We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Education

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

How do I Become a Freelance Journalist?

By Felicia Dye
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 3,224
Share

Journalism is a field that involves gathering, editing, and presenting news in numerous formats. Jobs in this field include photojournalists, radio news presenters, and newspaper editors. If you want to become a freelance journalist, the first thing you need to do is decide which type of jobs you are looking to land. It is possible to engage in more than one type of journalism. Whatever decisions you make in this regard will generally require patience and endurance.

Being a freelancer means that you will not be an employee of a company. You must, therefore, search for an outlet for the content that you write or the pictures that you take. If you are looking to design or edit journalistic works, you will need to find clients who are willing to offer you opportunities.

A degree in journalism, broadcasting, or photography can substantially aid a person’s goal to become a freelance journalist. Some news outlets are reluctant to consider working with a freelancer who does not have a bachelor’s degree. This is because the degree can attest that a person has the skills necessary for the job even if she does not have the experience.

If you do not have a degree or if you have a degree in an unrelated field, it can still be possible to become a freelance journalist. One of the best ways to begin is by either working with a local news source or online news venue. The reason for this is that such publications are generally more open to working with beginners.

Even news publications that work with beginners often require samples before commissioning work from a freelance writer. Many people with goals to become a freelance journalist wonder how they can provide samples if they do not have experience. If you are one of them, you should not be deterred by this situation.

One way to overcome it is by providing samples of other types of editing and writing if you want to be an editor or a writer. The Internet paves the way for many people to enter many careers that may otherwise be closed to them or which could otherwise be very difficult to enter. The ability to publish videos and audio web casts on the Internet, for example, can provide you with samples if you want to become a freelance journalist specializing in broadcasting.

Another way to provide samples is by working on speculation. Doing this is the subject of much debate among freelancers, but it is often necessary for beginners. Working on speculation means that you will do work that has not been commissioned. Then, you will attempt to sell it to news venues.

This may not always be successful, but this is where your patience and endurance will be required. You may face rejection numerous times before anyone accepts your offers. Once you receive an acceptance, you will become a freelance journalist. Thereafter, you can use your first experience and each subsequent experience to boost your credibility.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/how-do-i-become-a-freelance-journalist.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.