Freelance Writing Direct with Estelle

As someone who started out in service journalism at Woman's World magazine decades ago, I found Megy Karydes new book really well sourced and structured and wanted to speak to her about how she did it. We discussed ways to find experts, locate research and navigate through a complicated publishing landscape, while creating a quality product.    In this episode: Megy Karydes  mental health journey...

In this episode: Tara's expertise and backstory and why she wrote this book [3:03] Who is Abenda, her spirit guide [8:07] How she selected the three people for the automatic writing of the book [19:29] Insights on how Tara structured her book [27:25] The most common questions Tara included in her book [26:45] Information about the spiritual world [33:38]   Tara Sutphen is a master of the Mystic Ar...

In this episode: How to get published with Motina Books Publishing [31:16] Why Motina Books Publishing focuses on books by and for mothers [3:21] What you need in a proposal to get published [32:32] Insight into the publishing/author relationship [9:27] Publicity and marketing ideas for authors [14:58] The differences between self publishing and hybrid publishing [20:37] How to ensure a publisher...

Are you wondering what makes a good pitch that will catch the attention of editors? In this episode, Estelle Erasmus shares real-life examples on what makes a good pitch.   From crafting a compelling hook to sharing pertinent information that resonates with editors, Estelle dissects actual pitches and provides insights to enhance your understanding of the pitching process.   For more on pitching,...

In this episode: How Jennifer started her YA writing journey [2:52] Going on submission during the pandemic, and eventually getting a 2 book deal [6:15] The exercise of narrowing down characters [13:20] The art of writing time pressure into your story [20:00] Jen's advice for excavating specific emotions for your characters [32:31]   Jennifer Chen is a freelance journalist who has written for Toda...

In this episode: The elements of a good author/publisher relationship [20:12] The kinds of books New World Library publishes [12:04] What proposal submissions need to include [30:05] How authors can road test their book ideas [17:07] Insights on how authors should be building their platforms [14:15] Trends that Georgia has seen in the publishing industry and her thoughts on AI [30:49] What makes N...

In this episode: Liz's inspiration for writing her book [5:05] How Liz got her book published and the process she went through [6:45] The importance of a social media presence and creating a brand when writing [7:31] Advice for picking a book cover [11:43] The importance of active verbs [19:10] How Liz structured her book and used alliteration [18:15] Choosing what stories to put in your book, and...

In this episode: What authors don't know about media [2:26] How to be media ready [3:33] Timing on preparing for media interviews [5:27] Advice for authors on getting comfortable on camera [5:45] Paula's accordion method for sharing information [10:20] Advice on speaking good sound bites to break through the noise [16:29] How to pitch media and where to find contacts [20:25] Lists and using them t...

In this super short episode Estelle Erasmus shares a recap of her year with Freelance Writing Direct and her book, Writing That Gets Noticed, which just received a Zibby Award for the "Best Book For The Writer".   There is so much more to come, so be sure to keep following the podcast, and Estelle's website EstelleSErasmus.com and her substack at https://estelleserasmus.substack.com Connect with E...

In this episode: The genesis of this book [3:29] Why parents should be addressing tough topics with their children [6:20] Why yelling works sometimes [8:25] The danger in outside sources of information such as TikTok [15:14] Strategies she used to research the book [16:27] Writing in a reader-friendly style [20:02]   Known as the "Conversation Doc," Dr. Robyn Silverman is a child and teen developm...

In this episode: Writing from a neurodivergent perspective [3:29] Working as an advocate [5:48] Drawing real life into fiction writing [6:13] The benefit of using sensitivity readers [6:31] The importance of writing inclusive books [5:25] Tips on the process of publishing children books [12:36] An autistic mom of three autistic kids, Jen Malia is the author of  The Infinity Rainbow Club  series an...

In this episode:   How Bianca writes about different genres [2:45] Writing a story from many POVs [4:47] Opening a novel in a compelling way when there are multiple characters [5:26] The way Bianca included research into her fantasy book [9:02] Exploring the science of magic [11:08] The backstory to The Shit No One Tells You About Writing Podcast [18:45] Bianca's tips for interviewing and writing...

In this episode: Writer's Digest's publication schedule [3:52] The niches that print and online cover [2:12] Writing and craft tips Amy has gleaned from novelists [8:40] The secret to a writer's persistence, when being faced with rejection [20:49] Amy's dream 2024 articles and pitches based on the Writer's Digest editorial calendar [23:52] Where to send submissions [26:27] Paid subscribers to Este...

In this episode: What Mom Rage is and why this topic is relevant [2:06] Why Minna decided to write about this parenting topic [2:54] Writing about a controversial topic and feminist values [22:32] Tips for pitching and creating scenes that resonate with readers [20:12] To see additional clips, please visit https://estelleserasmus.substack.com     Minna Dubin (she/her) is the author of MOM RAGE: Th...

In this episode: How to locate and verify images to use with your writing [4:05] What exactly is a photo license? [5:00] Free sources for writers to find pictures [10:10] Keywords to help find the best photos for your creative writing pieces [11:12] Specs to consider, such as color, composition and file size [15:11] How colors can impact the way people feel about your writing [15:11] How Nicole go...

In this episode: Teri's process for writing about herself in her book How a small every day moment can be universal through writing How Teri structured her book to encompass different topics The practice of elevating your readers with your writing Writing with humor. Why the Erma Bombeck Writers' Workshop registration is an appointment event Teri Rizvi is the founder and director of the Erma Bombe...

In this episode: How Audrey came up with the idea of her book Girls and Their Monsters: The Genain Quadruplets and the Making of Madness in America [5:23] Audrey's process of writing about real life people from history [9:32] Advice for simplifying complex topics so the readers can understand it easier [11:42] Integrating research into writing [13:43] Tips for identifying the untold parts of stori...

In this episode: The inspiration behind and evolution of Emily's book, Cost of Living [2:27] Emily's research process to get specific details for her essays [5:43] Writing about a broken system, and getting feedback from people with opposing views [10:05] How she details her personal medical experiences [13:17] The benefit of finding a supportive writing group [22:08] Her next book [25:15]   Emily...

In this episode: Laura's expertise writing about food [2:43] Writing and interviewing in short sound bites [17:14] Working with editors [5:33] Tips for writing reader-friendly, inspirational stories [4:24] How to become the go-to expert in your industry or niche [11:46] Trendspotting to excel at writing and publishing [23:45] Laura Burak is a nationally recognized registered dietitian of over 20 y...

In this episode: What the non-profit organization Pen Parentis offers parents who are writers [3:34] Milda's best tips for staying productive and finding accountability [7:35] Actionable tips for finding a writing routine that works best for you [12:14] Being a creative person in a relationship and creating priorities [15:20] Writing tips for creatives [28:00] M. M. De Voe is an internationally pu...

In this episode: Kathleen's experience writing about publishing and public relations for her substack Publishing Confidential and why those newsletter issues have gone viral. [3:08] Why is the publishing industry broken? [3:45] Kathleen's view on book tours, and why they might not be the best options for selling books. [15:26] How to create a strategy for your book launch. [17:11] The 411 on signi...

In this episode: How Kevin came up with the idea of writing Junior Miles and the Junkman [3:13] The transition of writing poetry to writing middle grade fiction [6:24] Writing compelling characters and taking them on a conflict-filled, dramatic journey [9:58] Tips for telling short stories in the literary journal Molecule in 50 words or less [13:27] Stealing fact from fiction [29:07] Revising and...

In this episode: How Claire's viral article led to her writing her book [2:32] Why Claire decided to add a memoiristic approach to this book, rather than just a journalistic approach [8:22] The process and structure of Claire's book [12:32] Claire's opinion on 'cancel culture' and how she approaches writing about it [18:58] Adding a humanizing element to the book through memoir [29:13] The importa...

In this episode: The benefit of starting your story with a hook [3:09] Going from interviewing experts to becoming an expert [7:36] Her pivot from journalist to author [10:53] Writing about family in your book and the challenge of sharing their voices [13:57] Navigating covering a fraught topic like money in your book [7:36] Bobbi's favorite tips for organizing her writing/writing time [21:19]   B...

In this episode: How Anna came up with the topic of her book [4:09] Using your book cover to promote your book and your business [11:39] A site that you can use to grow your authority [10:34] Using your team to get the word out [7:39] How speaking about your book can become lucrative, and where to start [23:35] Anna's best tips for marketing yourself as an expert [23:37]   Anna David is the New Yo...