The journalism industry has seen a significant shift in recent years, with many major media outlets announcing layoffs and staff reductions. This trend has forced many journalists to explore new opportunities, including freelancing. Anna Medaris, a seasoned journalist with nearly 15 years of experience, recently made the transition from a staff position at Business Insider to freelancing. In an interview, she shared her insights and tips for journalists considering a similar career change.
One of the initial concerns for Medaris was health insurance and the uncertainty of income as a freelancer. Despite these challenges, she was excited about the prospect of trying something new. To kickstart her freelancing career, she focused on making connections through coffee dates, happy hours, and phone calls with old colleagues and editors. While not all of these interactions led to immediate assignments, they helped her reestablish valuable connections in the industry.
Networking played a crucial role in securing clients for Medaris. Leveraging her existing relationships, she reached out to former editors and colleagues, which resulted in assignments from reputable organizations like the American Psychological Association and Everyday Health. Additionally, attending industry events and parties proved to be fruitful, as she landed her first pitch with Vox through a connection made at a Newswomen’s Club event.
Announcing her career change on social media also proved to be beneficial for Medaris. By sharing her story and excitement about freelancing, she received positive responses from editors and potential clients. This proactive approach, coupled with her engaging writing style, helped her attract new opportunities and assignments.
To stay motivated and explore additional revenue streams, Medaris turned to podcasts about freelance writing and considered offering college essay coaching and pitching workshops. While she initially focused on accepting assignments, she eventually started pitching her own ideas to diversify her portfolio and expand her client base.
Despite the perks of freelancing, Medaris acknowledged some challenges, such as managing multiple deadlines and juggling different editor expectations. However, she found solace in coworking spaces, where she could interact with like-minded individuals and maintain a sense of structure in her work routine.
Looking ahead, Medaris aims to secure regular clients and establish a steady workflow for the upcoming year. While she misses the camaraderie of an office environment, she has found ways to stay connected and motivated in her freelancing journey.
In conclusion, Anna Medaris’ transition from a staff journalist to a freelancer offers valuable insights for journalists navigating a changing media landscape. By prioritizing networking, pitching ideas, and staying proactive, freelancers can carve out a successful career path in the competitive journalism industry.
