25 Amazing Break-In Stories on How to Be a Freelance Writer

How much time have you spent thinking about how to be a freelance writer?

If it’s always on your mind, what are you waiting for? Just start.

That might sound too simple if you have a million things buzzing inside your brain about how to be a freelance writer like choosing a niche, finding clients, setting rates, productivity, mindset, writing skills, and more.

But here’s the thing. There’s no better way to learn the business and craft of freelance writing than to jump in, get started, and carve out a niche for yourself.

Take one step, and then another. Move up and earn more. Get a couple of solid writing samples, raise your rates, and keep going.

You can’t do any of that if you’re stuck on waiting to find the perfect path for how to be a freelance writer instead of just getting started.

Be a writer, not a waiter. That’s what you’ll learn from the 25 amazing break-in stories from freelance writers featured in this post. Ready to get started?

1. How I Got Freelance Writing Jobs Worth $15,000 in 7 Days Flat

What if you made up your mind to swear off job boards, online classifieds, and content mills to find freelance writing work? That’s what freelancer Jedha Dening did when she decided to focus all her efforts on one simple marketing task for a week.

2. 5 Karate-Inspired Moves to Beat Fear and Doubt for Freelancers

Freelance writer John Makohen couldn’t stop thinking about the beat-down Daniel Laruso gets in the cult classic movie The Karate Kid. It felt a lot like getting his freelance writing career off the ground. And then he had one of those wax-on-wax-off moments that changed everything.

3. Side Hustle to $50K in 6 Months: This Writer Made It Happen

A little extra money from a freelance side hustle is great. But how do turn a part-time gig into full-time freelancing? Lindy Alexander’s seven-step plan helped her make it happen within six months.

4. The Journey From Bottom Feeder Content Mills to Six-Figure Freelancing

Freelance writer Nicole Dieker knows what it’s like to crank out blog posts for $20 a piece. It’s a soul-sucking, time-consuming experience that doesn’t pay the bills. But it doesn’t have to be that way. Her goal-setting and habit-tracking methods changed everything.

5. Stop Making Excuses: One Writer’s Doubt-Slaying Strategies for Freelance Success

“Believe me. I know what it’s like to keep second-guessing yourself, steer clear of networking and marketing, and get stuck feeling like every other writer is killing it but you,” says freelance writer Tara Brophy. After plenty of struggle and self-doubt, she figured out how to tap into other career experiences to win at freelancing.

6. Pitch Accepted: The Newbie Strategy That Landed a Major Magazine Assignment

Who says you can’t write for a popular, widely-read consumer magazine without a massive portfolio of work?
Douglas Fitzpatrick spent months spinning his wheels getting nowhere. Then he learned how to study a magazine and write an effective query letter to break in.

7. How to Land a $6,000 Contract in Your Underwear with Warm Leads

One of the many perks of being a freelance writer…you can work in your underwear if you want to.  But to do that, you need to know how to market your services to book well-paying clients. Freelancer Williesha Morris wasn’t flush with work until she discovered a simple marketing strategy that made her bank account feel better than warm and fuzzy pajamas.

8. Article Writing Secrets of a CIA Analyst Turned Freelancer

Ever wonder what you can learn from your day job that will help you be a better freelance writer? Every job you’ve ever had can help you be a freelance writer. Even if your day job doesn’t involve writing, your work can connect you with sources, build a referral network, and fill your brain with niche story ideas. Freelancer Abigail Keyes took what she learned as a CIA Analyst to launch her freelance writing career.

9. 5 Steps Older Workers Can Use to Launch a Freelance Writing Career

Think you’re too old to launch a freelance writing career? Think again. Debra Giuliano spent 30 years working in banking and law before she made the leap to full-time freelancing. When her day job closed its doors before she was ready to retire, she had to figure out how to make it happen.

10. The Unusual Business Writing Niche That Pays $500 an Hour

Kendell Rizzo go started like a lot of freelance writers by taking low-paying gigs and working with flaky clients. She was willing to hustle, but she didn’t see a clear path to earning pro rates. And then something happened that tipped her off to an untapped niche and plenty of prospects willing to pay top dollar.

11. Writing for Money: The Path to Your First $3,000 Month

When Kaitlin Morrison worked in retail running a cash register, stocking shelves, and talking to customers, she always had a manager hovering nearby telling her what to do. But when she made the leap to full-time freelancing, she needed to figure out her own way of doing things. After plenty of trial and error, she figured out a five step process to move up and earn more as a freelance writer.

12. 4 Top Obstacles Young Writers Face — and How to Beat Them

If you don’t have a stellar portfolio of work, how are you going to get well-paying gigs? And if you don’t have a lot of experience, how are you going to land assignments to build a better portfolio? That’s enough to keep a lot of freelancer writers from ever starting. As a young freelance writer, Christina Vanvuren faced those same kind of frustrations until she figured out how to overcome the four obstacles blocking her path to earning six figures.

13. Getting Freelance Writing Jobs at $250 an Hour — The Brainy Way

When long-time accountant Tammy Farrell left the business for freelance writing, she had her sites set on earning pro rates from day one. Instead of following the common path of working for low-paying clients and moving up, she discovered a Freelance Writers Den Bootcamp that helped her score her first client at $250 an hour.

14. How to Become a Freelance Writer — Even if You’re Living Paycheck to Paycheck

When Molly Carter reached a tipping point at her day job in addiction services, she knew she had to make a change. Her plan…full-time freelancing. With three kids, a mortgage, a car payment, and another family business just getting started it wasn’t easy to make the move. But she made it work. Here’s how:

15. How I Quintupled My Freelance Writing Income in 1 Year

The first time you make money from a freelance writing assignment, it’s pretty exciting. Even if the paycheck isn’t huge. But if you’re the kind of person who wants to move up, earn more, and enjoy the freelance life, you won’t settle for earning just enough to get by. Here’s how Alison Lueders gave her fledgling freelance writing career a boost to 5x her income in one year.

16. How a Newbie Blogger Negotiated a 100 Percent Raise

How do you go from charging $50 per blog post to $100 per blog post? Just ask. After landing her first gig, freelancer Amy Hardison wrote a lot of great content for her client. When she decided it was time to move up and earn more, she didn’t drop this client for another. Instead, she proposed a 100 percent raise and got it. Here’s how:

17. From Content Mills to Writing for a TV Network in 2 Months

Did you know it takes 7,143 words to make $100 if you’re writing for 1.4 cents per word? That’s what Patrick Hearn was earning three years out of college. And it wasn’t sustainable. Instead of giving up, he developed a five-step strategy that helped him land a $500 script-writing gig that transformed his freelance writing career.

18. 6 Basic Steps to Score Your First Freelance Writing Gig

You’ll never feel 100 percent ready to put yourself out there, says freelance writer Richard Rowlands. But you can’t let that stop you from getting into the game. When another writer challenged him to carve out a plan to earn his first $1,000, Rowlands created a game-plan to make it happen.

19. One Shy Writer’s Lazy LinkedIn Strategy for Landing Great Freelance Clients

If you think you have to be an outgoing extrovert to make a living writing, think again. If you’re a little shy or a bit of an introvert, it’s hardly an excuse to keep you from being a freelance writer. Here’ how self-described shy freelancer Amy Dunn Moscosco learned to use LinkedIn to go from earning $200 a month to $7,500.

20. How I Got My First $10,000 Freelance Writing Gig

Do you really need to have a niche when you’re starting out? You could try and be a generalist and write for a broad range of niches and industries. But when Erin Walton was just starting out, she discovered that choosing a niche can be a highly effective way to fast-track your freelance writing career.

21. How a $5 Article Writer Landed a $900 Article

What’s the difference between earning $5 per article and $900 per article? Freelance writer Thomas Hill knows. It wasn’t that long ago that he was writing for bid sites and taking gigs from online job boards. But he wanted to make a living writing. Instead of waiting around for something magical to happen, he took a few specific steps to move up, earn more, and start landing well-paying feature writing assignments.

22. How I Found a Steady Stream of Writing Clients in 9 Months Flat

There’s more than one way to build your career as a freelance writer when you’re starting out. Leslie Jordan Clay was a part-time freelancer with a regular job for years. When she finally decided to turn it into her full-time gig, she booked thousands of dollars in ongoing work with a handful of niche clients within the first nine months.

23. One Writer’s Crazy Quest to Earn Six Figures–Working Part Time

You can earn six-figures in a lot of professions other than freelance writing. But you’ve can’t do than in many career fields working very part time hours. But when Elizabeth Hanes, RN, decided to jump into freelancing, that was her goal. Her marketing strategies helped her book $8,500 in assignments. Here’s how:

24. How This New Freelance Writer Made $11K in Her First Two Months

Make $11,000 in your first 60 days as a freelance writer. If you’re thinking about how that’s possible writing for content mills and bid sites, your brain might explode. But it’s totally possible, says freelance writer Jane Callahan. Here’s what her marketing plan and hustle looked like to make it happen.

25. One Writer’s Fear-Busting Journey to $1,500 a Month in Blogging Gigs

If Steph Weber let being a stay-at-home mom be an excuse for not getting started, her freelance writing career might not have taken off for 18 years. Fortunately, she got tired of waiting around for that to happen, faced her fears, and got busy. After that, it didn’t take long to book $1,500 a month writing blog posts.

Be a writer, not a waiter

If you want to learn how to be a freelance writer, stop waiting around for some magical event, sign from the universe, or perfect circumstances to get started. You’ll be waiting a very long time. Instead, just get started. Find your first client, and go from there. That’s how every one of these 25 writers were able to break in, move up, and earn more.

What do you need help with to be a freelance writer? Let’s discuss on Facebook or LinkedIn.

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4 Tips for a More Eco-Friendly Home

It’s great how more and more people are becoming environmentally conscious these days. Contribute to the efforts by deciding to try the following tips:

Photo by adriana carles on Unsplash

Choose your carpet wisely

Natural materials don’t guarantee healthy carpet – be sure you’re not buying a seemingly eco-friendly carpet that has actually been treated with insect or flame repellents. Conventionally-produced wool can also have a heavy environmental impact due to the pesticide baths used to control parasites on sheep. And some of the worst off-gassing can be caused by a culprit you may not expect: the carpet backing.

When buying eco-friendly carpet backing or pads, look for natural materials like non-synthetic latex, untreated wool or camel hair felt. Carpet backings that are sewn on or glued using natural, non-toxic adhesives are healthier choices than those using adhesives that off-gas VOCs. Source: MNN

Always run a full load

A single load of laundry that is washed and dried at the highest heat setting produces 7.27 pounds of CO2, so it is imperative not to waste your loads by running them when they are half full. You can also cut back on your emissions by using the cold setting and drying clothes on a line. The same principle applies to washing dishes. Instead of steaming them dry, consider skipping that step and either drying them by hand or allowing them to air dry. Yes, you might have more streaks or spots on your dishes, but you will also have a lower carbon footprint. Source: LifeHack

Opt for reusable items

Ditch disposable razors for reusable ones. Swap plastic cups and paper plates for ceramic ones. Choose reusable food containers over plastic wrap. Choose rechargeable batteries over the conventional single-use kind. Source: WebMD

Use power strips

Don’t just get and use them—flip them off whenever you’re done using the things that are plugged in. Everything from TVs to phone chargers can act as “vampire appliances,” leeching energy while not in use. Source: ArchitecturalDigest

Want your old carpet to look new? Or perhaps, it’s time to replace your carpet and you’re now looking to have a more eco-friendly option installed? We can help you out! Call us today.

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Challenge #307 - Make Your Mark

It's time for a new challenge! Thank you for your participation each week, we love seeing what you create.

Our theme this week is -

We want to see you colouring in some way or another. Make your mark with pencils, pens, sponges, watercolours, inks, etc.

Before we get started we will announce our winners for Challenge #305

#5 Aimeslee Winans

 #7 annie

#2 Christine

#1 Ma-Mi

Congratulations!

Let's get on to our new challenge - One more thing! We have a brand new designer joining the team. Please make Judy feel welcome!!

Susan

Meena Herale

Asha

Marsha

Amy

Heidi

Monica

Shylaa

Željka

Judy

Wow, amazing inspiration for you! Over to you, have fun :)

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NUDE by Battistella in Calgary

NUDE by Battistella is a new condo development located in Calgary’s most dynamic neighbourhood, the West Beltline. This project will offer 177 homes, sizes range from 400 sqft to 800 sqft. Inspired by timeless architecture, NUDE reflects a considered aesthetic where symmetry and articulation combine to create a simple and calm elegance.

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Langford Towers in Victoria

Rare opportunity to own two premier new purpose-built rental building in British Columbia’s fastest growing municipality. Langford Towers features two buildings on separate property titles. A shared underground parkade with 137 spaces joins the buildings and includes right-of-way easements. Offers will be considered for Tower A, Tower B or both buildings combined. Preference will be given to offers for both buildings combined.

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Park George by Concord Pacific in Surrey

Park George by Concord Pacific is a new twin tower condo development located in the heart of Surrey. This project is the final phase of Concord Pacific’s Park Place community, features high tech residential amenities unique to Surrey city centre. Located in close proximity to transit, parks, shopping and urban conveniences, discover the exquisite offerings of Park George.

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Use This Clever, Gutsy Freelancer’s Strategy to Find an Email Address

Ever struggled to find an email address for a prospect?

You check the website for the business or magazine you want to pitch. You do an exhaustive online search. You even use software apps to try and find an email address for the right person. But all you get is frustration.

Do you settle for the black-hole of email addresses and send your pitch to info@ or editor@ and hope for the best? Don’t do that, OK. There’s a better way.

It’s time to put on your big-girl pants and be a little more clever and gutsy. If you have to work to find an email address, you might as well make it fun.

Using my brilliant tactic, I have never been denied the email address I want. Never!

You’ll need to pick up the phone and leverage the art of creative rhetoric to make it happen (some writer’s might need a personal pep-talk to get started).

But it’s worth it to find an email address for a prospect you can turn into a client. Here’s how I do it:

Failure to find an email addresss?

After I exhausted online options to find an email address, I began making phone calls to law offices (my niche). I thought that if I knew the name of my prospect and asked for their email address, it would be easy to get.

But almost every time I used this approach, a receptionist usually said:

• Who is this?
• What is this about?
• We don’t give out email addresses.
• You can can send your email to info@…

Ever had a phone call with the gatekeeper for a prospect like that? I was rarely able to find an email address this way. Sometimes I’d wait at least 24 hours and call back to try again. But that usually didn’t work either.

Sound familiar? I was tired of wasting my time. I needed a better way to find an email address when I wanted to send a letter of introduction to a prospect.

The play-it-cool phone call

Then one day, I decided to take a different approach to making a phone call to find an email address. I acted like I already HAD the email address and knew the name of the person I needed to reach.

Once the receptionist answered the phone, I spoke as if I were a tad confused but still self-assured. The conversation goes like this:

You: Hello. This is (your name) (like, of course, the company already knows who you are). Paul asked me to send him a confidential email, but I must have his address wrong.

You: Here’s what I have. (Then, you guess a probable email address like FirstName@, FirstNameLastName@ or FirstNameInitialLastName@

You: Do I have that wrong, because my email keeps coming back to me as undeliverable?

The result: Every single time, without fail, I’ve been able to find an email address this way. Most receptionists want to be helpful and friendly. When you ask for an email address this way, you’ll usually get what you want.

They’ll even spell it out for you if it seems unclear. P as in Paul. S as in Sam, etc. In some cases, the receptionist asks for my email address so they can send my prospect’s email address to me, so I don’t have a problem again.

If you don’t know your prospect’s name…

What if you don’t know your prospect’s name? All you know is the job title of the person you want to send your LOI to?

You might think that’s a good enough reason to give up on that company as a potential prospect. But it’s not. It’s just as easy.

Here’s how to make that phone call to find an email address when you don’t even know who the right person to pitch is:

You: Hello. My name is (your name). I was at a conference a few months ago (or something else that sounds plausible) and met your content manager (or whatever the title is you’re looking for) and got their card. But I lost it. Can you help me out?

Receptionist: Sure.

You: They wanted me to send them some confidential information. Geez, my memory is terrible. Could you please remind me the [title’s] name?

Tip: Believe it or not, you can just use “they” instead of “his” or “her.” When I’ve used this approach, I always get the name and email address.

Find the right contacts to pitch for freelance success

I’ve used the play-it-cool phone call strategy more than 200 times to find an email address for a prospect. It’s a little clever, a little gutsy. But it’s worked for me 100 percent of the time.

Looking for the right person to pitch, along with their email address? Pick up the phone, and you’ll be one step closer to freelance success.

How do you find an email address for a prospect? Let’s discuss on Facebook or LinkedIn.

Debra Holz is a seasoned copywriter and content marketing pro who writes for law firms.

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Types of Synthetic Carpet Fibers

Contrary to popular belief, carpets can be cheap and manageable. That is if you choose synthetic fibers for your flooring. Known for their great resistance and low cost, the following types of carpet will be perfect even for the busiest working professional. Take a look:

Photo by Bulkan Evcimen on Unsplash

Polyester

Carpet made from polyester is long lasting and more readily retains bright colors. It is a very tough fiber so it is easy to clean with regular vacuuming, spot cleaning for stains and it will not wear down as quickly as some other materials. Source: AngiesList

Nylon

Nylon is one of the most well-known synthetic fibers. For years it has been considered the ‘ultimate’ carpet fiber. Nylon is, in general, a strong fiber with high resiliency (the ability to bounce back after becoming flattened or compacted). This translates into a very durable carpet.
Nylon does have some disadvantages, though: it is more expensive than other synthetic carpet fibers, and less stain resistant (although it is always protected with a stain treatment). Source: TheSpruce

Olefin

Olefin fibers have a similar appearance to wool. This is one reason why this fiber finds applications in area rug. It is often a good choice for loop carpets like Berbers. The fiber is strong, elastic, has good abrasion resistance and has excellent resistance to staining, chemicals, mildew and fading. It is an excellent choice for both indoors and outdoors like artifical sport turfs. Olefins are usually the least expensive carpet fibers but they also have lower resilience than nylon and polyester, meaning olefin fibers do not “bounce back” as quickly after being compressed by foot traffic.

Acrylic

Acrylic fibers are made from polyacrylonitrile. The fiber is lightweight, soft, and warm, with a wool-like feel and can mimic natural fibers such as cotton and wool or can be blended with them. The fiber has fair to good abrasion resistance and good resistance to staining, chemicals, mildew, and fading. However, acrylic fibers are not as durable as the other three major types of carpet fibers. Acrylics are usually not a good choice for high traffic areas. Source: PolymerDatabase

Can’t decide which type would be best for your home? We can help you out! Call us today!

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Plug Into This Marketing Machine to Be a Six-Figure Freelance Writer

Do you know how to get steady, high-paying clients as a freelance writer?

If that voice inside your head is telling you, “No,” it’s OK.

When I was just starting out as a freelance writer, I didn’t know much about how to find clients or understand why marketing matters so much.

A lot of freelance writers turn to job boards, content mills, and bid sites (that typically pay low rates), thinking it’s a productive way to move up and earn more. But it’s not. There’s a better way.

Instead of waiting around for clients to find me or settling for low-paying work, I created a marketing machine that helped me land contracts with steady, high-paying clients.

I’ve never experienced the famine that so many freelance writers face. And I’ve never used a freelance job site or worked for a content mill.

Want to build your own marketing machine to be a six-figure freelance writer? It’s not that complicated. Here’s how I did it:

Choose a niche with opportunity

If you’re thinking you’re going to hit six figures writing for solopreneurs like yoga instructors,  plumbers, or someone who teaches knitting classes, you need to rethink your plan.

These type of clients typically don’t have a big marketing budget or understand the value of copywriting, blogging, and marketing.

Instead, flip the switch on focusing on soloprenuers. Take a closer look at the industries they’re part of.

You’ll discover businesses, manufacturers, and distributors in fitness, plumbing supplies, and textiles, that have lots of opportunity. There are many lucrative niches you can be successful in as a freelance writer.

The niche I decided to focus on when I started out: medicine and healthcare.

Make a list of your dream clients

One you get familiar with your niche, you should know who they key players, influencers, and leading companies in the industry are.

Make a list of prospects in your niche you want to work with. Focus on businesses and other large organizations. They’re most likely to pay you what you’re worth and have a steady need for freelancers.

Here’s where to find these type of clients:

• Online membership directories of professional associations are the easiest way to find great prospects.
• Leading company lists like Forbes Most Innovative Companies
• Industry-based online directories or lists, like U.S. News & World Reports’ lists of best hospitals.
• Other sources include membership directories, LinkedIn, and even keyword searches like “top healthcare companies,” can help you find prospects.

How big of a list do you need to get started?

You need a list of ONE prospect to get started. That’s it.

But the size of your list depends on how much freelance work you need. If you develop a list of about 200 prospects you should get at least a few new clients when you fire up your marketing machine. My original list had about 250 prospects.

Improve your freelance writer profile

You’ll want to reach out to the editors and marketing directors on your dream client list. But before you do that, take a little time to improve your freelance writer profile.

When you introduce yourself for the first time, you want to be positioned as an expert writer in your niche. Here are some things you can do:

• Develop a LinkedIn profile and/or website that focus on the needs of your clients and how you can help them meet their needs. Other marketing tools (e.g., logo and a tagline) should also highlight how you help clients.
• Position yourself as the solution to your clients wants and needs. General client needs include making money, getting more business, and staying on budget and on deadline. Also look for industry-specific needs.

For example, my LinkedIn profile headline looks like this:

This headline highlights two ways that I help clients:

1. Engaging their audiences so they can make money, get more business, etc.
2. Meeting their deadlines.

Fire up your email marketing machine

Know your niche. Build a list of potential clients. And improve your online profile as a freelance writer. Take care of those prerequisites, and you’re ready to fire up your email marketing machine.

It’s one of the most powerful lead generation tactics you can use to go from zero to six figures as a freelance writer.

Reach out with a letter of introduction

Reach out to each client with a customized direct email that focuses on the client’s needs and how you meet those needs. Use some language and/or values from the client’s website. Your letter of introduction should include:

• A compelling, client-focused subject line with the organization’s name
• A greeting that includes the contact person’s name
• A sentence showing that you understand the organization’s needs
• One or two sentences about your relevant experience and how you can meet the client’s needs
• A link to your website (or your LinkedIn profile if you don’t have a website yet)
• A call to action that says what will happen next (e.g., “Should we schedule a call next week to discuss this?”).

If you’re targeting similar clients, develop a template and then just change some of the language for each prospect. For example, hospitals are one of my target markets. They need to get more business by attracting more patients. (If you need help writing a letter of introduction, check out this resource.)

My generic subject line is: “How ABC Hospital Can Attract More Patients with Targeted Medical Content.” In the body of the email I include a little language from the client’s website. Here’s an example:

How to find email addresses & when to follow up

Finding the right email address can be difficult. Here’s a trick that usually works. Find the organization’s email address format in its Newsroom, and then apply that to your contact person’s name. If you don’t get a response, follow up politely about a week later. Most positive responses come from the follow-up emails.

When I started out back in 1997, I used direct mail (flyers and postcards) because no one was using email for marketing yet. I’ve tried direct mail more recently and direct email works better for me now.

Master the art of the follow-up

Clients rarely need a freelancer when we first reach out to them. Follow up regularly with clients who express interest in your services but haven’t hired you yet—so they think of you first when they need freelance help.

About 50 percent of my interested prospects hired me within a year or so of receiving my direct email, probably because I keep in touch with them regularly. Ways to follow up include:

• Sharing links to relevant resources (blog posts, podcasts, etc.)
• Commenting on news about the organization or the contact person
• Holiday cards
• Once or twice a year, as part of your overall follow-up, email to ask about freelance work.

Marketing for success as a freelance writer

Most of my biggest clients have come from direct email and none of these clients have ever questioned my fees (currently $100 an hour). You too can get steady, high-paying clients if you’re willing to put in the work. Go fire up your marketing machine.

Need help with marketing to be a six-figure freelance writer? Let’s discuss on Facebook or LinkedIn.

Lori De Milto is a freelance writer who also teaches other freelancers how to get the clients they deserve through The Mighty Marketer.

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Challenge #306 - Anything Goes

Hello everyone and welcome back to our challenge. This week we have Anything Goes!

Before we start, let's announce our winners for Challenge #304 - CAS

#7 Cornelia

28 Trina

#24 Kuni

#30 Judy

Congratulations everyone! 

On to our Anything Goes challenge - here are the team to help you with inspiraiton.

Valentyna

Carol S

Angie

Monika

Ina

Ceal 

Gwendolyn

Julie

Seriously amazing stuff! Over to you now and have fun :)

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Tree House British Pacific Properties

Tree House by British Pacific Properties is a new 11-storey & 12-storey condo development located in the master-planned community of Rodgers Creek. This project will offer 37 spacious luxury condos, sizes range from 1,847 to 2,804 sq ft.. Spaces grow and extend organically, forming physical connections to nature and creating outdoor living spaces. On the top three floors, the units branch out to form a canopy in the sky. These homes will be caught between the forest and the water, offering amazing views and experiences throughout.

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Slam Dunk Assignments: The Easy Method That Sells More Story Ideas

Note: In this post from the past, you’ll learn about one easy method to come up with story ideas that never gets old.
Enjoy! —Carol.

Are you short on story ideas to pitch magazine editors?

A lot of writers make it a lot harder than it needs to be to come up with story ideas to land an assignment.

You try and be ultra clever. You spend countless hours doing research looking for a nugget of information…and then another. Or you second guess every single one of the story ideas you come up with. Sound familiar?

Some story ideas deserve that kind of attention. But if you’re hustling to land more work and make more money, you need to pitch story ideas that sell.

And there’s one angle that few writers take the time to craft, but that often results in an easy sale.

What is this slam-dunk idea? Let me show you how it’s done:

Spin story ideas into the future

When you come up with a story idea for a publication, dissect it in as many ways as possible. Come up with fresh angle for a different market, interview new sources, and turn that one story idea into many story ideas and assignments.

But what if the pub you really want to pitch has already published a piece similar to your story idea? Don’t give up. There’s at least one more great way to spin a story– and that’s into the future.

The magic of follow-up

The one story that’s never written enough is the follow story. A big news story happens and the media is all over it. Then, it fades from view.

But a story is never just one point in time. It continues to unfold.

And often, nobody comes back to find out how it all worked out. Often, things don’t go as forecast, and there’s a nice, juicy story there just waiting to be told.

Start looking forward

When I was a staff reporter, I used to keep what journalists call a “future” file. It’s a big tickler file with future dates on all the pockets. You could just as easily use the calendar in your phone or on your computer.

When something happened — for example, when a promise was made by a politician or business leader — I’d drop a note in my file for the anniversary of that event or promise.

I’d drop one in for a year after an earthquake. Or the month that government agency’s five-year plan was supposed to be achieved. A year after a company’s bankruptcy or merger.

Then, when that time rolled around, I’d be back to write another story that updated the news.

Follow-up stories are great for nearly every type of article topic. Examples:

• Celebrity: A year after the divorce, the career-making Oscar, the movie blockbuster or dud
• Business: Did growth targets announced previously get met? Did the merger really save overhead?
• Government: Did that aid program meet its goals? Where did the money really go?
• Arts: Did that new museum open on time? If not, what’s the holdup? If a local director went off to Broadway — how’d they do their first season?

All too often in our short attention-span world, stories fade and we never find out what the outcome was of a drama that once captivated us. But we’d love to know.

One editor of mine loved a variant of these called “Where are they now?” stories.

If a prominent figure has faded from view, and you’ve found out what they’re doing today, it’s always a great story.

Follow the money

Yes, it’s an old saw — but one that leads to a lot of great story ideas editors love. Anytime big dollar amounts are being tossed around, pay attention. There are always good stories lurking.

• For instance, once I discovered there was a public database where you could see who got the federal stimulus money. That allowed me to get an assignment from Seattle Business magazine following up on what happened to all the stimulus grants won by organizations and agencies in my state.

Having a future file allows you to get ahead of story ideas that can be fat packages too, such as the opening of a big new institution or a big corporate anniversary.

Sell more story ideas the easy way

Hitting an anniversary early enough to get it assigned and published at the right moment takes planning — it takes a futures file.

Anytime you hear of something that’s supposed to happen in the future, make note. That’s the seed of a great story just waiting for you to pitch.

What story ideas can you spin into the future right now? Let’s discuss on Facebook or LinkedIn.

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Coco Oakridge on Cambie

Coco Oakridge by Keltic Canada Development is a new 6 storey condo and townhouse development located on Vancouver’s Westside. This project will offer 57 units, sizes range from 520sqft to 1,610 sqft. Coco is a solid, concrete build. Its exterior massing is clean and linear with a real feeling of substance. Expansive windows open up the structure offering ample natural light to the interior, and creating reflections that shift with time of day and colour of sunlight. Details include spacious patios in some homes with North Shore mountain views or sunny, southern exposure. Private rooftop terraces in select penthouse homes offer expansive views in multiple directions.

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Science Writing for Freelancers: 20 Markets That Pay $100 to $2,500

Ever wonder where you can land science writing gigs?

In today’s fast-paced world, there’s no shortage of research, scientific discoveries, technological breakthroughs, and environmental issues that people want to know about.

If you have an interest in science writing and a solid story idea, you can find a market to land an assignment. The scientific method is actually a good formula to follow to test out an idea.

Start with a question, and find out if it’s got science writing story potential. For example:

• How does Elon Musk’s plan to get humans to Mars?
• What’s it really like to use forensic science to solve crimes?
• What are health researchers doing to find a cure for Alzheimer’s disease?
• How can science help solve the food and fresh water problem in drought-stricken countries?

If you want to make a living as a freelance science writer, look around. Story ideas are everywhere. Validate your idea, and then pitch a story to one of these science writing markets:

1. AJ Magazine

Want to write for Canada’s leading magazine about science and environmental issues?

Take a look at recent stories like Walmart’s attempt to go green, repairing environmental damage after a marine oil spill in Nova Scotia, and solutions to prevent city drinking water shortages.

Then come up with a story idea for a feature, short report, expert interview, resource guide, or new research findings. Journalism skills, knowledge of academic research, and a solid query will help your pitch rise to the top.

Who to pitch: Editor Leah Gerber
Rate: $0.10/word for 500 to 4,000-word assignments.

2. Bee Culture

If you want to learn how to raise bees and harvest honey, Bee Culture, is one of the best resources available for the most current information in trends and best practices. But the how-to of bee keeping isn’t the only thing this magazine covers.

“There’s so much more to the world we touch,” says Senior Editor Kim Flottum. “Pollination, honey plants, gardening with bees, wildlife and woodland plantings, and all the creatures that bees affect and interact with.”

Bee Culture also features stories about the impact pesticides, pests, predators and disease have on bee colonies, says Flottum.

Study the magazine, and pitch a story idea with a 200-word query that outlines the piece. If you can provide photos, be sure to mention it in your pitch.

Who to pitch: Senior Editor Kim Flottum

Rate: $150 to $200 per assignment, typically 1,500 to 2,000 words.

3. Big Buds Mag

Big Buds Mag is an authority pub for cannabis industry, policy makers, growers and retailers, and users (medicinal and recreational). Key areas for science writing include articles about growing and cultivation methods, medical research, and scientific advances in cannabis.

When you pitch an idea, include any relevant experience you have writing about cannabis. Any SEO experience or writing for the web, in addition to print, will help you stand out among other writers.

Who to pitch: Big Buds Mag Editor  Josh Glazer

Rate: Competitive rates, per assignment

4. Chatelaine Magazine

Chatelaine is a popular monthly women’s magazine in Canada that covers health and fitness topics, including the latest in health and science research.

If you can explain scientific research in consumer-friendly language to help women make better food, fitness, and lifestyle choices, pitch a one-page story idea. Explain why it’s a good fit for the magazine and what section it’s best suited for. If you have ideas for a sidebar, infographic, quiz, or other graphic element, be sure to explain.

Who to pitch: Managing Editor Laura Brown

Rate: $1/word

5. Discover magazine

If you customized your search in Writer’s Market to find magazines that pay the highest rates for science writing, this is one that would rise to the top of the list.

Discover is a consumer-focused magazine that features stories about medical research, scientific breakthroughs, technology, physics, space travel, and even paleontology. Keep in mind it’s written for a lay audience, so academic language won’t get you an assignment.

“Discover magazine has a stable of highly qualified contributing writers,” says freelancer Susan Etchey. “The only way a new writer has a chance to get the attention of its editors is to have an explosive, compelling untold science story to tell.”

Best bet for breaking in, before pitching a major feature story…study the magazine. Pitch an idea for the Data section (150 to 500 words), or the 20 Things Column (650 words).

Who to pitch: Senior Editor Gemma Tarlach or another member of the editorial team.

Rate: $2/word

6. Earth Island Journal

If you want to write for Earth Island Journal, follow the first rule of writing for any magazine. Read it. Study back issues.

In the current issue, you’ll learn about how everyday citizens are transforming scientific discovery, a type of worm that’s crawling across Africa destroying crops, plants, and vegetation with world domination in mind, and efforts to create sustainable, environmentally-friendly perfume, among other topics.

If you’ve got a story idea about innovations in science and technology that will have an impact on the environment, pitch an idea for a shorter 1,000 to 1,500-word piece or longer feature (up to 4,000 words).

Who to pitch: Editor Maureen Nandini Mitra

Rate: $300 to $1,000 per assignment

7. Eating Well

Get in line at the grocery story, and you might see this magazine on the news stand. But it’s not just a magazine filled with recipes, photos of tasty food, and tips for healthy eating. There’s plenty of science behind the taste, textures, and flavors that make food delicious that Eating Well readers want to know about.

“EatingWell’s voice is journalistic and authoritative,” says Editor-in-Chief Jessie Price. “…We cover nutrition with a newsy, science-based approach.”

Best way to break in. Pitch a story idea for one of the front-of-book sections (listed on the guidelines page). For example, Fresh Health features new information about current health and nutrition studies.

Who to pitch: Associate Nutrition Editor Julia Westbrook or another member of the editorial team.

Rate: $1/word

8. Folk Rebellion

Before Folk Rebellion founder Jess Davis launched this site, she spent the better part of her career as a copywriter and consultant for a long list of leading consumer brands. And then she realized, today’s world had become slightly out of touch with a simpler way of life. Folk Rebellion was her answer to change that.

So what does a digital pub like Folk Rebellion have to do with science writing? There’s room for how-to articles, interviews, features, and columns for lot of different topics here, including the psychology of motivation and change, and neurosciences.

Who to pitch: Founder and Editor-in-Chief Jess Davis

Rate: $100 to $350 per assignment (500 to 3,500 words)

9. Forensic Magazine

You’ll need to know the language, jargon, and lifestyle of forensic scientists to write for this magazine. It’s primarily a trade pub for forensic researchers and crime scene investigators.

Pitch ideas about the merging of science and technology to advance forensic science, which may include the use of biometric data, DNA testing, toxicology reporting, or evidence collection and testing.

Who to pitch: Associate Editor Laura French. Pitch Editor-in-Chief Michelle Taylor when she returns from maternity leave in October 2018.

Rates: Based on assignment.

10. Growing Magazine

If you want to grow a garden in your backyard, or raise crops on a farm, you can learn about it Growing Magazine. This mag features lots of practical how-to guides on growing.

But you’ll also find articles about agricultural science, soil testing, watering and irrigation, and managing pests and invasive species to prevent crop failure.

Who to pitch: Editor Stephanie Peake

Rate: $175 to $500 per assignment

11. Hakai Magazine

If you want to write about archaeology, ecology, biology, geology, and oceanography of marine coastal environments, take a closer look at Hakai magazine.

If you’ve got solid journalism experience, research skills, and the ability to interview sources, you’re a good fit for writing for Hakai.

“We are interested in great stories and strong voices,” says Editor Jude Isabella. “We tilt toward science and environmental stories, but we’re also interested in people and communities and how they interact with coastal ecosystems.”

Pitch short news stories about coastal environmental topics (500 to 800 words), or an in-depth feature (1,000 to 5,000 words).

If you can provide video (five minutes or less), to go with your story, include details in your pitch. You may also pitch an idea for an infographic related to marine coastal environments.

Who to pitch: Editor Jude Isabella

Rates: $0.75 to $1/word

12. Humanosphere

Got journalism skills, an attitude for social justice, and the chops to write about the connection between science and humanity? Here’s another place to get paid for science writing.

Recent stories by Humanosphere writers included the rise of cholera in East Africa linked to El Nino, the 12 deadliest bacteria on earth, results of clinical trials for a new malaria vaccine, and new technology that may make breathing the air in even the most polluted cities better.

“We want to tell stories that influence the public dialogue about global development so we can actually live up to the lofty aspiration of a more just and equitable world,” says Publisher Tom Paulson. “We look for writers who do their homework…, but are not afraid of taking a stand and holding people or organizations accountable. We want stories that have authority, flavor, and personality.”

Study the site and guidelines before pitching a news story or feature.

Who to pitch: Publisher Tom Paulson

Rates: Based on assignment

13. Mother Earth News

In Mother Earth News, you can learn about things like designing a geothermal heat pump to warm your house, why growing borage can help your entire garden thrive, and how to use resources like the sun, wind, and even bio mass as an energy source.

If you want to write about science-related topics for Mother Earth News, pitch a feature story idea about renewable energy, green transportation, natural health, or environmental issues. Best way to break in: Start with a short how-to articles (100 to 300 words), before pitching a more in-depth feature.

Who to pitch: Editor Hank Will or another member of the editorial team.

Rates: $25 to $150 per assignment

14. New Jersey Monthly

You’ll need to know a lot about The Garden State to write for New Jersey Monthly. It’s primarily a lifestyle magazine for the East coast state with an estimated 9 million people. But an estimated 100 million people a year visit New Jersey. That alone as an environmental impact, along with bordering the Atlantic Ocean.

If you’ve got a New Jersey-focused story idea about the environment, science or technology that goes beyond a traditional hard news story, pitch your idea. Recent examples include a profile on physicist Rush Coleman (a New Jersey U.S. Congressman), a science-inspired art exhibit featuring 20 of New Jersey’s best artists, ocean explorations and discoveries off the coast of New Jersey, and many others.

“We are looking for writers who can deliver brightly written, well-researched service articles,” says Editor Ken Schlager. “But we are also interested in investigative stories from qualified reporters.

Pitch a story idea based on the editorial calendar, to improve your chances of landing an assignment.

Who to pitch: Editor Ken Schlager

Rates: $750 to $2,500 per assignment

15. New Scientist

The New Scientist has an editorial staff of 40-plus writers who cover news about science, technology, health, and the environment. That’s important to know if you want to pitch a story idea to this magazine. Your best bet, pitch a feature story with a strong science focus.

“We are looking for science and technology stories from around the world that will intrigue, entertain and inform the widest possible audience, be they physicists, biologists or people with no science background at all,” says Editor Emily Wilson. “We cover fascinating bits of pure science with no possible application as well as high-impact stories such as weapons technology and the psychology of terrorism. Besides reporting the latest research, we also try to find interesting scientific or technological angles on major news events.”

Recent examples include stories about the earliest people to live in North America, medical debates about breast cancer surgeries, why some people’s brains can remember and recall more, the impact drilling for natural gas will have on the global environment, and many others.

Got a feature story idea for New Scientist? Pitch your story idea in a couple of paragraphs, show off your writing skills, and make a case for why this story will matter to readers.

Who to pitch: Check the editorial staff page to find the right person to pitch. Then find their email address.

Rates: $300 and up per assignment

16. Popular Science

Few magazines have been around as long as Popular Science. It made its debut in 1872, and has been one of the most widely-read magazines around the world about science and technology for the average reader ever since.

“For freelancers interested in science who are pursuing print assignments, Popular Science‘s front-of-book is a good place to start,” says Contently Editor-in-Chief writer Jordan Teicher.

If you’ve got some journalism experience, and the ability to explain science in a way that’s interesting, engaging, and educational to the average reader, pitch a story idea to the magazine. Start with a front-of-book pitch in 200 words or less. Land that assignment, and move on to pitching full-length features of 1,000 words or more.

Want insider information about writing for Popular Science? Check out this Q&A with a former editor about how to land front-of-book assignments.

Who to pitch: Senior Editor Rachel Feltman

Rates: $2/word

17. Science magazine

Did you know the American Association for the Advancement of Science publishes a journal widely read by a unique audience: scientists and academics, and everyday people interested in science? It’s called Science.

And if you want to break in to this well-paying science pub, you’ll need to look a lot further than the latest press releases about new research, findings, and publications.

“Our biggest piece of advice for selling us on a straight research story is this,” says Deputy Editor Barbara Jasny, “Pitch us hidden gems.”

If you know how to combine hard-news journalism skills, science, and storytelling, study the “How to pitch” guidelines, develop a story idea, and track down the right editor to connect with.

Breaking science news that hasn’t been covered in depth yet, an inside scoop, or a scandal within the scientific community will put your idea on the fast track for consideration. And there’s opportunity to write for the online version of Science as well as the print version.

Who to pitch: Check the “Meet the Editors” page to find the right staff member to pitch your story idea to.

Rates: Based on assignment

18. Sky & Telescope

Even if you’ve never picked up a telescope or studied the stars, you probably heard about the total solar eclipse that passed over the United States in 2017. Millions of people from coast to coast scrambled to viewing locations within the Path of Totality across America to get a glimpse of the moon blocking out the sun for just a few minutes.

For the amateur astronomer, the eclipse was a monumental opportunity to test out equipment, teach others about astronomy, and even practice taking astrophotos. And it’s the kind of content you’ll find in Sky & Telescope for the hobbyist interested in science and astronomy.

“These enthusiasts run the gamut from armchair astronomers to professional astrophysicists,” says Senior Editor Kelly Beatty. “Most, however, are amateur astronomers. People from all walks of life who love the night sky and want to learn everything they can about it.”

Who to pitch: Senior Editor Kelly Beatty or Senior Editor Alan MacRobert

Rates: Based on assignment.

19. Smithsonian

Did you know the Smithsonian Institute includes 19 museums and galleries, the National Zoological Park, and 2.7 million square feet of indoor space? There’s a lot to know and a lot to learn about the past, present and future of science, technology, the environment, and even the universe. And you can write about it for the Smithsonian magazine.

But you’ll need to do your homework, know the magazine and it’s readers, and write a stand-out query to land an assignment. In your pitch:

“There has to be something surprising and narratively interesting there,” says Senior Editor Jenny Rothenberg Gritz. “If the story is about the natural world, either the person you’re writing about has to be super charismatic and interesting, or something done about the issue has to be amazing.”

Who to pitch: Associate Editor Thomas Stackpole. Or use the submission form to query the print magazine or the website.

Rates: $1 to $3.50/word

20. Tonic

If you know the intersection where health and wellness meets science and research, and like to tell stories, you can write for Tonic. It’s an online lifestyle mag designed to give readers a fresh perspective on healthy living using science-based journalism, and plenty of in-your-face facts, like:

• The U.S. Food and Drug Administration doesn’t see anything wrong with a bit of rat hair in your food?
• If you eat enough poppy seed muffins, you might actually fail a drug test.
• There’s a physiological reason some people pass out at the sight of blood.
• Why you might be at risk for contracting a flesh-eating bacteria

“We tell the human stories on the leading edge, capture paradigm shifts in research that allow us to see the world in new ways, and offer a roadmap to people who want to live healthier lives,” says Editor Kate Lowenstein.

Who to pitch: Editor Kate Lowenstein

Rates: $250 per assignment

Two critical rules for science writing

If you want to tap into these science writing markets for freelance assignments, there’s two critical things you need to do before you email an editor.

• First, read the magazine, blog, online articles. Go back a couple months, and pay attention to voice, style, attribution, sources, and topics to help you start thinking of story ideas.
• Second, study the guidelines. If you want to succeed at science writing, or write for any other magazines or publications, get familiar with writer’s guidelines. Find out what the editor wants to see in a pitch, do your research, and write a compelling query.

And if you get rejected or don’t get an answer, keep going. There are plenty of science writing opportunities out there for freelancers willing to put in the work to pitch great story ideas.

What science writing markets do you recommend? Let’s discuss on Facebook and LinkedIn.

Evan Jensen is the blog editor for Make a Living Writing. When he’s not on a writing deadline, or catching up on emails, he’s training to run another 100-mile ultramarathon.

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