Early 2020 Sessions

$10 each or 10 for $75
To order, send payment via Venmo or Paypal (see above for details).

Talmon Joseph Smith, New York Times op-ed and Sunday Review editor, explains why now (yes, during a pandemic) is the time to be pitching your ‘reach’ publications. His unmissable talk covers how to pitch op-ed/opinions stories, news analysis and think pieces. Learn what the Times likes and where else to pitch if they say nada. Pure magic!

Bob Love is editor-in-chief of AARP Magazine, the world’s largest circulation publication. My personal “media godfather,” Bob bluntly ticks the boxes on what you’ll need to land $2+/word assignments writing for 38 million readers over age 50. “Be surprising!” is where it starts, and he tells you how. Bonus: how to write for AARP’s Bulletin, Girlfriends, Sisters, etc.

Doreen St. Felix is a staff writer at The New Yorker and not only outlines how to sell stories to that legendary rag, but how to structure pieces by way of “phenomenon/argument/reporting/evidence.” Conversation oozes “freelance master class” at every turn. Love this one.

Sarah Fallon, longtime staff editor at Wired, is so generous and clear and specific in identifying pitch opportunities for both print and digital, you’ll be bursting with ideas even if you never even considered approaching Wired. Chills all over this packed one-hour session that covers everything from first-time web pitches to deep reporting efforts that could land $10k assignments.

Chris Gayomali, GQ articles editor, was supposed to stay 30 minutes but goes for an hour with tip after joyful tip on how to pitch, how to source, how to wow him, how to $$$. His Venn diagram of “voice”/stakes/cinematic scene/road map will change the way you structure stories. His optimism will keep you in the game during the global shutdown.

Lucas Kwan Peterson, Los Angeles Times food writer and video editor, speed-walks us through the success habits needed to thrive as a freelancer in 2020. How to leverage your Instagram into media influence; how to break through food blogger gridlock and drive the national conversation; who to emulate and how to take pitches “one step further” than your competition. Give this session a James Beard Award, please.

As co-head of the Worldwide Literary Department at William Morris Endeavor, Suzanne Gluck is among the planet’s top book agents. Does that mean she’s too powerful for Upod. Nooo! This session was like the Rapture. So much energy, book publishing advice, idea shaping and proposal insights, even Suzanne said, “Wow, send me a copy of this talk.” You’ll be floored by how much gets done in 57 minutes.

Arianna Davis, digital director for Oprah’s mag, is your golden ticket to writing for that illustrious, beloved publication and its website. We drill her for tips, pitching tricks, editor insights, freelancer likes/dislikes and so much more, we wanted to give her a car, Oprah style, by the end of it. You will, too. She published several Upodders immediately after this session.

This session with Amy Joyce from The Washington Post is now officially legendary. The kind, supportive and Upod-loving On Parenting editor greenlit several stories on the spot from first-time writers, and published a half dozen more in the two weeks that followed. Watch this, watch this, watch this if you want a Washington Post clip.

C. Brian Smith writes and edits for Mel Magazine (and Vanity Fair), and this rollicking, fascinating conversation is a “how we freelance now” tutorial on writing about masculinity, gender, race, LGBTQIAP issues, politics and other topics defining the future of journalism.

Christian Kiefer, the Paris Review’s former West Coast editor, is everything you’d expect him to be: erudite, detailed in his advice on pitching and writing for the A-list, and spectacularly well-read (his reading list alone makes this worth watching). Even if The Paris Review isn’t on your radar, Chris’s “most interesting man in the world” vibe and approach make it a must-view.

Alexandra Jacobs is the New York Times fairy godmother you hoped would land on your laptop screen. The Styles section staff editor is kind, open to pitches and amazing at detailing what it takes to land a NYT byline, even if you don’t have “clips.” Why can’t all editors be as warm, supportive and encouraging? Guaranteed to cheer your freelance soul.

2020 continued

Daniel Jones, “Modern Love” editor at The New York Times, explains how to improve your odds (currently around 100 to 1) for selling an essay to that high-profile weekly column on relationships.

Susan Morrison, longtime New Yorker articles editor (including Talk of the Town) was so informative that multiple attendees got a “yes!” from her on New Yorker pitches. Definitely a “best of the best” video.

Jessica Reed, U.S. features editor, The Guardian, needs freelance content (lots of it) and explains how to contribute to the well-paying publication in a post-COVID-19 age.

Jeremy Saum, Afar Media’s executive editor, talks about travel writing at a time when most people are staying home.

Vanessa Grigoriadis, contributing editor, The New York Times Magazine and Vanity Fair, spends an hour sharing her wisdom as one of America’s most successful freelance writers.

Victoria Jaggard, National Geographic science and ideas editor, tells you in exacting detail how to write for the iconic publication, both print and online.

Liz Seymour, The Washington Post’s Executive Features Editor, oversees arts, entertainment, lifestyle and culture coverage. She joined The Post in 1999 and is eager, eager, eager for pitches.

Lori Gottlieb, journalist, bestselling author, therapist. Her book Maybe You Should Talk to Someone is a top 10 NYT bestseller. Contributor to New York Times Magazine, Dear Therapist columnist at The Atlantic. Talks journalism and the psychology of freelancing. It’s like therapy for your pitching game.

2019
Roberta Zeff, (now former) New York Times “Ties” and “well” editor, on how to sell your personal essays. Everything you need to know to crack the A-list and get your name in The New York Times. This one is solid gold. Multiple Upodders got their first New York Times story after watching this session!

Nathan Burstein, NewYorker.com managing editor, on pitching The New Yorker’s website and print pages. Want to write for that illustrious publication? It’s not easy but Nathan tells you what it takes.

Erika Ekiel, former Forbes staffer, on how to jump from journalism into lucrative brand and business writing. So good you’ll watch it over and over for strategy and inspiration. Indispensable advice for anyone looking to expand their horizons and earn more money writing. Five stars.

Celeste Fine, literary agent, Park & Fine Agency, on selling seven-figure book proposals. She’ll tell you what publishers want and don’t want now, how to distinguish yourself in a proposal and how to grab the attention of top agents like her.

Christopher Bonanos, New York Magazine, on writing for Vulture, The Cut and pitching New York. He’s seen it all and shares the secrets of thriving in a competitive media landscape.

Aaron Edwards, senior editor and curator, Pop-Up Magazine and California Sunday Magazine, on telling your stories on stage and in print. “If you can’t write it, tell it,” and he’ll pay you handsomely for it.

Dorothy Pomerantz, FitchInk managing editor, on pivoting into branded content from journalism. Get on her shortlist and you’ll have more work than you can handle at a very solid word rate.

Susan Shain, digital nomad, pitch-newsletter queen and freelance travel and brand writer, on pitching your way around the world. She’s living the dream and explains how you can, too.

Anna Dubenko, New York Times off-platform editor, on positioning yourself for the future of journalism. What to read, where the opportunities are for freelancers at the Times, and what you need to know about staying on top in an ever changing media scene.

Sunshine Flint, HP Publications, on writing for brands. Want to make more money? The former journalist fills you in on all the details, and she’ll hire you if you’re quick, smart and reliable.

Classic sessions (pre-2019) $10

Seyward Darby, Executive Editor, The Atavist, shares golden wisdom on longform nonfiction narratives. She’s a joy and inspiration.

Not sure why but this session with Pulitzer Prize-winning Los Angeles Times reporter Christopher Goffard is the most underrated video among these speaker sessions. He's the reporter behind the Dirty John crime investigation and podcast that became the USA series. It's pre-pandemic but still relevant if you're interested in serious reporting, podcasting or investigative journalism.

Then-Longreads.com essays editor Sari Botton on the elements of longform non-fiction. A popular session and useful to anyone who has a complex story to tell and sell.

The New Yorker's Ben Greenman on book writing, music writing and Prince. Fascinating to hear what it takes to write for the best of the best.

Choire Sicha, New York Times Styles section editor, on writing about fashion, trends and deep culture for the Times. A bunch of Upodders became regular contributors for the section after watching this.

Superstar freelancer Eric Spitznagel on getting non-stop assignments. This is basically freelance journalism school in one session. Just watch it.

Former Deadspin/Esquire editor Megan Greenwell on pitching, rookie mistakes.

Former Good Housekeeping editor Carla Levy on selling first-person essays. She’s no longer at GH but still lots of worthy advice. One of my most popular sessions.

Bestselling author and New Yorker writer Russell Shorto on writing like a genius. I love his non-fiction so much. He takes us inside the world of book writing and pitching The New Yorker.

Bestselling author and New Yorker writer Susan Orlean on selling books and tapping your best ideas. The queen speaks. Worth a listen.

AARP: The Magazine’s multi-talented editor Meg Guroff on writing for the world’s most popular magazine. One of my favorite editor sessions.

Branded content expert Julie Collazo on pitching and writing for companies. So many Upod people tell me this session was a career changer.

The New Yorker's David Grann on reporting and the adventure of writing. He’s so generous with his advice. A true master class.

The Atlantic's Ross Andersen on writing about science and tech. Super popular video and highly useful.

Refinery 29 founder and then-editor Christine Barberich (she’s since moved on) on fashion writing and getting editors to say yes to ideas. Lots of Upodders got published after watching this.

Former New York Times Travel editor Dan Saltzstein on how to be a travel writer. Essential if you’re interested in pitching the Times or any travel pub.

Heather Halberstadt on writing for Vanity Fair, WSJ and Departures. Maybe the most popular Upod video of all time.

The Happiness Project author Gretchen Rubin on developing habits for happiness and productivity. One of my favorites.

Steve Kandell, Buzzfeed longform editor, on longform journalism in a listicle world. Good for those looking to tell stories “only you can tell.”

New York Times editor K.J. Dell'Antonia on writing for the parenting pages of the Times. Very helpful to many Upodders.

Brainpickings founder Maria Popova on curating intelligent content. She’s an idea genius.

The New Yorker features editor Daniel Zalewski on scoring the ultimate byline. Brilliant and useful.

The New York Times Magazine's Emily Bazelon on the three pillars of great journalism. Stunning advice.

Nathan Lump, former Travel + Leisure editor in chief, on travel writing like nobody’s business.

Muckraker Russ Baker on investigative journalism.

Esquire's Tom Junod (Esquire’s Mr. Rogers profiler, The Falling Man) on the secrets of great magazine profiles. This is a gem.

Virginia Heffernan (New York Times) on faith, reporting and trolls.

Author A.J. Jacobs (The Year of Living Biblically) on turning personal experiences into bestselling books.

Audio sessions (2012-2015) $5

Malcolm Gladwell on the secrets of great writing and reporting. Naturally, one of the most popular downloads.

James Beard Award-winning Food editor Lesley Suter on pitching deliciousness.

Rolling Stone's David Browne on sex, drugs and covering rock n’ roll. Like a platinum album for music writers.

Culture Brain's Sharon Ann Lee on finding passion, money and meaning (the sweet spot) in your work as a freelancer. My mentor and soon-to-be-yours.

Nancy Rommelmann on longform journalism and great coffee. Smart details from a veteran writer and reporter.

full session playbacks

November 2020 Upod Academy. 2 days, 10+ hours of pandemic freelance wisdom, pitch instruction and writer group magic. Speakers: CAA Agents Mollie Glick and Michelle Weiner; New York Times Magazine and Metro reporter Jazmine Hughes; New Yorker staff writer Rachel Syme; Atlantic Magazine executive editor Adrienne LaFrance, and New York Times op-ed editor and writer Jenée Desmond-Harris.

July 2020 Upod Academy. 2 days, 10+ hours of pitch advice, freelance guidance and idea polishing, along with speakers Bob Love (AARP), Doreen St. Felix (New Yorker), Talmon Joseph Smith (NYT), Chris Gayomali (GQ), Lucas Peterson (LA Times) & Sarah Fallon (Wired). $150.

June 2020 Upod Academy. 2 days, 12+ hours of pitching and publishing guidance, idea polishing, etc., with speakers Suzanne Gluck (WME), C. Brian Smith (Mel magazine), Alexandra Jacobs (New York Times), Arianna Davis (Oprah mag), Christian Kiefer (Paris Review, Amy Joyce (WashPost On Parenting). $150.

March 2020 Upod Academy. 2 days, 12+ hours of freelancer wisdom, editor strategy sessions, pandemic survival tips, Modern Love talk and pitch advice, with speakers Daniel Jones (NYT Modern Love editor), Jessica Reed (The Guardian), Jeremy Saum (Afar). $150.

January 2020 Upod Academy - 2 days (14+ hours) of pitch guidance and idea polishing with guests Susan Morrison (New Yorker), Liz Seymour (WashPost), Vanessa Grigoriadis (Vanity Fair, NYT), Victoria Jaggard (NatGeo) and Lori Gottlieb (bestselling author). $150

Earlier sessions available. Ask for details.

2019 Brandcad: Breaking into Content Marketing. 5.5 Hours of Content with six speakers. $75.

2018 Brandcad: An all-day seminar on branded content: What it is & how to cash in - $65.