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

Rita Rosenkranz founded Rita Rosenkranz Literary Agency after working as an editor at major publishers. She represents almost exclusively adult non-fiction titles in all major categories. She looks for familiar topics presented freshly and lesser-known topics presented commercially. She works with mainstream houses as well as regional publishers for niche projects. In this episode: How to research literary agents [3:39] How to build your credibility before publishing a book or working with a literary agent [8:03] Maintaining a professional relationship with your literary agent [11:24] What makes a good, responsible author [17:21] How authors can navigate contracts and how literary agents can help [19:47] Advice on advocating for yourself as an author [23:18] How to connect with Rita if you are interested in her as a literary agent [35:01] Connect with Rita: Website: https://ritarosenkranzliteraryagency.com FREE PITCHING GUIDE: Find out more about this episode #76 at https://estelleserasmus.com/podcast. You also get a free pitching guide if you sign up for my newsletter. Connect with Estelle: Writing That Gets Noticed: Find Your Voice, Become a Better Storyteller, Get Published: https://estelleserasmus.com/books/writing-that-gets-noticed/ Sign up for my Substack https://estelleserasmus.substack.com (with craft advice and writing opportunities) Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/EstelleSErasmus TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@EstelleSErasmus (Come see me every Monday at 7 pm for a live AMA)

There has been a big change in the industry recently, and in this episode Estelle covers what has been happening and why and what you need to do about it. Estelle Erasmus has been in publishing for 3 decades — on both sides of the publishing wall — as a gatekeeper and as a journalist/writer who has found ways to break through the gate and get noticed — which is what she covers in her book, and teaches her students at NYU, in private coaching, and for Writer's Digest. Through the years, Estelle has seen multiple trends emerge —— and go away. From the days that print was king, to the rise of online publications, to the start of blogging, Estelle has been there and has been able to pivot and maximize each trend. She shares what to do, and also covers the changes in social media that every writer needs to be aware of. Since people are consuming content in different ways than they were before, and advertisers are paying in different ways than they were before, publishing is going through a bumpy ride. But there is hope for content creators. Tune in to hear current trends and how you can continue to be a successful writer today. FREE PITCHING GUIDE: Find out more about this episode #75 at https://estelleserasmus.com/podcast. You also get a free pitching guide if you sign up for my newsletter. Connect with Estelle: Writing That Gets Noticed: Find Your Voice, Become a Better Storyteller, Get Published: https://estelleserasmus.com/books/writing-that-gets-noticed/ Sign up for my Substack https://estelleserasmus.substack.com (with craft advice and writing opportunities, and special clips and interaction with Estelle for paid subscribers) Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/EstelleSErasmus TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@EstelleSErasmus

As someone who started out in service journalism at Woman's World magazine decades ago, I found Megy Karydes new book really well sourced and structured and wanted to speak to her about how she did it. We discussed ways to find experts, locate research and navigate through a complicated publishing landscape, while creating a quality product. In this episode: Megy Karydes mental health journey and reason for the book [4:17] Structuring her book and Estelle's tips on service journalism [13:01] Megy's story about finding an agent & pitching to book publishers [11:05] How she found expert sources for her book and what Estelle recommends [18:14] Resources from Megy and Estelle every writer/author can use [13:41] Building accountability structures [31:40] Creating deadlines for yourself as an author [25:15] Connect with Megy: Website: http://www.megykarydes.com/ FREE PITCHING GUIDE: Find out more about this episode #74 at https://estelleserasmus.com/podcast. You also get a free pitching guide if you sign up for my newsletter. Connect with Estelle: Writing That Gets Noticed: Find Your Voice, Become a Better Storyteller, Get Published: https://estelleserasmus.com/books/writing-that-gets-noticed/ Sign up for my Substack https://estelleserasmus.substack.com (with craft advice and writing opportunities) Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/EstelleSErasmus TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@estelleserasmus

In this episode: Tara's expertise and backstory and why she wrote this book [3:03] Who is Abenda, her spirit guide [8:07] How she selected the three people for the automatic writing of the book [19:29] Insights on how Tara structured her book [27:25] The most common questions Tara included in her book [26:45] Information about the spiritual world [33:38] Tara Sutphen is a master of the Mystic Arts. An Author, Psychic and Hypnotherapist, she has authored books and Grammy nominated. She has created several lines of meditation Recordings, Mp3s and DVDs. Tara specializes in Shamanistic techniques which teach you to utilize your psychic abilities at your highest possible level. She is a Master Hypnotist, her Goal Programming techniques have helped many become successful, find love, create better health, reach spiritual attunement, happiness, and even become famous and/or wealthy. Tara is well-known for her Channeling and Automatic Writing with her spirit guide, Abenda. Tara conducts and facilitates seminars and workshops all over the world. Over 200,000 people have attended a Sutphen Seminar, workshop, or retreat. Contact Tara: www.tarainsight.com Connect with Estelle: Estelle's Bookshop (where you can buy the books from the authors in this podcast): https://bookshop.org/shop/EstelleSErasmus Her website: https://estelleserasmus.com (sign up for her newsletter and receive her free pitching guide). Writing That Gets Noticed: Find Your Voice, Become a Better Storyteller, Get Published: https://estelleserasmus.com/books/writing-that-gets-noticed/ Adjunct Instructor, NYU (Sign up for her latest classes-Writing That Gets Noticed is now a course for the Journalism Certificate) https://www.sps.nyu.edu/professional-pathways/faculty/1068-estelle-erasmus.html Her Substack https://estelleserasmus.substack.com (with craft advice and writing opportunities) Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/EstelleSErasmus/ X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/EstelleSErasmus Threads: https://www.threads.net/@estelleserasmus Blue Sky: https://bsky.app/profile/estelleserasmus.bsky.social

In this episode: How to get published with Motina Books Publishing [31:16] Why Motina Books Publishing focuses on books by and for mothers [3:21] What you need in a proposal to get published [32:32] Insight into the publishing/author relationship [9:27] Publicity and marketing ideas for authors [14:58] The differences between self publishing and hybrid publishing [20:37] How to ensure a publisher is legitimate [23:31] What book topics Motina Books is looking for [9:52] Diane Windsor is the owner of Motina Books Publishing, which specializes in publishing books by and for mothers. The publishing industry has changed drastically in the last 10 to 20 years, and the majority of authors are required to get out there and market their books. Diane believes that the publisher should help their authors with these efforts through education and guidance. There's always something new to learn when it comes to marketing your book! Connect with Daine: Website: www.MotinaBooks.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/motinabooks Instagram: https://instagram.com/motina_books TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@publishchick Connect with Estelle: Estelle's Bookshop (where you can buy the books from the authors in this podcast): https://bookshop.org/shop/EstelleSErasmus Her website: https://estelleserasmus.com (sign up for her newsletter and receive her free pitching guide). Writing That Gets Noticed: Find Your Voice, Become a Better Storyteller, Get Published: https://estelleserasmus.com/books/writing-that-gets-noticed/ Adjunct Instructor, NYU (Sign up for her latest classes-Writing That Gets Noticed is now a course for the Journalism Certificate) https://www.sps.nyu.edu/professional-pathways/faculty/1068-estelle-erasmus.html Her Substack https://estelleserasmus.substack.com (with craft advice and writing opportunities) Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/EstelleSErasmus/ X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/EstelleSErasmus Threads: https://www.threads.net/@estelleserasmus Blue Sky: https://bsky.app/profile/estelleserasmus.bsky.social

Are you wondering what makes a good pitch that will catch the attention of editors? In this episode, Estelle Erasmus shares real-life examples on what makes a good pitch. From crafting a compelling hook to sharing pertinent information that resonates with editors, Estelle dissects actual pitches and provides insights to enhance your understanding of the pitching process. For more on pitching, check out Estelle's book Writing That Gets Noticed: Find Your Voice, Become a Better Storyteller, Get Published. Connect with Estelle: Estelle's Bookshop (where you can buy the books from the authors in this podcast): https://bookshop.org/shop/EstelleSErasmus Her website: https://estelleserasmus.com (sign up for her newsletter and receive her free pitching guide). Writing That Gets Noticed: Find Your Voice, Become a Better Storyteller, Get Published: https://estelleserasmus.com/books/writing-that-gets-noticed/ Adjunct Instructor, NYU (Sign up for her latest classes-Writing That Gets Noticed is now a course for the Journalism Certificate) https://www.sps.nyu.edu/professional-pathways/faculty/1068-estelle-erasmus.html Her Substack https://estelleserasmus.substack.com (with craft advice and writing opportunities) Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/EstelleSErasmus/ X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/EstelleSErasmus Threads: https://www.threads.net/@estelleserasmus Blue Sky: https://bsky.app/profile/estelleserasmus.bsky.social

In this episode: How Jennifer started her YA writing journey [2:52] Going on submission during the pandemic, and eventually getting a 2 book deal [6:15] The exercise of narrowing down characters [13:20] The art of writing time pressure into your story [20:00] Jen's advice for excavating specific emotions for your characters [32:31] Jennifer Chen is a freelance journalist who has written for Today, New York Times, Oprah Daily, Real Simple, and Bust. Jennifer has a MFA and BFA in dramatic writing from New York University's Tisch School of the Arts. She is a proud volunteer for WriteGirl, a creative writing and mentoring organization. She lives in Los Angeles with her TV writer husband, twins, two pugs, and a cat named Gremlin. Contact Jennifer Twitter: https://twitter.com/jchenwriter Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jchenwriter/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jchenwriter Substack newsletter: https://jenniferchen.substack.com Website: https://jchenwriter.com Connect with Estelle: Estelle's Bookshop (where you can buy the books from the authors in this podcast): https://bookshop.org/shop/EstelleSErasmus Her website: https://estelleserasmus.com (sign up for her newsletter and receive her free pitching guide). Writing That Gets Noticed: Find Your Voice, Become a Better Storyteller, Get Published: https://estelleserasmus.com/books/writing-that-gets-noticed/ Adjunct Instructor, NYU (Sign up for her latest classes-Writing That Gets Noticed is now a course for the Journalism Certificate) https://www.sps.nyu.edu/professional-pathways/faculty/1068-estelle-erasmus.html Her Substack https://estelleserasmus.substack.com (with craft advice and writing opportunities) Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/EstelleSErasmus/ X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/EstelleSErasmus Threads: https://www.threads.net/@estelleserasmus Blue Sky: https://bsky.app/profile/estelleserasmus.bsky.social

In this episode: The elements of a good author/publisher relationship [20:12] The kinds of books New World Library publishes [12:04] What proposal submissions need to include [30:05] How authors can road test their book ideas [17:07] Insights on how authors should be building their platforms [14:15] Trends that Georgia has seen in the publishing industry and her thoughts on AI [30:49] What makes New World Library stand out from other publishers [18:30] Estelle's experience with New World Library [20:19] Georgia A. Hughes is editorial director at New World Library, where she acquires and edits nonfiction books in the areas of spirituality, personal growth, sustainable business, relationships, health and well-being, animals, and women's issues. New World Library, publisher of the bestselling The Power of Now and other award-winning books, strives to publish books that help readers change their lives and the world, and aims for diversity and inclusion. Prior to joining New World Library, Georgia worked as a bookseller, at HarperCollins, and as a freelance editor. Recent acquisitions include Writing That Gets Noticed by Estelle Erasmus, Say It Out Loud by Vasavi Kumar, Hagitude by Sharon Blackie, The Eloquence of Silence by Thomas Moore, Bones & Honey by Danielle Dulsky, and Growing Big Dreams by Robert Moss. Connect with New World Library: Website: www.newworldlibrary.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/NewWorldLibrary Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/newworldlibrary Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NewWorldLibrary?ref=br_tf YouTube https://www.youtube.com/user/NewWorldLibrary Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/newworldlibrary/ Connect with Estelle: Her website: https://estelleserasmus.com (sign up for her newsletter and receive her free pitching guide). Writing That Gets Noticed: Find Your Voice, Become a Better Storyteller, Get Published: https://estelleserasmus.com/books/writing-that-gets-noticed/ Adjunct Instructor, NYU (Sign up for her latest classes-Writing That Gets Noticed is now a course for the Journalism Certificate) https://www.sps.nyu.edu/professional-pathways/faculty/1068-estelle-erasmus.html Her Substack https://estelleserasmus.substack.com (with craft advice and writing opportunities) Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/EstelleSErasmus/ X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/EstelleSErasmus Threads: https://www.threads.net/@estelleserasmus Blue Sky: https://bsky.app/profile/estelleserasmus.bsky.social Estelle's Bookshop (where you can buy the books from the authors in this podcast Writing That Gets Noticed Wins a Zibby Award for the "Best Book for The Writer" https://estelleserasmus.com/writing-that-gets-noticed-wins-a-zibby-award/

In this episode: Liz's inspiration for writing her book [5:05] How Liz got her book published and the process she went through [6:45] The importance of a social media presence and creating a brand when writing [7:31] Advice for picking a book cover [11:43] The importance of active verbs [19:10] How Liz structured her book and used alliteration [18:15] Choosing what stories to put in your book, and what not to include [26:40] Liz Elting, Founder and CEO of the Elizabeth Elting Foundation, is an entrepreneur, business leader, bestselling author, linguaphile, philanthropist, feminist, and mother. After living, studying, and working in five countries across the globe, Liz founded TransPerfect out of an NYU dorm room in 1992 and served as Co-CEO until 2018. TransPerfect is the world's largest language solutions company, with over $1.1 billion in revenue and offices in more than 100 cities worldwide. Liz received the 2019 Charles Waldo Haskins Award for business and public service from NYU's Stern School of Business, the American Heart Association's 2020 Health Equity Leadership Award, the Alliance of Women Entrepreneurs' 2021 Vertex Award for changing the face and direction of women's high-growth entrepreneurship, the American Heart Association's 2022 Woman Changing the World Award, Trinity College's 2022 Kathleen O'Connor Boelhouwer '85 Alumni Initiative Award, and the Gabrielle's Angel Foundation's 2023 Angel of Hope Award. Liz has been recognized as a NOW Woman of Power & Influence, American Express' and Entrepreneur magazine's Woman of the Year, and one of Forbes' Richest Self-Made Women every year since the list's inception. Elting is the bestselling author of Dream Big and Win: Translating Passion into Purpose and Creating a Billion-Dollar Business. Connect with Liz: Website: https://lizelting.com Liz's Foundation: https://www.elizabetheltingfoundation.org Get Liz's Book: Dream Big and Win: Translating Passion into Purpose and Creating a Billion-Dollar Business Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lizelting/ X: https://twitter.com/LizElting Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Liz-Elting/pfbid0384nDaMaX8DzW1u3Zvnqn9N6HSzeWAq56AXHhEXWbVHgRKgBsztpNn6RzGHW72nVsl/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lizelting Connect with Estelle: Her website: https://estelleserasmus.com (sign up for her newsletter and receive her free pitching guide). Writing That Gets Noticed: Find Your Voice, Become a Better Storyteller, Get Published: https://estelleserasmus.com/books/writing-that-gets-noticed/ Adjunct Instructor, NYU (Sign up for her latest classes-Writing That Gets Noticed is now a course for the Journalism Certificate) https://www.sps.nyu.edu/professional-pathways/faculty/1068-estelle-erasmus.html Her Substack https://estelleserasmus.substack.com (with craft advice and writing opportunities) Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/EstelleSErasmus/ X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/EstelleSErasmus Threads: https://www.threads.net/@estelleserasmus Blue Sky: https://bsky.app/profile/estelleserasmus.bsky.social Estelle's Bookshop (where you can buy the books from the authors in this podcast): https://bookshop.org/shop/EstelleSErasmus

In this episode: What authors don't know about media [2:26] How to be media ready [3:33] Timing on preparing for media interviews [5:27] Advice for authors on getting comfortable on camera [5:45] Paula's accordion method for sharing information [10:20] Advice on speaking good sound bites to break through the noise [16:29] How to pitch media and where to find contacts [20:25] Lists and using them to stay productive [26:53] Paula Rizzo is an Emmy Award-winning television producer, best-selling author of Listful Thinking & Listful Living, a media-training coach, speaker, LinkedIn Learning Instructor, host of the live-stream show Inside Scoop, and creator of the popular online training Media-Ready Author. She media trains fiction and nonfiction authors who are both traditionally and self-published. Harper Collins, Workman Publishing and Time Inchave all hired Paula to prepare their authors for book launches. She's also media trained executives from The New York Times, Dow Jones, Fortune 200 companies and privately-owned organizations. Paula served on the advisory board of Books for Kids, is a member of The Authors Guild and Women's Media Group, as well as a founding member of Chief in New York City. She's currently working on a novel and several children's books. Connect with Paula: 10 Media Questions That Every Author Needs to Answer: http://paularizzo.com/10Q LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paularizzo1/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/listproducer/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/ListProducer Connect with Estelle: Her website: https://estelleserasmus.com (sign up for her newsletter and receive her free pitching guide). Writing That Gets Noticed: Find Your Voice, Become a Better Storyteller, Get Published: https://estelleserasmus.com/books/writing-that-gets-noticed/ Adjunct Instructor, NYU (Sign up for her latest classes-Writing That Gets Noticed is now a course for the Journalism Certificate) https://www.sps.nyu.edu/professional-pathways/faculty/1068-estelle-erasmus.html Her Substack https://estelleserasmus.substack.com (with craft advice and writing opportunities) Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/EstelleSErasmus/ X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/EstelleSErasmus Threads: https://www.threads.net/@estelleserasmus Blue Sky: https://bsky.app/profile/estelleserasmus.bsky.social