Freelance Writing Direct with Estelle: Conversations with authors, journalists, agents, novelists, memoirists, niche writers, publishers, writing teachers, assigning editors and media experts.
Estelle Erasmus
Want to get published or land a book deal? Join TEDx speaker and author Estelle Erasmus for smart writing tips, publishing insights, and behind-the-scenes advice for fiction writers, memoirists, and authors at every stage.
Winner of the 2026 Podcast of the Year (Business) and the 2025 Podcast of the Year (Education) from the American Writing Awards, Freelance Writing Direct is your go-to podcast for writing tips, publishing advice, and insider strategies to help you get published—whether in essays, memoir, fiction, books, or journalism.
Hosted by Estelle Erasmus—award-winning journalist, TEDx speaker, NYU writing professor, and author of Writing That Gets Noticed (named a "Best Book for Writers" by Poets & Writers)—this show blends writing craft, career strategy, and behind-the-scenes publishing insight.
Each week, Estelle shares short, practical episodes full of:
Writing tips for essays, memoir, and books
Pitch strategies that get editors' attention
Publishing advice from agents and bestselling authors
Solo episodes, coaching episodes and candid conversations with industry insiders
Whether you're just starting your freelance writing journey or aiming for your next book deal, you'll find actionable tools, story prompts, and the momentum you need to grow your writing career.
Listeners often ask:
*How do I get published in The New York Times, The Washington Post, or WIRED?
*What writing tips will make my voice stand out?
*How do I find an agent or land a book deal?
*What do editors actually want?
*How do I shape my personal story for publication?
You're in the right place.
It's time to elevate your writing—with Freelance Writing Direct.
🎙️ About Estelle Erasmus
Estelle Erasmus is an award-winning journalist, TEDx speaker, and author of Writing That Gets Noticed. She's a Contributing Editor for Writer's Digest, an adjunct writing professor at NYU, and the former editor-in-chief of five national magazines. Estelle's work has appeared in The New York Times, The Washington Post, WIRED, AARP, Next Avenue, and The Independent, among 150+ other outlets.
She is also the host of Freelance Writing Direct, named the 2025 Podcast of the Year in the Education category by the American Writing Awards.
Learn more: estelleserasmus.com
Newsletter: estelleserasmus.substack.com
Social: @EstelleSErasmus on Instagram, X, Threads, and LinkedIn
Winner of the 2026 Podcast of the Year (Business) and the 2025 Podcast of the Year (Education) from the American Writing Awards, Freelance Writing Direct is your go-to podcast for writing tips, publishing advice, and insider strategies to help you get published—whether in essays, memoir, fiction, books, or journalism.
Hosted by Estelle Erasmus—award-winning journalist, TEDx speaker, NYU writing professor, and author of Writing That Gets Noticed (named a "Best Book for Writers" by Poets & Writers)—this show blends writing craft, career strategy, and behind-the-scenes publishing insight.
Each week, Estelle shares short, practical episodes full of:
Writing tips for essays, memoir, and books
Pitch strategies that get editors' attention
Publishing advice from agents and bestselling authors
Solo episodes, coaching episodes and candid conversations with industry insiders
Whether you're just starting your freelance writing journey or aiming for your next book deal, you'll find actionable tools, story prompts, and the momentum you need to grow your writing career.
Listeners often ask:
*How do I get published in The New York Times, The Washington Post, or WIRED?
*What writing tips will make my voice stand out?
*How do I find an agent or land a book deal?
*What do editors actually want?
*How do I shape my personal story for publication?
You're in the right place.
It's time to elevate your writing—with Freelance Writing Direct.
🎙️ About Estelle Erasmus
Estelle Erasmus is an award-winning journalist, TEDx speaker, and author of Writing That Gets Noticed. She's a Contributing Editor for Writer's Digest, an adjunct writing professor at NYU, and the former editor-in-chief of five national magazines. Estelle's work has appeared in The New York Times, The Washington Post, WIRED, AARP, Next Avenue, and The Independent, among 150+ other outlets.
She is also the host of Freelance Writing Direct, named the 2025 Podcast of the Year in the Education category by the American Writing Awards.
Learn more: estelleserasmus.com
Newsletter: estelleserasmus.substack.com
Social: @EstelleSErasmus on Instagram, X, Threads, and LinkedIn
Episodes
Mentioned books
Jan 12, 2023 • 37min
#16 The Year of the Horses and Books with Courtney Maum
In this episode, Estelle Erasmus and Sherry Paprocki speak with Courtney Maum. Courtney is the author of five books, including the groundbreaking publishing guide that Vanity Fair recently named one of the ten best books for writers, BEFORE AND AFTER THE BOOK DEAL and the memoir THE YEAR OF THE HORSES, chosen by The Today Show as the best read for mental health awareness. A writing coach, executive director of the nonprofit learning collaborative "The Cabins," and educator, Courtney's mission is to help people hold on to the joy of art-making in a culture obsessed with turning artists into brands. You can sign up for her publishing tips newsletter and online masterclasses at CourtneyMaum.com In this episode: How Courtney navigates through multiple genres. The importance of building connections with other creatives in the writing world. Tips for connecting with publishers. Courtney's tips on how writers can prioritize their mental health Connect with Courtney: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cbmaum/ Website: https://www.courtneymaum.com The Cabins Retreat Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecabinsretreat/ SubStack: https://courtneymaum.substack.com Send us an email: freelancewritingdirect@gmail.com Connect with Estelle: Website: https://estelleserasmus.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/EstelleSErasmus/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/EstelleSErasmus Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@estelleserasmus Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/estelle.sobel.erasmus/ Estelle's Classes: https://estelleserasmus.com/classes Connect with Sherry: Website: https://sherrybeckpaprocki.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/paprockisherry/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sherry.paprocki Twitter: https://twitter.com/sherrypaprocki Book: www.freelancefancy.com If you've enjoyed our podcast, please leave us a review. Reviews help bring our podcast in front of more people.
Jan 5, 2023 • 30min
#15 Analyzing Pitches and Attracting an Editor's Attention
In this episode, Estelle Erasmus and Sherry Paprocki talk about what to do to make pitches resonate with an editor, and review pitches submitted by Estelle's students, sharing what works, what doesn't, and how to revise to get accepted. In this episode: The difference between a pitch and a more formal query letter. Tips for sending a pitch to an editor in today's world. Real-time review of anonymous pitches If you want your pitch to be reviewed in a future episode of the Freelance Writing Direct podcast, send us an email: freelancewritingdirect@gmail.com Connect with Estelle: Website: https://estelleserasmus.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/EstelleSErasmus/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/EstelleSErasmus Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@estelleserasmus Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/estelle.sobel.erasmus/ Estelle's Classes: https://estelleserasmus.com/classes Connect with Sherry: Website: https://sherrybeckpaprocki.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/paprockisherry/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sherry.paprocki Twitter: https://twitter.com/sherrypaprocki Book: www.freelancefancy.com If you've enjoyed our podcast, please leave us a review. Reviews help bring our podcast in front of more people.
Dec 29, 2022 • 29min
#14 Humor Writing and Wearing Tunics with Wendi Aarons
In this episode, Estelle Erasmus and Sherry Paprocki speak with Wendi Aarons, an award-winning humor writer. Wendi's work has appeared in The New Yorker Daily Shouts, McSweeney's Internet Tendency, US Weekly Fashion Police, Scary Mommy, BuzzFeed, Huffington Post, Wall Street Journal, and various other outlets. She is the author of the middle-grade book Ginger Mancino, Kid Comedian" and the humorous memoir, I'm Wearing Tunics Now, and a contributor to many anthologies. Her humor pieces have been performed by award-winning actresses including Uzo Aduba, Sharon Horgan, and Alison Brie of "Glow." Wendi's eponymous blog was named "Funniest Parenting Blog" by Parents Magazine and she was named "Most Entertaining Writer" at the Mom 2.0 Influencer conference. She both speaks on and teaches humor writing to both children and adults, and lives in Austin. In this episode: How Wendi started writing about humor and finding her voice The rule of 3s in writing humor More tips on writing using humor and working in different genres The importance of networking and finding connection Connect with Wendi: Website: https://www.wendiaarons.com Substack: https://substack.com/profile/6765564-wendi-aarons Twitter: https://twitter.com/WendiAarons Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wendiaarons/ Buy Wendi's Books: I'm Wearing Tunics Now: On Growing Older, Better, and a Hell of a Lot Louder https://bookshop.org/p/books/socks-a-footloose-miscellany-for-sock-lovers-and-wearers-wendi-aarons/18811173?ean=9781797212760 Ginger Mancino, Kid Comedian https://www.amazon.com/Ginger-Mancino-Comedian-Wendi-Aarons/dp/1733988742 Send us an email: freelancewritingdirect@gmail.com Connect with Estelle: Website: https://estelleserasmus.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/EstelleSErasmus/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/EstelleSErasmus Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@estelleserasmus Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/estelle.sobel.erasmus/ Estelle's Classes: https://estelleserasmus.com/classes Connect with Sherry: Website: https://sherrybeckpaprocki.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/paprockisherry/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sherry.paprocki Twitter: https://twitter.com/sherrypaprocki Book: www.freelancefancy.com If you've enjoyed our podcast, please leave us a review. Reviews help bring our podcast in front of more people.
Dec 22, 2022 • 27min
#13 Getting the Gigs and the Glory: Maximizing Your Freelance Profits
In this episode, Estelle Erasmus interviews Sherry Paprocki about how to maximize your freelance profits. Whether you are a beginner writer, or already have freelance clients, this episode will be really helpful for you. Sherry is a top professional in publishing, and a branding and publishing strategist. She is the president of R.S. Rock Media Inc. In 2018, Sherry was honored twice by Folio as one of the top women in media and was placed on the Folio top 100 list for creative thought leaders in media. Sherry is also the past president of ASJA (American Society of Journalists and Authors) and she has authored more than a dozen books. Sherry not only writes but also hires freelance writers for her business. Sherry is the author of Freelance Fancy: Your Guide to Capturing Spiritual Health, Wealth and Happiness from Gig Work, which is a top Amazon pick in business. In this episode: Sherry's career journey from writing for newspapers to freelance writing. How Sherry grew her business through networking. Tips for navigating through chaos. Qualities that make freelance writers successful. Sherry's advice and tips on actually getting the gig. The spiritual side of freelance writing. Send us an email: freelancewritingdirect@gmail.com Connect with Estelle: Website: https://estelleserasmus.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/EstelleSErasmus/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/EstelleSErasmus Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@estelleserasmus Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/estelle.sobel.erasmus/ Estelle's Classes: https://estelleserasmus.com/classes Connect with Sherry: Website: https://sherrybeckpaprocki.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/paprockisherry/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sherry.paprocki Twitter: https://twitter.com/sherrypaprocki Book: www.freelancefancy.com If you've enjoyed our podcast, please leave us a review. Reviews help bring our podcast in front of more people. We want to hear from you. For questions, ideas for future episodes, and thoughts on our episodes, email us at freelancewritingdirect@gmail.com.
Dec 15, 2022 • 27min
#12 From Columnist to Author: Career Self Care with Minda Zetlin
In this episode, Estelle Erasmus and Sherry Paprocki speak with Minda Zetlin. Minda is the author of her new book Career Self-Care and writes the highly popular "Laid-Back Leader" column for Inc. Her articles and workshops offer research-backed advice to help ambitious people get the most out of their careers and their lives. She is the author or coauthor of several books, most recently The Geek Gap. A former president of the American Society of Journalists and Authors (ASJA), she lives in Snohomish, Washington. In this episode: How Minda found her path from freelancing to becoming a columnist. Finding a mentor and the power of asking for help. The benefit of writers' organizations, such as ASJA. Connect with Minda: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mindazetlin/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/MindaZetlin Website: https://mindazetlin.wordpress.com Minda's Book on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Career-Self-Care-Increase-Happiness-Fulfillment/dp/1608687325/ Minda's column on Inc.com: https://www.inc.com/author/minda-zetlin And, as a bonus for our listeners, get three months of my daily Career Self-Care texts for free (usually $4.95 a month): https://joinsubtext.com/career-self-care?promo=NEWSLETTER90 Send us an email: freelancewritingdirect@gmail.com Connect with Estelle: Website: https://estelleserasmus.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/EstelleSErasmus/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/EstelleSErasmus Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@estelleserasmus Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/estelle.sobel.erasmus/ Estelle's Classes: https://estelleserasmus.com/classes Connect with Sherry: Website: https://sherrybeckpaprocki.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/paprockisherry/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sherry.paprocki Twitter: https://twitter.com/sherrypaprocki Book: www.freelancefancy.com If you've enjoyed our podcast, please leave us a review. Reviews help bring our podcast in front of more people. We want to hear from you. For questions, ideas for future episodes, and thoughts on our episodes, email us at freelancewritingdirect@gmail.com.
Dec 8, 2022 • 28min
#11 A Nurse Finds Her Writing Niche
In today's episode, Sherry Paprocki and Estelle Erasmus speak with Jennifer L.W. Fink. Jennifer is a registered nurse turned writer, podcaster, and "boy expert" - yes, you read that right! Jennifer is the founder of Building Boys and the author of "Building Boys: raising great guys in a world that misunderstands males" which will be released in spring. She also co-hosts the Building Boys podcast and publishes Building Boys Bulletin, a weekly newsletter on parenting and educating boys. Her byline can be found in Parents, American Baby, Pregnancy, Boys' Life, Ladies' Home Journal, MyMidwest, Scholastic Instructor, Home Education Magazine, Proto, RN, Advance for Nurses, and other regional and national publications. She's written for a variety of websites, including iVillage, scrubsmag.com and bestnursingdegree.com, and creates print and online content for a variety of healthcare organizations. She's also the mother of four boys—who maintains her nursing license, just in case. In this episode: Jennifer transitioned from RN to becoming a writer. How Jennifer used her experience as a parent to fuel her writing. Tips on building your writing expertise in the community. Connect with Jennifer: Website: https://jenniferlwfink.com Building Boys: http://buildingboys.net Send us an email: freelancewritingdirect@gmail.com Connect with Estelle: Website: https://estelleserasmus.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/EstelleSErasmus/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/EstelleSErasmus Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@estelleserasmus Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/estelle.sobel.erasmus/ Estelle's Classes: https://estelleserasmus.com/classes Connect with Sherry: Website: https://sherrybeckpaprocki.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/paprockisherry/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sherry.paprocki Twitter: https://twitter.com/sherrypaprocki Book: www.freelancefancy.com If you've enjoyed our podcast, please leave us a review. Reviews help bring our podcast in front of more people. We want to hear from you. For questions, ideas for future episodes, and thoughts on our episodes, email us at freelancewritingdirect@gmail.com.
Dec 1, 2022 • 29min
#10 A Writing Evolution with Polly Campbell
In this episode, Sherry Paprocki and Estelle Erasmus speak with Polly Campbell. Polly started out as a freelance writer, and evolved her career into one that involves podcasting, writing books, and a lot of other things. Polly is the author of You, Recharged: How to Beat Fatigue (Mostly), Amp Up Your Energy (Usually), and Enjoy Life Again, (Always) and other books. She has written hundreds of articles for online and print publications and is the host of the podcast Polly Campbell, Simply Said: How to Live Well, Do Good, Be Happy. In this episode: How Polly evolved her career from free writing to freelance The importance of treating your freelance writing career as a business How to structure your day as a freelance writer Polly's journey into podcasting Polly's best 3 tips for new freelance writers. Articles referenced: When Your Teen is Bored https://www.nytimes.com/2020/07/02/well/family/tweens-boredom-summer.html Connect with Polly: Books: www.pollycampbell.substack.com Website: www.pollycampbell.com Send us an email: freelancewritingdirect@gmail.com Connect with Estelle: Website: https://estelleserasmus.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/EstelleSErasmus/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/EstelleSErasmus Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@estelleserasmus Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/estelle.sobel.erasmus/ Estelle's Classes: https://estelleserasmus.com/classes Connect with Sherry: Website: https://sherrybeckpaprocki.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/paprockisherry/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sherry.paprocki Twitter: https://twitter.com/sherrypaprocki Book: www.freelancefancy.com If you've enjoyed our podcast, please leave us a review. Reviews help bring our podcast in front of more people. We want to hear from you. For questions, ideas for future episodes, and thoughts on our episodes, email us at freelancewritingdirect@gmail.com.
Nov 24, 2022 • 29min
#9 Crafting Powerful Personal Essays
In today's episode, Sherry Paprocki interviews Estelle Erasmus on crafting powerful personal essays. Estelle teaches writing at NYU, Writer's Digest, in one on one coaching, and in writers' conferences nationwide, including at the ASJA Conference, Writer's Digest Conference, Hippocamp, and more. She is the special judge for the Writer's Digest personal essay contest for 2022. Her writing and coaching students publish well and widely, including in The New York Times, The Washington Post, Your Teen, LA Times, The New York Daily News, The New York Post, and many more. Estelle not only coaches people on how to craft their essays, she also provides advice on publication opportunities. In this episode: What writers should know before even starting to write an essay Details on the necessary narrative arc Starting your essay in the middle The power of sharing your story Send us an email: freelancewritingdirect@gmail.com Connect with Estelle: Website: https://estelleserasmus.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/EstelleSErasmus/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/EstelleSErasmus Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@estelleserasmus Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/estelle.sobel.erasmus/ Estelle's Classes: https://estelleserasmus.com/classes Essays referenced: Singing My Dad Back to Me, New York Times Giving Up the Ghost Baby, Purple Clover Connect with Sherry: Website: https://sherrybeckpaprocki.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/paprockisherry/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sherry.paprocki Twitter: https://twitter.com/sherrypaprocki Book: www.freelancefancy.com If you've enjoyed our podcast, please leave us a review. Reviews help bring our podcast in front of more people. We want to hear from you. For questions, ideas for future episodes, and thoughts on our episodes, email us at freelancewritingdirect@gmail.com.
Nov 17, 2022 • 23min
#8 Dying to Write: Tales & Tips from a Death Doula
In this episode Estelle Erasmas and Sherry Paprocki speak with Tess Clarkson, a death doula. Tess practiced financial regulation law in New York, danced in Riverdance on Broadway, and performed in Michael Flatley's productions across North America and in London. She holds a B.A. from Loyola University Chicago, earned a J.D. from Fordham University School of Law, and attended the City University of New York Writers' Institute for creative nonfiction. Her essays have appeared in The Washington Post, HuffPost, The Independent, Next Avenue, Insider, Motherwell, YourTango, Scary Mommy, and AARP's The Ethel and The Girlfriend. Currently, she lives in Missouri with her husband and dogs. She's a writer, yoga teacher, astrologer (I.S.A.R.), and certified end-of-life doula, and she is querying her first memoir. In this episode: Insights on writing about topics many people avoid writing about Tips for writing about deep emotional topics What writers need to know when deciding to write about death The benefits of taking classes on writing and joining a writing group The process of becoming a death doula and why Tess recommends more people do it Connect with Tess: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tessclarkson7/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/tess_clarkson Website: https://tessclarkson.com Stories mentioned in today's episode: I helped a stranger at the end of his life. It taught me how to live my own. The Washington Post What a Death Doula wants you to know, AARP's The Ethel Send us an email: freelancewritingdirect@gmail.com Connect with Estelle: Website: https://estelleserasmus.com Classes: https://estelleserasmus.com/classes Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/EstelleSErasmus/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/EstelleSErasmus Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@estelleserasmus Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/estelle.sobel.erasmus/ Connect with Sherry: Website: https://sherrybeckpaprocki.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/paprockisherry/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sherry.paprocki Twitter: https://twitter.com/sherrypaprocki If you've enjoyed our podcast, please leave us a review. Reviews help bring our podcast in front of more people. We want to hear from you. For questions, ideas for future episodes, and thoughts on our episodes, email us at freelancewritingdirect@gmail.com.
Nov 10, 2022 • 27min
#7 When Writing: What to Reveal & How to Conceal
In today's episode Estelle Erasmus and Sherry Paprocki discuss the topic of writing about people. This is a topic that Estelle and Sherry really know a lot about since both of them have written stories about people in their life. They discuss their best tips for do and don'ts when it comes to writing about others. A famous writer once said "If people wanted you to write well about them they should have treated you better." In this episode: Tips for writers about being authentic but still concealing privacy. Writing personal stories involving others. Why writers should not write for vengeance regardless of the situation. Articles mentioned in this episode: Singing My Dad Back to Me How to Bullyproof Your Child What to do When Your Tween Has a Toxic Friend? Send us an email: freelancewritingdirect@gmail.com Connect with Estelle: Website: https://estelleserasmus.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/EstelleSErasmus/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/EstelleSErasmus Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@estelleserasmus Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/estelle.sobel.erasmus/ Connect with Sherry: Website: https://sherrybeckpaprocki.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/paprockisherry/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sherry.paprocki Twitter: https://twitter.com/sherrypaprocki If you've enjoyed our podcast, please leave us a review. Reviews help bring our podcast in front of more people. We want to hear from you. For questions, ideas for future episodes, and thoughts on our episodes, email us at freelancewritingdirect@gmail.com.
