Hi and happy March!
Remember to Celebrate ‘Small’ Wins, Too
When someone asks me what I do for work, I feel like I have to follow “I’m a freelance writer” with the biggest publications I’ve written for.
When I think of a “productive day,” I think of long hours spent on the computer, completely finishing several to-do items and articles.
In other words, it’s easiest to share and celebrate my biggest wins because they’re more obvious and make me feel validated. But you know what I think a significant part of getting big wins is?
Celebrating “small” wins first.
This will look different for every person; I put “small” in quotations because some of these wins can be big, too! These wins could look like getting out of bed, writing half an article, or sending a few emails. It might be getting a pitch accepted in a lesser-known publication or turning down an opportunity because the rate is too low.
Without those “small” wins—like sending a pitch, starting an article, getting out of bed—we couldn’t get to the big wins.
For me, at least, being proud of “small” wins leads to more self-compassion and pride, which makes me more motivated to keep working and enjoy what I’m doing. It’s a reminder that wins don’t have to be rare.
It allows us to feel proud about what our 100% looked like that day, as it will differ each day. Ultimately, it brings more happiness to our lives, which, to some degree, is kind of the point.
What’s your “small” win going to be today?
Writing/Freelancing Tips
Pitch Calls
GENERAL NOTES FOR THE PITCH CALLS BELOW:
If the story is about a marginalized community, you probably need to be in that community to write the piece.
Mentioning my name in your pitch won’t help, unfortunately!
Who Pays Writers can be a helpful site to get an idea of how much publications pay.
Pitch calls:
Stav Ziv on Twitter: "How do you pitch? Send me an email with subject line “Pitch: [your headline/idea in a nutshell]” to stav.ziv [at] themuse [dot] com. Include: ✏️ Sample headline ✏️ Brief pitch (1-3 grafs) ✏️ Sentence or two about you ✏️ 2-3 clips (as similar as you have to what you’re pitching)" / Twitter
Ashley Broadwater on Twitter (me!): "Call for pitches! I'm looking for writers to cover Women's History Month topics for @WomenAdvanceNC (https://t.co/pQPCFdbZAy). The rate is $45; deadline is mid-March (but pls send earlier!). Send pitches + other info about you/your past work to ashley@womenadvancenc.org. TY!" / Twitter (Note: Only for women or nonbinary writers)
Eve Sneider on Twitter: "Hi! As of this month I’m editing for @wired Ideas, which means I want you to pitch me! Send your grand designs, hot takes, and lyrical meditations to ideas@wired.com. More here: https://t.co/e2oTxzk9dY" / Twitter
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Writer Jobs
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Writing/Freelancing Resources
Encouragement
My Articles + Updates
I got a really kind Instagram DM re: this article of mine, “The Most Unexpected Sign Someone Is Having Suicidal Thoughts.” Long story short, the person shared it comforted them a lot. This was my editor’s story idea, so I can’t take full credit, but I appreciated the message nonetheless! Being able to (hopefully) help others is why I write about these topics!
I’m working with a new editor (new to me, at least) at Apartment Therapy, so I’m thankful for another connection! Stay tuned for that piece!
Want More? Here Are Other Ways I Can Help
Don’t forget about my approved pitches document and Medium guide and coaching/editing services and Writing Checklist Set!
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 :)
Needed to read this today, thank you Ash -