What an incredible two days of the #theiij 2026 Freelance journalism conference. Unlike last year when I was still finishing up school, I feel much more prepared to put these tips into action. Still overwhelming, but I'm in awe of the generosity of the speakers and attendees.
Write from a place of curiosity and authenticity. You can be like Alice in Wonderland.
Wise words for journalists by @taylorcrumpton.bsky.social at #theiij @indiejournalists.bsky.social
Interesting tip from Lale Arikoglu editor of @cntraveler.com.web.brid.gy about pitching: don't necessarily come in with your biggest idea, but instead what's most realistic for you to deliver and for the editor to get to know you.
Via Lifestyle Freelancing #theiij @indiejournalists.bsky.social
Last session from @indiejournalists.bsky.social at this year's #theiij freelance journalism conference is on being a lifestyle writer and how to make a living. Love getting a chance to hear from food, travel and music writers who are rooted in a deeper context of community, history and politics.
Great advice by @michellecyca.com from today's #theiij session on reporting with care: "Don't pitch a story if you don't know you can report it"
The session wasn't focused on pitching but I'm still learning the balance between being excited about a story and feeling like I'm bothering a subject
So many valuable things in this last #theiij session on reporting with care:
- informed consent for the sources!
- emotional labour explaining why things can be hurtful
- it's not just about pushing a story but bringing to light
- there's a community of people who share the same struggles
I'm so excited about this #theiij session on reporting with care by @michellecyca.com from @thenarwhal.ca, Dr Luisa Ortiz Perez and Lewis Raven Wallace. Touching on both caring for reporters and interviewees, as well as the intersection of journalism and activism.
Cut up vegetables, cheese, crackers and meat on a large plate with a container of hummus. In the background is a snow-covered wood fence
Any excuse for charcuterie #breaktime #theiij #2026iij Freelance Journalism Conference
Great tips for pitching from editors at #theiij - don't be too general and just give a broad topic, instead specify your angle and say how your reporting will push the discourse forward. Then you can connect your narrow story to the broader scope and societal context.
I'm so grateful to the @indiejournalists.bsky.social for bringing in such an incredibly diverse group of speakers, including fellow Canadian Samia Madwar from @thewalrus.ca
The editors at this session say you probably won't get it right the first time, but you should pitch anyway #theiij
The advice to keep trying and apply more than once is applicable everywhere. Sometimes you'll want to pitch something brand new, but sometimes reworking the idea can work.
From the Fellowships and grants session at the @indiejournalists.bsky.social 2026 Freelance Journalism Conference #theiij
"An inside look at the journalism grant review process reveals how to write a winning application: Read the instructions carefully, flesh out your story, and please, don’t rely on artificial intelligence tools." by Katherine Lewis
#theiij
Second session on fellowships and grants has some good tips about applying. More fellowships are taking on freelance journalists.
Also, look at who started the foundation or fellowship, because you can tailor your application to those goals #theiij @indiejournalists.bsky.social
Good advice for choosing a newsletter platform in today's session on creator journalism:
Don't tie your identity to a particular platform. Keep the power in your own hands and focus on consistency and good work.
(But also, don't just default to substack)
@indiejournalists.bsky.social #theiij
Livejournal mentioned at the session on creator journalists by @aliciadkennedy.bsky.social
I still miss that community
#theiij
Starting off the morning with the main question every freelancer has: how to make a living.
Speakers include @aliciadkennedy.bsky.social @marisakabas.bsky.social and Matt Kiser of @whatthefuckjusthappenedtoday.com #theiij #theiij2026 @indiejournalists.bsky.social
Join me on day 2 of the @indiejournalists.bsky.social 2026 Freelance Journalism Conference. I'm excited for another packed day of sessions with some exciting speakers #theiij
What an incredible first day of #theiij freelance conference! I love how each day ends with a breakout session where we can meet other journalists and learn from one another.
Thank you @indiejournalists.bsky.social
Key takeaways from Editor Relationship session at today's freelance conference by @indiejournalists.bsky.social #theiij #iij2026:
- don't say "this article is perfect for you" - if you're tailoring your pitch to the publication then that's implied
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One of the things I really appreciate about the IIJ freelance conference (and this is my 2nd year attending) is hearing from actual editors about what they want.
Session on the Editor Relationship at #theiij #iij2026 @indiejournalists.bsky.social
I'm attending a pitch-fest session at today's 2026 Freelance Journalism conference and templates never show the amount of detail and context that goes into these pitches. I already feel so much more prepared.
I can't wait to see all these published!
#theiij #iij2026 @indiejournalists.bsky.social
What an inspiring keynote speaker. Kavitha Cardoza continues to push herself to grow and learn, even after winning a prestigious journalism award.
Thank you @indiejournalists.bsky.social for this conference and for always inviting such incredible speakers #theiij #iij2026
Best practices - trauma informed reporting - it's not just about getting the best quote, but bringing your interview subject back to a better place at the end. Recognize their humanity bc they're not just the experience they shared with you.
From #keynote speaker Kavitha Cardoza at #theiij #iij2026
Journalists need to stop ceding space to influencers.
They don't have the training reporters do, such as fact-checking, interviewing multiple people, etc. If you want your message to come across, you have to build your own platform.
From #keynote speaker Kavitha Cardoza at #theiij #iij2026
Journalism as a way of life, not as a career, means your goals become personal. Speaking up for people, being kind and authentic. "Righting wrongs."
#keynote speaker Kavitha Cardoza at the #theiij #iij2026
Great advice on community reporting - it's not just about the ribbon cutting ceremony, but follow-up a year later and find out what's happened since.
And look at who is the after-thought.
From #keynote speaker Kavitha Cardoza, recipient of the 2026 American Mosaic Journalism Prize #theiij #iij2026
It's so interesting how journalists who are here to shed light on hidden stories can carry so much shame when they're laid off. The industry is shrinking and lay-offs are part of reality.
Kavitha Cardoza shared her journey of switching to freelancing after being laid off #keynotespeaker #theiij
