Freelance fees guide gets a makeover

After 14 years, the NUJ's freelance fees guide has had its first makeover. It's taken a step in a different direction by going online. The idea for this project started two years ago on the stairs of the banqueting hall of the Adelphi Hotel, and went live on the web last night. It is well on the way to helping freelancers negotiate better pay rates for their work.

To find out more, log on to: http://www.londonfreelance.org/feesguide

Sub-species of freelance journalist

Apparently there are two types of freelance journalist out there: casual and contributors. That's the first time I have heard about that disctinction, so can anyone enlighten me a bit more?!

It would be useful to know more if we decide to go into freelancing of course. But I also know you really need to have worked as a paid staff, gained the right skills and experience, networked your way around different magazines and newspapers, have great contacts for your commissions and earned yourself a reputation as a good journalist. No small feat...