Once a week, we gather stories about the media business, journalism, writing, publishing, and freelancing—with a Canadian focus—and share them in Off the Wire. Who needs a water cooler?

From Canada: 

• Stronger together: How journalists can collaborate [J-Source]
• CBC Short Story Prize juror Kevin Hardcastle's 5 rules for writing [CBC Books]
• Government should not be picking winners and losers in the media world [J-Source]
• Tabatha Southey Heads To Maclean’s, Opens Up About The Globe [Canadaland]
• Understanding Canada’s new shield law for confidential sources [J-Source]

From The U.S. and beyond:

• The most annoying thing an editor can do [CJR]
• 3 tips for creating compelling content [Freelancers Union]
• Importance of mentorship in the communications field [Mediabistro]
• Take note of these methods to get started as a freelance writer [Journalism.co.uk]
• Writing Well about Disability [The Open Notebook]
• Advice for getting started as a sports journalist [Journalism.co.uk]
• Journalism’s broken business model won’t be solved by billionaires [New Yorker]
• 3 Real-World Examples of Freelance Writing Pitches That Sold [The Write Life]

Recently on Story Board:

• Freelance social night in Vancouver November 7: Vancouver-area freelancers, come out for a casual social evening with peers and colleagues at Craft Beer Market (85 West 1st Ave) on Tuesday, November 7th from 6 to 8 p.m. CMG Freelance members and non-members are all welcome...
• Webinar -- LinkedIn for Journalists: LinkedIn is often known only as a networking tool, though it can also be used as a powerful research tool. In this webinar, Katt Stearns will show you how to best to use this overlooked social media platform and answer the question, “should I pay to ‘go Pro’?”...

Spot a story you think we should include in next week's Off the Wire? Email the link to editor@thestoryboard.ca or tweet us at @storyboard_ca.