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:

• Seven students each awarded $10,000 in scholarships [J-Source]
• Which online skills are journalism bosses expecting from students? [J-Source]
• 3 really good things that can come from doing your taxes [Rags to Reasonable]

From The U.S. and beyond:

• 6 ways writers drive their editors crazy [Freelancers Union]
• As the industry matures, content marketing platforms develop growing pains [Managing Editor]
• Hitting home runs with pitches [Nieman Storyboard]
• Reddit for Writers: 47 Writing Subreddits to Explore [Writers Digest]
• 10 simple ways to spring clean your inbox [Inc.]
• Journalists of Color Face Harassment by Sources [Open Notebook]
• 4 Foolproof Ways To Find Expert Interviews For Your Articles [Journo Resources]
• Need Backup? How Freelance Writers Can Find Subcontractors to Work With [Freelance Writing Jobs]
• How to negotiate your rate like a pro (Part 2) [The Freelancer]
• How to negotiate your rate like a pro (Part 1) [The Freelancer]
• After a tough Winter, beware of the Springtime, “Yes, of course!” [Freelancers Union]

Recently on Story Board:

• Annual CAJ conference features sessions for freelancers: On day one of the conference, CMG Freelance is sponsoring a one-hour session dedicated to freelancing. “Going solo: 411 boot camp for the freelance journalist” features freelancers Kalli Anderson, Alison Motluk, Justin Ling, and Sunny Dhillon... 
• PWAC Toronto deep research seminar April 23: The seminar will offer practical information about conducting in-depth research online, in person, at libraries and other places.You’ll pick up some tips on locating hard-to-find data, statistics, historical information, records, and transcripts and find out how to go beyond Google searches and make information requests...

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.