I always used to wonder how travel writers got their sweet gigs. After all, from where I sat, it looked like someone was flying writers to amazing destinations, paying their expenses and wining and dining them. I wanted in, but I had no idea how to become a travel writer. In truth, I had no idea how to get invited on a press trip.
I pitched more than usual this month but got zero commissions. Getting those rejections is a reminder that even when you have good relationships with editors, freelancing can be a tough gig. Despite this, I did have offers from my corporate clients and new sponsored content opportunities so not all was lost. Oh, but I did embarrass myself in a way that I’m still cringing about.
A lot of freelance writers say their dream is to be a columnist. I asked three of Australia’s best-known columnists to spill the beans on how they landed their regular gigs, how column writing differs from feature writing and what advice they would give to freelance writers who dream of having their very own regular space to rant, review or reflect.
If you’re a feature writer contributing to magazines or newspapers, the chances are that you might be feeling pretty bummed by the current state of media affairs (unless you’re a travel writer). There was an article in The Guardian recently (sparked by the closure of Marie Claire’s print edition in the UK) about ‘how the British fell out of love with magazines’, and the collapse of newspapers in Australia has been predicted for years. But in the last little while I’ve seen a striking trend. One that offers real hope for freelance writers.
I was listening to a podcast the other day about how the professional lifespan of many freelance writers is only a couple of years. The burnout rate of freelancers is incredibly high – the constant hustling, the rejection, the isolation … the list goes on. I’m someone who tends to give up on things at the drop of a hat, so it got me thinking about why I’ve been able to stick with freelancing for nine years. And why I can’t even think of doing anything else. I slowly realised it’s because I treat freelance writing like a garden. No, I’m not 78 years old and about to wax lyrical about the properties of petunias. Stay with me here.
You know how last month I wrote about how I exceeded my income and only pitched three articles? Well, this month has been crazily similar. Except this month my income more than doubled. Without any pitches at all. When I was starting out as a freelance writer, having this kind of month seemed impossible to me. But here I am, proof that it is possible to have a month where you make great money without having to send a single pitch.
It would be easy to read this blog and think that I’m all about money. I share my income, I talk about how to find high-paying clients and the importance of having a monthly income target. But the truth is, money doesn’t drive me. It never has. But what does drive me (and what money gives me) is time, freedom and flexibility. And that’s why I’m always going to share ways in which writers can boost their income.
Recently I’ve had some great opportunities come my way. International press trips, speaking gigs, offers of work from editors and high-paying corporate gigs. These are things that a year ago or even six months ago I would have jumped at. But lately, I’ve realised something very important about these opportunities.
I barely pitched in July. I didn’t get any commissions, yet I exceeded my income target. That’s the dream for every freelance writer, right? I’d like to tell you that it was the result of a well executed plan, but the truth is, I got lucky. A high-paying corporate client who I’d written for previously got in touch and offered me a chunk of work, which pretty much made up my income target for July. It is fortuitous, but you know what else I think it is? It’s the result of building strong, genuine relationships with editors and clients.
I’m yet to meet a freelance writer who doesn’t love food. Writing about food is a heaven-match for many people because food writing is so much more than penning stories about ingredients, products or recipes. I believe there’s a food story almost everywhere you look. Food intersects with so many things: politics, waste, cultural appropriation, business, gender, travel … the list goes on. So if you’ve got a passion for food and for writing, here are 6 great paying publications to pitch.
Conducting interviews is a very important part of being a freelance writer. For me, the best interviews are those where you get exactly what you need in the shortest amount of time possible. These are the interviews where the interviewee feels heard and understood, and where your questions hit the mark. But not every interview goes smoothly, in fact, I’ve had some shockers. Here are my top tips for preparing for interviews and getting exactly what you need.
In the past couple of months I’ve spoken to a number of travel writers and editors and several of them have said a curious thing. That yes, it’s tough being in the publication game in the current climate, and yes, budgets for writers haven’t increased in years. But despite this, these high profile editors and well established writers all told me the same thing. There has never been a better time to be a travel writer. And this is why.
About how to write fabulous articles for publications you love? What about strategies on how to earn great money from content writing?
Weekly emails on what’s working right now for freelance writers who are writing for magazines, newspapers and corporate clients.
We acknowledge the Traditional Aboriginal Owners of the land we work on – the Dja Dja Wurrung. We pay our respects to Elders past and present, and to the ongoing living culture of Aboriginal people. Always was, always will be Aboriginal land. 💛🖤❤️
