Boost Your Freelance Journalism by Building Bridges of Trust
Master the Art of Source Relationship Management
Freelance journalists, unlike staff writers, often need to develop their own network of sources. Since they don’t have the backing of a major publication, it’s crucial for them to establish a solid reputation for trustworthiness and integrity. Here are some ways freelancers can adapt these rules to safeguard their sources.
Be clear about your freelance status
As a freelancer, your association with any publication is likely temporary or project-based. Hence, it’s important to clarify this status with your sources. Stress that without the constraints of a hierarchical newsroom, you can tackle complex issues often overlooked by mainstream outlets.
Moreover, the flexibility of freelancing allows you to adapt quickly to shifting news cycles, providing immediate, on-the-ground coverage of emerging events. Tell you sources about the absence of any political leanings as they may not align with those of the publication you’re currently writing for.
Maintain an online portfolio
Freelancers can effectively share their work through an online portfolio. This could be a personal website or a profile on a…
