Membership: Freelancer's Corner
Welcome. We're working to upgrade services for you because we know it's tough out there, particularly right now, making your living as a freelance journalist.
If you have suggestions on how we can help you, please contact Karen Rafinski, a freelance writer based in Cambridge, Mass. She chairs the AHCJ Freelance Committee. You can send an e-mail to: info@healthjournalism.org. Be sure to put: For Karen Rafinski in the subject line. If anyone is interested in compiling a resource on how to get started as a freelancer, please contact Karen Rafinski.
Job and freelance postings
Be sure to check out our Job Posting page - freelance opportunities are regularly posted there.
This section has information on:
- News
- Books and newsletters for freelancers
- Headhunter firms
- Health insurance
- Internet resources for finding work
- Other journalism groups that may help
News
Focus on freelancing: Make sure you aren't liable
While most staff writers take for granted that their publications' attorneys will defend them should the subjects of their stories ever get litigious, freelancers can't count on the same protection. Some agreements may make freelance journalists responsible for things such as libel, slander, invasion of privacy or copyright infringement – something that could be risky and costly for health writers doing investigative pieces about a drug, device, doctor or medical institution. Independent journalist Jane Allen writes about liability insurance for freelancers and offers some ways to protect yourself.Publish and be pampered: How freelance health journalists are under increased pressure from PR firms by Caroline White, freelance medical journalist, British Medical Journal, Vol 327, Aug. 9, 2003.
Books and newsletters for freelancers
American Society of Journalists and Authors Contract Watch Newsletter
A free e-mail newsletter about the latest terms and negotiations in periodicals, print and electronic publishing.Freelance Success Newsletter
The newsletter has in-depth market reports, tips, news and business advice published by e-mail weekly. The cost is $89 per year.WritersWeekly.com
Freelance writing e-zine that includes free market reports and freelance job listings.
Headhunters
M Squared
A headhunter for freelance and full-time assignments.Nsight
Boston-based temp service and headhunter for editorial professionals.If you know of other job lists you think would benefit AHCJ members, please let us know. Just e-mail info@healthjournalism.org.
Health insurance
Article: Freelancers on the hunt for health insurance
Writer's Groups with Insurance Options
National Writers Union - See available plans
Editorial Freelancers Association
American Society of Journalists and Authors (Note: Fortis Health, which is listed on ASJA's site, is no longer in business.)Regional Groups
For New York City members, Mediabistro.com offers affordable insurance. There is also information on health plans for those who live elsewhere.
For Washington, D.C., members, Washington Independent Writers offers several kinds of plans.Association Plans
Alliance for Affordable Services
National Association for the Self-Employed
Tools for the freelancer life
The Freelancers' Toolset: 100 Web Apps for Everything You Will Possibly Need
Innovation junkies, take note: the Internet has a lot to offer. From invoicing to marketing, these are tools that freelancers need to know about.
Internet resources for finding work
American Press Institute
API has a job index that organizes job sites according to the type of media, including freelance.Broadcast Employment Services
The service lists television and radio job openings. There are also links for info on salary, professional development and other resources such as markets. TVJobs posts television, radio, cable, education, corporate-industrial, post production and satellite-related jobs. Users are must subscribe to view jobs in the database. Subscriptions range from $29.95 for one month to $39.95 for one year.Florida Southern College Department of Communication
Offers links to journalism job search sites, media law resources, expert/people finders and writing and editing tips.Insert Text Here
This site features links to general and medical writing job sites, media news, and reporting resources. The site is compiled by Michelle Nicolosi, an editor at The Seattle Post-Intelligencer. In 1996, Nicolosi received the Pulitzer Prize in investigative reporting when she worked at The Orange County Register.Internet News Bureau
INB features links to online employment resources for journalists including online job banks, freelance opportunities and mailing lists.JournalismNext.com
A job and community web site for minority journalists and media professionals. There are listings for all types of media -including freelance opportunities.JournalismJobs.com
In partnership with the Columbia Journalism Review, the site offers job listings including freelance, resources on media salaries and ethics, and links to various newspapers, magazines and other media.Mediabistro.com
Users need to register (free) to view details about job postings. There is also information about health and dental insurance.NewsLink Associates
The JobLink database of the Web site has searches for all types of media including freelance openings. The site also contains searchable lists of newspapers, television and radio stations and magazines organized by location.
Sunoasis Job
Sunoasis Jobs has freelance listings and resources such as how to negotiate a freelance fee.BIG TV Job List
This site offers job openings in television. It costs $19.95 for two months. Subscribers receive an e-mail on the 1st and the 15th of the month.University of California, Berkeley, Graduate School of Journalism
This page from UC Berkeley offers links to all types of journalism jobs, including freelance opportunities.The Write Jobs
A job board and career resource for journalism, media, publishing and writing professionals. The Write Jobs is part of Writers Write, Inc.'s network of resources for creative professionals which includes Writenews.com and Writerswrite.com. Job listings are in categories such as "freelance only" and "medical writing/editing."TVNewz
A Webzine for television news professionals. The jobs page features on- and off-air opportunities.Writing for Money
An Internet journal for freelance journalists. The journal offers services such as a “Who’s Buying What” section that offers new listings and market reports on a frequent basis. It costs $7.95 a month for unlimited access. Past articles are available in the Writing for Money archives, which are free to the public.Emma Hitt, PhD: Medical Writer and Journalist
Hitt runs a free e-mail list that provides science and medical writing jobs and freelance opportunities. E-mails are sent about 2 to 6 times a week She also offers advice to freelancers on how to get started and boost their income, among other topics.
Other journalism groups related to freelancing
Also, bear in mind that some of the best leads come from journalism organizations like the National Association of Science Writers, American Society of Journalists and Authors and Editorial Freelancers Association , but require membership to obtain listings.