Lauren Crosby Medlicott
@LaurenMedlicott
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Premium Ghostwriter/Journalist/Copywriter. Contact Laurenwc88 @gmail .com
Wales, United Kingdom
Joined May 2019
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I just filed my 500th invoice after being a freelance journalist for just over four years. Here is a sweeping overview of how I managed to get so much published in a relatively short amount of time, with no professional training. A thread.
@journoresources
@CFWIJ
@DIFTK
12
12
304
To all the new
#freelance
writers out there. I sent five pitches yesterday. Each and every one was rejected. Solidarity. Brainstorming, researching, networking, pitching, writing, editing (lots of which isn't paid for). It's a lot of hustle.
16
15
285
You're thinking of freelance journalism as a side hustle, but have no prior experience?
I was exactly the same four years ago.
If I could go back to day one to day 182 (about six months), here is what I would have told myself. A thread.
9
20
250
A milestone - 400th invoice sent out for
#freelance
journalism work. There have been ups, and a lot of downs over the last three years. But really thankful for a job I can work around having three kids.
6
1
162
I'm on the lookout for stories to pitch to editors in the next few weeks. Here's a thread of what I'm looking for. Please send me a DM if you've got a lead.
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125
I'm back to freelancing and on the hunt for stories. I'm looking for features (that have a human element), news, and as-told-to pieces (that focus on women's rights and social injustices), for women's mags and newspapers. Send me a DM if you've got something!
#journorequest
26
26
120
No big job news to report, but I have officially been freelancing for two whole years after having never worked in journalism before. In that time, I've written 197 articles for a variety of publications. 1/3
7
0
120
Are you a parent who has a
#SEND
child that has been failed by education? Could you get in touch if so? This is for a national paper. Ideally, you would be happy to be named and pictured. Feel free to see how I cover stories to give you peace of mind!
@friendofsend
@teamsquarepeg
39
92
114
I'm by no means an expert in
#freelancing
, but I have written over 100 articles since starting from scratch 18 months ago. DM me if you want to chat about starting out (I've done it with three little kids and two other part-time jobs).
@WIJ_UK
@journoresources
@UKWritingAwards
8
7
109
Today marks one month of the Azerbaijan-imposed blockade of Nagorno-Karabakh: A humanitarian crisis is unfolding. I spoke with two women on the ground to find out what is going on.
For
@theipaper
,
@Taz_Ali_
.
@DemocracyToday8
@whatthewomensay
@jackhar
7
53
101
Activists are calling on the government to decriminalise sex work and support mothers in need rather than labelling them ‘unfit’ because of their work.
@ProstitutesColl
@NotSeparation
0
45
95
After two years as either a part or full-time freelance journalist, I've just passed the 300 article mark. Freelancing has its downsides, but the huge upside is that today, I could take my kid to the dentist without asking a boss.
#freelancing
#freelance
5
6
92
Last week I had no work and was mildly freaking out about it. I upped my pitching game and reconnected with editors, and have secured four commissions this week. (breathes sigh of relief). All that to say, keep pitching and keep networking.
#freelancing
1
2
85
For over a year, an Iranian mother and her three children have been waiting in a hotel for an asylum decision.
And the government's solution seems to be to move them to barracks and ferries. My latest for
@openDemocracy
@RefugeeAction
@ZoeJardiniere
3
45
77
Thread! As the year ends, I wanted to say thank you to all those who have helped me pursue the dream of writing. In my first full year as a
#freelancer
, I've been able to write over 80 articles on stories, people, and topics I feel passionate about, but I didn't do it alone.
8
1
73
Congress is once again threatening the livelihoods and safety of sex workers with its latest attempt to reform Section 230 - My Latest for
@VICE
. Thanks to
@EFF
,
@swopbehindbars
,
@missmarymoody
,
@PROS_Collective
@UrbanJustice
@christianashnc
@GAATW_IS
.
2
40
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Think conversation about how difficult it is to do
#freelance
journalism should continue, so putting this out there - it has been a hard month over here, sat in my kitchen brainstorming, pitching, researching, interviewing, writing, editing, and invoicing. All alone. Solidarity.
5
2
59
The Jalal family is incredible. Their love for the people of Afghanistan is, beautiful. Faizuallah Jalal was arrested this weekend for his critique of Taliban. My latest for
@theipaper
below.
#Afghans
#afghanistan
#freejalal
#FreeProfJalal
@HusnaJalal79
2
19
55
Most schools are doing their best to support children,but they need more funding,more training,more support.
Over a hundred parents wanted to talk to me about this. This article for
@theipaper
only skims the surface.
6
30
60
I spoke to three new mums for
@GlamourMagUK
who know the struggle of paying for life on Statutory Maternity Pay.
As always, thanks to
@PregnantScrewed
for their help on this and their work raising awareness.
3
16
56
Since writing this, so many have been in touch to say they feel seen and heard. The education system is failing children with
#SEND
. What can be done?
@neuroteachers
@NotFineinSchool
5
26
57
Are any other freelancers totally fried as the year ends, unable to start or finish anything? Or, just me?
#freelance
14
2
56
Yesterday, my feature on why in most cases, prison isn't a good placement for women, was published for
@BigIssue
. Thanks to everyone for their thoughts and work on this - especially
@WIP_live
,
@Anawim_BCW
,
@we_level_up
.
1
24
52
A 'prostitute caution' requires no evidence, merely suspicion - but stays on your record for a 100 years and blocks you from finding other work. Here are stories of women impacted.
@ProstitutesColl
@theleaduk
4
37
48
Would love to start/join a group for budding freelance journalists. To share mistakes, give advice, ask questions, discuss pitching. Only as I don't know who else to ask without being a nuissance! Anyone interested?
#journorequest
#freelance
@jesshopeevans
18
7
48
I spoke with Alex about his story of being tear-gassed while trying to cross the English Channel from France. He tried ten times before he made the 11-hour journey in the dark to the UK. Here is his story.
Thanks to
@LouCalvey
and
@Care4Calais
10
28
45
Next week, I'll be closing the computer to have a break. 🥰But after that, I would love to come back to story tips, exclusive news, feature ideas, brilliant first person interviews. Think stories that belong in a women's mag or national newspaper. DMs open!
#journorequest
6
1
45
The government plans to build 500 more spaces for women in prison. My latest on why it isn't the action needed.
#prisonreform
2
19
43
Asylum seekers need legal representation if they have any hope of navigating the complex asylum system, but more than 40% can't access it. Latest for
@openDemocracy
and
@journoramzy
.
Thanks to
@JoWilding1
@migrantsorg
@NikiAdamsLondon
and
@MillaWalker7
1
29
39
Looking to pitch strong first-person stories of women this morning to a national paper. Please DM me by noon if you've got an unusual, strong story you'd like me to tell!
#journorequest
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2
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I know it's Friday and you probably just want to switch off. Before you do, have a little of read of this? Braverman's rhetoric about refugees, asylum seekers, and modern slavery victims is dangerous. Here's how.
@LouCalvey
@safepassageuk
@Anti_Slavery
0
24
39
For my favourite politics publication,
@BylineTimes
, I wrote about the risks unaccompanied children seeking
#asylum
in the UK face. Heartbreaking.
@IMIX_UK
@LouCalvey
@LaurenHStarkey
@Coram
@RAMFELCharity
0
20
35
Weeks ago, Robert Jenrick said there were no unaccompanied child asylum seekers in hotels. Today, one is re-opening in Brighton. Thanks to
@LaurenHStarkey
for her activism and thoughts. Thanks also to
@BellaSankey
,
@ZoeJardiniere
, and Homes Not Hotel.
0
19
34
Working parents. I need your help.
Please could you send me tips for how to get work done over the summer holidays while the kids are home? Mine are 5, 8, and 10.
Really looking forward to hearing what people have found worked, or didn't!
47
8
34
Once again, got to write for my favourite political publication, asking what Labour is going to do about immigration and asylum.
Thanks to
@JCWI_UK
@labfreemvmt
@ColinYeo1
@safepassageuk
for their help and constant work.
1
11
33
As Suella Braverman threatens to slam the door on victims of homophobia, a Freedom of Information request shows the Home Office has been holding at least 129 asylum seekers identifying as LGBTQI+ as recently as last year.
My latest for
@theleaduk
.
2
18
31
Any new freelancers feeling discouraged, I am with you and encouraging you to keep pitching! I have had countless rejections and "ghostings" the last two months. But have found drive to keep going from having 2 pieces published this week. Keep it up!
#freelancewriter
1
0
33
My most recent piece exploring if FOSTA worked to reduce
#HumanTrafficking
. Thanks to
@PROS_Collective
,
@ProstitutesColl
,
@TAT_Dena
,
@CATWIntl
, and
@CathyReisenwitz
for all your help!
#amwriting
#sexwork
2
15
28
#Freelancers
feeling discouraged today, keep pitching! Sent out six pitches this week with stories I thought were amazing and they all came with rejections. No fault of mine, or editors. Just the way. But keep on carrying on (and messsage if you want a bit of cheering up)!
1
0
28
My latest for
@MetroUK
. Thanks to
@emilykenway
,
@STOPTHETRAFFIK
,
@ProstitutesColl
, and so many more for help on this piece. Retweets appreciated to keep raising awareness.
#HumanTrafficking
#journalism
#sexwork
via
@MetroUK
4
8
27
Have you forgotten the legislation now enshrined in UK law that is blatantly hostile towards refugees and asylum seekers? Here's a reminder.
@AgainstRape
@ProstitutesColl
@4refugeewomen
@refugeecouncil
@Refuweegee
@AfricanGr
@Anti_Slavery
#Immigration
0
17
28
"Amnesty from arrest is an immediate option that could protect and give justice to sex workers who have experienced violence."My latest for
@LeftFootFwd
.
Thanks to
@ProstitutesColl
,
@PROS_Collective
,
@SexWorkHive
, and others for their fight to protect.
1
16
26
I've got fifteen minutes between phone calls, so thought I'd jump on to highlight some of the most meaningful pieces I've been able to write the last month. Thanks to all the editors who commissioned me and all the people who opened their hearts to me. A thread.
9
1
28
Hoping to pitch newspapers and women's mag editors some strong features and news next week. If you have a story for me (think injustices, asylum seekers, motherhood penalty/health, prisons, homelessness, modern slavery, or just very fun, random stories). Thank you!
#journorequest
7
3
28
Over the weekend, it was officially announced that the Dover attack was driven by far-right ideology. Ideology in part fueled by the rhetoric coming out of the Home Office. My latest for
@BylineTimes
. Thanks to
@LouCalvey
@safepassageuk
@Anti_Slavery
1
14
26
For
@TheNews_Station
, I spoke to
@ProstasiaInc
,
@WayfaringPhoto
,
@Coyoteri
and others to find out how and why sex workers should be included in the talks about protecting children online.
2
13
28
Talking to women for this long read and then writing their stories just got my blood boiling as I heard stories of women who felt like second-class employees simply because of periods, pregnancy, infertility, and menopause. Have a look. 1/2.
5
3
26
Thanks to all the brilliant people who spoke to me for this, outlining the problems ahead as a result of rushing through the asylum backlog.
@stand_for_all
@ColinYeo1
@MigObs
@Praxis_Projects
@ZoeJardiniere
@P_W_Walsh
1
9
26
"This legislation is going to make some traffickers very happy."
Is your blood boiling yet about the Illegal Migration Bill? After reading this, it most certainly will be.
@LaurenHStarkey
@Anti_Slavery
@HumanTraffFdn
@Messlemont
@safepassageuk
@LouCalvey
4
15
27
Looking to interview for the following stories (that would be written in an as-told-to first-person format. You would ideally be pictured and named. A thread! Would love you to share with your friends if you think any of these apply!
#journorequest
2
8
27
Looking for sex workers in the States that would be willing to share how they feel about SafeTech based on how FOSTA affected them. For an article I am writing for VICE. Can be anonymous.Running out of time, so would love to hear from you if you would be interested in helping.
7
22
27
That feeling as a
#freelancer
when you have absolutely zero stories to pitch to editors who already have brilliant writers on their staff. That feeling...
9
0
26
Writing a piece on the importance of hibernating, resting, and slowing down in the winter months. Looking to speak to people who can tell me about the evolutionary and psychological reasons. Dm or email!
#journorequest
6
3
27
I wrote about how the government isn't protecting asylum-seeking children. From forced MRI scans and X-rays to closed routes to missing children.
@refugeecouncil
@barnardos
@LaurenHStarkey
@ECPATUK
@LouCalvey
@childrensociety
@safepassageuk
1
22
26
I'm looking to speak to activists in
#Turkey
who are speaking out against the proposed bill to control stray dogs, that could lead to a mass cull of dogs. If you know of anyone or can point me to groups who could help, please email me! Laurenwc88
@gmail
.com
#journorequest
5
21
26
In a story brainstorming mood. If you have a story to tell (or know someone who does) or have an important issue you think needs awareness, get in touch via DM. Especially interested in women's rights and social justice stories.
#journorequest
4
4
26
I'm on the hunt for lifestyle stories I can interview for, write and pitch to newspaper editors. If you've got a compelling or simple story about yourself you'd be happy for me to write as a first person piece (and be happy to be pictured), message!
#journorequest
9
2
26
My most recent for
@MetroUK
that came out this weekend. Would love you to engage and figure out how you can be part of fighting exploitation.
@STOPTHETRAFFIK
@UnseenUK
@kategarbers
@SnowdropProject
@MASHManchester
@ProstitutesColl
0
7
25
1. It's really hard to get started. More and more extremely qualified journalists are going freelance as layoffs become more common. You are competing with some of the best. It isn't a reason to avoid your goal, but expect competition.
1
1
25
I planned to look at what solutions all parties might be able to agree on to fix the asylum system. Here's the result.
Thanks so the last-minute thoughts from
@LouCalvey
@LaurenHStarkey
@ZoeJardiniere
@greenbenali
@SueLukes
0
13
23
Being pregnant and giving birth is scary. But for women in prison, it is a gazillion times worse. Thanks to everyone working in this space to raise awareness and support women. Latest for
@theipaper
.
@Brthcompanions
@we_level_up
@midwifeteacher
@RCObsGyn
0
8
22
In case you missed it from Friday, I spoke with women held in UK prisons and those supporting them, to find out more about the mental health crisis in women's prisons.
Thanks
@TheBarkerBaker
@Clinks_Tweets
@antoniamaycross
@WIP_live
@WorkingChance
1
12
24
Girls are being cut. My most recent newsletter at Letters for Lauren. Thanks to
@OrchidProject
,
@EndingFGM
,
@FGMCentre
,
@anitagoyal_
,
@barnardos
, and
@HiboWardere
for all your contributions and research.
1
5
20
Kinship carers (people who care for the children of family members, keeping them out of foster care) are heroes. But they aren't being treated that way.
@kinshipcharity
0
9
23
8. Don't follow lots of journalists. I did this and was constantly disappointed by my lack of work. Maybe save it for when you're feeling more confident.
Any other first-six-months tips I've missed?
4
0
24
-Learned what a good pitch looks like, and that you should always send pitches directly to editors, not general inboxes.
2
0
21
The government is at it again, putting unaccompanied child asylum seekers in hotels, although recently deemed unlawful. My latest.
Thanks
@BellaSankey
@ECPATUK
@LaurenHStarkey
@stand_for_all
@HomesNotHotels_
@refugeecouncil
@hermioneberendt
3
17
21
I'm getting ready to send invoice 200. In just over two years of
#freelancing
, it's a reflective milestone to have written at least a couple hundred articles now floating around on the web. If you think you can't, you can. All my thanks to everyone who helped along the way.
1
1
21
Wrote for one of my favourite political publications on the impact of Priti Patel's actions on modern slavery victims.
Thanks to
@Anti_Slavery
@FocusOnLabour
@ECPATUK
and
@AfterExpProject
for all their thoughts.
0
4
19
In case we haven't been introduced, I'm Lauren, and I'm a freelance journalist for newspapers and magazines, and a freelance copywriter for charities. Send tips (news stories) and commissions to Laurenwc88
@gmail
.com!
1
1
19
On the lookout for international (anything but UK-based) news stories that are social justice/human rights related. Ideally, there would be people with lived experience to talk about whatever the news line is. Please share with any international charities/contacts!
#journorequest
1
6
20
7. Set up a spreadsheet for payments for tax purposes.
1
0
20
It's less than a week away. If you don't know about the protests, here's your explainer. My latest for
@StylistMagazine
.
@PregnantScrewed
#MarchOfTheMummies
0
16
19
To mark Brain Tumour Awareness Month, I spoke with three women who had their lives totally upturned with a diagnosis that changed everything. For
@StylistMagazine
. Thanks to
@BrainTumourOrg
and all the women who spoke with me!
#BrainTumourAwarenessMonth
0
6
19
I'm writing a piece on the links between the illegality of cannabis and its link to human trafficking and hoping to ask the question if regulating cannabis could actually protect potential victims of trafficking. I want to feature plenty of experts and opinions!
#journorequests
4
7
20
3. Don't worry about a website. I still don't have one and my ability to get work hasn't been tarnished.
1
1
19
To even have to write this article...
Thanks to all the people not giving up, those that keep loving, keep fighting, for the people of Afghanistan.
@Sophia_Mahfooz
@sanambna
@streetchilduk
@AFGsavechildren
@ProfessorBlitz
799
5
19
-I worked other jobs to supplement income. I also have a partner who works as a nurse, so two incomes and living in a cheap area has helped too.
There is so much other stuff too, but we're all short on time aren't we? Journos, editors - best tips?
1
0
19
5. Learn to pitch. There are lots of how-to's out there. Find them and practice pitching. I would send SOOOO many cold pitches to editors in the beginning. Pitch, pitch, pitch.
1
0
19
Most women in the
#criminaljustice
system don't need prison, they need support. My latest for
@Newsweek
. Thanks to
@Ramsen_
for the edits and the work of
@ACLU
@verainstitute
@SentencingProj
@MarshallProj
@abfettig
@keribla
.
1
4
19
I'm going to be pitching health and family editors first-person, as-told-to stories this week. If you have a compelling story that is timely (needs to be hooked on a trend, news, etc) that you'd like to talk to me about and then let me write, get in touch in my DM
#journorequest
3
1
19
For
@GlamourMagUK
, I talked to mums in the UK struggling to feed their families on Statutory Maternity Pay.
@PregnantScrewed
0
5
19
I'm back to research for upcoming features. If you have strong case study led stories, with a focus on human rights, esp women's rights, send me an email or DM!
#journorequests
#WomensRightsAreHumanRights
4
1
19
Parents working from home - how are you feeling about having a quiet house today?? I feel like I should have done so much, but I am just getting used to the fact that the house is totally silent and no one is asking me for food.
8
0
19
-Learned to have thick skin because I got incredible amounts of rejection and ghosting. Still do.
1
0
18
Homelessness after prison is a lose/lose for everyone in society. Here's more on why.
@Clinks_Tweets
@switchback
@mattcracknell85
@RevDoors
@TheHowardLeague
@uservoiceorg
@Nacro
0
9
18
Are you a mother in the UK who had to return to work early from maternity leave because of the cost of living crisis? I'd love to hear from you for an article I am writing. Email Laurenwc88
@gmail
.com. Thank you!
@PregnantScrewed
4
9
16
This piece is personal to me, and hope it helps others like me who live with high levels of empathy when constantly confronted with suffering from a position of comfort.
Thanks to
@EllenCScott
and
@StylistMagazine
for letting me write it.
6
6
17
Writing a feature on period poverty in refugee camps, with a particular focus on European ones. If you can suggest charities/people/groups who can comment and provide insight, please get in touch via DMs ASAP. Thanks!
#journorequest
#periodpoverty
@bloodygood__
@ThePachaProject
6
5
18
Hugely important story, written after talking to several women retraumatised by asylum interviews. Big thanks to
@AgainstRape
@4refugeewomen
@JoWilding1
and so many others for their help and work.
0
14
17
My own single mum was and is a champion, so was an honour to highlight what would have been her experience by talking to single mums about their experience of work.
@Gingerbread
@SglParentRights
@PregnantScrewed
1
5
18
2. Read the content of the publications you want to get published in. Find out what might grab the eyes of the editors. And read what is going on in the industry you want to write about, so you can be up to date about your world.
1
1
18
Asylum seekers aren't able to find lawyers to represent them as the legal aid sector crashes. Some of the most vulnerable in our society, not even given a chance to be seen and heard.
@JoWilding1
@migranthelp
@AgainstRape
@4refugeewomen
@ltpsolicitors
1
16
15
Now is the time to overhaul the criminal justice system for women. I wrote about why for
@LeftFootFwd
. Thanks to
@WorkingChance
and
@LucyBaldwin08
for their contributions!
2
8
15
There are some features I write that make me remember why I'm a journalist - to elevate the stories of those most impacted by decisions made high up on the ladder.
This is one of those stories.
@4refugeewomen
@theleaduk
@thediyora
1
5
17
-PITCHED A LOT. Like a lot a lot. Like 10 - 15 pitches per week in the beginning. I also batch pitched periodically, making sure when I did, I was up front in my pitch.
1
0
17
The problems with sending pregnant women to prison... My latest for
@theipaper
. Thanks to
@Brthcompanions
@WIP_live
and
@we_level_up
for their campaign that launches today.
1
5
15
-Promoted myself on social media. What a totally unenjoyable act, but it gets my name out there to editors and lets people know where to go if they have a good story.
1
0
16
I'm looking to speak to farmers in the UK who have been impacted by climate change. If you, or someone you know of, is up for a short interview, please could you email me at Laurenwc88
@gmail
.com?
#journorequests
0
8
16
An in depth look into the problem of sending pregnant women to prison. For
@Join_The_Flock_
. Thanks to
@midwifeteacher
@WIP_live
@we_level_up
and
@Brthcompanions
for all they are doing to raise awareness and support women and their babies.
1
7
16