Transparency: #spjfla live event tweeting via @sistermary http://myloc.me/aPym

Successful freelancing requires you to treat it like a job #spjfla

Pitch story ideas to mid-level editors – Brett Graff #spjfla

When freelancing your pitch letter is your resume #spjfla

Senior news editor/sr news editor is best bet for pitching #spjfla

If you can do it well, you can call the editor to pitch. Otherwise e-mail #spjfla

Speakers Oline Cogdill, Brett Graff, Tristram Korten #spjfla

Is it important to have a niche? Yes but also: diversify! #spjfla

Be a journalist – at the end of the day #spjfla

When you develop a niche you may have the opportunity to become an expert #spjfla

Brett – I look at an assignment like shopping – price (pay) vs quality #spjfla

Tristram – I’m building a brand #spjfla

Less-than-ideal jobs can lead to great sources and other assignments #spjfla

Post previous work on your own website – a crucial tool #spjfla

The story may be owned by the publication, but the material/research is writer’s to use again #spjfla

Tristram – New revenue stream – grants #spjfla

Fellowships and grants source: AJR #spjfla

Every client you have could fold tomorrow: look outside the box for other sources #spjfla

Other freelance sources: Universities, PR and advertising firms. Face reality about new era. #spjfla

Apex of freelance pay: Over $3 a word with 3000 to 5000-word stories #spjfla

Question: Do you negotiate: For some, only if you are willing to lose the assignment #spjfla

When you are starting out, you have to “pay you dues” #spjfla

@NeyomFriday Thank you for following along #spjfla

When negotiating, consider research time as well as writing time #spjfla

Question: Does blogging, social media help #spjfla

Tristram: Encourage all to find a way to make technology work for you – but I don’t use social media (paraphrased) #spjfla

Brett: Facebook helps me find people to illustrate my stories #spjfla

Face time with editors is encouraged by panelists – Assignments often go to “friends” #spjfla

Discipline is important – divide time between writing/admin tasks #spjfla

Blogging does not pay as much as print #spjfla

You have to bring your “A” game because of the large pool of good writers available #spjfla

There is no magic trick that makes it all work – freelancing is a lifestyle – Tristram #spjfla

Oline: As you are building your business, don’t forget your personal life #spjfla

Oline: Do not sit in your pajamas all day. Keep friendships. It’s a mindset. Take Wednesdays off!! #spjfla

Oline: If you are working at home, get out of Facebook! #spjfla

Tristram: *Ask him about the submarine and kill fees. #spjfla

Freelancing: A whole new world not knowing where your finances will be in six months. You have to learn to budget. #spjfla

Audience member: if a story is “killed” don’t think “dead” think “recycled”. #spjfla

Alana Roberts from the DBR listens in! #spjfla

Should you incorporate? It may not be the best thing for this situation #spjfla

Working from home: Get your finances in order #spjfla

Save your receipts advises the panel for tax time #spjfla

Ethics: What is your code of ethics? “No strings attached.” #spjfla

Watch your “ethics” situation. Your name is all you have. (Tristram) #spjfla

Thank you to all who attended, spoke and moderated #spjfla