If you’re anything like me, your inbox is full of unopened newsletters. Yes, once upon a time you signed up to receive them, but now they just sit there. Although you can’t bring yourself to unsubscribe, yet. But what if there were newsletters that you religiously opened? Newsletters that contain so much good stuff for freelance writers that you star them, print them out or actually just read them immediately?
Well, those newsletters for freelance writers do exist. Here’s my list (and by no means complete) of the best newsletters for freelance writers. And just a heads up, there’s a definite skew towards newsletters that help writers find high-paying gigs.
7 of the best newsletters for freelance writers
This may just be the best $3 I spend each month. Most of you will know that I’m a reluctant user of social media (except Instagram), so Sonia Weiser’s weekly newsletter for freelance writers is a godsend.
Each week Sonia compiles callouts from editors on Twitter who are looking for freelancers.
She’s diligent in flagging low-paying gigs (although thankfully these are few and far between) and it’s not unusual to see callouts from big name editors/high-paying publications that you may have missed in your scrolling.
Anna Codrea-Rado is the epitome of a successful freelancer who has diverse talents.
She’s the founder of FJ&Co, a platform for freelance journalists that gives them tools, resources and community support, she hosts a weekly podcast and Anna also has a weekly newsletter chock-full of great interviews, guides and reflections on freelancing.
There’s a free and paid version of the newsletter, so even if you’re boot-strapping, you’ll still get heaps of value.
This is a great, free weekly newsletter set up relatively recently by Phoebe McRae. It’s a round up of the best calls for pitches, content and social media gigs for freelancers based in Australia (and beyond). There’s also a fun little section about what to eat, read and watch.
Freelance writing jobs
The gigs in Sian Meades-Williams‘ (free) newsletter are almost always UK-based, but I love seeing what companies are advertising for freelance and part time writing jobs (because you never know if they have opportunities for remote freelancers).
And quite often these are opportunities where organisations and publications have come directly to Sian, so you’re not going to see them anywhere else.
What I like about Study Hall is that it has a little bit of everything. You get information on where to pitch, Q&As about common freelance questions, jobs and freelance opportunities as well as news from the world of journalism and publishing.
Depending on your budget (and I love that they have different payment tiers), you can pay between $2 – 18/month and get access to all kinds of different resources.
Funds for Writers is over 20 years old, so I tend to think that anything that’s been around that long has some serious cred. Their weekly newsletter only share jobs that pay $200 or 10c/word (USD) and up.
Yes, for some, that’s not enough, but there are plenty of people who are happy to take that. Each week you get around 30 opportunities – these might be freelance gigs, competitions or grants.
Where to Pitch
First of all, Susan Shain’s ‘where to pitch’ website is such a great idea – simply type in your area of interest (eg “health” or “women”) and it will match publications and even some of their guidelines for you.
But her monthly newsletter is also great – it’s full of stellar freelancing advice, must-reads and links to explore (everything from op-ed contacts to podcast recommendations). It’s a wonderfully eclectic mix that hits all the right buttons.
What other newsletters do you read and recommend?
24 thoughts on “The best newsletters for freelance writers”
Love this Lindy! You know which writing newsletter I always open immediately when most others now go unopened? Yours!!! Your newsletter is always relevant and packed with information, as is this one. Thank you once again!
Oh Briar, that is possibly the nicest thing I’ve read ever! Thank you so much.
Hi Lindy,
I just wanted to thank you, I mean really — THANK YOU(!!) for your newsletter. I have learned more about freelancing from reading your blog than just about anywhere else. You are always so full of information, tips and examples, and your abundance mentality is beautiful.
Thank you again!
Ivy
Hi Ivy, Thank you SO much for your kind words, that’s so lovely of you. I’m so glad that you’re finding this blog helpful.
Great ideas, as always, Lindy. Thank you for your so helpful newsletter too!
Thanks for the advice, Lindy! Your newsletter is definitely on the top of my list.
Thank you Helena! That’s so so kind of you.
Thanks Geri, glad you found it useful 🙂
Thanks Lindy,
Always love reading your newsletter and your insight. Thanks for being generous with info.
I love Sonia’s newsletter, it’s my go-to each week. I also subscribe to study hall.
I tried subscring to the freelancer feed and freelancing writing jobs but there isn’t a spot to put my email address. I’ll have to look into it on my desktop ( instead of mobile).
Hi Lauren, thanks so much for your comment. I’ve just checked The Freelancer Feed and Freelance Writing Jobs and you can sign up from desktop/laptop, so hopefully it works for you.
As I told you once, it makes me happy when Wednesday comes and I know yours is going to be in my inbox, waiting for my breakfast 🙂 So THANK YOU!
Oh Maribel, thank you so much.
I always open your newsletter as soon as I get it, Lindy. You consistently share great, practical advice. Thanks for curating this list Can’t wait to get more freelance tips in my in-box! I’d also recommend The Freelance Beat newsletter http://www.thefreelancebeat.com/
Ooh thanks for the recommendation Danielle, I’m going to check The Freelance Beat out!
Great list, Lindy! Here are some of my favorite newsletters for freelance writing: The Accidental Medical Writer (https://www.theaccidentalmedicalwriter.com/newsletter/) and The Mighty Marketer (https://www.themightymarketer.com/freelance-marketing-blog/).
Thanks JoAnna, ah yes, good point, The Mighty Marketer is wonderful. I haven’t heard of The Accidental Medical Writer so I’ll check it out. Thanks for the suggestions.
Hi Lindy,
As so many others have said, your email is always the one I open without delay. This post is perfectly timed, too. New year, new opportunities to explore. I honestly don’t know where I’d be without your advice.
Hi Mariella, thank you so much for your words. I feel very lucky to have such lovely readers. The start of the year does seem like the perfect time to explore new avenues, doesn’t it?
Hi Lindy,
Great list here! I knew about a few of these, but glad to add a few more to the arsenal. It’s great to have options! Thanks for putting this together and for the continued good content you put out.
Thanks so much Job!
Aaaah, I only just stumbled upon this – thanks so much for sharing FWJ!
Sian MW. x
You’re welcome Sian. Love your work!
Hey Lindy, thanks for putting this list together – I knew about some of them, but I’m very grateful to learn about new ones and check them out!
I run Freelance Success together with my husband, and we also have a newsletter that we’ve been sending out for over a year now. It’s called Freelance Friday, and it’s focussed on the business side of freelancing – I hope it’s okay if I leave a link here if anyone wants to sign up for it (it’s free)!
https://freelancesuccess.co.uk/
Of course Maja, no problem!