Once a week, we gather stories about the media business, journalism, writing, publishing, and freelancing—with a Canadian focus—and share them in Off the Wire. Who needs a water cooler?

From Canada:

• To script or not to script: that is the audio storyteller's question [The Doc Project]
• Applications open for Martin Wise Goodman Canadian Nieman Fellowship [Canadian Magazines]
• Halifax startup to focus on long-form journalism [Masthead]

From The U.S. and beyond:

• 5 Secrets to Becoming a Six-Figure Freelancer [Mediabistro]
• 12 Awesome Websites to Kick Your Freelancing Into High Gear [Mediabistro]
• How a custom freelance contract can help you save or earn money [Freelancers Union]
• Want to Write for Magazines? Pitch This Section First [The Write Life]
• How journalists can start creating a personal brand online [Journalism.co.uk]
• What 200 Rejections Taught Me About Being a Freelance Writer [The Write Life]
• 10 terms every freelance writer should know [Mediabistro]
• Can Finally Doing Your Chores Help You Write More? [The Write Life]

Recently on Story Board:

• Ali Mustafa Memorial Award for freelance photojournalists application deadline December 15: An award granted to young photojournalists in honour of a Canadian freelance photographer killed in Syria is now accepting applications...
• Expanding your freelance portfolio: Today, most people see me as a magazine writer. But if I were to rely solely on the income I generate from writing magazine articles, the cupboard would be pretty bare. For me, the key is to diversify...

Spot a story you think we should include in next week's Off the Wire? Email the link to editor@thestoryboard.ca or tweet us at @storyboard_ca.