Most freelance writers wouldn’t have a career without sources—the experts and real-life individuals that make a story come alive. “I’m always surprised at how many people are willing to share their time, experience, and expertise with me,” says Elizabeth Gardner, a freelance writer based near Chicago. “It’s just amazing.” For the most part, your interactions with sources will go smoothly, but once in a while, you’re likely to run into some problems. Here’s a lowdown on practical steps that can help you tackle these issues—and best practices that will prevent them.
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Some sources want to review their quotes or the entire draft before it reaches readers—a practice frowned upon in journalism. But rules about this vary across outlets and some editors do allow it. “That’s always up to my editor,” Gardner says. “I don’t ever try
