Some encouragement for new writers
Plus a Writing Checklist + the usual jobs, resources, etc!
Hi writers and friends!
Announcements
Don’t forget I now offer coaching/editing services over phone and email! This is for people who haven’t bought the resource set yet or want extra coaching/editing outside what I offer there. Coaching is $40-$50 right now; more details here and here.
NEW: Not sure when your article is “done” and ready to be submitted or published? I created the Writing Checklist Set to help! It’s only $4 and has pre-formatted checkboxes for you :)
NEW: Any PRs here? I created a resource for you, too, which has tips for working with writers and journalists!
Some encouragement for new writers
I recently moved back to Raleigh, NC, which is a few towns over from where I went to college (UNC-Chapel Hill). I’ve gotten to catch up with a lot of friends, which has been so nice!
As I updated them about my life and career, I realized I kept saying the same thing:
Once you get established, freelancing is such an awesome job.
The key phrase is “once you get established.” Yep, I haven’t always felt this way about freelancing (and I still have my bad days).
I remember when I overworked myself writing Medium articles for cents a day. When most editors (understandably) ignored my pitches, and when I did get pitches accepted at a publication, I’d get paid $50 for up to four hours of work. I remember the days when I had to rely on my then-partner to pay most of the rent for a few months, which was a privilege I’m so thankful for.
But now, two years later?
An editor I haven’t worked with before emailed me with an assignment she wants me to take on, and I’ll get paid almost $500 for it (my highest rate yet). I write regularly for HuffPost through pitches and assignments. I work part-time hours and make pretty good money. I’ve set up some passive income sources through what I’ve learned and all my work on Medium.
I say this not to brag, but to give hope to all the people who currently are where I was a couple of years back (and if this journey takes you longer, that’s OK, too!).
By continuing to educate yourself on how to write/pitch/work harder and smarter, by not giving up, and by asking for help, you too can succeed.
(P.S. At the same time, freelancing isn’t for everyone. Here are signs your side hustle isn’t worth it and the advice “just keep posting” won’t work for you.)
But again, I’m here to help!
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:
Catapult — personal essay drafts (not pitches!) from LGBTQIA+ writers — I think pay is around $200, but not totally sure!
Well+Good — health articles based on new studies and expert insight — rates start at $200
Cleveland Reviews of Books — reviews/essays on history, culture, and politics in the Rust Belt, Midwest, and wider U.S. — rates start at $100
Also, this was posted on June 9: “Paid Writing Assignments — How to Pitch to Me” — mental health articles ($500) for Meet Monarch
Want a bunch of these weekly? Purchase a paid subscription to my writing opportunities newsletter!
Writer Jobs
Want a bunch of these weekly, all spelled out? Purchase a paid subscription to my writing opportunities newsletter!
Writing/Freelancing Resources
Articles on Craft Your Content (I’ve heard great things!)
Encouragement
My Articles + Successes
I finished up my Pride Month consulting position with Women AdvaNCe! I mostly helped with commissioning and editing articles that will be published through July and posting on Instagram.
I got my first hate email, so I feel like a real Journalist, haha!
The ~$500 commission I mentioned above!
Writing this article about queerplatonic relationships made me happy :)
Housekeeping
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 :)