Break into journalism the unconventional way — and get paid for your writing.
Whether you’re a student journalist, aspiring writer, freelance creative, or someone who’s always wanted to see their byline in top publications but didn’t know where to start, The Freelance Journalist Toolkit is made for you.
This 33-page PDF toolkit is your complete starter kit for navigating the freelance journalism world, pitching with confidence, and securing paid opportunities — even without years of experience.
WHAT'S INSIDE:
A curated list of 31 editors + magazine contacts with direct email addresses at publications including Vogue, Forbes, Marie Claire, The New York Times, Cosmopolitan, GQ, Elle, Billboard, L’Officiel, The Cut, Allure, Numero, and more.
3 editable pitch email templates for:
- Pitching to editors as an upcoming or aspiring writer
- Requesting interviews with public figures and thought leaders
- Following up on unanswered pitches
Rate negotiation guide covering how to ask for rates, negotiate higher fees, chase unpaid invoices, and professionally decline work you don’t want.
2 freelance journalist invoice templates (editable on Google Docs and Canva) for easy, professional invoicing.
3 follow-up email templates for chasing commissions, confirming interviews, or nudging editors for feedback.
Rights & Agreement Cheat Sheet explaining the key clauses to watch out for in contributor agreements and what rights you should retain.
Personal Pitch Tracker (editable Google Sheet) to help you stay on top of your pitches, commissions, and deadlines.
Industry Glossary with must-know terms and publishing jargon.
Basic Punctuation, Grammar & Writing Rules cheat sheet to keep your writing sharp and editor-ready.
WHO IT'S PERFECT FOR:
Student journalists
Aspiring writers & content creators
Early-career freelance journalists
Anyone dreaming of writing for top magazines, newspapers, or digital platforms
Creatives transitioning into journalism or editorial work
No qualifications? No problem. You don’t need a journalism degree or years of newsroom experience — you just need to know how to get started, pitch properly, and back yourself.
WHAT YOU'LL LEARN:
How to find and contact the right editors at major publications.
How to write confident, professional pitches (with proven templates).
How to set your freelance rates, negotiate fees, and invoice like a pro.
How to protect yourself when signing contributor agreements.
How to follow up on pitches without being ignored.
Essential publishing terms and writing rules that editors expect you to know.
Break into journalism the unconventional way — and get paid for your writing.
Whether you’re a student journalist, aspiring writer, freelance creative, or someone who’s always wanted to see their byline in top publications but didn’t know where to start, The Freelance Journalist Toolkit is made for you.
This 33-page PDF toolkit is your complete starter kit for navigating the freelance journalism world, pitching with confidence, and securing paid opportunities — even without years of experience.
WHAT'S INSIDE:
A curated list of 31 editors + magazine contacts with direct email addresses at publications including Vogue, Forbes, Marie Claire, The New York Times, Cosmopolitan, GQ, Elle, Billboard, L’Officiel, The Cut, Allure, Numero, and more.
3 editable pitch email templates for:
- Pitching to editors as an upcoming or aspiring writer
- Requesting interviews with public figures and thought leaders
- Following up on unanswered pitches
Rate negotiation guide covering how to ask for rates, negotiate higher fees, chase unpaid invoices, and professionally decline work you don’t want.
2 freelance journalist invoice templates (editable on Google Docs and Canva) for easy, professional invoicing.
3 follow-up email templates for chasing commissions, confirming interviews, or nudging editors for feedback.
Rights & Agreement Cheat Sheet explaining the key clauses to watch out for in contributor agreements and what rights you should retain.
Personal Pitch Tracker (editable Google Sheet) to help you stay on top of your pitches, commissions, and deadlines.
Industry Glossary with must-know terms and publishing jargon.
Basic Punctuation, Grammar & Writing Rules cheat sheet to keep your writing sharp and editor-ready.
WHO IT'S PERFECT FOR:
Student journalists
Aspiring writers & content creators
Early-career freelance journalists
Anyone dreaming of writing for top magazines, newspapers, or digital platforms
Creatives transitioning into journalism or editorial work
No qualifications? No problem. You don’t need a journalism degree or years of newsroom experience — you just need to know how to get started, pitch properly, and back yourself.
WHAT YOU'LL LEARN:
How to find and contact the right editors at major publications.
How to write confident, professional pitches (with proven templates).
How to set your freelance rates, negotiate fees, and invoice like a pro.
How to protect yourself when signing contributor agreements.
How to follow up on pitches without being ignored.
Essential publishing terms and writing rules that editors expect you to know.
