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
