Now is a great time to think about attending one or two conferences over the next 12 months.

In thinking about attending a conference, what would you like to get out of it? Is your overall goal networking or training on a particular software? Do you want to discuss pricing or working with others in the publishing industry?

Large conferences offer some great benefits, but so do small conferences. Small conferences may lend more to networking, as there are fewer attendees and making connections is a common goal of many of the attendees. I’ve noticed that I am more at ease at smaller conferences, and I meet more people and pass more business cards to others.

Webinars offer some of the same benefits as large and small conferences. If in-person events are too much of a challenge, financially, location, or otherwise, think about participating in some virtual events, such as NAIWE monthly webinars!

Some of the topics that will be covered in upcoming webinars include reputable sources for journalists, video marketing, copyright law, and marketing on Facebook!

And here are some names of people you may want to learn from: Suzanne Lynn Cheesman (NAIWE’s Media Interviews Expert), MJ Courchesne (NAIWE’s Copyright and Permissions Expert), Kristen Fischer (NAIWE’s Journalism Expert), and Ruth Thaler-Carter (NAIWE’s Networking Expert).

April Michelle Davis has been the executive director of the National Association of Independent Writers and Editors (NAIWE) since 2018. Prior to that, she was NAIWE’s Social Media Marketing Expert. NAIWE is an association that focuses on career building for writers, editors, and other professionals in the publishing industry by developing multiple streams of income; it helps its members market their products and services through social media, newsletters, and more.

She is also the coordinator for the Virginia chapter of the Editorial Freelancers Association, a lifetime member of the American Copy Editors Society, and a freelance editor, indexer, proofreader and author. April Michelle has taught courses through her own company, Editorial Inspirations, as well as for associations and colleges on topics such as editing, indexing, grammar, writing, and creating macros.

Her credentials include a master’s degree in publishing from George Washington University and a bachelor’s degree in English from Messiah College, as well as certificates in editing (University of Virginia), book publishing (University of Virginia), and professional editing (EEI Communications).

April Michelle has shared her insights about her career development by contributing quotes and vignettes to several books. She has presented sessions on various editorial topics to many groups, including the Virginia Writers Club, the Communication Central conference, Randolph-Macon College, the Christian PEN: Proofreaders and Editors Network, the EFA, Copyediting newsletter, RavenCon, and the Hanover Book Festival. In addition, April Michelle has published three books.

We wanted to get to know Kristen Fischer (NAIWE’s Journalism Expert) better, so last month we sat down with her. Here are some thoughts she shared with us.

What is classified as a legitimate source?

In this webinar, I’m going to talk about two types of sources: people and written sources. A legitimate source is usually someone who has been through a certain situation or is involved with it, or a professional from a legitimate institution. When it comes to written sources, that can include published research but also anything written on the internet. Separating legitimate sources from all the other sources out there is key. And it’s hard to define, because the outlet you’re writing for may have a list of sources that they will not consider legit.

Where should your research begin to find a legitimate source?

This depends on the story or type of writing you’re doing. In journalism, you want vetted sources—that can mean a certain official or a professional. But if you’re on the scene of the story it can mean verifying the person you’re interviewing has the credentials to make a comment.

How many sources are usually needed? Is one enough?

Again, this depends on your story. Most stories do best with at least two to three sources so you can either validate what one source is saying, bring up related sources, or have the sources oppose to therefore give a more objective view and show multiple sides of an issue.

——————

We live in the age of “misinformation” so it’s vital for journalists to use reputable sources. How can you sift through the information and research on the internet and find legitimate sources? How can you pinpoint sources for interviews and ensure they are legitimate? This webinar will take a deep dive with tips to help you ensure that your research and interview sources are solid.

You can join in this conversation on July 25, at 2:00 pm eastern, when NAIWE will host a discussion on finding and vetting legitimate sources. The cost for NAIWE members is only $10! Nonmembers can join for $30. Register today!

We wanted to get to know Stephen Colwell (NAIWE’s Branding and Marketing Expert) better, so last month we sat down with him. Here are some thoughts he shared with us.

How do successful professionals juggle meetings and work?

Generally, there are two approaches I recommend. 1) Whenever possible, bundle calls within a specific time block. Schedule specific days, mornings, afternoons, or a combination. The key here is to allocate specific windows for calls and avoid interrupting your deep work sessions midstream. 2) When it comes to client-planning calls, consider one longer call weekly rather than multiple shorter calls. This can help open up your schedule to allow more time to focus on the important skilled work. Lastly, scheduling calls during your nonpeak performance hours will help you preserve your finite energy for the actual work you were hired to do.

Is there a best practice that small teams to big teams can apply to regain their focus?

Yes, work closely with your clients and teams to define a pre-set weekly schedule for your project planning calls, check-ins, or huddles. The goal is to define a consistent routine, a rhythm, and a cadence. This removes the scheduling back and forth, reduces noise, and helps everyone block-out the time needed to focus on real work. Also, reduce the use of messaging tools wherever possible. It’s very easy to rattle off instant messages (IMs) on a whim. Resist. Ask: does it really need an answer now, or can it wait until our next huddle or planning call. The daily barrage of IMs is a productivity killer. Reducing the noise requires more effective planning upfront to reduce the need for additional ad hoc requests and meetings throughout the week.

How does this apply to freelancers that run their business while wearing all of the hats?

I encourage freelancers to be assertive, avoid chaos, and work closely with their clients to work out a schedule that protects their key focus time. Everyone works differently. Getting this right requires working with clients who get it, who demonstrate the good faith commitment to finding a balance that works for both the employer and the freelancer. A strong project manager will find this balance.

——————

Far too many creative professionals are struggling with a relentless din of meetings and interruptions that too often get in the way of the strategic work they were hired to do. During this webinar, we’ll walk through a simple set of practices and routines even the smallest teams can use to improve focus without all the disruption and confusion. If you work in a team environment where strong coordination and collaboration is vital to your success, this workshop was designed for you.

You can join in this conversation on May 25, at 2:00 pm eastern, when NAIWE will host a discussion on working with and managing teams. The cost for NAIWE members is only $10! Non-members can join for $30. Register today!

We wanted to get to know Laura Pennington Briggs (NAIWE’s Business of Writing Expert) better, so last month we sat down with her. Here are some thoughts she shared with us.

How is a freelancing business different than other businesses?

A freelance business requires you to sit in the role of vice president of every department as well as CEO and chief service provider. This can be a challenge for many entrepreneurs.

What do clients look for in a freelance business?

Clients want someone who is creative, organized, an excellent communicator, and someone talented in their field.

What do freelancers look for in potential clients?

Freelancers want clients who are easy and enjoyable to work with, treat them with respect, and provide interesting projects.

——————

You’re not just a freelancer, you’re a CEO. Discover how to systematize, protect, and run your business like a pro. Get streamlined and attract the right kinds of clients by treating your writing like a business. Discover top tips for protecting boundaries, preventing scope creep, organizing your communication, and working effectively with clients.

You can join in this conversation on April 19, at 2:00 pm eastern, when NAIWE will host a discussion on the managing and running your business. The cost for NAIWE members is only $10! Non-members can join for $30. Register today!