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Hi Reader,

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Hard to believe we're almost two weeks into the first quarter of 2024. Wow!

How are you doing?

Drop me a line about how those business goals are shaping up. Remember that you can always lean on this community. We're cheering you on!

For me: I've recently gone full-time freelancing, and I'm looking to diversify my client roster. I've also got a few coffee chats lined up with incredible writers this month! 🥳

A word, please!

You probably already know the usual tips for finding freelance writing clients: Leverage your network, reach out to colleagues, subscribe to various job boards, spruce up your LinkedIn profile, connect with editors on LinkedIn, etc.

By the way, LinkedIn is my #1 source for finding clients! Let me know if you want me to share how I land most of my gigs through LinkedIn networking.

But today, let’s talk about the client acquisition activity many of us shy away from the most: cold emailing. 📧 Stay with me here!

I used to avoid it too. But after LinkedIn connections, cold outreach has yielded the highest success rate in my freelance career.

The average cold email success rate is something cringey, like 1% to 5%. Ouch! Hunter(dot)io says it’s a bit higher at 8.5% though their numbers may be outdated. So why am I telling you to do this?

In checking my own 2023 numbers, my cold email campaign yielded a response rate of approximately 11%. Not exactly grand but about double the industry baseline. And 91% of those responses converted into paying gigs, some long-term.

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​Here’s why cold emailing works:

See, cold emailing puts you in the driver’s seat instead of endlessly applying to random (and probably spammy) job posts and crossing your fingers. You get to scope out publications aligned with your niche, then directly make the case for why your expertise can meet their content needs — even if they’re not ready to hire.

You can pinpoint editors at health publications you’d really enjoy writing for, then write personalized emails expressing how your background and experience could be great assets for their blog.

So how do you even begin this whole cold emailing process? Here's what I do. I call it the W.R.I.T.E. Way✍️ (I made this one up. Can’t help it, I love acronyms!):
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W - Website check: First, gather a list of publications you want to write for (your prospects). Once you have your list, go to each one’s website. Click around to see if they publish content. Do they have a blog?
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R - Research: If there’s a blog, read their recent posts. What’s their writing style? Check out their writers’ profiles. Yes, I mean, actually clicking on the writers’ bios and reading them. Put your investigator hat on.🕵️‍♂️ What do they have in common? What qualifications do they have? This step helps you identify the areas of your experience and skills you want to showcase in the email. So, take note because you'll use this info when writing the email.

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I - Identify editors: Open a LinkedIn tab. In the search bar, type the publication’s name + keywords like “editor” or “content”. For example, if I’m looking for an editor for AARP, I’ll type “AARP editor”. Check out their editorial team members' and content managers’ pages. If they happen to have their email address on LinkedIn, then you've hit gold! But I find that most editors/content managers don't.
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​Tip: While you’re on LinkedIn, keep an eye out for writers who are mutual connections. You may find a writer in your network who’s a mutual connection and could hook you up with an introduction.😉

Once you compile a list of editors/content managers for that publication, head over to Hunter.io or ContactOut (both have limited free versions), and look for those prospects’ email addresses. This can be hit or miss. If I can't find the exact email address, here's what I do: Check how the publication structures email addresses. Is it first initial last name@company(dot)com (for instance, maime@company(dot)com for Maggie Aime)? Or is it first name (dot) last name@company(dot)com, and so on? Then you can most likely "guess" that editor's email address by using this system. It's worth a shot!

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T - Tailor your email: Time to craft that email!

This is the part so many of us trip up on — figuring out what to say! I’ve written emails that pique interest and others that never get a response.

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Here are some tips for crafting standout cold emails (keep them short and sweet):
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1. Lead with a short compliment such as “I always appreciate Publication X for Y reason.” It shows you understand what they're about!
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2. Briefly tell them who you are and highlight what you’ve accomplished for other publications. Focus on any qualifications you think they may be looking for. This is where reviewing their writers' bios comes in handy.
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3. Share 2-3 relevant clips to prove you can deliver quality content. Editors care about proven experience.
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4. Let them know you’re available to help them.
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5. End politely with the next steps, like a quick call, sharing your calendar’s link, or simply asking to stay on their radar. Come across as eager to collaborate but not pushy or demanding.

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Here's my go-to template. It's the one that generated the best response rate for me:

Hi [NAME],

I've been a loyal reader of [PUBLICATION], and I look forward to your newsletter every Monday [REPLACE WITH SOMETHING APPROPRIATE].

As a [LIST ANY RELEVANT QUALIFICATION] and experienced freelance writer focused on health and wellness [OR WHATEVER THEIR NICHE IS], I admire the stellar reporting and writing quality.

Over the last [NUMBER] years, I've regularly contributed health articles to [PUBLICATION], [PUBLICATION], [PUBLICATION], and [PUBLICATION]. My contributions have [BRIEFLY HIGHLIGHT WHAT YOU’VE ACCOMPLISHED FOR THOSE PUBLICATIONS].

Here are a few of my work samples:

[LINK]
[LINK]
[LINK]

Please keep me top of mind if you ever need freelance writing help, and thank you for your consideration.

Best,

[Your name and relevant credentials]
Website: www(dot)website(dot)com
Full portfolio: www(dot)website(dot)com/portfolio
Schedule a call on my calendar [LINK]

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Remember, this is just a template, so go ahead and tweak it to your liking.

There are plenty of effective approaches out there. Find what works for you and fits the situation. Personalize your emails when possible — generic ones tend to get overlooked. Look for that connection with the email recipient (if you can) or publication and use it to your advantage.

Again, keep it short!

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E - Email away: Yes, go ahead — Press “Send”!

And don’t forget to follow up, especially if you haven’t heard back after 1-2 weeks!

Keep a simple spreadsheet to track outreach efforts: A column for company name, contact name, email address, date contacted, and a few columns for follow-ups. Schedule follow-up reminders on your calendar.

Even if cold emailing sounds intimidating, I promise it gets easier the more you do it. This strategy has been invaluable for me to connect with publications I’m excited to write for.

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Nelson Mandela said, “I never lose. I either win or learn.”

When it comes to cold emails, adopt Mandela's mindset! Every unanswered outreach is a chance to step back and assess what we'd do differently next round.

Be prepared for unanswered emails (or rejections) — however you want to frame it! It's part of the game. Don't take it personally; factors like timing, delivery issues, and so many other scenarios might be at play.

That's exactly why following up is a MUST. Think of each email as a seed, and with the right conditions and at the right time (sometimes months), it will sprout.🪴
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​Your Turn!🤝

• Visit prospects' websites to check for blogs or content.
• Research their recent posts and writers’ profiles.
• Search for editors on LinkedIn with keywords and look for mutual connections.
• Write your email: Start with a compliment, showcase accomplishments, and express availability.
• Press "Send" and schedule follow-up reminders on your calendar.
• Use a simple spreadsheet to organize contacts and follow-ups.

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Hot off the Dek!

What’s making waves in health writing? What’s the latest buzz?

Here are 3 pitch ideas editors want:

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​ All About the Heart February is Heart Health Month. Start pitching stories about heart health. Here are some ideas: Why heart attacks are more common in the winter? Steps to protect your heart in the winter. A recent study in the Journal of American Heart Association found infective endocarditis is rising among younger adults aged 25 years to 44 years. You can pitch about what infective endocarditis is, why it is on the rise, and what prevention methods can be used. Line up your SMEs! Heart topics are definitely worth pitching soon! ​

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​ Cancer Screening Speaking of February, it's also National Cancer Prevention Month, pitch about recommended screening tests. You can even break it down into two separate pitches that target different groups due for vital cancer checks: Women: What tests should women prioritize at different milestones like 30, 40, 50+ etc. based on risk factors? How have gender-specific guidelines evolved recently? Same for men: What screening schedule aligns with prostate, colorectal, and other cancer risks as they age? Are norms changing? Don't forget your SMEs! ​

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​ Longevity It was and will continue to be a hot topic! Publications continue to want pitches about longevity. Think about uniquely positioning your pitches by including insights from SMEs. I'm talking about researchers dedicated to this field, Blue Zones experts, geneticists, mental health experts, etc. You can approach this topic from a variety of angles! ​

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Gigs & Opps

Your next paid gig might be hiding below. Take a look!

​Sleep Foundation​ Accepting pitches about stories related to sleep. Starts at $750 for 750 words, though typically more than 1,000 words. ​RVO Health​ Looking for freelance writers for their brands: Healthline, Medical News Today, Optum Perks, Healthgrades, PsychCentral, and Greatist. Compensation: typically $150 USD/article ​Insider ​ Conz Preti (editor at Insider) is looking for fresh new pitches on health, sex & relationships, and more. Email pitches to cpreti@insider.com. They generally pay $200+ for these types of pieces. Conz is a pleasure to work with and super responsive. ​Bezzy​ Looking for chronic condition personal experience writers. Compensation: starting at $150 USD/article ​Monarch​ Is mental health in your wheelhouse? Monarch is accepting pitches. Email your article ideas and pitches to content@meetmonarch.com. ​ ​ ​Cardio Health Writers​ A tech company focused on cardio health is in search of a freelance copywriter, content marketer, or content creator for interview and blog post writing. Contact Liana Gergely via direct message. ​Healthline Media Looking for a freelance health news writer. Compensation: $200 USD/article ​Everyday Health Looks like they're still looking for a freelance reviews writer. Don't sleep on this one if you haven't already applied.

💡Writer guidelines can seem tedious, but sticking to those outlined submission instructions offers major returns on your pitch success rates! Editors are flooded with queries daily, so take the time to follow their stated processes to help your pitch stand out.

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New on the Blog

Check out these insightful blog posts:
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• ​6 Red Flags of Over-Optimization (and how to avoid it) by Rohini Kundu, Dental student and a freelance health and wellness writer​
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• ​Why Use Visuals in Your Health Blog (And How to Do It) by Hadia Zainab, 3rd year medical student, Health Writer at Medium
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• ​Primary Source vs. Secondary Source (and why use primary source in health writing)​ by Dr. Halimat Issa, Women's health writer
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Show some extra LinkedIn love to these talented contributors.

Want more from the blog? See it here!

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Blog Booster

And for an update about our Blog Booster challenge... Patty Blevins, BSN, RN (Nurse Freelance Writer specializing in cardiology, mental health and the health industry) wrote a brilliant piece about: Five Reasons Why Nurse Writers are the Ultimate Weapon against Medical Misinformation.
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Take a minute to engage with Patty's blog post through likes, shares, and comments!
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👉What did you write for your own blog?
Share it with me at hello@thewritern.com.

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And... it's time for another blog booster! Are you ready?
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Here’s the plan:

1. Over the next two weeks (by January 25), write one blog post. That’s it, just one blog post for your website in the next two weeks.
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2. Suggested topic ideas: ​
   ​- How to improve on-page SEO
   - A health writer’s take on ChatGPT
   - Medical misinformation
   - It takes more than blogging to rank on Google
   - Beating writer’s block
   - Tracking your blog's impact ​
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3. Post your challenge blog post on LinkedIn using the hashtag #THWNblogbooster. It helps me (and other writers in the challenge) find and support your blog post on LinkedIn.​
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4. Once you’ve published your post, send the link to me at hello@thewritern.com so I can easily collect submissions.
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5. Posts from challenge participants will be featured in upcoming newsletter editions. This gives your writing bonus exposure!
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6. One last thing! Make it a point to interact with and support the work of fellow health writers taking on the Blog Booster challenge. Remember, this is our community!

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Missed the last issue? Catch it here 👉 Are We Down to the Wire?​

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Get it here​

Save time and money with my FREE draft submission checklist! With this checklist, you can: Breeze through self-edits Hit ‘Send’ with total confidence Keep editors happy and impressed Free up hours to take on more work or do something fun

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And that, my friends, is it for THWN Issue No. 3!

Au revoir, mes amis…

See ya in about 336 hours, aka 14 days!

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PS: I'm seriously, absolutely, and honestly itching to know how I can make this newsletter the best for YOU and US. This is not a one-way street. You hear from me. But I want to also hear from you. Hit REPLY to share what works and what doesn’t, what you want to see more of, or just say hi! 👋
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PPS: Stay tuned for this quarter's giveaway!

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