It’s time to get serious about your freelance career. The Institute for Independent Journalists is bringing our popular one-day Business of Freelancing workshop to the Investigative Reporters and Editors conference in D.C. on Friday, June 19. Don’t miss this opportunity to build a leaner, meaner freelance practice, with help from our seasoned instructors: IIJ leaders Katherine Reynolds Lewis, Shernay Williams, Emma Carew Grovum, and Kelly Glass.
You’ll learn:
✅ How to determine rates that ensure sustainability
✅ Secrets to juggling multiple projects and effectively managing your time
✅ To find the right balance between projects that build your portfolio, express your passion, and pay the bills
And so much more!
On top of all this, you’ll boost your network by connecting with freelancers in the room, and with national and local editors who will share what they’re looking for in a pitch.
In addition to building sales and networking skills, you’ll put them to the test later in the afternoon! Our panel of editors will share inside info on how to craft a pitch that cuts through the noise:
(moderator) Kirsten Garriss, independent journalist
Mitch Ryals, editor, the Baltimore Banner
Marianne Szegedy-Maszak, D.C. editorial operations director, Mother Jones
Starlight Williams, digital editor, National Geographic
Maryam Saleh, senior editor, Type Investigations
You won’t find another resource like the Business of Freelancing Workshop. Just see what previous attendees had to say:
“You helped me gain a broader understanding of what it means to be a freelance journalist, but more importantly, you gave us real tools to navigate and tackle the challenges we may face. I’m feeling more empowered and inspired.” - Andrés H. Martínez, 2025 attendee
“It taught me how to pitch stories with more confidence, and more importantly, it taught me how to value my skills and my work in an industry that sometimes makes you feel that you’re not going to make it.” - Su Ying Li Yang, 2025 attendee
Don’t wait to grab your seat! IRE attendees can register free of charge, but must pay $30 if they want to join the group lunch. D.C. area journalists can register for only $99, which includes lunch.
