increases your visibility in the journalism community.
— Linda Marsa, independent journalist
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