This is such a great interview — a longform interview about the painstaking and diligent work that goes into longform reporting and storytelling. Fascinating and inspiring to hear how Lauren Smiley finds and develops her stories and sources. Very inspiring. Thank you Erika for this in-depth interview!
This is really interesting! Did she speak about how as a freelance writer you can afford to spend the time needed on this story? Not being paid until publication (the typical arrangement) is so stressful.
Totally agree this is the hardest part. Some editors in my experience will offer a pre-reporting fee. Others will pay before publication if you ask (like when story is in edits). But the system is unfair when it comes to the pay arrangements.
This is such a great interview — a longform interview about the painstaking and diligent work that goes into longform reporting and storytelling. Fascinating and inspiring to hear how Lauren Smiley finds and develops her stories and sources. Very inspiring. Thank you Erika for this in-depth interview!
Thank you for reading, Jeffrey.
This is really interesting! Did she speak about how as a freelance writer you can afford to spend the time needed on this story? Not being paid until publication (the typical arrangement) is so stressful.
Totally agree this is the hardest part. Some editors in my experience will offer a pre-reporting fee. Others will pay before publication if you ask (like when story is in edits). But the system is unfair when it comes to the pay arrangements.
That’s good to know that’s something you can ask for. I’ve tried asking for that and haven’t had much success with it