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Freelance Writing Direct: Conversations with authors, journalists, agents, novelists, memoirists, niche writers, publishers, writing teachers, assigning editors and media experts.


Aug 1, 2024

Emily Paulsen has built a successful career as a freelance writer and editor. She has contributed to more than a dozen books, including three as co-author. She has covered a variety of subjects over the years, but specializes in health and healthcare, with an emphasis on health equity and improving the healthcare experience for patients and providers. She is currently president of the American Society of Journalists and Authors, the leading professional organization for independent journalists, authors, and content writers.



In this episode:

  • What is ASJA and Emily and Estelle’s’ experience with this professional organization [2:07]

  • The upcoming ASJA virtual conference (September 24-26) and the breakdown of sessions in each track [6:07]

  • The Importance of storytelling in journalism [11:20]

  • Estelle’s fireside chat at ASJA with Abigail Thomas [13:28]

  • ASJA diversity efforts for the freelance writing community [22:51]

  • The benefits of ASJA membership and the associate and professional tier [26:38]

  • The in-person ASJA conference in February 2025 [29:47]



Connect with Emily

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eapaulsen/

Website: emilypaulsen.com

 

Connect with ASJA

asja.org

https://www.facebook.com/ASJAinc/

https://x.com/ASJAhq

https://www.linkedin.com/company/asja/

https://www.instagram.com/asjahq

https://www.tiktok.com/@asjafreelancewriters

 

More on ASJA

Register for the 2024 Virtual Conference: https://www.asja.org/2024-asja-conference/

Info on the Conference Keynoters: https://www.asja.org/asja-2024-conference-keynoters-are-krishan-trotman-peter-shankman-david-brown/

 

The benefits of ASJA membership and eligibility requirements: https://www.asja.org/join-asja/benefits/

 https://www.asja.org/join-asja/eligibility/

 

Info on Client Connections 2024 (you have to be a professional member to participate): https://www.asja.org/what-we-do/client-networking/client-connections/cc24/

 

The deadline for applying for the scholarship has been extended to 9/1. The deadline is 8/23 for non-members who apply for membership at the same time as applying for the scholarship. https://www.asja.org/asja-offers-members-scholarships-to-ghostmasters-business-of-ghostwriting-course/)

 

ASJA  will also be offering scholarships to the virtual conference, but that application has not been set up yet.

 

Info on ASJA’s diversity initiative plus resources on how to be a more inclusive writer: https://www.asja.org/who-we-are/diversity-and-inclusion/



Connect with Estelle:

 

Watch Estelle’s episode #83 with Abigail Thomas

https://estelleserasmus.com/83-writing-your-way-into-an-engaging-and-enthralling-story-featuring-abigail-thomas/

 

Watch Estelle’s episode #88 with Peter Shankman

https://estelleserasmus.com/88-the-founder-of-haro-peter-shankman-a-hero-to-journalists-on-deadline-launches-source-of-sources/

 

​​FREE PITCHING GUIDE: Find out more about this episode at 

https://estelleserasmus.com/podcast. You also get a free pitching guide if you sign up for her newsletter.

 

Sign up for Estelle’s Personal Essay Class for Writer’s Digest 

https://www.writersonlineworkshops.com/courses/writing-the-personal-essay-101-fundamentals

 

See Estelle’s latest blog post with news

https://estelleserasmus.com/a-few-pieces-of-exciting-news/



Get Her Book 

Writing That Gets Noticed: Find Your Voice, Become a Better Storyteller, Get Published: https://rb.gy/5ihwp0

 

Pre-Order Her Audiobook: https://shorturl.at/4uG2P

 

Sign up for her Substack https://estelleserasmus.substack.com (with craft advice and writing opportunities). Paid subscribers receive opportunities for pitch reviews, plus bonus clips from Freelance Writing Direct guests

 

Estelle’s latest substack post on Micro Memoir

https://estelleserasmus.substack.com/p/if-you-are-writing-a-micro-memoir

 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/EstelleSErasmus

TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@EstelleSErasmus

 

Estelle’s Latest Articles

I’m Learning to Listen in New Ways (Shondaland)

https://www.shondaland.com/live/family/a46102451/im-learning-to-listen-in-new-ways/



What to Do PreLaunch to Get Your Book Noticed (Writer’s Digest)

https://www.writersdigest.com/getting-published/what-to-do-pre-launch-to-get-your-book-noticed

 

How to Resist the Temptation of AI When Writing (Wired)

https://www.wired.com/story/how-to-resist-ai-temptation-writing/