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

From Canada:

• Postmedia threatens to lock out Ottawa Citizen and Sun staff if offer rejected [J-Source]
• How Canadian journalists take care of themselves [J-Source]
• The Urban Worker Project's freelancer non-payment survey [Urban Worker Project]

From The U.S. and beyond:

• What people think freelancing looks like vs. What it actually looks like [The Freelancer]
• Ten essential things for freelance journalists [Journalism.co.uk]
• Should you self-publish your book? Five essential questions to help you decide [The Write Life]
• Marketing basics for freelancers [Freelancers Union]
• 6 apps to help you refocus after your summer vacation [Fast Company]

Recently on Story Board:

• Ottawa freelancer social night September 26: Freelancers in the Ottawa-Gatineau area are invited to a casual social evening on Wednesday, September 26th from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Union 613’s speakeasy room (315 Somerset St W, Ottawa)...
• New opportunities for freelancers with CBC Radio Doc Makers: CBC Radio is offering new opportunities this fall for audio freelancers to develop their skills under the guidance of experienced CBC producers...

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.