American Society of Journalists and Authors

Recently, I was a guest on a podcast, being interviewed about the 2016 book I co-authored, “When Your Child Is Gay: What You Need to Know.” The host, a clinical psychologist, referred to the LGBTQ+ adults in the book as “homosexual.” Hearing the term reminded me of how noninclusive language used to be and how few resources there once were for learning about the LGBTQ+ community and being more inclusive.

Wikimedia Commons photo by AlexmarPhoto Many B2B and B2C brands are using AI tools for content marketing. Wisely, many freelance content marketing writers are questioning whether they have to adopt AI to keep up. How writers navigate this challenge could determine the shape of opportunities for freelance content marketing writing work.

ASJA members appreciate both in person and virtual annual conferences–for very different reasons, according to results of the organization’s recent conference survey. In-person conferences are better for networking with other members and prospective clients, and provide the sense of community, togetherness, and belonging that is a hallmark of ASJA membership, according to open-ended comments shared by some of the 106 people who took the survey.

My hacks hero, Allrecipies culinary editor Nicole McLaughlin I’m a big fan of Nicole McLaughlin, the host of AllRecipes YouTube videos that show home cooks how to do less work and still get the same delicious results. One of McLaughlin’s recent videos, “20 Lazy Kitchen Hacks You Need to Know (Nicole’s Best Tips & Tricks)” inspired me to think about the freelance hacks I’ve developed over the years.

Geoff Williams’ freelance career was meant to be. The Cincinnati, Ohio, resident’s days as a full-time independent writer began in 1996–when he got fired from a staff job at a teen entertainment magazine for spending too much time working on freelance assignments. In the three decades since, Williams has freelanced for major newspapers, national magazines, trade publications, and online news outlets, covering a plethora of topics, including business, personal finance, and health.

This article was written by one of the dozen independent journalists who received scholarships to the 2026 ASJA conference. All content writing shares some similar traits and expectations, but writing for nonprofits, schools, think tanks, and other non-corporate entities is its own special universe.

Writer, content strategist, and FreelanceSuccess.com cohost Liam Carnahan explains LOI alternatives at the 2026 ASJA conference, shown here with moderator and ASJA member Allison Joyner. This article was written by one of the dozen independent journalists who received scholarships to the2026 ASJA Conference. Let’s have a moment of silence for the letter of introduction.

2026 ASJA virtual conference speakers (left to right): Jennifer Chowdhury, Peter Shankman, and Ryan Fonseca (screen capture by Elissa Odeh). This article was written by one of the dozen independent journalists who received scholarships to the 2026 ASJA conference.

Memoirist and radio journalist Kate Chow (upper right) shares a family photo during a session on memoir she presented at the 2026 ASJA virtual conference (screenshot by Mika Travis). This article was written by one of the dozen independent journalists who received scholarships to the 2026 ASJA conference. By Mika Travis Every memoir is powered by a question—even if the writer doesn’t know it yet.

My first job was as a transcriptionist. I was 14, making $4.50 an hour with a pedal-operated audiocassette player and typewriter. As a grown-up writer, transcribing interviews myself was the bane of my existence, yet hiring help has sometimes ended in disaster. One person rephrased everything in his own words. Another, after giving me sunny false updates for weeks, confessed the day before my own deadline that she hadn’t started.