When you’re looking at a full-time newspaper job in the rear-view mirror, the road ahead can be treacherous. It can also be open and full of possibilities.

With newspapers collapsing and shrinking, the freelance world is replete with journalists hustling for work after taking a buyout or getting laid off. The business climate has been brutal, and difficult to navigate for many people just starting to work independently. It can be doubly tough after leaving a secure job in the newsroom, where paychecks roll in on time.

But while it’s challenging, where there’s danger there’s opportunity. That’s an old business mantra, and freelancing is a business. The survivors are writing books and magazine articles, working for elected officials, doing research and public relations, and still cranking out newspaper stories. Anything to keep that writing flame alive.

Getting freelance jobs takes focus and determination. It also takes research and plenty of self-marketing. The people landing plumb writing assignments admit there’s a big advantage if you know editors in good places. Continue Reading