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. The Zoom link is always the same. The discussions are not recorded, but you can find summaries of key takeaways here.
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 Learn Summaries
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March Lunch and Learn: Freelancer free-for-all
At the March Lunch and Learn, we did something different. There was no set topic, and attendees were able to…
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February Lunch and Learn: Overcoming writer’s block
At the February Lunch and Learn, participants discussed overcoming writer’s block, the bane of every journalist at one point or…
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January Lunch and Learn: Finding anchor clients
Freelancers discussed tips and strategies for finding and keeping anchor clients.
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December Lunch and Learn: How to find patient stories
Freelancers shared ideas about how to find patients who are willing to tell their stories and discussed some sensitivities involved.
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November Lunch and Learn: Mining medical studies for story ideas
As healthcare reporters, we often rely on studies to inform our articles and back up the main points. But research…
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October Lunch and Learn: Using generative AI tools
Freelancers shared their questions and concerns about how to responsibly and practically AI tools like ChatGPT.
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September Lunch and Learn: Using social media to find editors calling for pitches
In September, attendees at the monthly Lunch and Learn discussed how to use social media to find editors who are…
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