3 common freelance conundrums — and how to handle them

From pitching into an apparent void to dealing with "scope creep" - or when an assignment involves a lot more than what was originally agreed upon, without added compensation - freelance writers deal with some particular challenges that staff journalists typically do not. Of course, all journalists face many of the same issues from time to time too, whether it's managing burnout, combatting procrastination or disagreeing with an editor's changes.

During April's Lunch and Learn, AHCJ's freelance members asked each other for advice on all kinds of such scenarios. Here, I'll summarize some of the key takeaways.

Scenario one: An error gets published - and it's not your fault

One participant shared how an editor published a not-yet-ready draft of her story, printing inaccuracies that angered sources. Other AHCJ members' best tips included:

• Tell sources what happened, and apologize. Work with editors to issue any necessary corrections.
• To avoid this kind of mistake in the future, don't share drafts of stories with editors that include information you're unsure about. When in doubt, use "XX" or "TK" in place of actual words so that it's much more difficult to accidentally print.
• If this sort of sloppiness or poor communication is a pattern with the client - as opposed to a one-time mistake handled gracefully - consider cutting ties and be clear about why.
• Keep all of your correspondence with sources and editors, as well as drafts. In the case that an error gets introduced as the piece runs up various channels, you'll have evidence that it wasn't your fault.
• Ask editors if you can see a preview of stories before they run. The editors won't always agree - especially for time-sensitive stories - but a final read can catch errors and save time, energy and your reputation in the longer run.

Scenario two: You want to expand or pivot your services, but aren't sure how to find new clients

One freelancer who's most experienced as a writer said they're now offering more editing, copy-editing, research and fact-checking work. Fellow attendees advised on how to best market these related services and find clients who pay fairly.

• If it feels appropriate, ask editors you already have relationships with if their publication is in need of copy-editing or other types of freelance services.
• A lot of this kind of work can come from word of mouth, so understand that the beginning might be the hardest - and as more people come to know and like your work, more clients will come your way.
• Make sure your LinkedIn profile includes your updated services.
• Check out organizations like the Editorial Freelancers Association, which helps connect authors and publishers with freelance editors, proofreaders, researchers and more.
• If you're getting work but the rates seem too low, it's in bounds to turn it down - or to try to explain why you're charging what you are. Often, clients don't realize all that goes into copy-editing - verifying each name, checking grammar, etc. - and may be willing to pay the price once they understand your value.
• In general, offering both writing and editing work can be a nice mental (and financial) mix for freelancers. When you're feeling stuck on a journalistic transition, for instance, you can take a break with editing work. When you return to writing, you may have a fresh idea.

Scenario three: A source wants to change their quotes - after publication

An AHCJ member said a source asked to change an (accurate) quote after publication. Many of us have been there, and agreed:

• If a conversation is on-the-record for a journalistic publication (as opposed to a trade or as a piece of content writing), it's typically unethical to tinker with quotes beyond removing the errant "you know" or "like."
• There are some exceptions in which editors will agree to remove or replace a quote, like if it potentially puts the source's career or safety at risk.
• Many reporters said they share or read back quotes (but not the whole story, of course) with sources before submitting a draft to ensure they captured a nuanced concept accurately.
• Sometimes, a source will back down on a request to change a quote if you tell them why you used it - maybe it evokes an emotion you can't paraphrase or gives them some personality - as well as why it's against journalistic principles to change it.
• When it comes to interviewing "real people," as opposed to experts or public figures with experience working with the press, it's important to lay out to them upfront what the interview will entail, how they could be quoted and what that could mean for their personal and/or professional lives.
• With particularly sensitive stories, it's acceptable if not encouraged to read a regular-person source a copy before the piece goes live so they have time to process it before readers see it. To learn more about working with non-expert sources for potentially painful stories, check out the Dart Center for Journalism and Trauma or this recap of my 2022 AHCJ conference session about finding and interviewing sources for sensitive stories.

Join us in May for the next Lunch and Learn all about contracts.