The Sampler

The Study Hall Sampler 09/10

This is a once-a-week sampling of Study Hall’s collection of tools and resources for media workers.

If you want to try out the new Study Hall, grab 50% off your first 3 months here. 

Opportunities 

Here are some new opportunities featured in Opps Finder:

 -Audio Flux is looking for pitches of short podcast segments they call “fluxworks.” The segments must run exactly three minutes; reference an object related to a “FIRST” (yours or someone else’s); Include the sound of time passing (forwards or backwards, no clocks please; and be accompanied by a handwritten document (i.e. outline, title page, transcript, or something else entirely, provided digitally). Four submissions will be chosen as Circuit Selects; they will receive $750 and debut at the RESONATE Podcast Festival. Send submissions through their open call form by September 15.

-Fansplaining is still always looking for pitches “about the ever-evolving world of fan culture. The focus is on publishing smart, substantive reporting on and analysis of fan culture topics.” From the pitch guide: “The audience for both the podcast and our articles has always been made up of folks who are pretty deep in fandom—especially transformative and/or critical media fandom—so we won’t publish the relatively fandom-101 stuff a lot of mainstream outlets run.” The rate is $250 per piece.  Send pitches to [email protected].

-The Fence Magazine is looking for pitches for its Facts (essays and dispatches) and Fiction (short stories) sections in Issue 22. The rates weren't given but ranged from £75-£250 [$98.78-$329.27 USD] for 800-2,500 words in 2021. Fiction rates started at £200 [$263.41 USD] in 2023. See our Opps Finder listing for more info. “Have you got a stone-cold killer of a pitch in your back pocket? Send it to [email protected], and let's get you in the issue.”

-Rest of World is hiring a Labor x Tech Editor to “build a reporting network of global freelancers and develop a strong pipeline of stories that explore how work is being transformed by tech.” Candidates must have at least five years of experience in journalism or publishing, with at least three years in editing. “We’re flexible on location, but candidates must have the right to work where they live.” This is a one-year full-time contract position with a salary of $75,000. To apply, send a resume and a short cover letter to [email protected] with “Labor x Tech Editor” in the subject line by September 16. 

 -Sentient Media is hiring an investigative journalist to lead “coverage of the powerful animal agriculture industries that dominate the U.S. food system.” Candidates must have “proven experience in investigative journalism with a strong portfolio of accountability reporting.” They should be based in the US and willing to work during East Coast working hours. The salary range is $80,000-$90,000.

Dear Accidentally Qualified

"Accidentally Qualified" is an advice column written by Sonia Weiser, a freelance journalist and the founder of the journalism opportunities newsletter, "Opportunities of the Week." Questions can be submitted through our anonymous form for consideration: https://forms.gle/pwUbNgwTBaGKATyu5. 

Dear Accidentally Qualified, 

I keep hearing it's important as a freelance writer to "raise my profile," but what does that even mean? Does it mean writing more for a single publication or getting into as many high-profile outlets as possible? Does it mean starting my own podcast or appearing on others? Or am I just overthinking what is basic, unhelpful advice along the lines of "if you want to be more successful, have you considered becoming famous and beloved?"? 

-Not Almost Famous

Dear Not Almost Famous, 

Here’s the thing: right now, being a successful freelancer means getting work. Period. I think we’ve all thrown out strategizing in favor of landing articles wherever we can, so I’d worry less about “raising your profile” in any specific way and more about continuing to get your work published. The industry isn’t what it was 10+ years ago when we all had the luxury of being choosy. Most of us can’t guarantee where we’ll secure bylines. Yes, you’ll hear about the lucky ones who get frequent assignments from the same editors or have a regularly published column or newsletter gig or have a book deal keeping them afloat for a year or two, but at least as far as I know, they’re in the minority. And remember: the people who seem to have it all figured out may not be telling you everything. There’s definitely been an increase in transparency in the industry, but not everyone has bought into sharing their failures publicly. 

So set intentions all you want, but there’s always going to be an editor (or two) between you and an acceptance. 

So yes, you could be overthinking this. But it’s also not the worst thing to be thinking about. Name recognition can be a real factor in elevating your career. So sure, appear on podcasts if you think they’re worth your time (which can mean anything from “will get you exposure” to “it’ll be fun!”) I wouldn’t bank on them to elevate your career—unless it’s a big one—but it may lead to a few more people knowing who you are, some more social media followers, and a few more google results for your name. Same goes for blog interviews, TikTok appearances, and any other chance for publicity that may come your way; pick the ones that appeal to you. But also, don’t stress about not doing any of this. 

You can grow your brand and spread your name by proving you’re consistently producing good work, regardless of where it’s published. Let your nuanced takes, thorough reporting, or empathetic interviewing style speak for you. Being a valuable voice in the conversation or a useful resource, whether that be on social media or in a publication, can enhance your credibility and grow your audience without you coming off like you’re angling for the spotlight. Only you can control how well you write and where you pitch. Everything else is a bit of crapshoot. So take the opportunities that come to you if you think they’re worth your time. Fingers crossed they’ll lead to something. 

-Sonia

Plug Your Work

We have a new “Plug Your Work” feature on our member site. We are giving boosts to members’ work on our blog, social media channels, and Digest newsletter. 

Isabel Ravenna Unpacked A YouTuber’s Chaotic Livestream

For Complex, Isabel Ravenna  delved into “the unexpected and controversial moment when popular YouTuber Boogie2988 stunned his audience by live-streaming a dramatic "LIAR" face tattoo.” In her piece, Ravenna explores “the chaotic unfolding of events, the whirlwind of reactions from fans and critics alike, and what this bold move signifies in the landscape of influencer culture and online authenticity.”

Ravenna tells Study Hall that her article “sheds light on the lengths content creators will go to engage their audiences and the complex narratives that drive their online personas.” 

Ravenna’s work has appeared in the Los Angeles Times and Business Insider.

Kamil Ahsan Wrote A Novella About Apocalypticism in Culture And Disaster

For South Asian Avant-Garde, Kamil Ahsan wrote a long-form experimental essay about “apocalypticism, climate pessimism and nihilism, disaster capitalism, the perils of disaster history, and the many scales of disaster.” 

Ahsan’s writing has appeared in NPR, Catapult, and Nylon.