Small Enough to Matter: Pitching, Persistence, and the Professional Writing Life with NYT Freelancer Ericka Andersen (Ep. 17)

Being a successful freelance writer is less glamorous than people imagine, but more attainable than you might think.In this episode, I’m joined by Ericka Andersen—author of three traditionally published books with bylines in The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, and The Washington Post, to name a few. We talk honestly about the realities of professional writing: pitching editors, handling rejection, building relationships, marketing books, and learning how to keep going when the process gets hard.We discuss:how Ericka landed major bylines and book dealswhy specificity is one of the most important writing strategieshow to pitch editors effectively and stand out in crowded inboxesthe emotional reality of rejection, killed stories, and creative disappointmentthe challenge of protecting your creative energy in a productivity-driven worldOne theme emerges: a professional writing career is built less on brilliance and more on persistence, specificity, and conviction that your work matters—even when nobody is validating it yet. Mentioned in this episode:Ericka’s newest book: Freely SoberBird by Bird by Anne LamottWriting Down the Bones by Natalie GoldbergDear Writer by Maggie SmithPerennial Seller by Ryan HolidayHungry Authors by Liz Morrow and Ariel CurryWrite a Must-Read by A.J. HarperA Swim in a Pond in the Rain by George SaundersThe Book of Alchemy by Suleika JaouadBecoming by Beholding: the Power of Imagination in Spiritual Formation by Lanta DavisConnect with Ericka on InstagramSend me a text message with your questions or comments!___________________________________Come join the discussion!InstagramTikTokThreadsSubstackAnd visit my website to learn more about my editing services, book coaching, and upcoming courses.