Celeste Mitchell is an editorial writer and editor with nearly 30 years of experience creating consumer lifestyle content for publications including Marie Claire, Cosmopolitan, Good Housekeeping, and SELF. She previously served as Deputy Editor at Cosmopolitan and taught journalism courses through Mediabistro.
12 articles
A veteran editor shares the strategies that still work, even in a crowded media market.
Editor's note: This article features advice from Anne Russell, who at the time of our original interview was editor-in-chief of Shape magazine. Russell has since added to an already impressive resume, including a stint as…
Celeste Mitchell
Updated March 24, 2026 We're always getting questions about what certain obscure (or sometimes not-so-obscure) publishing terms mean. To help, we're rolling out Mediabistro's media glossary. So, freelancers and media-job-seekers: Bookmark this bad boy and…
Celeste Mitchell
When you're trying to get a freelance assignment from a magazine, you know that your first step is to have a fantastic idea. You gather the information you need to sell the idea, and then…
Celeste Mitchell
Here's a popular journo question: "I've read threads about 'on' vs. 'off' the record, but, for etiquette purposes, how is this determined?" You'd be surprised how often we hear this question. And not even just…
Celeste Mitchell
So here's a question we've been hearing a lot: "I'm a freelance writer for magazines and newspapers, and my friends tell me I should develop an expertise. Does this make good business sense?" Listen to…
Celeste Mitchell
So you landed that interview. Nice work! Now comes the big question: "What should I wear?" It's a good question, and one that's constantly being asked. While jeans and heels won't make a good impression on an…
Celeste Mitchell
It's hard enough to land a freelance writing assignment, but, sometimes, a grueling editing process can be even worse. You want the process to go smoothly, but you also want to keep your work from…
Celeste Mitchell
In order to be a successful freelance writer, you need two things—sellable story ideas and contacts at publications. Non-New Yorkers have it easy with ideas: You'll know about things your Manhattan editors won't. But it…
Celeste Mitchell
Regardless of how many years you’ve been in the magazine biz, there is one thing that never seems to change: Whenever you pitch a story idea, it’s impossible to predict whether an editor will jump…
Celeste Mitchell
It's a common feeling these days. You apply for jobs online and you rarely get a response. It seems almost like your resume just disappears into the ether, never to be seen by an actual…
Celeste Mitchell