Toronto freelance mixer on November 2nd

October 31, 2016 Editor Event eventfreelance media mixerfreelance meet-up

Toronto-area freelancers, come and join CMG Freelance for a casual meet-up this week, on November 2nd from 6 to 8 pm at Bar Wellington at 520 Wellington Street West in downtown Toronto. We've got an upstairs room booked for the event.

CMG Freelance members and potential members are all welcome. We'd like to meet you and hear what kinds of events or professional development you’d like us to plan for you in the future. We're buying the first round of drinks and there will be snacks available, too. We’ll even have some CMG Freelance swag on hand to give away.

If you can make it, drop us a line ASAP at freelance@cmg.ca to let us know. Hope to see you there!

New York City “Freelance Isn’t Free” Act passes

October 27, 2016 Editor News freelance isn't freefreelancers unionsuccess stories

In a landmark victory, New York City Council has voted to protect freelancers against client nonpayment. The Freelance Isn't Free bill was spearheaded by the Freelancers Union and passed today after a year-long campaign.It requires clients to use contracts for freelance work, allows freelancers to file complaints with the Department of Labor…

The Top Five Benefits of Writing in a Coffee Bar

October 25, 2016 Editor Advice advicefreelance life

by Christine Blanchette The idea of stepping out of your home - your comfort zone - especially on a rainy day, to go to your local coffee shop to write may not sound beneficial or motivating. I thought that too until one day a rather severe windstorm brought down hydro lines, plunging the neighborhood into darkness. I was forced to find a coffee…

Access Copyright & Access Copyright Foundation: What Can They Do for You?

October 20, 2016 Editor Advice access copyrightaccess copyright foundationadvicefreelance compensationgetting paid

by Elle Andra-WarnerAre you registered with Access Copyright (AC) as one of over 11,000 Canadian writers, visual artists or publishers who receive an annual payment? Or have you ever applied for a Professional Development, Research or Events grant from Access Copyright Foundation?If not, here’s some information that could add to your stream of…

The Born Freelancer on Why Public Libraries Matter

October 13, 2016 Editor Advice born freelancerfreelance lifepublic librariesthe born freelancer

This series of posts by the Born Freelancer shares personal experiences and thoughts on issues relevant to freelancers. Have something to add to the conversation? We'd love to hear from you in the comments. I was visiting my local public library the other day when I realized how much I have come to rely on its resources to facilitate my…

Ali Mustafa Memorial Award for freelance photojournalists application deadline December 15

October 07, 2016 Editor News ali mustafa awardawardfreelance photojournalismnewsphotojournalism

An award granted to young photojournalists in honour of a Canadian freelance photographer killed in Syria is now accepting applications. The deadline to apply for the Ali Mustafa Memorial Award for People’s Journalism is December 15th, 2016.The award, established in 2015, is given in honour of Ali Mustafa, a Toronto freelance photojournalist who…

Expanding your freelance portfolio

October 06, 2016 Editor Advice advicefreelance business skillsmarketing yourself

By Sandra PhinneyI’ll never forget the day I announced to my husband, “Barrie, I’m going to be a freelance writer.” The look on his face was priceless. You see, 19 years earlier I'd said, “Barrie, I’m going to be a farmer.”That actually happened; I grew 10 acres of organic fruit and vegetables—before the word “organic” meant…

Freelancer meet-up in Vancouver on October 3

September 27, 2016 Editor Event eventfreelance meet-up

Vancouver-area freelancers, come and meet some colleagues for a freelancers' social night on Monday October 3rd at 6 p.m. at Central City Brewing (871 Beatty St). CMG Freelance members and non-members are all welcome. Join us for an evening of conversation, commiseration and celebration of the freelance lifestyle. We'll even have door prizes!…

Are you owed money by Venture Publishing?

September 26, 2016 Editor Compensation freelance compensationtrouble spotsventure publishing

In December of 2013 we posted a story about Venture Publishing in Alberta. We'd been hearing from a lot of freelancers who were having trouble getting paid for their work in a timely manner.Three years later, we're still hearing from freelancers who are waiting as long as 18 months for their invoices to be paid.Is Venture Publishing remiss in…

The 5-Minute Freelancer Q&A #32—Jennifer Van Evra

September 23, 2016 Editor Advice 5-minute freelanceradvicefreelance lifepitching

In this regular feature, Story Board asks Canadian writers to share a few details about their work habits and their strategies for navigating the ups and downs of freelance life. Jennifer Van Evra is a Vancouver writer, broadcaster and university instructor. Her work has appeared in publications including the Globe and Mail, the Vancouver…