Good Stuff for Writers, 12/15
Washington Post, Observer, Wired, Defector, and more
Hi writer friends,
December is always a weird month for work. This year, it’s a weird month at the end of an otherwise bonkers year. So all bets are off, really. In past years I might have said this isn’t a great time for pitching, because editors are taking time off, office parties are distracting people from your emails, and everyone just has a lot of s#!t to get done that has nothing to do with the brilliant story idea you sent them.
But this year, travel and parties are not really happening and offices are still mostly closed. This year budgets have been messed up since April, so who’s to say December is any more restrictive? This year I have no idea about anything.
Actually, I do know this: however you’re working or not is just fine. You made it this far and you’re doing great.
So get to work! Or make some cookies or go for a walk. I’m here for it all.
(But there are some great opportunities in here…)
Education, Inspiration, Etc.
The application for Marquette University’s fellowship in public service journalism is due on January 23.
The Sigma Awards for data journalism are open for entries. Deadline: February 21.
The Kim Wall Memorial Fund is now accepting applications for $5,000 grants to support reporting on “the undercurrents of rebellion.”
The Society of Professional Journalists released a new resource to answer your questions about reporting on race and gender. It’s free, confidential, and nonjudgemental.
The Bureau of Investigative Journalism is looking for proposals for “groundbreaking investigations on the world of insecure work.” They have a handy form for filling out your proposals. Get those in by January 8.
There’s some great insight on science journalism in this thread.
Lots of freelancers are releasing recaps of their income this year, using the hashtag #freelancepie. It’s so interesting to see where people are actually making their money.
What I’m Reading
“Sometimes I feel as if I write as a form of excavation, an act of finding. But it’s inadequate for preserving the existence of the people and places I love – no number of words, however beautifully arranged, could ever revive their fullness. The irony is that the more I try, the more hollow and inadequate the result. In the face of this injustice, it almost seems that to be forgotten is better.” You Can’t Go Home Again [Plough]
It’s temping to blame everything on 2020—but don’t. [Forge]
We all wish we were as social as trees. [New York Times Magazine]
Editors Who Want Your Pitches
That’s all for today, friends. If you found this newsletter useful and you’re not yet a paid subscriber, now is the time! I’m offering 20% off till the end of the year.
Stay inspired,
Britany