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Get a Freelance Life Panel Discussion

How to thrive as a freelance writer (and get a free book)

Course is closed.

WHEN
Monday, May 15, 7-9 pm
Afterparty at Miller's Pub: 9-10 pm

WHERE
Chicago Athletic Association
The Crystal Room
12 S. Michigan Ave.
Chicago, IL 60603
312-236-7500

WHO
Anyone interested in developing a career as a freelance writer

BONUS
Ticket price includes a copy of Get a Freelance Life: mediabistro.com's Insider Guide to Freelance Writing

PRICE
$24 ($20 for )
more info

Course Details

In conjunction with the release of our first book, Get a Freelance Life: mediabistro.com's Insider Guide to Freelance Writing, we've gathered a panel of Chicago's most prolific freelance writers to share their practical tips for succeeding in a competitive field. This is the true story of freelancers who've been through the best and worst of times -- and thrived.

Sure, Chicagoans pay less rent than most other big city residents, but we also don't have as many opportunities to meet face-to-face with editors. At this frank discussion, you can learn how to get assignments, how to take advantage of the fact that you don't live on the East Coast, and how to find new outlets for your work. Whether you're on staff now but contemplating going solo or a current freelancer looking to give your career a boost, this panel is for you.

This panel will cover:

  • The ups and downs of freelancing in Chicago
  • Freelance opportunities in the Windy City
  • How to establish relationships with editors anywhere else when you have no connections
  • Coping with loneliness
  • Generating story ideas
  • Getting paid!!!

Panelists will include:

  • Shane DuBow, freelance magazine writer for 13 years; work has appeared in GQ, Harper's, National Geographic, The New York Times Magazine, Smithsonian, and on the public radio program This American Life; currently working full-time as a writer & producer for a documentary production company in Chicago.
  • Margaret Littman, Chicago-based freelance writer; editor for more than 14 years with work in Ladies' Home Journal, Chicago, Crain's Chicago Business and Art & Antiques; author of The Dog Lover's Companion to Chicago and VegOut Vegetarian Guide to Chicago.
  • Darci Smith, full-time Chicago freelance writer; contributor to Better Homes and Gardens, Bankrate.com, Pages, The Chicago Tribune, and Crain's Chicago Business; former managing editor of a home magazine and metro guide in Michigan.
  • Ann Logue (co-moderator), full-time freelancer for seven years, specializing in business and finance; contributor to Barron's, The New York Times, and Newsweek Japan.
  • Claire Zulkey (co-moderator), blogger for mediabistro's mbtoolbox blog for freelancers; contributor to NPR, Second City, The Chicago Tribune, Modern Bride, and ElleGirl; founder of the website Zulkey.com.

    *Ticket price includes a copy of our new book, Get A Freelance Life: mediabistro.com's Insider Guide to Freelance Writing by Margit Feury Ragland

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