Online communities for freelance journalists

Being a freelance journalist has many advantages but without the support of colleagues – not to mention office banter – it can be a bit of a lonely job.

The good news is there are plenty of online communities freelancers can turn to for advice, creating a virtual network to share tips and experiences or, sometimes, just to have a good old rant.

To mark National Freelancers Day, here's a round-up of some of the best freelance communities on social media and elsewhere on the web.

Journalists on Facebook

One of the most popular networks for journalists, this Facebook Page has almost 1.5 million fans covering discussion topics including advice on best practice for journalists using Facebook.

The No1 Freelance Ladies' Buddy Agency

The No1 Freelance Ladies' Buddy Agency is a closed Facebook group with more than 1,500 members. The group is very active, offering advice on anything from contacts through to delayed payments. Though aimed at freelancers, it is also open to staff journalists. (Recommended by Tiffany Wright).

LinkedIn for Journalists

While not specifically for freelancers, the LinkedIn for Journalists group includes advice and discussion points for freelancers as well as a monthly free training session on using the platform in your work.

@freelancehacks

Over on Twitter, @freelance_hacks is Journalism.co.uk's home for freelance journalists, posting news and training updates.

JournoBiz Forum

The JournoBiz Forum is free to join and has been running since 2003, offering discussions on everything from freelance broadcast journalism and photography to jobs and technical help (recommended by Lucy Jolin).

@abigailedge @journalismnews Met all my freelance mates through http://t.co/7pG1mArugh . Invaluable source of support and laughs. #NFD2014

— Lucy Jolin (@lucy_jolin) November 19, 2014

NUJ freelance services

The NUJ freelance office offers advice on fees, copyright, employment rights and more, though it is only available to NUJ members.

Mumsnet

Freelancer Ellie Levenson recommended Mumsnet in an email to Journalism.co.uk, citing it as a good place to find inspiration for stories and talk with other freelancers on the self-employed threads.

Journalism.co.uk also has three upcoming training courses for freelance journalists:

• Freelance feature writing (online course, flexible start date) with Ellie Levenson
• Writing for women's magazines (online course, flexible start date) with Tiffany Wright
• Copywriting for freelance journalists with Jackie Barrie

We also have a freelance journalists directory where journalists can advertise their services and get a branded email address for £50 a year. For more details please contact us.

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