Writing Coaching

Give me 15 minutes, and I’ll show you how to get your next writing gig.

Want to make a living as a professional writer or editor but don’t know how to start? Or want to grow in your editorial or communications career but feel stuck?

Maybe you’ve also wondered how to come up with good ideas that actually sell. Or how to pitch an editor. Or how to get more paid writing gigs for magazines, websites, and newsletters.

If you’ve ever asked yourself these questions, you’re in the right place.

Know that writing for a living, whether it’s as a staff writer and editor or a freelancer, is possible. I’ve been a working professional writer and editor for more than a decade, and I can help show you how.

ABOUT ME, LESLIE QUANDER WOOLDRIDGE

I started as a freelance newspaper reporter and became a staff reporter before working as a magazine editor at AARP The Magazine, the largest circulation magazine in the world. (It had 35 million readers during the nearly five years I was there. No pressure, right?)

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I then worked as the senior editor of luxury lifestyle magazine Capitol File—complete with responsibilities like securing and doing celebrity interviews, reviewing new restaurants and products, and editing the entire print magazine along with exclusive, digital stories—before becoming a staff writer and editor at a large federal health agency (you’ve heard of it).

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As if that weren’t busy enough, I’ve worked as a freelance writer for outlets from The Washington Post, Business Insider, Men’s Health, Consumer Reports, Time Out, U.S. News and World Report, and Bridal Guide to specialty health magazines like Lupus Now. And these days, I freelance and consult, including the time I spent as senior editor of  Sisters From AARP. (Yes, a freelance and consulting life is possible!)

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I’ve also presented on writing and editing best practices at workshops and conferences over the years, including those by the American Society of Journalists and Authors and the DC Science Writers Association.

ASJA conference 2021: How to irritate an editor panel with Anna Goldfarb and Leslie Quander Wooldridge

HOW I CAN HELP YOU

As a writing coach who actually works as a writer and editor, I can advise you on lots of things.

Here are some examples:

  • What to do to break in as a freelance writer so that you can get paid writing gigs with publications and websites you love.
  • How the pitching process works, and the lingo you need to know, so that you can get editors’ attention (the right way) and pitch stories they can actually use.
  • What to do when you turn in your stories so that your editor appreciates you and considers approaching you with new assignments.
  • The facts about writing contracts and assignment memos, so that you can avoid getting scammed and know what’s required before you accept assignments.
  • How to apply for jobs as a staff writer or editor—whether at a media site, government agency, nonprofit, or private company—so you stand out from the competition and highlight your strengths.
  • How to know when it’s time to move on from a job so that you’re not stuck with the same salary, and so you continue to grow in your career.
  • How to know if your writing is any good, and how to make it better, so that you can position yourself for the assignments and jobs you want.
  • How to stay organized and efficient when researching and writing so that you don’t make mistakes, and so that your editor or manager sees you as reliable.
  • How to find great sources so you can do top-shelf reporting.
  • And more that you may not even know to ask—but I know to tell you!

I know what it’s like to be in the early stages of writing and feel lost. But because I’ve worked successfully for many years, I know the way out and the way up. And now I coach people through this process. (Note: As a coach, I provide my best care but cannot guarantee outcomes for clients. I also do not represent any clients for which I currently work or may have worked in the past.)

BOOK A FREE, 15-MINUTE CALL ON GETTING YOUR NEXT PAID WRITING JOB

Want to know more about my services and rates, including details about my one-on-one coaching program? I only work with a few people at a time, so if you’re interested, please book a call to get more information.

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Or feel free to email me. Just put “Coaching query” in the subject line.

Look forward to hearing from you!

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