Hi and happy August!
I came across this screenshot on Twitter and immediately felt seen and supported. The practice of turning anxious “what if” questions into excited “what if” questions can be applied to the concerns many freelance writers have. Instead of worrying about what could go wrong, consider the positive outcomes that could result from your actions.
For example, instead of fretting over a pitch being rejected, think about the possibility of it being accepted and leading to future assignments. What if a more relaxed month without many assignments is exactly what you need to push yourself in your business or to rest? What if pitching an editor at a big-name publication tomorrow leads to them loving your idea?
It’s important to remember that there are plenty of good alternatives to the few bad outcomes we often focus on. While worrying is understandable and common, flipping your “what if” questions can help shift your mindset and open up new possibilities. As my therapist reminds me, worrying won’t change the situation, and anything can happen.
In a previous newsletter, I mentioned that paid subscribers have the opportunity to promote themselves. There are writers offering resources, community, and more. You can connect with them here.
If you’re looking to pitch your writing, here are some opportunities:
– Charli Penn is looking for pitches for a series exploring how people live and experience their lives inside their homes.
– Abe Brown is seeking ideas and promises a living wage for writers at The Information.
– Ian Tucker is looking for science and technology journalists to contribute to the Observer New Review.
Remember, if the story is about a marginalized community, you likely need to be a part of that community to write the piece. Also, mentioning my name in your pitch won’t help, unfortunately. You can use Who Pays Writers to get an idea of how much publications pay.
In addition to pitching opportunities, I came across some inspiring quotes and resources that may resonate with you. Meghan DeMaria’s newsletter focuses on the mantra “Being caught up is not the goal,” reminding us to prioritize our well-being over constant productivity. A Billy Joel quote in The Guardian encourages us to live our lives fully without rushing to achieve societal expectations.
Lastly, a friendly reminder that you’re not alone in the struggles of freelance writing. If you’d like to support my work, you can donate through various platforms like Venmo, PayPal, CashApp, or Zelle.
Thank you for reading this month’s newsletter. Feel free to reach out if you have any questions. If this newsletter has helped you, please consider sharing it with others. Sharing knowledge and support within the freelance writing community can make a positive impact for all.
