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Tip of the day from Journalism.co.uk – one-take interviews

John Thompson — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 08:36:56 +0000

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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Tip of the day from Journalism.co.uk – look for clues when interviewing

John Thompson — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 09:21:13 +0000

Interviews: 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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Tip of the day from Journalism.co.uk

John Thompson — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 09:00:34 +0000

Freelance 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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Tip of the day from Journalism.co.uk

John Thompson — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 09:09:49 +0000

Freelancing: 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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Tip of the day from Journalism.co.uk – get fair pay

John Thompson — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 09:20:23 +0000

Freelancing: 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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Tip of the day from Journalism.co.uk

John Thompson — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 09:11:20 +0000

Interviews: 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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Tip of the day from Journalism.co.uk: Word counts are there for a reason

John Thompson — Fri, 04 Jul 2008 08:50:32 +0000

Freelancing: 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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Tip of the day from Journalism.co.uk: Interviewing technique

John Thompson — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 09:20:51 +0000

Interviews: 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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Tip of the day from Journalism.co.uk – mistakes in your copy? Get it sorted

John Thompson — Fri, 30 May 2008 08:59:42 +0000

Mistakes: 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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Tip of the day from Journalism.co.uk – ‘off the record’ does it ever work?

John Thompson — Thu, 22 May 2008 14:45:47 +0000

Interviews: 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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Tip of the day from Journalism.co.uk: Check and double check your freelance copy

John Thompson — Wed, 21 May 2008 09:40:29 +0000

Freelancing: Double check all copy for spelling, grammar and punctuation before you send. Publications have subs but pride yourself on delivering the cleanest copy possible – it’s a good reputation to have and helps get repeat commissions. Tipster: Tom Stainer

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Tip of the day from Journalism.co.uk

John Thompson — Thu, 08 May 2008 09:03:28 +0000

Taking notes: Mark on every notebook the date started and the date it runs to. Write time, date and location of interviews and notes, with names of those present and contacts. You will be glad when looking for old interviews. Tipster: Tom Stainer

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Tip of the day from Journalism.co.uk

John Thompson — Fri, 02 May 2008 11:06:59 +0000

Freelancing: Consider a pro accountant to work out your tax return. Often the savings they make on your bill will cover the fees – as well as giving you peace of mind. And don’t forget to save receipts for EVERYTHING! Tipster: Tom Stainer

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Tip of the day from Journalism.co.uk

John Thompson — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 09:36:54 +0000

Freelancing: Get a very thick skin. The hit rate for pitching for most freelance journalists is low so you’re going to be turned down a lot. It’s not personal and it doesn’t mean you’re a bad journalist. Tipster: Tom Stainer

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Tip of the day from Journalism.co.uk

John Thompson — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 14:00:50 +0000

Freelancing: Editors are not expecting the new Hemingway. What they value is delivery on time and to the brief. Get the basics right and establish yourself as a reliable journalist and chances of becoming a regular contributor go up. Tipster: Tom Stainer

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