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: 

• The role of artists in truth-telling [J-Source]
• Venture Publishing founded by Ruth Kelly has closed its business operations [Masthead]
• Events celebrate the launch of Atlantic Canada's The Deep long-form online magazine [Canadian Magazines]

From The U.S. and beyond:

• The Uncharted Journalism Fund is funding stories that wouldn’t be told otherwise [Nieman Lab]
• How Freelancers Can Make Sure They Get Paid On Time [HBR]
• #SquadGoals: Why Every Freelancer Needs a Writing Community [The Write Life]
• 13 LinkedIn Tips To Unlock Opportunities [Mediabistro]
• 4 ways to get work by nagging clients (nicely) [Freelancers Union]
• Top journalists reveal the best reporting advice they have received [CJR]
• How SB Nation profits off an army of exploited writers [Deadspin]
• The power of the first quote [Poynter]

Recently on Story Board:

• Pitching around staff writers: There are a few ways to observe and pitch the kinds of stories that staff writers have a harder time completing. After talking with a few Canadian editors, here’s what they advise...

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.