Freelance Freedom: Tips to Thrive as a Writer and Build Media Connections with Stephanie Thurrott

Episode Description:
In this episode of Media Savvy, Bonnie sits down with Stephanie Thurrott, a seasoned freelance writer and content creator with over 20 years of experience. Stephanie has contributed to major platforms like Today.com and Everyday Health, covering topics ranging from health and wellness to travel and food. Together, we explore the art of freelance writing, how to get started, and the evolving role of media for writers. Whether you're an aspiring writer, a professional looking to establish yourself in the media, or someone navigating the unpredictable world of freelancing, this episode is packed with practical advice and inspiring insights!

Key Topics:

• Getting Started in Freelance Writing: Stephanie shares her journey into writing and the early challenges she faced, offering valuable tips for beginners.
• Positioning Yourself as a Writer: How professionals, especially those in fields like health and wellness, can establish themselves as credible writers and overcome the challenges of being typecast.
• Building a Portfolio: Practical ways for new writers to gain experience and build their portfolio without an extensive list of bylines.
• Highlighting Credentials: Advice for experts (like dietitians) on how to balance showcasing their expertise while proving their writing abilities.
• The Pitching Process: Stephanie walks us through her method for pitching story ideas to editors and how to tailor pitches to fit the voice of each outlet.
• Adapting to the Media Landscape: Writers today are not just creators but also marketers. Stephanie shares how she has adapted to changes in the media world and her thoughts on how AI is impacting writers.
• Balancing Passions and Writing: How to decide which stories to pursue, especially when covering a variety of topics like health, wellness, food, and travel.
• Improving Writing Skills: The strategies Stephanie uses to continuously improve her writing and keep her creativity flowing.
• Wellness Writing Trends: Key areas of growth in wellness writing and what aspiring writers should be paying attention to.
• Navigating Freelance Uncertainty: Advice for handling the ups and downs of freelancing, along with tips on managing uncertainty in your career.
• Stephanie’s Substack: A sneak peek into her Substack newsletter and how it fits into her freelance career.
• Advice to Younger Self: If Stephanie could send a message to her younger self, what would she say?
• How to Get Published: One realistic piece of advice for someone wanting to write a story and see it go to press.

Links and Resources:

Connect with Stephanie Thurrott:

Email: Steph.thurrott@gmail.com 

or subscribe to my Mexico City Substack: www.eternalspringcdmx.substack.com

 

Bonnie’s Resources:

• Bonnie’s proven media training course: How To Work With Media and Make The Media Work for You: https://btdmedia.teachable.com/p/media-masterclass 
• Bonnie’s website: https://betterthandieting.com 
• BTD Media Makers News Digest: https://bit.ly/BTDMediaMakers 
• Better Than Dieting Newsletter: https://bit.ly/BTDsubscribe 
• Follow Bonnie on Social Media: 
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  X (Twitter):      @eatsmartbd
  Facebook: @BonnieTaubDix.RDN
• Threads: https://www.threads.net/@bonnietaubdix 
• Bonnie’s Book: Read It Before You Eat It - Taking You from Label to Table
• Get in touch: mediasavvybtd@gmail.com
• Download a free chapter of Bonnie’s latest book