What’s the secret to effective freelancing? From tracking pitches and managing your time, to self-motivation and organising yourself, to staying on top of emails and networking more effectively (after all, who doesn’t want repeat work and editors coming to you?) — and even dealing with ‘freelancer envy’ and self-doubt — what can we all do differently, or better, when it comes to managing our freelance careers?
The panel
Karen Edwards, Freelance writer, editor and author
Karen is a travel and lifestyle journalist contributing to national titles, including British Airways High Life, Grazia, Guardian and Time Out. She specialises in responsible travel and sustainable food, and is the author of The Planet-friendly Kitchen: How to shop and cook with a conscience. She is also a senior journalist for Journo Resources which offers tips and advice on all aspects of journalism, including freelancing
Twitter: @KarenNEdwards
Instagram: @karenedwards_writer
Shafik Meghji, travel writer, journalist and author
Specialising in Latin America and South Asia, Shafik writes for publications such as BBC Travel and Wanderlust, has co-authored more than 40 guidebooks for Rough Guides and DK, and talks about travel on TV, radio and podcasts. He also works as an editorial consultant for Amnesty International UK, and his first book, Crossed off the Map: Travels in Bolivia, is out soon.
Twitter: @ShafikMeghji
Instagram: @shafikmeghji
Emma Thomson, travel writer, journalist and photographer
Since leaving her post as commissioning editor at Bradt Travel Guides, Emma has freelanced for the UK’s major national newspapers and magazines, including National Geographic Traveller, Wanderlust, The Telegraph and The Times, and was awarded the 2019 BGTW Travel Writer of the Year.
Twitter: @emmasthomson
Instagram: @emmathomsontravels
Moderator
Meera Dattani, events director, BGTW
Meera is a freelance travel journalist, co-editor of online travel magazine Adventure.com and co-founder of the Unpacking Media Bias newsletter.
Twitter: @no_fixed_plans
Instagram: @nofixedplans
