Breaking into Freelancing

Practical tips and advice for aspiring writers

Course is closed.
Breaking into Freelancing

WHEN Tuesday, September 16, 6:30-9:30 pm

WHERE MOCA DC, Main Gallery, 1054 31st St NW, Canal Square, Georgetown, Washington, DC, 212-929-2588

PRICE
$65 ($50 for )
more info

Course Details

Freelancing has some great benefits. You can work in your pajamas and set your own schedule. It can be an outlet to doing exciting work in your off hours or be a rewarding, full-time career.

Washington's media market is full of freelance opportunities -- from trade association pubs to city-centric Web sites to style mags to out-of-state opportunities you can land from your living room couch. And don't forget the outgrowth of freelance work that comes when newspapers cut their bottom line. Whether you're looking to strike out on your own or just pick up some extra work outside of your day gig, this seminar will help you focus your freelance goals, land exciting assignments, and -- most importantly -- get paid for writing and editing.

In this seminar, you will learn:

  • How to think of -- and market yourself -- as your own business
  • Freelancing options you can utilize while working full-time
  • How to successfully target and pitch your article ideas
  • How to network and maintain relationships with clients to get work
  • Essential bookkeeping, billing, and freelance business set-up tips

Related Courses

Tell me when courses like this are scheduled.
Boot Camp for Journalists – ONLINE (Class starts September 24)
Breaking into Food Writing – Washington DC (Seminar on October 7)

Instructor Bio

Karen Sommer Shalett's Courses

No courses available at this time.

Karen Sommer Shalett
Karen Sommer Shalett is editor-in-chief of DC Magazine. As a freelancer, she wrote for over a dozen publications including Women's Wear Daily and Lucky. In her previous position as a reporter for New Orleans' Times Picayune, she reported on the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. She then launched the luxury shopping magazine Wish for the Times Picayune, where her work earned her a Louisiana Press Association award.

Having lost her home in Katrina, Karen decided to move her family to higher ground and took a position with The Washington Post as shopping columnist for the paper's Style and Sunday Source sections before becoming EIC of DC Magazine.

Testimonials


Karen's seminar was thorough and effective. I recommend it for anyone looking to pursue a freelance career. -- Leon Scott

"This was my first mediabistro class, and I loved it! Karen gave great inside tips. I left with the feeling that I could actually get a freelance job even without clips." --Jewell Jones

"I don't know how Karen did it, but in just three hours she managed to transform the daunting pursuit of a freelance career into a manageable, "you-can-do-it," step-by-step process." --Sandra Jackson

"Karen's course was just what I needed. She's a laid back, easy going, individual whose advice I definitely take seriously." --Elsie Achugbue

"Karen is a top-notch instructor who knew exactly what we wanted out of the class. I left feeling a little more confident that I had the tools I needed to move forward." --Suzanne Struglinski

"Karen shared a wealth of information about the business that was practical and organized. I was especially impressed with her professional and respectful demeanor." -- Marijo Dowd

"Karen's class was more than I expected. She answered everyone's questions showing that she really wants us to do well keeping our individuality in mind." -- Stacie Pierpoint

"Karen was very articulate and energetic. She kept the class actively involved with questions and comments so that everything flowed very nicely. She peppered the teaching with personal anecdotes that made the content more memorable and applicable." -- Nancy Michaels

"As a fairly new freelancer, I found Karen's seminar to be extremely helpful. She's engaging, intelligent and funny. This woman really knows her stuff." -- Stephanie Kanowitz






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