Think you've got what it takes to write for The New Yorker? An upcoming panel discussion hosted by the ASJA at Ryerson could help get you there.

The American Society of Journalists and Authors will host a panel with three New York-based Canadian journalists—Clive Thompson (Wired, NYT Magazine), Duff McDonald (Portfolio, New York) and Caitlin Kelly (New York Times, Glamour, Family Circle)—who will provide insight and advice on selling stories to American publications. The event is scheduled for Oct. 9 at Ryerson University’s School of Journalism from 6:00-8:00 p.m. The cost is $20 ($10 if you are a student).

“The idea is to explain that freelancing is freelancing,” says Kelly, who is a board member of the ASJA. “I get the idea that some Canadians look at the US market and think ‘they have never heard of me.’ It can get intimidating but it doesn’t have to be. We did it and so can you.”

The event was thought up during a group lunch after ASJA’s annual conference in consultation with Toronto journalists. “Markets can look scary until you’ve cracked one of them. I came down having worked at Globe and Mail and it didn’t mean anything in New York,” Kelly says. “Once you get a credential in NY, things change,”

Knowing the importance of networking in this industry, Kelly thought that it would also be fun and beneficial to introduce the ASJA to Canadian journalists. “We need to get more Canadian members. It’s a really great opportunity because once you’re a member, you can definitely get contact info from ASJA,” such as an editor’s email address or phone number, Kelly says.

Related links:

• "Feature writing book to be launched" [Canadian Magazines]