Grammar Girl Quick and Dirty Tips for Better Writing

How to be a ‘feisty freelancer,’ with Suzanne Bowness

33 snips
Oct 23, 2025
In this engaging discussion, freelance writer Suzanne Bowness, author of The Feisty Freelancer, shares her journey from corporate work to freelancing after a layoff. She highlights lucrative niches to target and the importance of leveraging your network for initial gigs. Suzanne provides practical tips on cold pitching, tailoring pitches to specific industries, and using online platforms to establish a presence. For established freelancers, she suggests using downtime for skill-building and emphasizes the value of tracking projects effectively.
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ANECDOTE

Early Layoff Led To Freelance Career

  • Suzanne started freelancing after her magazine folded and realized she preferred writing and the freelance lifestyle.
  • She recommends testing whether you enjoy freelancing before committing full-time by doing self-assessments.
ADVICE

Target High-Value, Content-Rich Industries

  • Target industries that both pay well and produce lots of content, like finance, healthcare, and education.
  • Look for clients that publish frequently and produce the content style you enjoy writing.
ADVICE

Research Niches Before Pitching

  • Explore niches by listing publications and clients, and expand definitions (e.g., 'health' can include hospitals and yoga studios).
  • Interview writers or insiders in the niche to learn how work is obtained there.
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