How To Succeed as A Freelancer with Journalist Lola Méndez [Unedited]
Tune in to this insightful episode of the Travel Media Lab podcast as we sit down with Lola Méndez, a talented Uruguayan-American freelance journalist. With her extensive experience writing about sustainability, travel, lifestyle, wellness, LGBTQ+ and Latinx topics for top publications like CNN, USA Today, InStyle, ELLE, and Refinery29, Lola has a wealth of knowledge to share.
In this episode, Lola shares invaluable insights on breaking into the travel media space, her pitching process, and how freelancers can achieve success. You'll also learn about Lola's journey as a freelance journalist, her responsible travel blog, MissFilatelista.com, and how she stands up for herself and her values. This conversation is packed with helpful tips and advice, making it a must-listen episode for anyone looking to break into the travel media industry.
Additionally, find out about my upcoming, On-Assignment workshop in Puerto Rico, as well as the Women in Travel Summit happening in May 2023. Don't miss out on this engaging conversation; listen to the full episode now!
[00:05:55] Discussion of Lola's USA Today article, "A Pilgrimage to the Goddess of Fertility"
[00:06:41] Importance of personal stories and non-traditional guides in travel journalism
[00:10:47] Lola's personal history with travel, growing up in Uruguay and starting in journalism
[00:13:25] Resigned from a career as a publicist in the fashion industry in NYC
[00:15:27] Lola’s first byline article, a packing guide for Uruguay, for Travel Fashion Girl
[00:16:45] Started pitching to editors, wrote important pieces for low-paying publications
[00:18:29] Overcame imposter syndrome by realizing her lifelong passion for writing and leveraging past experiences
[00:20:33] Not centering oneself, highlighting voices of people in the country
[00:23:43] Transparency on work hours and earnings, scarcity mindset in the industry
[00:28:57] Criteria for choosing stories: pay rate, time investment, importance, and relationships with editors
[00:31:17] Importance of approaching freelance writing as a business
[00:39:04] Strategies for pitching new publications outside of the travel niche
[00:49:12] Biggest misconception: the glamour of the profession when it's actually a lot of work
[00:50:47] Misconception about travel journalism vs. travel influencing
[00:51:31] Comparison of earnings between travel journalists and influencers
[00:54:54] Adapting to different tones, voices, and style guides for various publications
[00:56:55] Optimism about the future of journalism and focusing on diverse publications
[01:01:25] Aiming to write for prestigious publications but not letting it define success
[01:03:41] Importance of knowing one's worth and standing ground with rates
[01:04:43] Debunking the belief that writing for prestigious publications is the only measure of success
[01:05:36] Overcoming imposter syndrome and refusing to let gender hold one back
[01:07:09] Asking for double the pay to close the pay gap
[01:08:07] Encouragement for new writers: there is space for everyone
Get full show notes and more information at: https://travelmedialab.co/podcast/90
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Travel Media Lab is a space to help you break into – and thrive in – the travel media space. Hosted by Yulia Denisyuk, a published travel photographer and writer, community builder, and entrepreneur.
Learn more about us at https://travelmedialab.co.