AvantGuild Member of the Week: Sacha Cohen
Location: NYC/DC
What are you working on now?
I’m finishing up a piece for Cosmo about why some men like dating bitchy women. I’m also going to be working on a piece about fitness trends at hotels for Lodging Magazine and something for Men’s Fitness (not sure what yet…something to do with relationships).
What has been your most difficult project of late and how did you deal with its challenges?
Tracking down sources for an article on a particularly sensitive personal subject. Thank God for the Internet. I’ve found good sources on support groups, discussion groups, and by emailing friends of friends. And of course, Craigslist rocks!
What’s the most helpful thing you’ve learned about writing or freelancing?
Persistence pays off. Editors are a busy bunch, so good follow up is essential. Also, don’t under estimate the importance of personal relationships. That’s how you make it in this or any business.
What advice do you have for writers about how to dig up what’s hot that editors would want to feature–before everyone else knows about it?
That is indeed the million-dollar question. Trade magazines are a great place to look for trend ideas before they hit the mainstream. Also, scour the Internet including news sites, blogs, and discussion groups that pertain to your areas of interest. Oh, and industry conferences are also a good place to find stimulating, innovative ideas.
Visit Sacha’s website!
Join Baratunde Thurston (left), The Onion’s Director of Digital and author of How to Be Black, for an entertaining look at creative social media campaigns in our 
