Freelance writers, photographers and web developers are advised that a Toronto-based startup magazine is behind on payments to its contributors.The Revelation Magazine, an online publication that bills itself as a "non-denomination Christian lifestyle magazine," published one issue in December before suspending publication in mid-January. More than…
Did you know that freelancers are eligible to collect employment insurance benefits? It was news to me. At a recent CMG freelance seminar, Toronto tax specialist Sunny Widerman explained a recent change that gives self-employed people access to certain kinds of EI special benefits.Unfortunately, there's no EI available for freelancers who just…
The electronic polls close at 9am Eastern Time on January 31st for the ratification vote on the tentative agreement reached between the Canadian Media Guild and the CBC.Freelance and temporary employees are eligible to vote if they meet certain criteria. Freelancers must have made 13 freelance contributions in the past 52 weeks or have earned…
By Sunny Widerman, Personal Tax Advisors 1. Not setting aside enough funds for taxes When you’re self-employed, you have to be proactive and set aside enough money to cover your tax bill. If not, you may be in for a shock at tax time!There’s no one-size-fits-all for everyone, but for most of our freelance clients, we recommend setting…
Good news, Toronto area freelancers: the Canadian Media Guild is launching a new series of monthly freelance-oriented workshops. Freelance members of the CMG are invited to Freelance Fridays, a series of free workshops that will take a closer look at some of the nuts and bolts of freelancing.Just in time for tax season, the first workshop…
This series of posts by the Born Freelancer shares personal experiences and thoughts on issues relevant to freelancers. Have something to add to the conversation? Your input is welcome in the comments. "I love winter" I hear some of you professing. "Stop being such a wuss". Well, good for you and your well-adjusted mental attitude. You possess…
by Andrea HoffWhat kind of writing is best suited to online publishing? According to Bethany Blanchard—a freelance writer, editor, and critic based in Melbourne, Australia— how you frame your online writing is as important as what you publish. Should you start your own blog or publish in an existing journal? What media and platforms should you…
by Rachel SandersThere aren't many freelancers who do what Justin Ling does. The Ottawa-based journalist spends his days in the Press Gallery covering the news coming out of Parliament Hill. He's had his work published in the National Post, the Globe and Mail, Maclean's Magazine and the Ottawa Citizen, but there are unique challenges that…
by Allison Leonard[caption id="attachment_7950" align="alignright" width="265"] Omar Mouallem speaks at NASH 76(Image courtesy of CUP)[/caption] “There is a science to pitching freelance magazine articles,” said Omar Mouallem, a freelance magazine writer and editor who has contributed to publications including the Globe and Mail, The…
