Manuel Palma: Freelance journalism is a way of telling the world’s stories independently

Interview by Claudia Alessandra Mascitti Nogueiras

For my Freelance Journalism course at Üsküdar University, I have interviewed an experienced freelance journalist Manuel Palma in Spain. He told me the pros and cons of doing freelance journalism.   

How do you define freelance journalism? Who can be considered a freelance journalist?

To me, freelance journalism is a way of telling the world’s stories independently. You’re not tied to a newsroom, and you don’t have a boss telling you what to cover or how to approach it. You choose the topics, the outlets you pitch to, and the tone in which you develop them. It’s a mix of being a journalist, an entrepreneur, and the manager of your own time. Anyone who does this job with rigor and commitment can be considered a freelancer, but it takes a lot of discipline. And not just to write well, but to stay organized, find clients, and above all, remain faithful to the ethics and curiosity that drive us to do journalism.

How long have you been working as a freelance journalist? What made you take that decision?

I’ve been doing this for over a decade. I started out in traditional media, where I learned a lot: how to write quickly, how to craft engaging headlines, how to meet tight deadlines... But over the years, I felt I needed more freedom. I didn’t want to just follow the set agenda or keep repeating the same formulas. I preferred discovering things, pitching new topics, working at my own pace and from wherever I chose. I remember a time when I had to cover local news that neither interested the reader nor me. But since it was on schedule, it had to be done. That’s when I started considering the switch. Gradually, and with a bit of fear, I began collaborating with media outlets. Then came my first SEO writing clients, and eventually, I built a way of life that, while demanding, brings me a lot of satisfaction.

What does your day-to-day work look like? Do you pitch your own ideas or get assigned topics?

I work in a mixed way. Some clients already trust me and directly request articles on certain topics, especially in content marketing or SEO. But in the more purely journalistic sphere, I’m the one who pitches. I like reading a lot, staying active on social media, and observing what’s happening around me. That’s where the best ideas come from. For example, one of the most enjoyable articles I’ve written was a guide to the best brunch spots in Seville. No one commissioned it—I proposed it because I lived it. I love walking around the city, trying new places, and I realized that kind of content, well-written and with a personal touch, worked really well. And I was right.

Do you collaborate with fixed outlets or sell your work on demand? Where is your writing published?

I’ve found a balance between both. I work regularly with some outlets and with brands that trust me to manage their blog or corporate content. But I also sell commissioned texts or even pitch them on my own. I’ve published on platforms like Paradoresen.com, Alemaniando.com, DAZN, Sportium, and Sony, and each experience has been different. One of the things I value most about freelance work is precisely that variety. One day you’re writing about local gastronomy, the next about cultural stereotypes, and then diving into a travel guide or an analysis piece. That mix keeps you alert and creative.

Is freelance journalism enough to make a living, or do you do other work?

Freelance journalism can be enough to make a living, but it often requires a great deal of effort, planning, and versatility. It's rare to feel financially comfortable or stable doing only pure journalism assignments, especially at the beginning or during slow periods when commissions are fewer. That’s why I’ve gradually expanded my work to include other types of writing—SEO content, copywriting, blog management, and branded storytelling for companies.

Some people might view these additional roles as stepping outside the boundaries of journalism, but I see them as natural extensions of the same skillset. At the core, I’m still writing, researching, crafting narratives, and communicating with an audience. The tone and purpose may shift depending on whether the work is editorial, promotional, or informative, but the essence remains the same: connecting ideas with readers through well-structured and engaging language.

Diversifying has not only helped me stabilize my income, it has also made my work life more dynamic. One day I might be interviewing a local artist for a cultural feature, and the next I’m writing product descriptions or designing a blog strategy for a brand. That variety keeps things interesting, challenges my creativity, and teaches me to adapt my voice depending on the context.

At the end of the day, surviving as a freelancer means wearing multiple hats and being open to opportunities beyond traditional reporting. It's not about abandoning journalism but about building a sustainable career that honors your skills and passions while embracing the flexibility and demands of today’s media landscape.

What does journalistic ethics mean to you?

It’s the foundation that holds everything up. Ethics isn’t a “bonus”, it’s what sets a journalist apart from someone who simply writes content. It means fact-checking what you say, respecting the reader, not manipulating or falling into sensationalism. Even if you’re working alone at home, without a newsroom or editor behind you, ethics is always with you. And in the freelance world, where you’re often tempted with assignments that border on covert marketing or questionable content, it’s even more important.

Do you feel free as a freelancer? What are the pros and cons?

Yes, I do feel very free as a freelancer, probably freer than I ever felt working in a traditional newsroom. I have the autonomy to choose where and when I work, which is something I deeply value. I can write from a cozy café in Triana, surrounded by the quiet hum of conversation and the smell of coffee; from my home office with my books and music; or even from a train on the way to Córdoba, letting the scenery inspire me. That kind of flexibility is not just convenient, it is liberating. It allows me to structure my days according to my natural rhythms, to travel, to live more in tune with myself.

But that freedom comes with its own set of challenges. There are months when assignments are scarce, and you start questioning everything. There are clients who delay payments for weeks, which creates a lot of stress and forces you to constantly chase invoices. And there are projects you put a lot of time and energy into researching, writing, editing that don’t see the light of day until weeks or even months later, if at all. It can be disheartening.

The lack of a safety net is also real. There’s no guaranteed paycheck at the end of the month, no paid vacation, no sick leave, and certainly no one to cover for you if you’re feeling burnt out. You are your own boss, yes but also your own accountant, marketing team, customer service department, and motivator. Despite all that, I wouldn't trade it. If you truly love what you do -telling stories, asking questions, and writing are more than just a job- then the sacrifices feel worth it. That freedom to follow your own path, to choose your projects, and to keep learning every day is something few jobs can offer. It requires resilience, but it rewards you with authenticity.

Do you have a press card? Has it ever been an issue?

I don’t have the national press card, although I’ve gotten accredited for specific events. In some cases, it can be an obstacle especially if you need access to restricted areas or interviews with institutions. But generally, when you have a track record and can show your work, doors open. Still, you have to be very proactive. No one is going to hand you an interview or a press pass unless you fight for it first.

What advice would you give to future freelance journalists?

Don’t wait for “permission” to start. Start now. Write, share, make mistakes. Today you can have your own blog, contribute to digital outlets, share your work on LinkedIn or Twitter. There are a thousand ways to start building your presence. That said, get trained in SEO, digital tools, text editing, photography… Nowadays, writing well isn’t enough, you need to know how to promote your writing, how to present it, and how to make it reach the right audience.

If you could choose again, would you still become a journalist?

Yes, without a doubt. I could have chosen more stable paths or more predictable jobs, but none of them would have given me what journalism does: the chance to discover stories, connect with people, shape words and make them resonate. I love writing, I love observing, I love asking questions. And I wouldn’t trade that for anything.