How to get regular assignments from editors
Plus exciting updates, jobs, writing tips, encouragement, and more!
Hi writers and friends!
New Announcements!
Starting June 8 (a week after my 2-year freelancing anniversary!):
1. Resource set
The cost will be $20 instead of $18. (So buy it before then if you want it cheaper!)
2. Coaching calls
I’ll be offering more coaching calls because of the growing interest! They’ll be separate from the resource set (though the resource set still offers a mini version!). Here are the rates:
30-minute call for people in the US: $50
30 minutes of time over email/the internet (for US people who prefer it or non-US people): $40
And until it becomes unmanageable for me, you can “order” as many as you want!
Here’s what I can offer in that time:
Edits on a draft
Feedback on a pitch
Help writing a pitch
Encouragement or advice tailored specifically to your needs
Suggestions of publications to write for
Insight into what it’s like writing for certain publications
Anything else you’re wondering!
More details on my credibility (which might be a little outdated?) are here.
Here’s how you “order”:
Email me (ashleybroadwater346@gmail.com) saying you’re interested, sharing a few available time slots you have, and mentioning what country you’re in.
From there, we’ll figure out the best option for you to send payment (I prefer CashApp or Venmo, but have other platforms) and get you scheduled!
P.S. I will answer a few quick questions for free over Twitter DM.
Disclaimer: I’m no business person, but I’m trying to make these rates as fair as possible to both of us, given industry rates!
How to get regular assignments from editors
This past month, a few editors have continued to reach out to me with story ideas to write. And I gotta say, it’s nice to A) get that affirmation and B) not have to come up with ideas! So here are some tips on how you can do the same, per some of their feedback:
Complete everything they ask you to for the assignment (Do they want extra headline ideas? For you to add a picture and source it correctly? etc)
Add hyperlinks to the publication’s other articles throughout your article (where it makes sense)
Be responsive, respectful, professional, and friendly
Turn in your assignments on time (or communicate ASAP if you can’t!)
Write compassionately
Be thorough in your reporting (Think, “What would someone reading this want to know more about?” and add that info in!)
These steps won’t always get you assignments/pitch acceptances, but it seriously helps!
Writing/Freelancing Tips
Pitch Calls
NOTE:
If the story is about a marginalized community, you need to be in that community to write the piece.
Mentioning my name in your pitch won’t help, unfortunately!
If the rate isn’t mentioned, one site that may help is Who Pays Writers.
Pitch calls:
LGBTQIA+ stories from LGBTQIA+ writers (I’m the commissioning editor!) — Women AdvaNCe — $45
AAPI journalist to write an expert-sourced personal essay on identity — Women AdvaNCe — $250
Advice, experiences, how-tos, lists, etc on being a freelance designer or creative — Talent House — rate starts at start ~£200 & you can be from anywhere
Timely feature on mental health — Cosmopolitan — $1.50 to $2 a word (!!!) — pitch ASAP!
Plus, my recent article: “4 Websites That Pay Writers Around $200+ an Article That I Recommend”
Want a bunch of these weekly? Purchase a paid subscription to my writing opportunities newsletter!
Writer Jobs
Want a bunch of these weekly? Purchase a paid subscription to my writing opportunities newsletter!
Writing/Freelance Resources
Do-it-on-your-own-time course for finally starting your novel (5 lessons for only $10!)
Twitter thread of pubs that want personal essays (with guidelines)
Encouragement
Taylor Swift’s commencement speech (y’all know I had to share)
Take comfort in the fact you’re either the “side character” or very special
Me when you succeed, from Giphy, in honor of Harry’s new album!!!
My Articles + Successes
As mentioned above, I got more assignments this month!
I started consulting for Women AdvaNCe for Pride Month again (you can pitch me if you identify as LGBTQIA+!)
Housekeeping
NEW: In honor of Pride Month, donate to the LGBTQIA+ Journalists Therapy Relief Fund!
Don’t forget about my Medium guide!
More of my content: (1) my writing Twitter // (2) my portfolio // (3) my resource set // (4) my newsletter with tons of writing jobs and pitch calls
Feedback from you: (1) For the newsletter // (2) For the resource set
This newsletter is free, but if you’d like to donate, my Venmo is @AshleyBroadwater, my PayPal is paypal.me/aebroad, and my CashApp is $ashleybroadwater3 :) A huge thanks to donors!
That’s all for now! Thanks for reading this month’s newsletter. As always, feel free to reach out if you have any questions :)
Interesting read. So many useful resources! Hmm where to start nom nom nom