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####
How I did it: One freelancer's story Q and A on making it with science writer Ed Yong How Beryl Benderly got into science writing Freelancing from abroad Specialize or generalize your work? How to be the happiest freelancer on your block
Pitching####
The Open Notebook Science Writing Pitch Database Pitching errors: How not to pitch NASW discussion on query letters Rebecca Skloot on the craft of querying
Rates and contracts####
The Fine Print (NASW contract database) * Fair Contracts Tip Sheet * Contract terms defined: The Fine Print Glossary * Contract questions and answers from NASW Contract negotiation: Getting what you want gracefully How to deal: Negotiating a better contract NASW Fair Pay Tip Sheet: Getting paid what you're worth * Words' Worth (NASW pay rate database) * 2014 NASW compensation survey * | Rate table: dollars per hour | Rate table: dollars per word * indicates members-only access.
Awards, grants, and fellowships####
Grants and fellowships database * NASW Science in Society Awards Evert Clark/Seth Payne Award Victor Cohn Prize SEJ Awards for Reporting on the Environment Science journalism awards and grants Reporting stories abroad via fellowships ASJA resources for writers in financial need or needing medical financial assistance * indicates members-only access.
Career development####
Beware the double dip – Reporting on the same subject for different clients
Marketing and alternative income streams####
Case study: Creating your own brand Digital entrepreneurship Expanding your work into lucrative multimedia content Findability: Marketing yourself online Using LinkedIn to build your freelance business Case study: Building your own website Small business grant writing
Book proposals, book publishing and e-publishing####
Write That Book! resource guide * Self-publishing and self-marketing your book, by Dennis Meredith The pros and cons of self publishing, a series by Dennis Meredith A Journalist’s Guide to e-book publishing Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 On literary agents A brief guide to self-republishing, by Jeff Hecht * indicates members-only access.
Journal access####
Meeting policy/press credentials####
Home office and reporting gear####
Taxes, incorporation, liability and other legal issues####
Legal issues with home businesses Get a handle on home office deductions Tax tips for freelancers with Julian Block (1 hour podcast) Liability: How to Limit Yours, by NASW member Kendall Powell Part 1 Part 2 Part 3 Secondary publishing rights Resources for fairness in the workplace
Health insurance####
Outside resources for freelancers####
A Field Guide to Science Writers, NASW's book on science writing The Science Writers’ Handbook, by the writers of SciLance National Writers Union American Society of Journalists and Authors Council for the Advancement of Science Writing Association of Health Care Journalists Society of Environmental Journalists United States Copyright Office Copyright basics from the United States Copyright Office Freelancers Union The Authors Guild
