Interview with Jane Palmer, PhD: A Freelance Journalist Perspective
We’re continuing our series that focuses on different types of writing that can be done within the larger medical and science writing umbrella. This interview is with Jane Palmer, PhD, whose specialty is science journalism.
Jane is an independent freelance print journalist and radio journalist and whose work focuses on the environment, science, health and technology. She writes regularly for BBC Earth, BBC Future and the International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis and produces radio shows for Colorado Public Radio and “How On Earth,” a weekly science show on KGNU community radio (Denver/Boulder area). You can find out more about Jane and the services she provides at http://www.tjanepalmer.com/.
Key Takeaways:
0:57 - How Jane got her start in science journalism
3:26 - The turning point when Jane realized that she wanted to freelance
4:35 - Project deliverables in science journalism
6:07 - How Jane prepares her pitches for editors
10:45 - What to do when a pitch isn’t accepted on the first try
11:50 - The keys to success in journalism
12:46 - Why building a “family” of editors is so important
14:09 - Reasons for the shortage of good writers
16:30 - Key factors that are critical to freelancing beyond the writing itself
20:35 - Pay structure for science journalism
23:15 - Advantages and disadvantages of working for yourself
28:25 - Characteristics and personal traits that are suitable for journalism
30:43 - One big mistake of new freelancers
33:08 - How tackling new topics allows you to go deeper with clients
36:40 - Remembering your target audience
37:40 - Potential pitfalls in journalism
41:29 - One piece of advice for anyone looking to get into science journalism