Holy shit, Anna. Intubated???!! What a scare; I'm glad you survived! And holy shit--$600 from Shondaland?!! Loved your piece--it's exactly the type of personal essay I write best. I'll be pitching Shondaland for sure in 2024. Thanks for the tip!
It was a wild experience! I'm absolutely scared of strep now.
Writing for Shondaland was such a great experience. Around the time I scheduled this post, there were some rumors that they may be restructuring -- but nothing has been officially announced. I do think, though, that some of these pitch ideas could apply well to other lifestyle and/or women's magazines (places like Romper).
Did you find that pitching the story before actually writing the piece helped you hone in on what you wanted to write about? I always find it so helpful to create a concept to come back to so I don’t stray too far away from what I wanted to do!
Also, another question, how did this idea and connection for the piece come about? Do you journal ideas and see where it takes you? I’m always fascinated by the process of ideas for pieces/books from writers! It’s inspiring!
I LOVE writing the pitch before writing essays that are more service-y (so essays that have some sort of takeaway for the reader). For something more narrative driven, I have to write around my topic for a while in order to discover what the point of the piece is. So for those, I would absolutely struggle to write the pitch first.
This idea came to me while I was running! I can envision the exact part of the trail I was on. I started the run with a question: what could I pitch to Shondaland (I was specifically thinking of them). And I was just trying to think of something out-of-the-box, but relatable.
So glad you are ok and survived to tell the story. Scary! And this is great input. Will check out UPOD and loved the piece on closing your eyes 20-minutes a day. It's so helpful but also relatable! Some days it helps me make it to bedtime :)
Thanks for sharing tips. I took Sue Shapiro's class and learned that I had the worst pitches in the history of mankind. I think as you describe pitching is an art in itself, especially when some publications have very specific rules for pitches. That you have had so many published pieces in a year is a great tribute to you, that you are doing it write. Thanks for your generosity in sharing your tips.
Ah, Sue Shapiro is such an incredible resource (I've never taken her classes, but I've read her books, and she's helped me via email so much). Thank you for such kind words, Amy!
So interesting! They're on my list to pitch soon. Lately I feel like I do better if I concept something especially for a publication and pitch it, rather than simply having an idea and pitching it broadly. Do you do this too?
I do this so much -- I've found myself scouting outlets before writing pretty often. Or, at least, when I go to revise a piece, I usually have an outlet in mind. I think it really helps you place your pieces!
Writing for Shondaland was such a great experience. Around the time I scheduled this post, there were some rumors that they may be restructuring -- but nothing has been officially announced. I do think, though, that some of these pitch ideas could apply well to other lifestyle and/or women's magazines (places like Romper).
Thank you, Anna! This is a generous masterclass! I find I need to write the piece before I pitch it if it’s at all complex. I can pitch something super simple and straightforward easily enough without writing the full essay, but a lot of times I need to write my version and figure out what I’m really trying to say before I pitch it.
I love this series, Anna. Thanks for sharing the pitch and process behind this piece. I remember it being such an inspirational story.
I appreciate this so much, Abby! Thank you.
Holy shit, Anna. Intubated???!! What a scare; I'm glad you survived! And holy shit--$600 from Shondaland?!! Loved your piece--it's exactly the type of personal essay I write best. I'll be pitching Shondaland for sure in 2024. Thanks for the tip!
It was a wild experience! I'm absolutely scared of strep now.
Writing for Shondaland was such a great experience. Around the time I scheduled this post, there were some rumors that they may be restructuring -- but nothing has been officially announced. I do think, though, that some of these pitch ideas could apply well to other lifestyle and/or women's magazines (places like Romper).
Did you find that pitching the story before actually writing the piece helped you hone in on what you wanted to write about? I always find it so helpful to create a concept to come back to so I don’t stray too far away from what I wanted to do!
Also, another question, how did this idea and connection for the piece come about? Do you journal ideas and see where it takes you? I’m always fascinated by the process of ideas for pieces/books from writers! It’s inspiring!
I LOVE writing the pitch before writing essays that are more service-y (so essays that have some sort of takeaway for the reader). For something more narrative driven, I have to write around my topic for a while in order to discover what the point of the piece is. So for those, I would absolutely struggle to write the pitch first.
This idea came to me while I was running! I can envision the exact part of the trail I was on. I started the run with a question: what could I pitch to Shondaland (I was specifically thinking of them). And I was just trying to think of something out-of-the-box, but relatable.
So glad you are ok and survived to tell the story. Scary! And this is great input. Will check out UPOD and loved the piece on closing your eyes 20-minutes a day. It's so helpful but also relatable! Some days it helps me make it to bedtime :)
I think you'll love UPOD's resources! And yes -- absolutely. My 20 minutes of eye closing helps me make it through the day.
Glad I know now about epiglottis infection, holy crap! Thank you for sharing your technique!
I am absolutely scared of strep now! Thank you for your kind words.
What a helpful post for freelancers! I love the step-by-step process (especially the pitch share!) and the behind the scenes messy life realities!
I'm so glad the post felt relevant and helpful, Amy! Thank you for your kindness.
I’m already feeling inspired. So excited for more in this series. Thank you for doing this!
Thank you for your kindness, Helen!
Thanks for sharing tips. I took Sue Shapiro's class and learned that I had the worst pitches in the history of mankind. I think as you describe pitching is an art in itself, especially when some publications have very specific rules for pitches. That you have had so many published pieces in a year is a great tribute to you, that you are doing it write. Thanks for your generosity in sharing your tips.
Ah, Sue Shapiro is such an incredible resource (I've never taken her classes, but I've read her books, and she's helped me via email so much). Thank you for such kind words, Amy!
So interesting! They're on my list to pitch soon. Lately I feel like I do better if I concept something especially for a publication and pitch it, rather than simply having an idea and pitching it broadly. Do you do this too?
I do this so much -- I've found myself scouting outlets before writing pretty often. Or, at least, when I go to revise a piece, I usually have an outlet in mind. I think it really helps you place your pieces!
Writing for Shondaland was such a great experience. Around the time I scheduled this post, there were some rumors that they may be restructuring -- but nothing has been officially announced. I do think, though, that some of these pitch ideas could apply well to other lifestyle and/or women's magazines (places like Romper).
Thank you, Anna! This is a generous masterclass! I find I need to write the piece before I pitch it if it’s at all complex. I can pitch something super simple and straightforward easily enough without writing the full essay, but a lot of times I need to write my version and figure out what I’m really trying to say before I pitch it.
This is such valuable information sharing, thank you so much!
Thank you so much, Amanda!
Thanks so much for sharing your insights! What an awesome pitch.
I appreciate that so much, Heather! Thank you.
Brilliant as always! Thank you for sharing your story and experience pitching Shondaland, Anna!
Thank you so much for your kindness, Cate!
I do have a spreadsheet of other magazines to pitch, but I'll keep following your newsletter for ideas!
Perfect pitch! Thank you so much for sharing!