After several writers and journalists I knew lost their jobs on account of the coronavirus pandemic, I started offering freelancers (free) help with their pitches. My friends Emily Smibert and Chloé Braithwaite, both writers and editors themselves, graciously offered to volunteer their time. We made it a semi-regular thing we called “Freelance Fridays” over on Instagram, which ran for just over two years.

What became apparent to me as we went on doing this was that the media remains severely skewed in favour of those with privilege. Often, only people with enough social and cultural capital end up in editorial roles, and, subsequently, (unknowingly or knowingly) gatekeep. Getting more freelance voices (especially marginalised ones) out there became a logical next step in my mission to decolonise the media.

On this page, I’ve sectioned off a few starting points for freelancers (primarily in journalism, but a few in content and copy). Contained within these sections is a list of resources that either I’ve personally found useful or that have come heavily recommended by friends. Think of these as a glossary directing you to the real resources rather than a definitive list of places to go to and things to read (note: these contain no affiliate links).

— Akanksha

P.S. If you’re a writer putting together your own list of resources, take what you need from here, add to it, and, most importantly, pass it on.

Where to start, what to read, where to pitch, etc.

Everything you need to know about finding unfindable email addresses.

Here! Finally! — (Mostly links that themselves collate grant and fellowship opps)

Finding sources, good sources, interviewing them, etc.

Your rights, red flags to look out for, negotiation tips, templates, and more.

Setting your own, tracking them down, transparency, asking for more

Resources for writing opinion and commentary + commentary about writing opinion pieces and commentary.

Reading about writing and journalism - coming soon — Reading about writing and journalism