Off The Wire: News for the Canadian media freelancer Mar 18-24

Once a week, we gather stories about the media business, journalism, writing, publishing, and freelancing—with a Canadian focus—and share them in Off the Wire. Who needs a water cooler?

From Canada: 

• TWUC co-founder Heather Robertson dies at 72 [Quill & Quire] (via @twuc)
• David Frum becomes senior editor of The Atlantic [Canadian Magazines]
• Writer Heather Robertson, who championed copyrights of freelance colleagues, dies at 72 [Canadian Magazines]
• Editor-in-chief Steve Meurice leaves the National Post [J-Source]
• John Stackhouse is no longer the editor-in-chief of the Globe and Mail [Canada.com]
• Transcontinental expands into food packaging as printing and media revenues fall [Financial Post] (via @jsource)
• Are writers of colour being pushed to the margins? [Q] (via @jsource)

From the U.S. and beyond:

• How to Make What You’re Really Worth [Fast Company] (via @freelancersu)
• For freelancers, short term is long term [Explore Create Repeat]
• 5 Ways to juggle freelancing and parenting – without losing your mind [Freelancers Union]
• 4 Keys To An Awesome Freelance Elevator Pitch [The Freelance Strategist]
• The Essential Elements for a Freelance Writer’s Website [The Freelance Strategist]
• Do only “go-getters” succeed? Freelancing for introverts [Freelancers Union]
• Eight Years of Solitude: On freelance labor, journalism, and survival [Medium]

This week on Story Board:

• Champion of freelancers, Heather Robertson, dies at age 72: Canadian journalist Heather Robertson passed away this week at the age of 72. Robertson co-founded both the Writers’ Union of Canada and the Professional Writers Association of Canada. She was a best-selling and award-winning author who championed the rights of freelancers in the digital age.
• CMG Freelance launches new website for members: The Canadian Media Guild has launched a new website for its freelance branch. Designed as “a 21st century commons for self-employed workers,” the new site offers news updates and professional supports that include information about education and training programs and extended health benefit packages…
• Freelance Friday #2, Storified: The March edition of the CMG’s Freelance Friday workshop focussed on contracts…

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.