Freelance Writing Direct Podcast

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 for writers who want to break through the noise and get published, whether in essays, memoir, books, or journalism. The podcast is ranked in the top 2.5% of podcasts globally by Listen Notes, with a highly engaged audience of writers, journalists, and publishing professionals.

Hosted and executive produced 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, TEDx speaker, and former editor-in-chief of five national magazines, the show blends craft, industry insight, and career strategy to help writers get noticed and published.

Each week, Estelle shares concise, sound bite–filled episodes packed with actionable tips and candid conversations with bestselling authors, top editors, agents, and publishing insiders. Listeners get a behind-the-scenes look at how the writing world really works, along with smart, strategic advice to move their 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. Drawing on more than 30 years of experience across 150+ publications, including The New York Times, Slate, Provokedmagazine, Electric Literature, The Washington Post, WIRED, AARP, and The Independent, she shares how the “sauce is made” through practical guidance, publishing strategies, and writing prompts writers can use right away.

Whether you are a creative writer, freelance writer, or aspiring author, you will find community, mentorship, and momentum here. As the show evolves, Estelle continues to respond to her audience, learn from her guests, and stay ahead of industry shifts.

If you have ever asked:

• How do I get started writing?

• What are assigning editors really looking for?

• How do I get my pitches noticed?

• How do I find an agent?

• What do publishers want?

• What writing tips can I use today to improve my craft?

You are in the right place.

Freelance Writing Direct is a pocket MFA in storytelling, publishing strategy, and building real-world writing credentials.

Estelle can’t wait to read what you’ll be writing.

Note: This podcast is offered as a free resource for the writing community to help elevate their writing. If you find the episodes valuable, you can support the show by subscribing to Estelle’s Substack and leaving a review on Apple Podcasts.

For ideas or inquiries, email freelancewritingdirect@gmail.com.