The Institute for Independent Journalists
@indiejournalists.bsky.social
An education, professional development, and mutual support organization for independent journalists, focusing on BIPOC. Our mission is financial and emotional sustainability for independent journalists of color.
theIIJ.com
➡️ @narrativegigs.bsky.social
theIIJ.com
➡️ @narrativegigs.bsky.social
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Here’s a New Year’s resolution for your career: register now for the 2026 IIJ conference! Registration is only $89 before Feb. 27, and promises HUGE impact for your dollar. Sign up now and gain access to a bundle of resources made to boost your freelance business! theiij.com/sessions-26
Reposted by The Institute for Independent Journalists
We are so honored that our Founder & Executive Director @valeriafernandez.bsky.social will be speaking at the 2026 IIJ Freelance Conference hosted by @indiejournalists.bsky.social
Proud to see her sharing her voice with the independent journalism community
#AltavozLab #IIJFreelanceConference
Proud to see her sharing her voice with the independent journalism community
#AltavozLab #IIJFreelanceConference
Connect with nonprofit newsrooms who are looking for freelancers to further their mission-driven journalism. Meet editors from @outliermedia.org, @thewalrus.ca, @hechingerreport.org, @discojourno.bsky.social, & @altavozlab.bsky.social at this year’s IIJ Freelance Conference: theiij.com/sessions-26
February 19, 2026 at 5:07 PM
We are so honored that our Founder & Executive Director @valeriafernandez.bsky.social will be speaking at the 2026 IIJ Freelance Conference hosted by @indiejournalists.bsky.social
Proud to see her sharing her voice with the independent journalism community
#AltavozLab #IIJFreelanceConference
Proud to see her sharing her voice with the independent journalism community
#AltavozLab #IIJFreelanceConference
Here’s a New Year’s resolution for your career: register now for the 2026 IIJ conference! Registration is only $89 before Feb. 27, and promises HUGE impact for your dollar. Sign up now and gain access to a bundle of resources made to boost your freelance business! theiij.com/sessions-26
February 19, 2026 at 2:00 PM
Here’s a New Year’s resolution for your career: register now for the 2026 IIJ conference! Registration is only $89 before Feb. 27, and promises HUGE impact for your dollar. Sign up now and gain access to a bundle of resources made to boost your freelance business! theiij.com/sessions-26
Longtime food and culture writer Alicia Kennedy’s newsletter From the Desk is what she calls a “one-woman-magazine,” with an audience of more than 40k. She’s sharing her secrets at this year’s IIJ freelance conference: theiij.com/sessions-26
February 19, 2026 at 12:00 PM
Longtime food and culture writer Alicia Kennedy’s newsletter From the Desk is what she calls a “one-woman-magazine,” with an audience of more than 40k. She’s sharing her secrets at this year’s IIJ freelance conference: theiij.com/sessions-26
Freelancing for the first time can feel a lot like working at a start-up with a staff of one – it’s easy to get overwhelmed! That’s why the IIJ has created the Freelance Quick Start Guide, a free resource to get you launched: bit.ly/iijquickstart
February 18, 2026 at 6:00 PM
Freelancing for the first time can feel a lot like working at a start-up with a staff of one – it’s easy to get overwhelmed! That’s why the IIJ has created the Freelance Quick Start Guide, a free resource to get you launched: bit.ly/iijquickstart
Robin Kazmier is senior digital editor for Science Friday, and she wants pitches that demonstrate how science helps us better understand the world we live in. On the Freelance Journalism Podcast, she shares key insights for freelancers looking to pitch: youtu.be/nupktV_EK5M
For $1/word, Science Friday wants enterprise stories that spark curiosity
Robin Kazmier is senior digital editor for Science Friday, overseeing the digital operation for the beloved radio show that’s broadcast to more than 500 publ...
youtu.be
February 18, 2026 at 3:00 PM
Robin Kazmier is senior digital editor for Science Friday, and she wants pitches that demonstrate how science helps us better understand the world we live in. On the Freelance Journalism Podcast, she shares key insights for freelancers looking to pitch: youtu.be/nupktV_EK5M
Busy editors can’t respond to every email–that’s why we’re bringing the editors to you! This year's conference includes our first-ever Pitch Fest, featuring editors from @eater.bsky.social, @gqmagazine.bsky.social, @edweek.org, and @defector.com! Register: theiij.com/sessions-26
February 18, 2026 at 2:00 PM
Busy editors can’t respond to every email–that’s why we’re bringing the editors to you! This year's conference includes our first-ever Pitch Fest, featuring editors from @eater.bsky.social, @gqmagazine.bsky.social, @edweek.org, and @defector.com! Register: theiij.com/sessions-26
As a journalist, you have more platforms than ever at your disposal where you can build audiences on your own terms. Learn the secrets of successful creator journalists straight from the source at this year's IIJ conference! Register now: theiij.com/sessions-26
February 17, 2026 at 2:00 PM
As a journalist, you have more platforms than ever at your disposal where you can build audiences on your own terms. Learn the secrets of successful creator journalists straight from the source at this year's IIJ conference! Register now: theiij.com/sessions-26
Journalists have more platforms than ever at their disposal where they can build audiences on their own terms. Learn the secrets of successful creator journalists with author @yashicadutt.bsky.social at this year’s IIJ Freelance Conference: theiij.com/sessions-26
February 17, 2026 at 12:00 PM
Journalists have more platforms than ever at their disposal where they can build audiences on their own terms. Learn the secrets of successful creator journalists with author @yashicadutt.bsky.social at this year’s IIJ Freelance Conference: theiij.com/sessions-26
Here’s a New Year’s resolution for your career: register now for the 2026 IIJ conference! Registration is only $89 before Feb. 27, and promises HUGE impact for your dollar. Sign up now and gain access to a bundle of resources made to boost your freelance business! theiij.com/sessions-26
February 16, 2026 at 2:00 PM
Here’s a New Year’s resolution for your career: register now for the 2026 IIJ conference! Registration is only $89 before Feb. 27, and promises HUGE impact for your dollar. Sign up now and gain access to a bundle of resources made to boost your freelance business! theiij.com/sessions-26
Stories about how Indigenous communities navigate environmental change are usually full of complexity. Mongabay editor Latoya Abulu looks for this kind of nuance as a “green flag” in a proposed story. Hear more on the Freelance Journalism Podcast: youtu.be/oJiDyWJ9HPI
February 16, 2026 at 1:00 PM
Stories about how Indigenous communities navigate environmental change are usually full of complexity. Mongabay editor Latoya Abulu looks for this kind of nuance as a “green flag” in a proposed story. Hear more on the Freelance Journalism Podcast: youtu.be/oJiDyWJ9HPI
📱Learn how to make your posts pay–register today for the Solo Together: a conference for independent journalists and solo creators to find community and build thriving businesses! theiij.com/sessions-26
February 15, 2026 at 9:00 PM
📱Learn how to make your posts pay–register today for the Solo Together: a conference for independent journalists and solo creators to find community and build thriving businesses! theiij.com/sessions-26
The Sick Times was founded in 2023 to cover the Long Covid-19 crisis, and accepts pitches for reporting, essays and investigations and stories about biomedical research. Learn more on the Freelance Journalism Podcast: bit.ly/IIJ_FJP
February 14, 2026 at 7:00 PM
The Sick Times was founded in 2023 to cover the Long Covid-19 crisis, and accepts pitches for reporting, essays and investigations and stories about biomedical research. Learn more on the Freelance Journalism Podcast: bit.ly/IIJ_FJP
Today is the LAST day to submit your next great story idea to the IIJ's first-ever Pitch Fest!
Don't miss this chance to pitch a live panel of editors from @eater.bsky.social @edweek.org @gqmagazine.bsky.social and @defector.com
forms.gle/2AZGQbnLhYDA...
Don't miss this chance to pitch a live panel of editors from @eater.bsky.social @edweek.org @gqmagazine.bsky.social and @defector.com
forms.gle/2AZGQbnLhYDA...
February 13, 2026 at 10:40 PM
Today is the LAST day to submit your next great story idea to the IIJ's first-ever Pitch Fest!
Don't miss this chance to pitch a live panel of editors from @eater.bsky.social @edweek.org @gqmagazine.bsky.social and @defector.com
forms.gle/2AZGQbnLhYDA...
Don't miss this chance to pitch a live panel of editors from @eater.bsky.social @edweek.org @gqmagazine.bsky.social and @defector.com
forms.gle/2AZGQbnLhYDA...
Reposted by The Institute for Independent Journalists
Get up to $5K to support stand-alone stories and smaller-scale projects on early childhood education, K-12 and higher education!
Apply for an EWA Reporting Fellowship by 8 p.m. Eastern on Monday, March 16.
ewa.org/members-news...
#education #eduSKY
Apply for an EWA Reporting Fellowship by 8 p.m. Eastern on Monday, March 16.
ewa.org/members-news...
#education #eduSKY
EWA Reporting Fellowship: Applications Open for 22nd Class
Apply for an EWA Reporting Fellowship from the Education Writers Association and get up to $5,000 for enterprise education projects.
ewa.org
February 11, 2026 at 6:00 PM
Get up to $5K to support stand-alone stories and smaller-scale projects on early childhood education, K-12 and higher education!
Apply for an EWA Reporting Fellowship by 8 p.m. Eastern on Monday, March 16.
ewa.org/members-news...
#education #eduSKY
Apply for an EWA Reporting Fellowship by 8 p.m. Eastern on Monday, March 16.
ewa.org/members-news...
#education #eduSKY
Reposted by The Institute for Independent Journalists
👀 Did you know we also run @narrativegigs.bsky.social? Follow for all kinds of paid journalism and writing opportunities. 💸
December 22, 2025 at 5:04 PM
👀 Did you know we also run @narrativegigs.bsky.social? Follow for all kinds of paid journalism and writing opportunities. 💸
Step up to the plate with your next great story idea–enter the IIJ’s first-ever Pitch Fest by Feb. 13 for the chance to present your pitch to a live panel of editors at this year’s conference! forms.gle/jTf8YZsb9T...
February 12, 2026 at 6:00 PM
Step up to the plate with your next great story idea–enter the IIJ’s first-ever Pitch Fest by Feb. 13 for the chance to present your pitch to a live panel of editors at this year’s conference! forms.gle/jTf8YZsb9T...
Reposted by The Institute for Independent Journalists
"Forget the billionaires, philanthropists, technologists, coders, and CEOs. Nobody is coming to save us. We must save ourselves."
A prescient op-ed from 2023 by Katherine Reynolds Lewis of @indiejournalists.bsky.social ⬇️
niemanreports.org/journalism-l...
A prescient op-ed from 2023 by Katherine Reynolds Lewis of @indiejournalists.bsky.social ⬇️
niemanreports.org/journalism-l...
Hey Journalists, Nobody Is Coming to Save Us - Nieman Reports
In an era of mass layoffs and buyouts, it’s up to each and every one of us to be ready for the churn
niemanreports.org
February 11, 2026 at 5:22 PM
"Forget the billionaires, philanthropists, technologists, coders, and CEOs. Nobody is coming to save us. We must save ourselves."
A prescient op-ed from 2023 by Katherine Reynolds Lewis of @indiejournalists.bsky.social ⬇️
niemanreports.org/journalism-l...
A prescient op-ed from 2023 by Katherine Reynolds Lewis of @indiejournalists.bsky.social ⬇️
niemanreports.org/journalism-l...
Until now, freelancing didn’t come with a roadmap. But thanks to the IIJ’s Freelance Quick Start Guide, there’s now a free, self-paced resource to make sure you hit the ground running: bit.ly/iijquickstart
February 11, 2026 at 6:00 PM
Until now, freelancing didn’t come with a roadmap. But thanks to the IIJ’s Freelance Quick Start Guide, there’s now a free, self-paced resource to make sure you hit the ground running: bit.ly/iijquickstart
Sunnie Clahchischiligi is Indigenous affairs editor for High Country News. The deciding factor for her when reviewing a freelance pitch: has this writer gained the trust of the community they’re covering? Hear more on the Freelance Journalism Podcast: youtu.be/ztR5j2QNzF0
Sunnie Clahchischiligi on pitching Indigenous stories to High Country News
Covering Indigenous communities west requires care and relationship building. Sunnie Clahchischiligi, Indigenous Affairs Editor for High Country News, joins ...
youtu.be
February 11, 2026 at 3:00 PM
Sunnie Clahchischiligi is Indigenous affairs editor for High Country News. The deciding factor for her when reviewing a freelance pitch: has this writer gained the trust of the community they’re covering? Hear more on the Freelance Journalism Podcast: youtu.be/ztR5j2QNzF0
You already know how to make a reported story jump off the page, but how does a journalist bring their talents to fiction? Hear from author @kjda.bsky.social at this year’s IIJ Freelance Conference: theiij.com/sessions-26
February 10, 2026 at 5:00 PM
You already know how to make a reported story jump off the page, but how does a journalist bring their talents to fiction? Hear from author @kjda.bsky.social at this year’s IIJ Freelance Conference: theiij.com/sessions-26
Interested in telling taller tales? Authors @vanessahua.bsky.social and @kjda.bsky.social share how they transitioned from reporting to fiction, and entertainment lawyer @sekouc.bsky.social will give pointers on how to sell your IP to Hollywood at this year’s IIJ conference: theiij.com/sessions-26
2026 Conference Sessions — The Institute for Independent Journalists
The IIJ 2026 Freelance Journalism ConferenceSolo TogetherA conference for independent journalists and creators to find community and build thriving businessesMarch 5 - March 6, 202612 live, online sessions, plus bonus Q&A videos and editor panels, delivering over 20 hours of learning, for just $69!T...
theiij.com
February 10, 2026 at 12:32 PM
Interested in telling taller tales? Authors @vanessahua.bsky.social and @kjda.bsky.social share how they transitioned from reporting to fiction, and entertainment lawyer @sekouc.bsky.social will give pointers on how to sell your IP to Hollywood at this year’s IIJ conference: theiij.com/sessions-26
Reposted by The Institute for Independent Journalists
For those working in the media industry, "layoffs are the new normal," according to Katherine Lewis, longtime freelance reporter and founder of the Institute of Independent Journalists.
She shares best practices on handling a layoff, and bouncing back quickly.
niemanreports.org/resources-la...
She shares best practices on handling a layoff, and bouncing back quickly.
niemanreports.org/resources-la...
Coping with Media Layoffs - Nieman Reports
How to prepare for, and recover from, losing a job in an industry in turmoil, when "layoffs are the new normal."
niemanreports.org
February 9, 2026 at 8:34 PM
For those working in the media industry, "layoffs are the new normal," according to Katherine Lewis, longtime freelance reporter and founder of the Institute of Independent Journalists.
She shares best practices on handling a layoff, and bouncing back quickly.
niemanreports.org/resources-la...
She shares best practices on handling a layoff, and bouncing back quickly.
niemanreports.org/resources-la...
You’re invited to Solo Together: a conference for independent journalists and creators to find community and build thriving businesses. Register before Feb 27 for only $89! theiij.com/sessions-26
February 9, 2026 at 7:18 PM
You’re invited to Solo Together: a conference for independent journalists and creators to find community and build thriving businesses. Register before Feb 27 for only $89! theiij.com/sessions-26
PCMag Managing Editor Alan Henry wants cybersecurity reporting from people with unique perspectives. On the Freelance Journalism Podcast, he shares more about how to pitch PCMag: bit.ly/4iGK6a5
February 9, 2026 at 1:00 PM
PCMag Managing Editor Alan Henry wants cybersecurity reporting from people with unique perspectives. On the Freelance Journalism Podcast, he shares more about how to pitch PCMag: bit.ly/4iGK6a5
Do you have what it takes to pitch your next great story in front of a live panel of from @edweek.org @eater.bsky.social and @defector.com ? DEADLINE EXTENDED: Enter Pitch Fest by Feb. 13! forms.gle/jTf8YZsb9T...
February 8, 2026 at 9:00 PM
Do you have what it takes to pitch your next great story in front of a live panel of from @edweek.org @eater.bsky.social and @defector.com ? DEADLINE EXTENDED: Enter Pitch Fest by Feb. 13! forms.gle/jTf8YZsb9T...