Interviews: Do not assume you will be able to get hold of interviewees again before you file; get as much out of them when you can. Push to get a photo as soon as possible or ask them to lend you one at the interview and post it back. Tipster: Tom Stainer
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Tags: Tom StainerInterviews: It’s not just the interviewee who can tell you volumes - watch out for details that might lead to other areas or angles. Do their clothes tell a story? Their accent? Pictures on mantlepieces are always good. Ask about them. Tipster: Tom Stainer
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Tags: Tom StainerFreelance pitching: Don’t use a one-size-fits-all approach. Take time to research a publication before making contact and tailor your approach to its style and readers. It’s obvious if you’re just firing off emails to anyone you can think of. Tipster: Tom Stainer
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Tags: Tom StainerFreelancing: If you’re going to deliver late (move heaven and earth to avoid it), tell your client as soon as possible. It’s easier for them to deal with a problem in advance than at the last minute. They’ll be pissed off, but not as much! Tipster: Tom Stainer
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Tags: Tom StainerFreelancing: Beware working for free or at rates below those suggested by the NUJ. A title that doesn’t value journalism probably doesn’t value journalists. You’ll be making it harder for hacks as a whole to get fair rates. Tipster: Tom Stainer
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Tags: nuj, Tom StainerInterviews: On the telephone, although you cannot read body language and it’s difficult to put your subject at ease, you should still smile. It sounds bizarre, but try it and see how your voice and manner lifts. Tipster: Tom Stainer
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Tags: Tom StainerFreelancing: Stick to the word count in the brief. If you are substantially under, this could lead to problem of bare space on the page. If you are substantially over, someone will have to cut your copy to size. Tipster: Tom Stainer
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Tags: Tom StainerInterviews: Always end an interview with an invitation for the interviewee to add anything you may have missed. It may prompt them to tell you something you have forgotten to ask; also it could reveal any agenda they might have. Tipster: Tom Stainer
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Tags: Tom StainerMistakes: Don’t cover up errors. If you realise before going to press, try to get it corrected. If printed, tell your editor; while they might blow their top it will be nothing compared to their reaction if they spot it themselves, or worse, their boss does and tells them off. Tipster: Tom Stainer
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Tags: Journalism.co.uk, Tom StainerInterviews: Beware of ‘off the record’. If used, make sure you understand which bit of the chat the subject is referring to. Also make sure the interviewee is clear they are back ‘on the record’ once the chat continues. Tipster: Tom Stainer
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Tags: Journalism.co.uk, Tom Stainer
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