Journalism students are not sufficiently prepared for the real-world reality of freelancing.

Already packed with coursework, most journalism programs do not even include the most essential information for students who wish to become freelancers.

What's more, the majority of these students will pursue freelance at one point or another during their career. Some will even become freelancers permanently.

With the deep mutations of today's media market, journalism will be provided more and more by freelancers, working for clients who resemble less and less today's traditional media outlets.

Born and raised on the Web, the new generation of journalists is naturally equipped to take full advantage of today's information-gathering tools in a highly productive manner. However, being self-employed requires further skills.

There's an entrepreneurial adventure ahead, one in which client development, sales negotiation, sound management and financial health are everyday priorities.

Most freelancers have learned those necessary skills on their own, mostly by trial-and-error. It takes a long time working solo to understand the basic principles and rules for independent work — freelance theory, in other words.

This project originally began as a lecture I gave for the first time on September 30, 2009 before the Québec Independent Journalist Association (AJIQ).

I'm prepared to present my ideas on freelancing to your class, complete with visual material. My talk is more detailed than my e-book, and includes many personal anecdotes and examples for each chapter or “step”.

My talk can be given in either French or English. It lasts between 30-60 minutes, depending on the questions asked. I will provide a copy of my e-book to all students present. I can travel throughout Québec, Ontario and Atlantic provinces. Please feel free to contact me below.