FAQs
the idea is to have as many byline baddies as possible. so here are some tips to run with.
How do I become a full-time freelance writer?
Honestly, getting started is the hardest part. I know so few freelance writers who solely write as their only source of income. One great way to work up to earning a living through your writing is by pitching consistently. Even if you don’t end up selling every piece, you’ll start to sharpen your skills and develop relationships with editors. Write and write often. Don’t sleep on growing an audience on your own platform, either. One of my first paid opportunities came because an editor read an article on my personal site and liked it.
Are there any online communities for black womxn writers?
I love The Free Black Women’s Library , #blkcreatives , Black Binders. We’ll definitely keep adding to this list and hopefully this site will grow into a booming one as well.
How do I pitch an article?
The best advice I can give is to research whichever outlet you’re planning to pitch thoroughly. Pay attention to the voice of the site or publication, check out each section and see where your pitch could live organically. Most pubs have the editor of each section clearly listed on their site so that you can pitch to the appropriate person instead of sending a general email and hoping it lands in the right hands. A lot of editors use Twitter to put out calls for pitches and will explain in detail exactly what they’re looking for. I pay close attention to the socials of the pubs I want to write for and jump on those calls for submissions.
How do I protect my ideas when I’m pitching?
This is a sticky spot for a lot of writers and the general hope is that editors won’t take the ideas submitted to them without compensating and crediting the writer; however, that doesn’t always happen. As a general rule of thumb, keep all correspondence with outlets so that you can provide receipts if this happens.
What should I charge?
This is a tough one because it varies based on writer experience/notoriety as well as the publication you’re writing for. Clearly, once you’ve been doing this for a while and have some major bylines under your belt, it’s easier to ask for what you want. But don’t shy away from doing so even when you’re first starting out. A lot of outlets have set rates for different types of pieces and it’s perfectly fine to ask if the rate can be adjusted to find a happy medium to get you what you deserve or as close as possible to it. If it can’t, decide whether this serves your big picture (i.e.- will it look good to have this byline, is it an outlet you’ve always wanted to write for, etc…) and proceed from there.
Can I Be a Byline Baddie?
Yes! Strut over to the contact section and send your information over!
Have Any Advice for Writers? Want to Share a Resource?
Fill out the form and we’ll add it to this section.