Six things every freelance entertainment journalist should know:
Network. Network. Network:
As cliché as it sounds, your network in this industry is literally your net worth. The people that you knew two years ago could get you a job quicker than the people that you met two days ago, or vice versa. It is important to maintain organic relationships while ensuring that we aren’t stalking anyone. People are busy and sometimes, some people just aren’t your people. However, when you do find your people, keep them! And honor them.Weigh the pros and cons:
Some people will freelance by choice and others will freelance because they have to. But at some point in your career, you’ll probably have to freelance. What I love the most about freelancing is that I can create my own schedule. I can figure out what works best for my natural workflow and take on projects that I have more say on participating in. However, a check doesn’t come every two weeks and there is no health insurance in most of these gigs. A lot of freelance gigs are project-based. That means that they will keep you on for a period of time and then let you go after the project is finished. Sometimes you will get more of a long-term gig, but if it says freelance in your job title, nine times out of ten they will not have health insurance for you. These are very real realities and a lot of freelancers have had to decide whether they can maintain or cultivate a lifestyle they want while freelancing. Some folks are lucky enough to land a 9 to 5 within the business, and others choose to become entrepreneurs and create other businesses - which is also incredible, or you can just figure it out. There are plenty of pros and cons but these are just some!
Forget your routine, at first:
If you are going into this part of the field, this is a reality to consider. At first, it will be very hard to maintain a consistent routine. If you are used to working a 9 to 5 and traveling 30 minutes to and from work and waking up in stretching and working out, your day will look different. Sometimes you’ll have to wake up early to finish a deadline that was given to you at the last minute, or stay out late to network or watch a movie premiere. Sometimes you will have to listen to an album 24 hours before it comes out and write a review the day-of for an 8am post to talk about and review the project. If you are an event host, you can be asked to be on a different side of the country with a day's notice, as long as there are flights out and you choose to be available. This is exciting to some people, like me in my 20s especially, but it can get old. The good thing is, eventually you’ll learn how to say no and choose things that you really like to do. But, creating a routine can be a little difficult at first.
Save your money/take a personal finance course:
I am no tax expert but I do know that Uncle Sam does not play about his money. Make it a habit of putting aside 30% of everything you earn just to give to him at the end of the year. If you are a freelancer or independent contractor that is working on a project basis, many times the companies will pay you in full and you’ll be responsible for any taxes that come at the end of the year. So, you will have to make sure that you file and reflect what is needed to do so correctly. Taxes are real. Write off whatever you can, and if you are a talent, you should create an LLC.
Create an LLC, for talent especially:
Once you do that, if something goes wrong in a business agreement, your LLC will be sued and not you personally. If something is in breach of contract or went horribly wrong, a company could sue you personally - an LLC protects you in this situation. You should also look up the best states to launch an LLC, and the taxes in those states. And again, take a class on how to properly pay yourself, and use your money as it starts to come in.\
Read your CONTRACTS and hire a lawyer:
I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard about certain corporations getting over on talent - specifically creatives. We don’t always understand what’s happening in our contracts. If you are a person that doesn’t know legalese, have a friend or relative or some type of lawyer read every contract you sign. After a while, you will start to understand what certain contracts call out, but especially for bigger projects that require more of you, always have a lawyer read it. It’s so helpful and protects you. The loopholes that are easily missed need a legal eye to read. Don’t sign without reading! Ever!
Hope this helps!