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 around the web:

• How to keep freelance work from eating up your life [Freelancers Union]
• Four steps that make writing less overwhelming [Fast Company]
• What I’ve Learned From Starting a Business for Freelancers—While Freelancing [The Freelancer]
• Podcast producers are worried about being screwed over by sketchy contracts [Nieman Lab]
• "Everybody Is Freaking Out": Freelance Writers Scramble to Make Sense of New California Law [Hollywood Reporter]
• Meet the Faces of Freelance [Freelancers Union]
• Freelance journalists are mad about a new California law. Here’s what’s missing from the debate [Vox]
• Why freelancers should ask for more money [The Writer]

Recently on Story Board:

• 3 social media posting strategies for service-based freelancers: Regardless of its positive or negative impact, social media is one of the main ways we connect with each other. And it can be a significant business tool for freelancers...
• Vocal Fry Studios hosts podcast events in Toronto: Vocal Fry has a busy couple of weeks ahead with several community and educational events on their calendar, and CMG Freelance is proud to be playing a part in some of them...

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.