An advice column for freelance writers and journalists.

And if I don’t have the answer, I’ll ask my network of writers, editors, publishers, and producers for help

Welcome to At Large.

My name’s Omar. I’m a freelance writer and journalist with 15 years experience in print and broadcast media. I teach the Business of Freelance Writing at the University of Alberta and founded Pandemic University, a virtual school for, and by, writers affected by the Covid-19 fallout. I’ve also edited a few editorial and trade magazines.

I get several texts, emails, and DMs a month from freelancers trying to navigate sticky business situations: Am I being low-balled? How do I pitch a personal story? My article doesn’t sound like I wrote it anymore, how can I handle this diplomatically? Is it normal to go through this many rounds of edits? Are A.I. transcriptions private and secure? My ex is my new editor, sooooo…

In the spirit of collaboration and solidarity, I’ve decided to start an advice column!

Each week, I’ll help one or two freelance writers and journalists with an industry dilemma. If I can’t answer it myself, I’ll reach out to my network of writers, editors, publishers, producers, agents, and other media professionals. Don’t worry — I’ll take extra care to conceal any identifiable information about you and your employers.

If you’d like some advice, email me a brief summary of your situation and any relevant details about yourself, the assignment, and publisher. Unless it’s a hypothetical question, everyone including the publication gets a pseudonym, and I won’t publish anything unless we agree it’s in your best interest. But if you’re really, really embarrassed, you can submit your question using this anonymous form.

Until then, subscribe so you don’t miss the first issue and, please, spread the word!