Story examples from #IIJ2025 session with editors:
economichardship.org/2021/11/3700...
www.noemamag.com/we-need-to-r...
www.nationalgeographic.com/environment/...
#SciComm #Freelance #Journalism #AmEditing
Thank you for following along with two days of highlights from #TheIIJ #IIJ2025 conference for freelance journalists and thank you @indiejournalists.bsky.social for organizing such an inspiring event filled with practical advice and realistic insight of the industry.
A group of journalists in tiny Zoom squares smile at the camera.
I just wrapped up my first Institute for Independent Journalists conference feeling full of hope and tips to make this freelance thing sustainable.
I am so grateful and excited to be a part of this community that uplifts one another! 🥹
#IIJ2025 @indiejournalists.bsky.social
Even though #TheIIJ #IIJ2025 conference by @indiejournalists.bsky.social was online, I was still able to meet and learn from the other attendees, through a networking hour in breakout rooms, the slack channel and the session chats. I'm looking forward to connecting with everyone further!
One benefit of attending conferences or networking with other journalists is you find out about fellowships and grant opportunities. It's not all a competition but instead a community can help you succeed #TheIIJ #IIJ2025 conference last panel was on funding for both US and global journalists
Practical advice for new journalists: treat a #pitch as an audition. Don't use ChatGPT but instead show your personality and #passion for the topic. Hearing from editors at major publications who accept freelance pitches has opened up new possibilities. Also read the #submission guidelines #IIJ2025
How can journalists maintain #objectivity without giving a platform to hate? Through #fairness - explain areas of concern. At the same time, think about how your reporting portrays the different sides - From a keynote today by @ginaskchua.bsky.social, Executive Editor at Semafor at #TheIIJ #IIJ2025
“The same tool can be used both ethically and unethically at the same time” - Joanna Kao, AI accountability network lead at @pulitzercenter.bsky.social #IIJ2025
Interesting resources on using AI ethically for the #IIJ2025 panel
@indiejournalists.bsky.social
docs.google.com/document/d/1...
“If the newsroom says 'we do not use AI at all' and you’re using it for transcription, I think it’s worth having a conversation about that.” - Lynn Walsh of @trustingnews.bsky.social #IIJ2025
Had a great time speaking at #IIJ2025, hyping up the audio listerv community and having it on the record that I can be annoying 😂🤓
I love this mantra courtesy of @saribotton.bsky.social, who practiced "unreasonable requests" to get comfortable asking for help as she explored a career pivot:
"Have some balls, ask nicely and if people can do it, they will."
#IIJ2025 @indiejournalists.bsky.social
Other ideas from the panel for how mentees can give back to mentors includes getting an "action item" from each call with a mentor -- and following up. Read the article, listen to the podcast they recommend, etc.
This gives the mentor "warm and fuzzies," further fueling the relationship. #IIJ2025
I really love @ecg.bsky.social's "Midwest" approach to networking where you "can't show up empty-handed."
Ask people how you can help as much as you ask for help.
#IIJ2025 @indiejournalists.bsky.social
Editor panel today was wonderful! I'll post some example stories mentioned today by @noemamag.com, @nationalgeographic.bsky.social, @economichardship.bsky.social later on LinkedIn. (www.linkedin.com/in/ellenkuwa...) #IIJ2025 #Pitch #freelance #writing #journalism
(cont) This morning's session from #TheIIJ #IIJ2025 talking about career pivots with @saribotton.bsky.social @ecg.bsky.social and Phoebe Gavin was like finding my people - it's ok that I don't have a standard career or that I'm not in my 20s. I have value. It's taken me a lifetime to learn this.
Re: coverage of trans people: “I don’t think it’s helpful that there’s only stories about victims…painting whole communities as powerless takes away their agency and I don’t think it’s helpful.” - @ginaskchua.bsky.social #IIJ2025
“I do think sometimes we think too much about diversity of identity or diversity of experience as sort of a panacea for what ails the news industry without thinking through the core questions that news organizations need to ask themselves.” - keynote speaker @ginaskchua.bsky.social #IIJ2025
“Performative DEI doesn’t help anybody and actual work does. There’s so many ways to improve the ways that companies hire and promote and provide opportunities that in theory should not run afoul of anybody.” - keynote speaker @ginaskchua.bsky.social #IIJ2025
Great conversation with Gina Chua, keynote speaker for the second day of the @indiejournalists.bsky.social conference with John J. Edwards III moderating the Q&A. #IIJ2025
Day 2 of #TheIIJ #IIJ2025 conference by @indiejournalists.bsky.social is off to a strong start. It's so great to hear from #freelance #journalists who are #encouraging and building up a #community, rather than tearing down one another, scrambling to compete and stepping over others.
"I am a big believer in literary citizenship." - @saribotton.bsky.social #IIJ2025
"For every single opportunity, what is on the other side of this opportunity? Is it good feelings or more difficult feelings?" - Phoebe Gavin #IIJ2025
"Take the pieces that you can't sell and publish them yourself...find ways to get your voice out there beyond the places that you're pitching." - @saribotton.bsky.social #IIJ2025
"I understand that we're all having a hard time right now, but sometimes there's a bitterness that comes through...I think that there's a grace that's needed, as editors we're in this too." - @saribotton.bsky.social #IIJ2025
"I graduated in 2009 which was a very volatile time for journalism, and so I learned to always be ready to apply for anything." - @ecg.bsky.social #IIJ2025
That's a wrap on the first day of #IIJ2025! See you shortly in the networking session 👀
Who doesn't love a good book recommendation? Podcaster Mark Pagán recommends Daily Rituals by John Curry. I'll be getting the 2nd book focused on women, www.masoncurrey.com/daily-ritual... #IIJ2025
"No one show, no one person or hiring manager or company should determine your worth." - John Asante #IIJ2025
