Firstly, thank you so much for giving me your time! Can you walk me through how you got started in the journalism industry?
While I was at university (studying a BA in modern history and communications), I started writing for anyone who would let me. This was when many publications were folding and many writers were having to go freelance, so it was extremely competitive.
I took on copywriting contracts as well, and over time I was able to build a writing portfolio. But I think the reason I continued to find work is because I’ve always focused on being reliable - file on time, do what you say you’re going to do. That was a key learning very early on.
I have dipped in and out of professional writing as other opportunities have presented themselves in my career, but always come back to it and suspect I always will.
Can you give me some insight into what it's like to work freelance? What does the average day look like for you?
I tend to start my week with a firm plan of attack for the first few days and keep Thursday and Friday flexible to allow for shifting deadlines, revisions, and small projects that come through each week. I like to be organised and pace my days so that I have enough space for the thinking needed to write well. I’ve written previously for publications where it feels like the job is to manage an overflowing inbox, but now I take on less work so that I can write better. It’s a juggle to find that sweet spot, but a rewarding one when it works.
I have control over my time and schedule. I’d find it very difficult to give that up now.
Do you have any advice for young people wanting to start out freelancing?
I always say: be a delight to work with;meet deadlines; exceed expectations; and take on feedback without blame.
And from there, always be pitching. Always be thinking about new ways to tell stories, and stand out in an editor's inbox.
While you’re building bylines, you can be honing your writing skills with copywriting work, which tends to be more regular in my experience. Keep an eye on resources like Rachel’s List for freelance gigs, because they are always coming up, and just do as much as you can because you never know where the opportunities will be.
Finally, what makes a good pitch? Is there anything you want to see more or less of?
Something I’ve noticed recently is that I receive a lot of media releases from publicists who must think I am a full-time staff writer, not a freelancer. This can lead to a bit of confusion sometimes, as I’m not sure what publication they are hoping to be placed in. So many writers are now freelancers, so I think it’s good practice to set expectations upfront now about what publication they’re hoping for.
Also, I’m always impressed when a publicist takes the time to think of angles for the story they’re proposing - of course, it’s my job to finesse this and work with my editors to find something that fits, but it shows that you’ve thought how this story could be told in something other than a news alert or a listicle (which are fine, but not the writing I tend to do).