FAQ
Frequently asked questions
HOW DID YOU GET INTO JOURNALISM?
In a roundabout way. I nearly didn't, because one of my school teachers told me I would 'never' become a journalist, so after an English literature degree I went into advertising instead.
A few years later I quit, did a postgraduate diploma in magazine journalism and started freelancing before I graduated. My first staff job was on the features desk at Construction News, where I covered Crossrail and the Olympics. Since then I've been features editor at Marketing Week, then lifestyle editor at a start-up called High50, and I've been freelance since 2016. If you'd like the full rundown, here is my LinkedIn profile.
WHAT DO YOU COVER?
Anything and everything. I love finding out about how businesses and people operate, what makes them tick. I've been writing about marketing and media for around a decade, and can also turn my hand to lifestyle features, travel writing or tackle complex topics such as climate change or the stock market.
I've written for the Guardian, The Telegraph, CNBC, Virgin, Red magazine and more. I also love scripting and presenting videos. Some of my work is here.
WHAT ELSE DO YOU DO?
I help people and businesses tell their stories.
My services include:
Media consultancy and training
Commissioning content
Website and magazine launch projects
Chairing conference panels (real life or online)
Script writing
Video presenting
Branded content
Copywriting
Can I help your business? Contact me here.
Brands I have worked with include L'Oreal, Tourism New Zealand, Aviva, Mr & Mrs Smith and Sage, and I have worked on content projects for The Economist, Insider and Raconteur.
I work with leaders to craft their stories, ghost write magazine columns and LinkedIn posts and I can help people put together a full-length business or personal memoir. I especially love helping entrepreneurs tell their stories.
I also script videos, take on corporate copywriting projects and host business panels and events in real life and on Zoom.
I love giving firms an outsider's perspective to help them cut corporate waffle from their communications.
CAN YOU WRITE ME AN FAQ?
Yes. I find most frequently asked questions are rarely that. I would be delighted to help your business with its FAQ. It's arguably the most important part of your website. Send me your FAQ and I'll give you an honest opinion.
WHAT DO YOU CHARGE?
It depends on the project but my minimum fee for consultancy or copywriting for new clients is £1,000. Contact me to discuss what you have in mind.
WHAT DO YOU DO FOR FUN?
I love yoga, hiking, running (slowly) and cycling, but sometimes I talk about exercise more than I do it. I'm an amateur gardener, salsa dancer and improviser and also write a newsletter, The Honesty Box.
I'm interested in psychology a la Brene Brown (Daring Greatly) and Steve Peters (The Chimp Paradox). A really good book on mental health at work is This Too Will Pass: Anxiety in a Professional World by former lawyer Richard Martin, who charts his breakdown and recovery.
HOW DO I GET MY ARTICLE PUBLISHED OR MY STORY COVERED IN THE MEDIA?
The million dollar question. It's all about finding the right editor in the right outlet and having a timely news hook, or telling a story in a new way. That often takes a ton of research combined with quick thinking, charm and luck but my basic advice is:
Do your research. Know what the editor/website/broadcaster covers and study it. Read any pitch guidelines thoroughly.
Write a personal email to the relevant journalist and explain your idea, why they should cover it now and why you are the person to write it or why your company should comment. Be polite and brief.
Don't be disheartened when they turn your idea down or don't reply. Try again.