When I began my freelance journey in 2015, I had what many considered unattainable aspirations. I wanted a lucrative book deal with a publishing house that valued my perspective as a Black woman, and I wanted to be choosy in the journalism assignments I pitched and accepted to get me there.
I was clear about the book I would write. As a feminist hip-hop head who was also an adjunct sociology professor, my book would explore cultural issues that harmed Black women. Hip-hop was the lens I would use to deconstruct the dangerous trope of the “ride or die chick” who puts others before herself.
My route was not straight, but I kept at it. I carved out a beat and pitched outlets whenever I saw a news peg on sexual violence, Black women in hip-hop or political decisions that would disproportionately harm Black women. Within four years, I had published about 35 articles in print and digital publications. In 2022, my award-winning book, “Ride or Die: A Feminist Manifesto for the Well-Being of Black Women,” was released. And I owe much of its success to my targeted freelance path.
Study publications and build your network
To be clear, the lows on this path were significant. When I launched my freelance career, I had no clue how to pitch a publication. I asked a writer I knew for tips, and he told me to search the publication’s website and find the link that stated “submit ideas here.” It shouldn’t be a surprise that the method he suggested was the equivalent of placing a note in a bottle, tossing it into the ocean and waiting for somebody to find it.
In the 2010s, the app X, then known as Twitter, was the vehicle I found most useful. I began following editors from the publications I wanted to write for. Often, they would tweet threads about what content they were looking for, what constitutes a solid pitch and what they wanted pitches to look like. I sent out at least three pitches a week, implementing their advice. Eventually, I learned from what didn’t work and my pitches were accepted. Later, these same editors would reach out to me to write stories for them.
Today, the landscape of X has drastically changed. But freelancers can apply the same approach to other social media platforms like Instagram to better understand the content a publication produces and promotes. You can also use IG to connect and foster relationships with other freelance writers. The community of writers I’ve met online became a great resource for sharing tips and strategies for pitching publications.
Know your rights
About two years into my freelancing career, I became a frequent contributing writer at my dream publication. Seeing my words in print for the first time was deeply affirming and showing my grandmother my work in the magazine that was a staple in her living room was priceless. However, my excitement caused me to break a cardinal rule in the freelance world: I wrote multiple stories without receiving my first payment.
I grew anxious when the timeframe for payment exceeded our contractual agreement by more than 40 days. I met with legal representation when it reached almost 90.
Ordinarily, obtaining counsel can be expensive. To circumvent this, I joined a freelance writers union. Every independent journalist should belong to a union. A good union will have a sliding scale payment option for monthly dues. The one I joined charged me as little as $15 per month and came with access to attorneys. After two years in court, a public dispute, complete with private heartbreak, I received my payment.
These days, I vet publications first. I use social media to connect with a writer who has worked with the publication, explain why I’m reaching out and ask them about their experience. The writers I’ve connected with have always been upfront. And I never tackle multiple projects before being paid for the first one — regardless of how much I value the publication.
Establish clear expertise
Since I knew exactly what topics my book would cover, I pitched articles and accepted assignments that spoke directly to issues around feminism, hip-hop and violence against women. However, as an act of self-care, I occasionally wrote about lighter, fun topics, like my dating life.
Having worked as a therapist for six years before freelancing, I leaned into that expertise as well. During the height of the public conversation around sexual violence created by the #MeToo movement, I wrote a piece for The New York Times about the complexities Black women face in reporting sexual assault when the offender is a Black man and unpacked the cognitive dissonance some Black women experience when considering whether to involve law enforcement after being sexually assaulted. For HuffPost, I explored the topic within the scope of hip-hop. For Pitchfork, I addressed the necessity of accountability for artists who use their power to platform known abusers — even when the person platforming is a woman.
I established a sizable and consistent body of print and digital work that positioned me as an expert on the violence Black women particularly face in and out of the entertainment industry. Accordingly, I was invited to contribute to multiple projects that amplified the problem of violence against women in hip-hop, from the “On the Record Documentary,” centering the voices of Black women who have survived sexual violence, to serving as the keynote speaker at universities across the nation. Just as important, I only participated in the projects I believed would better empower survivors and present the subject with nuance and care. Integrity was nonnegotiable.
Explore fellowship opportunities
Freelance writing allowed me to avoid having to query a potential agent. Typically, a writer researches agents who specialize in a specific subject, and then submits their proposal and work samples, in a process similar to pitching a publication. However, the piece I wrote for The New York Times was far-reaching. Two large literary agencies reached out after reading the article, and I chose the agency that worked best for my career.
Landing a book deal is one part of the equation; then you have to find the time and, often, additional income to write it. That’s where fellowships can come in. For example, the Pulitzer Center awards financial fellowships to freelance journalists seeking to complete long-term projects in specific areas. When applying for fellowships, explore the organization’s site and read about other projects it has funded. Of course, the goal is not to replicate the project but to collect intel on what subjects have already been covered and think of clear, distinct angles for your potential book.
The applications are time-consuming but worth it. I did two months of research before writing my proposal for the 2020 Soros Justice Fellowship I received. I asked my writer friends to look at different portions of the fellowship, find weaknesses in my angle and provide suggestions on additional research I should incorporate.
The importance of fellowship opportunities cannot be overstated. They allow independent journalists far more time on a topic than a publication typically would. For example, the Soros Equality Fellowship gives grantees 18 months to complete a project. Then there are the benefits of the lifelong professional network the fellowship gave me. Another fellow helped me connect with nonprofits that focus on helping incarcerated women access books. Their insight was pivotal as I launched my own initiative to ensure Black incarcerated women received mine. Another fellow formed a large group email so we could share resources around funding opportunities and affordable mental health support.
Independent journalism, for all of its flaws and stresses, can be a powerful vehicle for career elevation. It’s important to create a clear plan, think outside the box and remain focused on your destination.
