All about freelancing

Welcome to NASW’s All About Freelancing page. Here we have gathered the most helpful resources, tip sheets, and guidance on everything from negotiating better contracts and pay rates to crafting editor-pleasing pitches. We hope you’ll be inspired by the incredible level of freedom that comes with freelancing — especially to write about what you love! Questions? Email the NASW Freelance Committee at freecom@nasw.org.

Click on any category below to see all of the available resources.


Becoming a freelancer

Pitching

Rates and contracts

Awards, grants, and fellowships

Career development

Beware the double dip – Reporting on the same subject for different clients

Marketing and alternative income streams

Book proposals, book publishing and e-publishing

Journal access

Meeting policy/press credentials

Home office and reporting gear

Taxes, incorporation, liability and other legal issues

Health insurance

Outside resources for freelancers



For more freelancing resources, see the All about freelancing archive.

The National Association of Science Writers, Inc. (“NASW”) supports practical measures meant to help freelancers build and sustain a thriving business, from compensation surveys that offer a historical look at the field to tip sheets on matters like how to approach contract negotiation. In offering these educational resources to support our members, and in all our activities, NASW is committed to compliance with all applicable antitrust laws. NASW members are reminded that they must exercise their independent business judgment in pricing their services or products, dealing with their customers and suppliers, and choosing the markets in which they will compete. Federal laws stipulate that members may NOT agree with other NASW members or writers on prices or terms or on any other matter which is inconsistent with exercising their independent business judgment in pricing their services or products, dealing with their customers and suppliers, and choosing the markets in which they will compete. NASW members are always free to accept any assignment at any rate they choose. For further information, please see our Antitrust Policy, available here.

ADVERTISEMENT
BWF Climate Change and Human Health Seed Grants

ADVERTISEMENT
Eric and Wendy Schmidt Awards for Excellence in Science Communications

ADVERTISEMENT
EurekAlert! Travel Awards