Freelance Writing Direct

Welcome to the award-winning Freelance Writing Direct podcast—named the 2025 Podcast of the Year in the Education category by the American Writing Awards.Freelance Writing Direct is your go-to resource if you're a writer who wants to break through the noise and get published—whether in essays, memoir, books, or journalism.Hosted by Estelle Erasmus—an award-winning journalist, author of Writing That Gets Noticed (named a “Best Book for Writers” by Poets & Writers), NYU writing professor, and seasoned editor-in-chief—the show blends craft, industry insight, and career strategy to help writers get noticed and published.Each week, Estelle shares short, sound bite-filled episodes packed with actionable tips and candid conversations with bestselling authors, top editors, and publishing insiders. You'll get a behind-the-scenes look at how the writing world really works—plus smart, strategic advice to move your writing forward.From breaking into top publications and crafting irresistible pitches to navigating the path to book deals, Estelle pulls back the curtain on the writing life. She shares how the “sauce is made,” with writing prompts, publishing tips, and guidance from her 30+ years of experience across over 150 publications including The New York Times, The Washington Post, WIRED, AARP, and The Independent.Whether you're a creative writer, freelance writer, or aspiring author, you'll find community, mentorship, and momentum here. And as the show evolves, so will Estelle—listening to her guests, responding to her audience, and always staying one step ahead of the industry curve.If you've ever asked:How do I get started writing?What are assigning editors really looking for?How do I find an agent?What do publishers want?What writing tips can I use today to improve my craft?How do I get my pitches noticed?What do bestselling authors and writing teachers recommend?You're in the right place.It’s time to elevate your writing—with Freelance Writing Direct.Estelle can’t wait to read what you’ll be writing.Learn more at estelleserasmus.com, follow Estelle on Substack at estelleserasmus.substack.com, and connect with her on social media @EstelleSErasmus.About Estelle Erasmus:Estelle Erasmus is an award-winning journalist, 2025 TEDx Speaker, and the author of Writing That Gets Noticed (named a "Best Book for Writers" by Poets & Writers Magazine). She is a Contributing Editor for Writer's Digest and the host of the Freelance Writing Direct podcast, which was named the 2025 Podcast of the Year (education) from The American Writing Awards. Estelle is also an adjunct instructor for NYU’s School of Professional Studies/Center for Publishing and Applied Liberal Arts. Her work has appeared in over 150 publications including The New York Times, Next Avenue/PBS, WIRED, The Independent, The Washington Post, and AARP: The Magazine. She has served as the editor-in-chief of five national publications.Find out more at estelleserasmus.com, follow her newsletter on Substack, and connect on social media @EstelleSErasmus.

Recent Episodes

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Recent Reviews

@NinaBadzin

Advice you won’t find anywhere else

Estelle and her guests know everything there is to know about the writing industry. I learn something from every episode and highly recommend it.
Noly1976

A standout writing podcast

Estelle Erasmus has so much rich experience in the writing and publishing world, and she brings that knowledge to bear so skillfully in this podcast. Her conversations with her guests always dig into both the craft and content of each author’s work, and I always come away from listening feeling energized and inspired!
Strip: A Memoir

A must for any writer! Engaging, Inspiring, Informative.

Freelance Writing Direct is an invaluable resource for any writer. Not only does every episode provide helpful, concrete information - from agents, editors, well known authors, lesser known authors, publishers - but after every episode I come back to my own writing feeling inspired and engaged in a way that has enhanced all aspects of my writing life. Not only that it has helped me break into publications that I never would have dreamed of seeing my work in including HuffPost, NYT (TLS), LA Times. Thank you Estelle for bringing this podcast out into the world and for your time, energy and generosity with doing so.
amiramuse

Amazing Conversations and Valuable Advice

Estelle is such a warm and engaging interviewer! She does a wonderful job of touching not only on the practical methods of bringing our creative ideas onto the page, but also the passion and humanness it takes, too.
Alyson3000

Great podcast about writing!

Love Estelle’s attention to her guests and their writing advice. She’s so welcoming and thoughtful. I find this podcast so encouraging and helpful!
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My favorite resource

Estelle’s advice has been invaluable to me, as a freelance writer seeking more prestigious bylines, a bigger platform, and the confidence to write professionally. I love her podcast and her book!
Garvinann

A great resource

For real talk with industry professionals, story tellers and people who are in the trenches.
Lisa Cooper Ellison

Each Episode Is a Master Class for Writers

Estelle is a great interviewer who always attracts top-notch guests. I learn so much from every episode. I can’t recommend her podcast enough.
mimi zieman

Highly recommend for writers and readers!

The host’s decades of experience in publishing as a writer, editor, writing instructor and author make this podcast great! She does her homework about her guests and asks insightful questions. Love listening!
Casey Mulligan Walsh

After listening to two episodes, I’m hooked!

I’m an avid podcast listener and especially enjoy shows related to grief, uncertainty, memoir, and the craft of writing in general. I’ve known Estelle for a while now and love her book, Writing That Gets Noticed. But I’ve been rapt as I’ve listened to the podcast, both by Estelle’s acumen as an interviewer and writing instructor and by the way she brings out the best in her guests. The tone is conversational and comfortable, which for me always results in an experience that’s both memorable and enjoyable. I’m looking forward to listening to all the episodes!
Eightiesmusic

Great info for writers

This podcast always contains helpful tips and information for freelance writers. It’s also entertaining: I enjoy the conversational style between the host and her guests.
Heather Sweeney

A must listen for writers!

I read Estelle’s book “Writing That Gets Noticed,” and she’s a wealth of wisdom for both emerging and established writers. This podcast has been an invaluable tool for me as Estelle and her guests share information, tips and next steps for getting my writing seen. Highly recommend for all writers at every level!
Write1030

A must-listen for new freelancers!

When I went freelance, rather unexpectedly, last summer, I binge-listened to this podcast and got PUMPED about my future. Highly recommend to learn what editors are looking for and to pick up super tangible writing strategies.
LiAlt123

Enlightening & Entertaining

I learn so much with every listen. Estelle has great guests and asks the questions that are most beneficial for listeners. For writers seeking inspiration and a look at the ins and outs of the writing life, this podcast is a must!
Podlistener373

So much knowledge!

Estelle really opens up and wants you to land your articles! She doesn’t hold back or tease content, she’s very open with her expertise. It’s such a great podcast and happy I found it!
Autobiographical Storyteller

The Most Perfect Podcast If You’re Interested in Getting Published

I listened to very first podcast episode and have listened to every one since. A great podcast for anyone interested in learning more about the literary landscape. Estelle Erasmus is a great interviewer, and the podcast is curated with the best guests, including literary agents, editors like Noah Michelson from Huffington Post Personal, and writers and essayists with wisdom to impart. Highly recommended for writers looking to their writing noticed.
Publishing Professional

Helping Writers

Estelle digs deeply in her interviews to uncover useful and inspirational information for beginning as well as established writers. Her affection and admiration for her writing community is obvious.
RT8248

Tips, Tricks, and Much More

This is not a writer’s interview where you will hear questions about “interrogating the patriarchy’s construction of the natural world.” Instead, you will hear writers talk about finding time to write with two preschoolers in the house. People with day jobs who write novels. Editors talking about what catches their eye. Nor does Estelle waste a minute. She and the interviewees are laser-focused on the craft of writing. It is short. You can listen on your trip to pick up groceries or on the subway. You will learn about story construction, the advantages and disadvantages of “pantsing” vs. outlining, and how to use the objective correlative. I’d be surprised if you spend a half hour listening to Estelle without finding at least one thing that will inspire you or help you write better.
E Noino

Great guests and info

Love this Podcast. I binge them when I’m getting ready in the morning. I love the variety of guests and useful info. Estelle asks all the right questions. Can’t wait for the next episode!
Mommy Theorist

Questions and Answers That Illuminate

Estelle is a talented interviewer who brings out depth and insight from her guests. Both as a writer and as an editor, I find every episode contains valuable wisdom. I subscribed, and look forward to more episodes.
schwartz1648

This episode led to my first HuffPost byline

I love Freelance Writing Direct and wanted to say how inspired I was by episode 25, the interview with HuffPost Personal editor Noah Michelson. I was incredibly inspired by what Noah said about the pieces he publishes and why personal stories are so important. Though he’s only able to accept 1-2% of the pitches he receives, I was encouraged by his warmth and compassion and I pitched him a piece that was really important to me. And he said yes. So thank you and keep putting out new episodes for writers like me who want to continually grow and improve our craft.
Rachel Kramer Bussel

Excellent podcast for writers at all levels

This is a smart, advice-filled podcast I’ve learned a lot from and recommend to my essay writing students. The hosts share their own writing tips, consult experts and get into the specific details of how to write and submit for specific outlets, and how to conduct their writing business. This podcast is accessible to writers at all levels but doesn’t gloss over or treat its subjects lightly. In tightly focused episodes it provides actionable tips that are simple to start incorporating into one’s writing practice, plus provides the reasoning behind them.
JennyRunningWithHeels

A must listen for freelance writers

I recently learned about this podcast and am blown away by both the caliber of guests and sage advice shared with both hosts. If you're a freelance writer, do yourself a favor and listen to these episodes today! Don't put them off.
Oly22Girl

Actionable Info

I’m new here and I’m so impressed! Fantastic podcast, giving so much good information to us freelancers that is immediately actionable. Thanks so much for all this goodness!
Megy Karydes

Informative and reaffirming

As a writer, I listen to many freelance-focused podcasts. What I love about Freelance Writing Direct is the information shared by both the guests and the hosts are informative but also reaffirming. Some of what is shared on the show are things I know to do but often sideline because I have pressing deadlines. I love that I get actionable tips from each episode that I can put into place immediately. Thank you, Estelle and Sherry, for taking the time to produce this and interview such wonderful guests!
SecondoftwoPam

So helpful and affirming

Thank you, Estelle and Sherry for creating this podcast for writers at all stages of their careers. These episodes offer encouragement, tips, and brass tacks strategies for both seasoned and new freelancers. Love listening to these conversations and interviews!
Lili Rockstor

Inspirational

This is so helpful Estelle and Sherry! Thank you so much!! So inspirational. This has helped me with my writing journey and helped me improve on my skills!!
meghan eve

This helped me so much!

I’m a writer and have struggled for some time. When I came across this I thought that it would be the same as all of the other podcasts I have desperately tried. To my surprise, this podcast has helped me so much! It feels like a whole writing class, with so much information! Estelle Erasmus and Sherry Paprocki have done a fantastic job helping writers like me learn a lot more about writing than we would learn in most writing classes or podcast. I hope everyone finds this as enjoyable and informative as I do!
LisaLLewis

Terrific intel from two bona fide experts

Estelle and Sherry's podcast delves into the topics and issues of freelancing in a way that's relatable, actionable and engaging. I'm delighted that they've created such a wonderful resource with information for freelancers at all stages!
writerincali

Fabulous tips!

Fabulous tips on how to succeed in the freelance world! Estelle and Sherry’s expertise makes the podcast feel like taking a fun writing class. Highly recommend!
jaimealexis

Informative and inspiring!

FWD is an awesome new podcast! Freelancing can be lonely work, but I listening to this podcast feels like being part of a community! The hosts are generous with their knowledge and there's something here for seasoned journalists and newcomers alike! I blew through the first few episodes and anxiously await new ones!
fjgdbirshudvbdd

Original and inspiring!

Love this podcast! It’s extremely practical - no “fluff” or small talk. So far I’ve walked away with story ideas, new business strategies, and inspiring tips.
Cheryl Maguire

Excellent Tips

This podcast offers excellent writing tips for beginner and established writers.
hhh💕

I am learning so much!

I have dreamed of becoming a freelance writer, and am learning so much from Sherry and Estelle. This podcast has so many actionable tips that I am starting to use. I already feel more prepared to pitch to editors!
courtenayr

Writing tips for Success

So excited to learn of this podcast from my former writing instructor, Estelle. Estelle and Sherry give great tips no matter where you are in your writing journey. Love the first two episodes, and can’t wait to see what’s coming.