5 Bad Writing Habits That Hurt Your Career (And How to Fix Them)

Poor writing practices are easy to form and hard to break. Here's how to identify and eliminate the habits slowing you down.

Aja Frost is a growth marketing leader who has spent nearly a decade at HubSpot building and scaling the company's growth engine across SEO, AEO, content, and product-led acquisition. She is also the co-founder of Platonic Love, a media brand with a bestselling Substack newsletter.

5 min read • Originally published November 14, 2016 / Updated March 19, 2026

By Aja Frost

5 min read • Originally published November 14, 2016 / Updated March 19, 2026

Last updated: January 2026

Like most bad habits, poor writing practices are easy to form and hard to break. Unlike other bad habits, writing-related ones can have a major impact on your career (or your bottom line if you’re a freelancer). If you want to become a better writer, it’s time to stamp out these unproductive patterns.

1. Neglecting to Read

Writing for a living without regularly picking up new books, articles, or other content is like being a professional chef who never tastes anyone else’s food. To hone your skills, you need to sample what’s out there.

Exposing yourself to great writing helps you find new rhetorical techniques, strategies, and effective turns of phrase. It also sharpens your “ear” for rhythm and flow.

Nothing makes or breaks a piece like good rhythm. You might have compelling ideas and interesting quotes, but clunky sentences or poorly constructed paragraphs will doom your work. It’s nearly impossible to learn rhythm by taking a course or reading a manual. Most writers acquire this skill by absorbing as much writing as they can.

Quick fix: Set a goal to read for 20 to 30 minutes each day. Mix formats: books, longform journalism, newsletters, and writing in your niche. Pay attention to sentence structure, pacing, and how writers transition between ideas.

2. Jumping In Without an Outline

It’s tempting to dive right into your work without outlining first, especially if you’re a freelancer. Time equals money: The more writing you can do, the more you’ll make.

But cutting corners up front almost always slows you down in later stages. Without an outline to keep you focused and on-topic, you’re likely to lose your train of thought, get stuck in particular sections, write too much in some parts and too little in others, and fail to fully develop your points.

Even if you dread outlining, try to spend 15 to 45 minutes on it for each project, depending on its length, complexity, and type.

3. Editing While You Write

Many writers get stuck in the weeds while drafting. A sentence sounds off, so you pause and rewrite it. Changing that sentence messes with the flow of the paragraph, meaning you need to rewrite four more sentences. Next thing you know, 20 minutes have gone by and you haven’t made any progress.

It’s hard, but refrain from editing until you’ve finished your first draft. You’ll find it much easier to fix both macro and micro problems when you know what the entire piece looks like. Plus, you’ll finish your initial writing much faster, giving you more time for editing later.

Tools that can help:

Distraction-free writing apps that hide your previous text until you’re done drafting
Timed writing sprints where you commit to writing continuously for 25 minutes
Voice-to-text dictation which forces you to keep moving forward

4. Skipping a Writing Routine

What do Joan Didion, Kurt Vonnegut, Ray Bradbury, and Ernest Hemingway have in common (besides being supremely talented)? Each of these writers had their own highly specific creative routines.

They’re not alone. Most successful writers work the same way every day. Simone de Beauvoir, for example, used to have a cup of tea, write from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., take a break to see friends, and then write from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Establishing a routine has a couple of benefits. First, it allows you to transition from everyday life into a creative mood. Second, a routine makes it more difficult to procrastinate or let other obligations get in the way. When you’re committed to writing one hour before work each day, you’re far more likely to actually get that writing time in.

How to build your routine:

Identify the activities, settings, and times of day that make you most productive
Note when you have an easier time focusing (after exercise, with coffee, in the morning)
Weave those elements into a consistent daily or weekly schedule
Protect that time and treat it as non-negotiable

5. Reacting Poorly to Negative Feedback

No one enjoys receiving negative feedback. Writers often have a particularly hard time with constructive criticism because writing feels so personal. But becoming defensive or emotional when an editor or manager critiques your work will hurt your career in more ways than one.

This reaction damages your professional image. If people believe you can’t accept edits, they’re usually hesitant to rehire you or recommend you to others.

You’ll also lose the opportunity to improve. Chances are, the feedback you’re getting is valid, so paying attention and incorporating it into this piece as well as future pieces will help you grow as a writer.

The takeaway: Recognize the value of negative feedback. Remember that you are not your work. These comments aren’t personal attacks on your character. They’re opportunities to improve your craft.

Looking to put your improved writing skills to work? Browse open positions on the Mediabistro job board.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common bad writing habits?

The most common bad writing habits include skipping the outline, editing while drafting, neglecting to read other writers’ work, failing to establish a consistent routine, and reacting defensively to feedback. These habits slow down your writing process and limit your growth.

How can I become a faster writer?

To write faster, create an outline before you start, resist the urge to edit while drafting, and establish a consistent writing routine. Separating the drafting and editing phases allows you to move through each stage more efficiently.

Why is reading important for writers?

Reading exposes you to different writing styles, sentence structures, and storytelling techniques. It also helps you develop an intuitive sense of rhythm and flow that’s difficult to learn any other way. Most professional writers read extensively in their genre and beyond.

How do I handle criticism of my writing?

Separate yourself from your work. Feedback on your writing is about the piece, not about you as a person. Take time to process the comments before responding, look for valid points you can apply, and remember that constructive criticism helps you grow as a writer.

Should I outline before writing?

Yes. Outlining saves time in the long run by keeping you focused and preventing structural problems. Even a brief 15-minute outline helps you organize your thoughts, identify gaps in your argument, and write more efficiently.

Topics:

Be Inspired, Productivity

Interview Tips

How to Describe Yourself in an Interview: 15 Example Answers That Impress

Sample responses to "How would you describe yourself?" that highlight your strengths without sounding generic.

By Ken Sundheim

5 min read • Originally published August 1, 2016 / Updated March 19, 2026

By Ken Sundheim

5 min read • Originally published August 1, 2016 / Updated March 19, 2026

Last updated: January 2026

In this article: Why This Question Matters | 15 Example Answers | Tips for Your Response | FAQs

In almost every job interview, the interviewer will ask some version of “How would you describe yourself?” While this question should be anticipated and practiced, many job seekers overlook its importance and fail to prepare a thoughtful answer.

The key is to be honest and authentic. Use the examples below as inspiration, but always phrase your answer in your own words—authenticity matters more than polish.

Why “Describe Yourself” Is Such an Important Question

This question typically comes early in the interview and sets the tone for everything that follows. Your answer reveals:

Your self-awareness and emotional intelligence
What you consider your most valuable qualities
How well you understand the role you’re applying for
Whether your values align with the company culture

A strong answer connects your personal qualities to what the employer needs. A weak answer sounds generic or rehearsed.

15 Ways to Describe Yourself in an Interview

These examples work especially well for sales and business development roles, but the principles apply to any position. Choose one or two that genuinely reflect who you are.

1. Results-Driven

“I’m confident in my ability to produce results. While I always prepare for challenges, I do the work necessary to ensure the best possible outcome.”

2. Performance-Oriented

“I want to be judged by my individual performance and rewarded based on my execution. I thrive when there are clear metrics for success.”

3. Ambitious and Aligned

“I look for companies with strong leadership and a clear vision—organizations that recognize and reward high performers. I want my success tied to the company’s success.”

4. Committed to Growth

“I’m someone who consistently invests in my own development, even when it’s not required by my job. I’ve found that learning—both directly and indirectly related to my work—makes me better at what I do.”

5. Goal-Oriented

“I’m modest but hardworking. I set firm goals for myself, define clear benchmarks, and then take the necessary steps to achieve them.”

6. Customer-Focused

“I have a consultative approach—I focus on understanding what clients actually need, not just what they say they want. I ask questions to uncover the real requirements, then deliver solutions that meet them.”

7. Self-Starter

“I’m positive and proactive. I don’t need to be micromanaged. When given a task, I figure out the best approach and execute autonomously.”

8. Natural Leader

“I’m someone who takes control of situations rather than letting situations control me. I stay calm under pressure and help others do the same.”

9. Determined

“I have an unwavering resolve to succeed—both in my own career and in making the companies I work for more competitive. I don’t give up when things get difficult.”

10. Pragmatic Problem-Solver

“I need to produce results. I meet challenges head-on rather than hoping they’ll resolve themselves. I’m optimistic but realistic about what needs to be done.”

11. High Achiever

“I consistently exceed expectations. I’m not satisfied with just meeting the bar—I want to raise it.”

12. Accountable

“I take full responsibility for my actions. When things go wrong, I don’t look for someone to blame—I look at what I can do better next time. Pointing fingers solves nothing.”

13. Decisive

“I make decisions and commit to them. I’m willing to do whatever is necessary to produce the best long-term results, even when it’s difficult in the short term.”

14. Team-Oriented

“I’m committed to building something larger than myself. I put the team’s success ahead of personal recognition because I know that’s how the best results happen.”

15. Principled

“I’m mature, candid, and I operate with integrity. I work every day to improve myself and my skills—becoming better at what I do is a lifelong commitment.”

Tips for Answering “How Would You Describe Yourself?”

Be Specific, Not Generic

Anyone can say they’re “hardworking” or “a team player.” What makes you different? Back up your descriptor with a brief example or specific context.

Match the Role

Choose qualities that align with what the job requires. A sales role might call for “results-driven,” while a collaborative creative role might call for “team-oriented.”

Keep It Concise

This isn’t your life story. Pick one or two qualities, explain them briefly, and let the interviewer ask follow-up questions if they want more detail.

Practice Out Loud

Your answer should sound natural, not memorized. Practice saying it aloud until it feels comfortable and conversational.

Ready to put your interview skills to the test? Browse open positions on Mediabistro.

About the author: Ken Sundheim is the CEO of KAS Placement, a sales and marketing recruiting firm specializing in staffing business development and marketing professionals. This article was originally published by the American Marketing Association.

FAQs on Describing Yourself in a Job Interview

How should I prepare for “How would you describe yourself?”

Anticipate this question and practice your answer in advance. Focus on being honest and authentic, and tailor your response to highlight qualities relevant to the specific job you’re applying for.

Why is authenticity important when describing myself?

Authenticity ensures your answers are genuine and reflect your true personality and capabilities. Interviewers can usually tell when someone is reciting a rehearsed script versus speaking from experience.

How many qualities should I mention?

Stick to one or two main qualities. It’s better to go deeper on fewer points than to rattle off a list that sounds like a resume. You can always mention additional qualities if the interviewer asks follow-up questions.

What’s the difference between “describe yourself” and “tell me about yourself”?

“Tell me about yourself” typically calls for a brief career narrative—where you’ve been and where you’re headed. “Describe yourself” focuses more on your personality traits, work style, and professional values.

What qualities are important to highlight for a sales role?

Key qualities include being results-driven, customer-focused, self-motivated, resilient, goal-oriented, and accountable. Emphasize your track record of meeting or exceeding targets.

What if I’m an introvert—can I still describe myself positively?

Absolutely. Introverts often excel at deep focus, thoughtful analysis, and one-on-one relationships. You might describe yourself as “reflective,” “detail-oriented,” or “someone who builds strong individual relationships.”

Should I mention weaknesses when describing myself?

Not in response to this question. Save weaknesses for when they’re specifically asked about. “Describe yourself” is your opportunity to highlight strengths.

How long should my answer be?

Aim for 30-60 seconds. Long enough to be substantive, short enough to keep the interviewer engaged. If they want more detail, they’ll ask.

Can I use the same answer for every interview?

Your core answer can stay similar, but you should tailor it to each role. Emphasize the qualities most relevant to that specific job and company culture.

What should I avoid saying?

Avoid clichés without substance (“I’m a people person”), negative framing (“I’m not very patient, but…”), and anything that sounds arrogant rather than confident. Also, avoid qualities irrelevant to the job.

Topics:

Get Hired, Interview Tips

Journalism Advice

Setting Your Freelance Writing Rate: 4 Key Factors to Consider

Seasoned freelancers give tips on how to value your work

By Kristen Fischer

Kristen Fischer is a freelance writer, journalist, and copywriter with over 20 years of experience, currently serving as a health writer for AARP with previous staff roles at WebMD and WW. Her work has appeared in Prevention, Healthline, Woman's Day, Parade, and Writer's Digest, and she is the author of four books.

5 min read • Originally published June 15, 2015 / Updated March 19, 2026

By Kristen Fischer

5 min read • Originally published June 15, 2015 / Updated March 19, 2026

In the world of freelancing, one price doesn’t fit all jobs. That’s the beauty—and curse—of being a contractor.

Coming up with a fee can be challenging. Do you charge different amounts depending on the client or publication? How exactly do you figure out what a client wants, so you don’t wind up spending more time on a project and earning less as a result?

Here are a few things every self-employed professional should keep in mind when setting your freelance writing rate.

1. Your experience

First, it helps to get a ballpark of where you stand. Several factors go into setting your rate, such as where you live and how much experience you have.

In the magazine arena where most publications pay per word, it’s typically only the experienced writers who have bargaining power.

Those just starting out may want to work for less than the going rate in order to build clips. Kate Silver, a Chicago-based freelance writer who has penned articles for Men’s Health and Spirit, isn’t a newbie but says she can be “amenable” to a lower rate if the piece involves less research than usual.

Aubre Andrus, a writer from Chicago who creates marketing collateral and has written for National Geographic Traveler and FamilyFun, says she sets a salary goal for herself and calculates her hourly rate from there.

For her, the fact that she isn’t working on income-generating tasks 40 hours a week was a determining factor.

“This rate helps me devise my per-project fee and helps me decide if a project is worth my time,” explains Andrus. That, along with tracking her monthly earnings, has helped her stay on target to attain her salary goal.

Catey Hill, a California-based author and reporter who writes for DowJones, says she uses both a project and hourly fee system. Once you have a gist of your rate, you can see how it compares to market rates; then, use it to devise lump-sum fees and per-word rates.

2. The venue

Depending on what outlet you write for, the pay structure will differ. In general, magazines pay freelance writers per word, and larger, national pubs usually have bigger budgets to work with than online outlets or startups.

In copywriting, it’s standard to accept a project fee or an hourly rate, but working on site could net you an hourly fee. Meanwhile, proofreading typically pays less than copywriting and freelance magazine writing.

According to the Freelance Industry Report, 18.7 percent of copywriters earn from $50 to $59 an hour, 16.5 percent make $70 to $79 and 17.3 percent make anywhere from $100 to $150 per hour.

At least 46.2 percent of editors and copyeditors fell between the $20 and $39 an hour range. In freelance writing, 19.3 percent made $50 to $59 an hour, 10.1 percent made $20 to $29 an hour and only 12.2 percent earned $100 to $150 an hour.

Based on this information and your own market research, you can come up with a rate that you feel good about. You can always raise it over time as you build up more experience.

In knowing how different writing venues pay, you can save a lot of time and aggravation: For example, don’t even think of pitching an article at an hourly rate.

3. Your time

Whether you charge hourly or by the project, painting an accurate picture of what the project entails is key. Many copywriters find that clients aren’t always sure what they want for a website or brochure, while publication editors typically outline goals before they assign the piece.

To give a good estimate, you need to know how efficiently you work, and you can only do that by practicing.

“With project-based payment, you need to make sure that you are very clear on the assignment, so you don’t end up pricing your services too low,” Hill says.

Hill has had situations where an hourly-billed project took longer than expected. Instead of asking for more money, she honored her original quote. That seems to be the consensus in the freelance world, which is why it is so vital to master the guesstimating game.

That happened to Andrus when she underestimated the time it would take to copy edit a novel. “I sat on the couch all day and read it from start to finish in one sitting,” she recalls.

She didn’t charge the client extra for her mishap, but it taught her a lesson about the importance of assessing her time.

To gauge your own time, try an online tracker like Toggl or a stopwatch to see how long it takes you to complete certain tasks.

4. The scope of the work

You have to know, specifically, how much work is involved to establish your rate, no matter how you charge.

Emily Suess, a blogger and copywriter from Indiana who has freelanced for nearly a decade, says she asks clients in-depth questions to determine the scope of a project.

For instance, how long each blog post should be, what the lead time is, who provides topics and if she will need to use search engine optimization techniques on the content.

“When the client makes a request for something that lies outside of the initial scope, I let them know immediately and offer to prepare a quote for those additional services,” Suess notes.

Seasoned copywriters, journalists and editors learn to identify potential obstacles early and to ask clients if they foresee those situations arising.

If the client can’t give you specifics, think about situations that took longer than expected in the past and let him know that you will charge extra if those incidents occur with this project. For example, how many interviews will you need to conduct?

Are you expected to meet on site with a client or interviewee? How many rounds of revisions are typical?

Like other journalists, Silver says revisions are part of the fee you accept when you write for a publication.

In the magazine business, you don’t tell an editor how many revisions you’ll include as you would with a copywriting client; magazine editors expect that you will revise the work as many times as they see fit.

So, if multiple revisions of that website or promotional copy concern you, include at least one round of revisions in the initial fee and bill hourly for any additional rewrites that may be needed.

With magazine and online outlets, simply ask upfront how many revisions a typical piece goes through before you agree to the assignment.

In the end, it’s good to be mindful of what you want to earn, but don’t drive yourself crazy if you don’t always make that specific amount.

Your freelance writing rate will change (and hopefully, grow) as you move forward in your career.

Topics:

Go Freelance, Journalism Advice

Resumes & Cover Letters

10 Creative Ways to Make Your Resume Stand Out (Real Examples From Pros)

How to give a cookie-cutter resume a fresh twist

By Joel Schwartzberg

Joel Schwartzberg is a workplace communications coach, speechwriter, and bestselling author whose books include "Get to the Point!" and "The Language of Leadership," with articles published in Harvard Business Review, Fast Company, and Newsweek. He brings over two decades of senior communications and editorial leadership experience at organizations including the ASPCA, PBS, and Time Inc.

5 min read • Originally published March 3, 2016 / Updated March 19, 2026

By Joel Schwartzberg

5 min read • Originally published March 3, 2016 / Updated March 19, 2026

You’ve spit-and-polished your resume to a fare-thee-well, but can you make it stand out from the rest? How can you tweak your resume so it’s so unforgettable, the hiring manager not only has to call, but she also recalls your resume years after the fact?

Below, 9 professionals and 1 student share the unique, creative tacks they took that elevated their resumes—and helped them land jobs.

Follow their leads at your own risk—and possibly your own gain.

1. Add a Little Special Something

Julia Zangwill says the resume she sent to TV Land Digital for a designer position did not have a typical header. Instead, it led with this: “WHAT MAKES ME SPECIAL (besides what my grandma would say) by Julia Zangwill.”

It was a creative (and gutsy) move, but one that paid off. “The headline in Julia’s resume made it stand out from the others I was reviewing at the time; it showed a creativity and sense of humor that is important in our business,” says Jennifer Larkin, Sr. Director digital multi-platform experiences at TV Land. “And I still remember it three years later!”

Zangwill got the interview and the job (though her grandma probably expected as much all along).

2. Drop Names, Not Internships

While most people omit internships from their resumes once they’ve had a few real jobs, Jacki Garfinkel, senior director of social media at Nickelodeon, kept one in there: an internship with the Montel Williams show.

“I get asked about it on every single interview,” says Garfinkel. “I’ve even been told I was brought in for the interview strictly because of the Montel mention.”

It makes me wonder how effective a Montel Williams show reference works on Montel Williams’ resume.

3. Share Your Handiwork

Even with experience from Nickelodeon and Scholastic on his resume, Jed Weissberg, SVP of product and strategy at Mobiquity Networks, still makes room for another gig: puppetry.

“People are intrigued by it,” says Weissberg. “It’s almost always the first thing they ask about.” And when there’s an emergency in the office, who doesn’t start looking for the nearest puppeteer?

4. Face the Music

Simon Tam, a former marketing manager for Oregon’s “I Have a Dream” Foundation, put his dance rock band The Slants on his resume not to show off his musical chops, but to emphasize his marketing skills.

“I had been applying for marketing positions and, when they researched my band and saw how much brand exposure we had and how successful our marketing was, I quickly stood out,” Tam says.

5. Give an Answer in the Form of a Question

Bonnie Zaben, COO of executive search firm AC Lion, included experience as a Jeopardy! contestant on her resume.

“Lots of interviewers noticed and asked me about it,” says Zaben. “Most were friendly conversations about the experience, the selection process and Alex Trebek’s personality—it was a great conversation starter.”

But it also gave Zaben insight into her interviewers. One intrigued potential employer spent most of the interview aggressively quizzing her, leaving Zaben with an important impression.

“If this is how he conducts his interviews, then this is not someone I want to work with,” she says. “I waited until the 30-minute mark, made my excuses and never looked back.”

6. Put Your Best Numbers Forward

Nathan Hirst, a product manager with BlenderBottle Company, realized after six months of job searching that prospective employers valued statements of impact over job descriptions.

“Instead of putting something generic like ‘managed PPC accounts,’ I put things like ‘increased PPC ROI by 125 percent,’” explains Hirst, who says the change “made all the difference” in his job search (though there’s no exact percentage on that yet).

7. Play with Fire

Teague Hopkins, who runs a Web strategy group under his own name, says the one job he made sure to put on his resume was the hottest one he had: running a fire-dancing troupe.

“Without fail, I was asked about fire dancing in every single interview,” Hopkins says. “It was a great way to showcase my individuality and give me an entrance to talk about my leadership experiences.”

No wonder companies warmed up to him.

8. Drop Your Objectives

Wayne State University information officer Rasheda Williams says the best thing she did to her resume was not an addition, but an omission: dumping the “objective.”

“To me, listing an objective is pointless and it seems to limit the possibilities of you actually being considered,” Williams says. “If you’re applying for a position, then it’s assumed that your objective is to get the position!”

Williams instead uses that area to list her qualifications, which gave her “bragging rights and another chance to really shine.”

9. Humor Them

When Rebecca Maguire transitioned from stay-at-home mom to PR professional, she didn’t run away from her eight years of domestic work; she used it to showcase her humor—and some equivalent experience at the same time.

Maguire’s resume roles include “head of household management,” “director of preschool education,” CFO, head chef, housekeeper, chauffeur, nurse, zookeeper, gardener, personal shopper, stylist, groomer, social secretary and party planner.

“This ultimately led to the landing of my dream job,” Maguire says, “and I now run my own firm. When in doubt, humor always works!”

10. Rely on Your Peers

As an honors junior at Park University, Andi Enns had no fewer than six internships under her belt. The one thing that makes her resume stand out, she says, is a section called “peer review.”

The section contains the four most popular words her classmates suggested when she asked them to describe her: Determined. Intelligent. Strong. Entertaining.

At the four interviews Andi had for marketing and design positions, “every interviewer mentioned it,” Andi says. Considering two of the interviews led to offers, Andi could add one more word that describes her: Successful.

If you’d like your resume to stand out even more, consider getting the help of a pro. Mediabistro’s Career Services offer everything from a quick resume edit to several sessions of career counseling to tackle your CV, networking skills, career transition and more.

Topics:

Get a Media Job, Get Hired, Resumes & Cover Letters

Career Transition

6 Tips for Submitting Freelance Writing Clips That Win Assignments

How to put your best work forward

By Meena Thiruvengadam

5 min read • Originally published October 15, 2015 / Updated March 19, 2026

By Meena Thiruvengadam

5 min read • Originally published October 15, 2015 / Updated March 19, 2026

For journalists looking for freelance or full-time work, making a good first impression is all about the clips. Often requested before a story is assigned, clips are simply your writing samples or published articles.

But how do you know which articles—and how many—to send? And how can you wield your power with the pen (or keyboard) if no one will give you that first byline?

Fear not, freelancer. If you’re new to the biz or simply trying to break into that dream publication, there are some tried and true steps all writers can take to put their best clips forward.

1. Lead with your best work

Instead of trying to show the diversity of your writing or the most famous person you’ve interviewed, only highlight the very best pieces in your portfolio.

This isn’t the time to build to a crescendo of editorial greatness. Editors are pressed for time, so give them the goods quickly.

“I’m looking for several things in a clip,” says Thomas Mucha, editor of GlobalPost, an online international news site. “First, of course, is overall excellence, accuracy organization, a logical structure, good sourcing, top notch reporting, etc.”

Beyond that, Mucha says he looks for clips written with verve, wit and style and pieces that are smart, engaging and logical.

He also says he likes pieces that can pull him through until the end, making him feel as if he was in good hands during the entire read.

2. Pick clips that fit your pitch

Think about it this way: If you were looking for a decorator to renovate your bedroom, would you hire the person who’s only done kitchens? Didn’t think so.

So, if you’re pitching a travel story, send a link to your story on “The Real Miami: The Best Reasons to Leave South Beach.” If your idea is to interview an up and coming ingénue, send a blog post you wrote for Indie Wire.

“For new writers especially, I’m looking for clips that show you’ve done this type of story before,” says Jeremy Saum, executive editor for Afar.

However, not having a clip on that specific topic doesn’t mean you should automatically count yourself out for assignments in a new genre.

“If you have an idea for how to approach a topic and can show a great interest in it, then your lack of clips might not disqualify you,” says Christy Karras, a veteran freelance writer and former editor of Yahoo!’s Visit Britain pages.

When she’s pitching a story on a new topic, freelance journalist Angela Shah, who has written for Time, Forbes Asia and The New York Times, says she sends clips that illustrate her ability to write the type of story she’s pitching.

“When pitching a story about an Olympian in Afghanistan, I sent the editor clips of profiles I’d written,” she says. “While I haven’t written a sports story in a long time, I have written about individuals, their struggles doing work they loved and their hopes for success in their profession.”

3. Pay attention to voice

The tone of your writing is equally as important as the subject. Editors want to know that you can not only write well, but that you can do so for their publication and audience. Does the mag feature a lot of lists or snarky blurbs?

Then, highlight work where you showed a sense of humor. If the outlet leans to reported pieces, you’ll want to pick clips that are more serious in tone.

Karras explains, “As with any job, you want to show that you know something about the publication in question, so matching your writing samples to the voice of the publication is important. I’ve had people submit samples that read like college papers, which doesn’t work at all for my current travel and lifestyle specialties.”

Front-of-book articles typically require a livelier writer. “You don’t have to have an attitude or be sassy, but your writing has to have a voice and have some life to it,” says Saum.

For features, Saum says he looks for pitches that have depth. “We like to see features that are driven by something bigger than ‘I went here and did this travel story,'” he says.

4. Show off your reporting chops

Remember, you’re not just selling the story idea—you’re selling yourself, too. So, your samples should demonstrate why you’re the best person to write the story and highlight subject matter expertise, reporting skill and creativity.

Karras suggests choosing clips that suggest problem-solving abilities, show new ways to organize information around a theme or make an old topic interesting in a new way. She also recommends using clips that prove you can locate the best possible sources on a topic and smartly synthesize what they have to say.

Shah says she tends to choose stories she believes show off her writing and editing skills.

“That could be a deeply analytical magazine feature on the finances of a major city-state that shows my ability to digest complex information and write about it in an engaging way, it could be a news story on a crackdown in the Gulf that shows an editor how well sourced I am in an environment that might not be very friendly to journalists, or it could be a feature profile that I think displays some narrative chops,” she says.

“It just depends on the message I’d like to get to the individual editor.”

5. Don’t overwhelm your reader

Just because you may have written hundreds of articles relevant to a pitch or position, doesn’t mean you should send them all to your would-be editor. If an editor requests a certain number of clips, meet his or her requirement.

If he or she leaves that decision to you, select two or three of your best and most relevant pieces —no more.

“I send three clips,” Shah says. “Editors have short attention spans; we have to be able to grab them quickly.”

If an editor doesn’t request clips, Karras suggests mentioning in your cover or query letter that you have clips available should he be interested in seeing them.

6. Perfect your delivery

Once you’ve decided how many samples to send, the next step is deciding how to send them. Some publications make their preferences clear on sites like Mediabistro, Writer’s Digest and through their own submission guidelines, which are often available on their websites.

“If the editor specifies, do what the editor tells you to do,” says Karras, who prefers clips sent as Word attachments.

Other editors like links, but don’t expect to win any favor by simply directing the reader to your website. It can be perceived as laziness, and a busy editor may not be willing to spend time perusing your site.

When pitching new editors, Shah suggests getting recommendations from mutual colleagues if possible. “Being able to say that someone they know recommended you goes a long way in gaining their trust in your expertise,” she says.

Topics:

Go Freelance, Journalism Advice

Be Inspired

How Kazeem Famuyide Networked His Way from Intern to Bleacher Report Creative

Sometimes it’s really about who you know

By Ayana Young

Ayana Young is a communications and PR strategist with 15+ years of experience spanning media relations, lifestyle brands, professional sports, and publishing.

5 min read • Originally published October 30, 2017 / Updated March 19, 2026

By Ayana Young

Ayana Young is a communications and PR strategist with 15+ years of experience spanning media relations, lifestyle brands, professional sports, and publishing.

5 min read • Originally published October 30, 2017 / Updated March 19, 2026

Vital Stats:

Name: Kazeem Famuyide
Industry:
Digital Content Editorial
Years in Industry: 10
Current Position:
Creative at Bleacher Report
Past Positions:

Writer, No Script with Marshawn Lynch
Founder/Editor-in-Chief, Stashed Magazine
Host of the Flagrant 2 Podcast
Host of Kaz In The Morning on Satori Radio
Senior Editor at Hip-Hop Wired
Online Editor, The Source

Education: SUNY- Purchase College
Social Media:

Twitter: @RealLifeKaz
Instagram: @RealLifeKaz

What was your first real job in media?

I got a job at The Source magazine fresh out of college.

I started out as an intern and was playing basketball for my college at the same time. On a daily basis, I would go from class to basketball practice to The Source, and I wasn’t getting paid.

My first real big break came from a story I did on Drake. I knew some famous people and had relationships with them before they really blew up, like Drake, because he performed at events that I helped put together for my college. After Drake’s second concert him [sic] and I got the chance to kick it. After we spoke I put a story together about him and brought it back to The Source’s editor. From then on they began asking me for content, and after a while I was like “Listen, I’m not giving you this [content] until you guys give me an actual job.”

A few months later I was hired as a staff writer.

You went from intern to editor at The Source magazine—a monthly hip-hop music, politics and culture magazine—in a little under two years and then moved on to create your own publication, The Stashed. How did The Stashed come about?

I was done with people telling me what was hot and what to cover. I believe if you give readers substance, they’ll take it.

So once I got an opportunity, I seized it. One of my good friends at Hip-Hop Wired called and asked me if I had ever met Steve Stoute, which I hadn’t. So she set up an introduction, and once we got to talking it turned out Stoute wanted to create a blog for his marketing agency, Translation. They had been trying to create a blog for a long time, but it didn’t really register to them that nobody wanted to read a blog about a marketing agency. I explained to Stoute, that you had to create a blog in the presence of the marketing agency, but still speak in the spirit of what you want that company to be, and it’ll work. And that’s how The Stashed was born. I had stepped into such a perfect situation there because you’ve got Steve Stoute, one of the most iconic and great minds of this industry, mentoring me, and on the back end I was kind of introducing him to the social media and digital content generation.

What kind of skills or mindset did you need to finally step out and start your own publication?

Self-confidence is key.

I was about three or four years into my career, and still working my way up. However, I was already starting to feel burnt out. I remember someone saying to me, “Man if you had the perfect situation, what would it be?” My response was: “I feel like I could run my own publication better than a lot of these people.”

Outside of your media career, you helped to create the HennyPalooza event series. How did the idea come about?

If it wasn’t for my connections in media, I’m not sure HennyPalooza would have lasted or blown up as much as it has.

HennyPalooza started three years ago as a house party amongst friends for a couple of years. As it got bigger and more people began to come so did our celebrity friends; our first celebrity guest was actor/ singer Mack Wilds, but I think our first big artist was the rapper, Pusha T.

I happened to be kicking it with my good friend, rapper Wale during Howard [University] Homecoming in Washington, D.C. and he mentioned that we should check out Pusha T’s concert. Once Pusha seen [sic] me, he remembered that I had interviewed him a few times and was like “Yo, whatchu doin’ out here?” I told him about Hennypalooza, and he responded “That’s tomorrow? It’s here?” Meanwhile, I’m psyched that he even knew about it and then actually showed up!

Now that you’re at Bleacher Report, and you have your own podcast what is your ultimate career goal?

One of my long-term goals is to be a media mogul.

I want to continue to be an industry playmaker creating controversial, boundary-pushing media. Because I’m not really motivated by money anymore. Pushing a genre or doing something nobody’s done before motivates me. After a while, all that stuff [like money] is going to come, but if you’re not reinventing the wheel every time or reinventing yourself, then you’re not really living up to your full potential.

I’m still young, I still have all this energy, and I feel like I have so much to give this industry. Between my work ethic, my connections and knack for bringing people together I figure, why not keep going?

Looking back on your career thus far is it fair to say relationship building helped you progress in your career? How important is relationship building?

Yes, for sure it did! I learned early on that relationship building was wildly valuable.

No one wants to work with somebody that is difficult, or they don’t get along with, but everyone would build someone who’s personable and genuine. Not saying that you need to kiss everyone’s butt or anything like that, but networking is extremely valuable in this industry and usually separates you from potential competition.

What advice can you give to an aspiring media professional in regards to interning and then demanding more from a company?

The best advice I received when I was younger was “work for free or work for the full price, never work for cheap.”

I built my name up to the point where people had to start paying me for my services.
I did my best to prove my worth because a lot of the time, a magazine like The Source did not have to pay you because they have a million other writers. Starting out I had no track record, and nothing to lay my hands on. As long as I was getting my byline in the magazine and people were seeing my work, that was good enough for me. It wasn’t until the point where I knew my worth—and I knew I could be something of value—that’s when I finally started making demands.

All of the success I attained in my career was from hard work, networking and just being outgoing. So above all else, just be yourself.

Topics:

Advice From the Pros, Be Inspired

Advice From the Pros

How to Become a Video Producer: Career Tips from Adweek’s John Tejada

An industry pro shares the skills, mindset, and networking strategies that helped him build a successful video production career.

By Valerie Berrios

@valerieberrios

Valerie Berrios is a published author and senior content manager with nearly two decades of experience in digital publishing, including roles at Audible, Disney Streaming, Everyday Health, and Mediabistro. She specializes in content strategy, editorial operations, and international content launches.

5 min read • Originally published September 16, 2016 / Updated March 19, 2026

By Valerie Berrios

@valerieberrios

5 min read • Originally published September 16, 2016 / Updated March 19, 2026

Last updated: January 2026

Getting your foot in the door and climbing the ladder in media can be a challenge: The industry is always changing, career paths can be ambiguous, and the content cycle never stops.

To help you find your way, we talked to John Tejada, video producer at Adweek, who shares real-world insights you can apply to your job search, interviews, and career growth in video production.

About John Tejada: As Adweek’s video producer, John creates and produces video content for Adweek.com. He graduated with a bachelor’s degree in broadcasting from Montclair State University and has built his career in New York City. Connect with him on Twitter and LinkedIn.

How He Landed His First Media Job

What was your first job? And your first job in your chosen career?

“The first job I can remember was a stock boy at a small clothing store in Passaic, New Jersey. I was maybe 15 years old and made $20 for one day’s work.

My first post-college job was as the executive assistant to Michael Wolff, the former editorial director of Adweek.”

How did you land that job at Adweek?

“I was an intern at ‘Inside Edition’ my final semester at MSU. I began working closely with the staff there, asking everyone if they needed a hand with anything and everything.

Pretty soon I was assisting a producer regularly. Over the course of my time there I became her go-to intern. Toward the end of my internship, she said she’d keep an eye out for any entry-level jobs.

Roughly a month later she called me with a tip on the executive assistant position at Adweek—she’s the daughter of Michael Wolff.

The interview process was actually quite simple. Initially, I thought the interview went great. Then I didn’t hear back for a couple of weeks, so I thought I bombed it. But eventually I got the offer.”

His Path to Video Production

Is this where you always thought you’d end up?

“My dream job back in high school was to be a music video producer or director because I was always interested in making videos. In 10th grade at Clifton High School, I joined CAST, a TV production program that let us explore video concepts and create videos.”

The Reality of Video Production Work

What about your job gets you excited to jump out of bed every morning? What makes you want to hide under the sheets?

“Just knowing I’m going to be meeting different people every day is exciting. And I love that no two stories are ever the same. You can make your viewers feel a certain way just by the way you shoot a story.

What keeps me in bed: knowing I’ll spend 10 hours editing a two-minute video.”

What’s your favorite thing about working at your company?

“Again, I think meeting new people is awesome. I mean, I got to meet LeVar Burton, Oscar De La Hoya, and Gigi Hadid!”

What’s the biggest misconception people have about your role?

“It’s not all fun and games. A lot of times you spend six hours shooting, and five to eight hours editing to get to a two-minute web video.”

Staying on Top of Industry Trends

How do you stay on top of trends in your field?

“By checking all my social media feeds and joining an invite-only video group on Facebook. I like Instagram a lot right now. It shows you how creative people can get with just a cell phone.”

Who in your field do you follow on social media?

“Hearst Digital and Condé Nast Entertainment are doing interesting work in digital video. I also love Casey Neistat and pretty much everything from VICE.”

What are you reading and watching right now?

“I’m reading a lot of Charles Bukowski these days. He’s brilliant. Also, Fight Club. It’s such an iconic movie, I just had to read the book. As for what I watch, Anthony Bourdain‘s ‘Parts Unknown’ is amazing.”

Essential Skills for Video Producers

What skills should you have when applying for a video producer job?

“You need to be able to go with the flow and not freak out when things don’t go your way. Things happen. People show up late. Thirty-minute interviews get cut to 10 minutes. So you have to be able to adapt, troubleshoot, and be on your toes at all times.”

Key Skills for Video Producers:

Adaptability and flexibility under pressure
Problem-solving and troubleshooting
Time management (balancing long shoots and edits)
Storytelling through visual media
Technical proficiency with cameras and editing software
Strong interpersonal skills for interviews and collaboration

Career Advice for Aspiring Video Producers

What advice would you give someone looking to break into this field?

“Say ‘yes’ to opportunities—even if you’re not 100 percent sure about them. Figure things out on your own. If you can’t, that’s fine. At least you tried first before you asked for help. People will respect that.”

What tips do you have for those seeking mentorships?

“Look at those people who are great at what they do, and who you idolize. Study and learn everything you can from them. Reach out to them. Once you have them as mentors, they will be fountains of knowledge you can tap when you need them. Just don’t get too annoying about it.”

Ready to start your video production career? Check out our job board for openings in digital media, TV, web, and video production, and advertising.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a video producer do?

A video producer oversees the creation of video content from concept to completion. This includes planning shoots, coordinating with talent and crew, directing filming, and managing the editing process. In digital media roles, producers often handle multiple projects simultaneously and may shoot and edit their own content.

How do I get started as a video producer?

Start by gaining experience through internships, as John did at “Inside Edition.” Build relationships with colleagues, volunteer to help with projects, and stay in touch with contacts who can alert you to job openings. A degree in broadcasting, film, or communications provides a strong foundation.

What’s the hardest part of being a video producer?

The time investment can be challenging—a two-minute video may require six hours of shooting and five to eight hours of editing. Video producers must also adapt quickly when plans change, such as when interview times get cut or equipment malfunctions.

How much do video producers make?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, producers and directors earn a median salary of around $79,000 per year, though this varies significantly by location, industry, and experience level. Video producers in major media markets like New York City typically earn more.

Topics:

Advice From the Pros, Be Inspired

Productivity

How to Become a Six-Figure Freelancer: Tips from Writers Who Did It

Three steps to achieving freelance financial security

By Andrea Williams

@AndreaWillWrite

Andrea Williams is an author, journalist, and columnist for The Tennessean with over 16 years of experience in journalism and 20 years in copywriting and communications strategy. Her work spans national outlets and high-traffic digital brands.

5 min read • Originally published October 15, 2015 / Updated March 19, 2026

By Andrea Williams

@AndreaWillWrite

5 min read • Originally published October 15, 2015 / Updated March 19, 2026

While many freelancers begin their careers with high hopes of financial success, most find it difficult managing the constant cycle of pitching, writing, invoicing and chasing past-due checks.

Yes, it’s hard out there on those self-employed streets—but there is hope.

We talked to three freelancers who have banked six figures at least one year of their freelance careers. Follow these sure-fire steps and you’ll be ascending from dollar-menu dining to true financial security in no time.

Plan in Advance

It sure would be nice if writers could just jot down their yearly income goals and then wait for the assignments—and checks—to magically show up. But you’ve heard it before: If you fail to plan, you plan to fail.

The key to an effective income earning strategy, says Kelly James-Enger, a 17-year veteran freelancer, is to focus efforts on what you can control and to stop stressing about what you can’t.

“You can’t control how many assignments you get, but you can control how many pitches you’ll send out each week,” she says. “Even if you haven’t seen those [pitches] turn into [an assignment], you know that you’ve met [your] goals. And there’s plenty of research that shows that meeting goals makes you more confident and spurs you on to meet more goals.”

“When you’re beginning and you don’t have any assignments on your plate, all the time you have should be spent on pitching,” says Linda Formichelli, co-founder of the Renegade Writer blog and author of the eBook Write Your Way Out of the Rat Race and Into a Career You Love.

“So if you don’t have a job and you have 40 hours a week that you want to write, those 40 hours are spent pitching and networking.”

“If you want to make $60,000 in the coming year, that means if you work five days a week and you take two weeks off for vacation, you [need to] make $250 a day,” she explains. “So if I take an assignment that makes $1,000, it should take me about four days of work. If I take on a book proposal that pays $3,000, then I know that should be about 12 days of work or I’m going to lose money.”

In addition to meeting regular marketing goals, Enger also suggests keeping track of what she calls a “daily nut” —the minimum dollar amount that must be earned on a daily basis to stay on track toward income goals. It’s sound advice for writers who may already have regular assignments, but wonder if they should drop them to chase higher-paying gigs.

Still shooting for $100,000-plus? Your daily nut is about $400.

Seek New Markets

When you first took the freelance plunge, you probably knew immediately which of the glossy magazines you wanted to write for—perhaps Glamour or GQ. Then, reality set in. Most of your time was spent crafting super-detailed pitches that may or may not have generated an assignment, and the measly checks in your mailbox left you dreaming of a well-paid 9 to 5.

So now that you know how much you need to earn each day, it’s time to find as many new buyers as possible for your work.

“Writers think that if they want to make a lot of money they have to pitch the biggest magazines because they pay the most,” says Formichelli. But, she warns, those are so difficult to break into that “not many people make a living writing only for the consumer magazines.”

As a veteran freelancer, she has shifted her writing focus to include trade (business-to-business) and custom publications (like the ones you get from your credit card or insurance company). It’s a strategy she suggests for other writers who want to earn more cash, too.

“A trade magazine might pay 50 cents a word, or a custom-published magazine might pay $1 a word, but they’re a lot easier to break into,” Formichelli explains. And, she adds, the added advantage for writing for diverse markets is that editors tend to re-assign more frequently to freelancers that they like, which often eliminates the perpetual time suck that is pitching.

Formichelli says that the best way to break into trades and customs is to send a letter of introduction with a few paragraph-long story ideas. To find a list of publications to write for, visit the Custom Content Council or Free Trade Magazines.

Turn Up the Volume

Time is certainly one of a freelancer’s most important resources. Once the assignments start rolling in, doing the most with the 24 hours in each day can make all the difference between ramen noodles and lobster.

A large part of the reason why Miranda Marquit, a freelance blogger and author of Confessions of a Professional Blogger: How I Make Money as an Online Writer, cleared six figures in 2013 is because she writes a lot. As in, 30 to 40 blog posts per week. And with fees that range from $50 to more than $500 per post, it’s easy to see how the dollars add up fast.

So how can you become a speed-writing, money-making freelancer?

“I’ve been writing about finances for about six years, so I have that kind of general knowledge base to draw on,” says Marquit. “If you specialize in a particular area and make that your area of expertise, then you can start picking up speed.”

Focusing on health, fitness and nutrition also means that Enger is on top of the latest happenings in her industry, which makes for timely, relevant pitches. And after years of conducting hundreds of interviews, she has countless numbers of experts on speed dial. Enger also agrees that honing in on a writing niche is a good way to churn out assignments quickly and make more money, as she details in her book Ready, Aim, Specialize!: Create Your Own Writing Specialty and Make More Money!

“Number one, you’re not writing from scratch each time,” Enger says. “Because I’ve written workout stories before and I’m an ACE certified trainer, I don’t have to look up how to safely perform a squat or what muscle groups this works.” A niche can also be developed in the types of stories you write, not just the topics you cover, added Enger.

“I know a writer who specializes in doing content for employee newsletters and in-house publications,” she says. “So that’s not really a specialty in terms of subject area, but it is a specialty in terms of the kind of work that she does and the kinds of clients she writes for.” In either case, specializing creates a level of skill and expertise that makes writing more—and earning more—automatic.

The Takeaway

Though it may require a paradigm shift, earning significant cash is totally doable as a freelancer.

Being clear about your goals, seeking new markets and then hustling hard to get those assignments turned around quickly is really all it takes. As Enger, Formichelli and Marquit have proven, “six-figure” and “freelancer” don’t have to be mutually exclusive.

Topics:

Go Freelance, Journalism Advice

Go Freelance

Healthcare on a Freelancer’s Budget: 5 Ways to Cut Costs

Tips for handling your healthcare on a fluctuating income

By Ayana Young

Ayana Young is a communications and PR strategist with 15+ years of experience spanning media relations, lifestyle brands, professional sports, and publishing.

5 min read • Originally published October 25, 2017 / Updated March 19, 2026

By Ayana Young

Ayana Young is a communications and PR strategist with 15+ years of experience spanning media relations, lifestyle brands, professional sports, and publishing.

5 min read • Originally published October 25, 2017 / Updated March 19, 2026

Whether you freelance full- or part-time, it’s not uncommon for your finances to fluctuate occasionally. You may go through seasons that are financially lucrative. At other times, the amount of money in your bank account might be downright scary. No matter where you’re at in your career, having adequate access to healthcare is usually at the top of the priority list for most people. But, if you’re forced to choose between paying for rent, food, or your health, healthcare often gets put on the back burner.

If you have a chronic health condition or you just need to get something checked out by a doctor, adding an extra bill can put some serious stress on already strained resources. These five tips will help you manage your healthcare on a freelancer’s budget, so your health doesn’t have to suffer during the slow times in your career.

Don’t miss the open enrollment for health insurance through the Affordable Care Act

This year, the open enrollment period for the Affordable Care Act (ACA), also known as Obamacare, is shorter, and it begins on November 1st and goes until December 15th in the states that use the HealthCare.gov website. Nine states that run their insurance exchanges through a state-run website have extended their open enrollment to a variety of dates. Those states include Colorado, Minnesota, D.C., Rhode Island, Washington, California, Massachusetts, New York, and Connecticut. Check with these states for specific details.

If you miss open enrollment, you’ll only be able to obtain insurance through the Affordable Care Act if you qualify for a special circumstance. These are qualifying events like a job loss, marriage, divorce or becoming a U.S. citizen.

Not sure if you’re eligible for a plan through the Affordable Care Act? For 2018, you must be a U.S. resident, a U.S. citizen or national (or here lawfully), not incarcerated, not enrolled in Medicare, and not have job-based insurance through an employer.

If your modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) is no higher than 400% of the federal poverty level (FPL), you’ll qualify for a subsidy to help you pay your monthly insurance premiums, or you may be eligible for Medicaid. Like previous years, if you choose not to enroll in an insurance plan, you’ll be subject to a penalty for every month you remain uninsured, which will be due at the time you file your taxes the following year.

If you’ve never looked into insurance coverage through the ACA, now is the time to do so. For many freelancers, having an insurance plan through the Affordable Care Act can be a saving grace in case of an emergency or illness.

If possible, use an urgent care clinic instead of an ER

Many urgent care clinics accept a wide array of insurance plans, and your copays are typically far less than emergency room visits. Urgent care clinics are equipped to handle a variety of non-life-threatening issues like skin rashes, bronchitis, urinary tract infections, colds and flu. Some clinics have the diagnostic capabilities to treat fractures, strains, sprains, lacerations and other injuries. If you need medications, some facilities stock a supply of regularly prescribed drugs at a reduced cost to patients. Additionally, many clinics will offer discounts to people who pay for the appointment out-of-pocket.

Before you go to the clinic, check the urgent care’s website as well—some clinics maintain an online listing of prices so you can plan for the cost.

Shop around for your prescriptions

Did you know not all pharmacies charge the same price for prescriptions? The cost of medications can vary from one location to another, even within the same city. There are two discount programs which can compare drug costs and help make them more affordable.

The first program is GoodRx. This program examines medication costs and offers discounts on prescriptions from popular pharmacies all across the country. Whether you’re insured or uninsured, you can take advantage of this service, and there are no financial guidelines to qualify for it. For example, a specialized thyroid medication not covered by insurance would cost $40 per month. The GoodRx coupon reduces the expense to about $18.

The second program is Prescription Hope. While the cost of brand-name drugs can be through the roof, this company helps patients gain access to over 1,500 brand-name medications for $50 per month per medication, regardless of the retail cost you might pay at the pharmacy. But you must meet income guidelines to use this service, and it differs depending on the size of your family.

Ask your doctor if they are a member of any discount lab services

Many doctors understand that the skyrocketing costs of healthcare and lab work make quality care out of reach for some people. To offset your costs, ask your doctor if they have a membership with programs that provide lab services to patients at discounted rates.

One such service is the Professional Co-op, which administers routine and commercial lab tests at steeply cut rates for uninsured or underinsured patients. To use this service, your doctor must be a member of the cooperative, and you must have your lab tests completed at a LabCorp in your area. Right now, there’s no database available to indicate which physicians are a member of this program, so you’ll need to ask them.

If your medical bills are mounting, ask for a payment plan

Some providers will reduce the cost when a patient pays their bill in cash. Others may allow you to pay a portion of the bill each month or use a service such as Care Credit—a credit card service which lets you spread your payments over a designated amount of time (like six months or one year) without accruing interest. After the specified amount of time, the interest on these types of credit services is generally higher. Finally, if you’re financially strapped, some medical facilities may offer income-based repayment plans or a sliding fee scale, which allows you to pay what you can afford each month.

Managing your healthcare needs on the sometimes unpredictable income of a freelancer can be stressful. Utilize these resources and research your options, so you have a game plan in case you require medical attention or emotional support. Knowing what’s available to you can help put your mind at ease as you tackle the financial highs and lows that come your way.

Topics:

Business Basics, Go Freelance

Journalism Advice

5 Ways Fiction Writing Prepared Me for Nonfiction Freelancing

From rejection letters to deadlines, fiction writers already have the skills they need to thrive as nonfiction freelancers.

By Amanda Layman Low

@AmandaLaymanLow

Amanda Layman is a B2B tech content writer and strategist with over 15 years of experience creating content for startups and enterprise brands. She founded Tigris, a content agency serving leading tech companies, and authored The New Freelance: A Book for Writers.

6 min read • Originally published March 21, 2014 / Updated March 19, 2026

By Amanda Layman Low

@AmandaLaymanLow

6 min read • Originally published March 21, 2014 / Updated March 19, 2026

When I was a devoted writer of fiction only, I understood the minuscule odds of my “making it” as a published author, but I believed I was different. I believed that my work ethic, my focused creativity, and the sheer longevity of my commitment to writing (I wrote my first terrible novel at 12, my second terrible novel at 19) set me apart from the dabblers. I believed I deserved success because I wanted it. But all the wanting in the world couldn’t change the industry fact that writing fiction for a career is rarely sustainable. At best, it’s a supplement or hobby; at worst, poverty.

Making the freelance leap, reading books about writing for money, and meeting with other professionals pointed me toward one truth: When you’re getting started as a full-time freelance writer, nonfiction is what pays. I fought against this intensively. I earned $50 in a short-fiction contest and several unpaid publication credits in a couple of literary magazines before I bit the bullet and tried my reluctant hand at nonfiction.

To my surprise, the transition was nearly seamless. Nonfiction wasn’t dry and boring. It also wasn’t as intimidating as I imagined: I didn’t have to become a bloodsucking Rita Skeeter to “get the story.” Plus, I got to learn about an array of topics. I wrote articles on running a home daycare, caring for sugar gliders, and the difference between traditional and Roth IRAs. My work became even more exciting (and personal) when I started writing and selling essays on the madness of new motherhood. Now my career is both diverse and satisfying: I write on women’s health, body-image issues, parenting, and the media. I do technical writing for IT companies. It’s amazing to think I wouldn’t be doing this array of interesting work if I’d remained in my fiction bubble.

That’s not to say my years of toiling over characters and plotlines weren’t worthwhile. As quickly as I realized nonfiction was the key to earning income as a freelancer, I also realized my fiction had actually done quite a bit to prepare me. Here are my top five reasons fiction made me a better freelancer.

1. It gave me thick skin.

Although I’m still a blubbering mess if someone in real life implies they don’t like me, I’m cool as a robot when reading rejection letters or emails. I wasn’t always this way. In my teens and early 20s, I’d waste a day or two brooding when an agent or editor said my work wasn’t right for them.

After years of querying and nail-biting and stalking the mailman (or later, the Gmailman), now I see rejections as nothing more than business decisions. That’s what it is, after all. If a publication can’t make money off my idea, it’s not my personal fault as a human being, and I’m not destined to die alone in a sea of unpublished manuscripts and tears.

2. I was able to hone my craft.

I noticed, even in my early days of freelance writing for content farms, that fiction had bestowed on me a sense of proper wording, pace and flow. Even the driest of my technical writing requires elegance and clarity, both of which come from the delicate wordsmithing required of fiction. Another element of craft I learned from writing fiction, what I call “first-draft fearlessness,” is essential, regardless of the type of writing you do. You’ll hear it again and again: Great writers are great editors.

I don’t wake up, pour out 1,500 tidily arranged words onto my computer screen, email it to my editor and start my next assignment. Instead, I write a sentence, rewrite it ten times, stare out the window, tweak another word, get up to refill my coffee, practice my one-liners for when I get invited on The Colbert Report, and write some more. Then I reread everything, rewrite again and email my editor with an attached draft that never quite feels complete. The craftsmanship of writing, the act of sitting down and doing it, is more or less the same for all types of writing.

3. Generating ideas came naturally.

When I wrote only fiction, I kept a little notebook nearby at all times in case an idea would strike. It’s no different with nonfiction. Having trained myself before to hone my curiosity and keep my eyes and ears open for ideas, it comes naturally now. I’m likely to come up with an article idea, a turn of phrase or an untapped market while I’m driving, playing blocks with my 2-year-old or taking my lunch break.

If you can invent a villain or dream up a plotline or a setting, you can develop a pitch for a nonfiction article. In fact, at times, I actually feel like nonfiction requires a higher level of inventiveness than fiction. I remember running into logistical issues with my novels or stories and simply “writing in” a new character or object to solve it. With nonfiction, however, you have your information, your facts and experiences, and it’s up to you to sculpt what you have in a compelling way.

4. I had deadlines down pat.

If you’re a fiction writer and you don’t set goals, you’ll never finish anything. It’s no coincidence that half of the books out there on the craft of fiction weigh in heavily on the subject of time management. No one’s ever going to be breathing down your neck, pushing you to finish that chapbook of magical realism vignettes or the paranormal horror novel haunting your dreams.

Most fiction writers will confirm that life, family and friends always seem to get in the way of writing fiction. So, if despite these odds you’ve completed a work of fiction, no matter how unrefined it is, you have the discipline you need to meet editorial deadlines.

5. It taught me persistence.

When writing fiction, do you know how many agents and publications I queried, how many false starts I endured and how many hopeful correspondences never came to fruition? Ugh, me neither, and I don’t care to know. Getting my fiction noticed and published felt like a crapshoot, and the only way to improve my odds was to keep sending stuff out there. That action of constantly reaching, keeping multiple stories circulating in the querysphere, and never wallowing for too long was an amazing gift to my nonfiction career. Persistence as a freelancer is pitching a new idea to the editor who rejected your first idea. It’s complying with an extensive rewrite. It’s chasing down the perfect expert for an interview, no matter how elusive they are or difficult their PR agent is.

It’s essential to survival.

It’s for these five reasons that if you’re a struggling fiction writer who wants to make a living I can’t recommend nonfiction highly enough. I was an extremely unlikely candidate for nonfiction freelance writing: I was never a staffer on my high school or college newspaper. I didn’t have a technical writing or communications degree. I never took a journalism class or a creative nonfiction class, and interviewing people gives me anxiety. All I was really good at was storytelling.

As it turned out, that was plenty.

Topics:

Go Freelance, Journalism Advice