Episode 37: Freelance Success Strategies I Learned at the ASJA Conference

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How can you build a thriving freelance writing career in today’s competitive market?

In this solo episode of The Talk Freelance To Me Podcast, host Ashley Cisneros Mejia takes you behind the scenes of her experience at the ASJA Writers Conference in New York City. From networking with top editors to learning about the changes in the freelance marketplace, Ashley shares key takeaways, industry trends, and powerful insights from industry leaders like Teen Vogue’s Editor-in-Chief Versha Sharma.

She also discusses the importance of differentiating yourself as a freelancer, developing new skills, and crafting a seamless client experience—plus, she dishes on her experience speaking on a podcasting panel at Fashion Institute of Technology and attending a Broadway show with fellow writers.

If you’re serious about building a successful freelance writing business, this episode is packed with valuable lessons to help you navigate the evolving industry. And scroll down to read the blog recap!

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• How to stand out in an increasingly competitive freelance market
•  Why niche expertise and skill expansion are more important than ever
•  The top takeaways from ASJA’s Client Connections event for pitching top-tier editors
• Insights from Versha Sharma on resilience and diversity in media
• Why podcasting can amplify your freelance brand (and the best tools to get started!)
• The behind-the-scenes process of Broadway production and storytelling lessons from “Buena Vista Social Club”

Time Stamps

[00:00] Introduction: Returning from ASJA NYC & conference highlights

[02:39] What is ASJA? The role of this exclusive professional writing organization

[05:41] Why freelancing is more competitive than ever – and how to stand out

[08:41] Keynote insights from Versha Sharma (Teen Vogue) on resilience, diversity, and the future of media

[11:44] The importance of developing complementary skills as a freelance writer

[14:21] Ashley’s experience on the ASJA podcasting panel + best podcasting tools for writers

[20:10] Client Connections: Pitching major publications like Forbes, Adweek, and Fortune

[23:45] A Broadway moment: Seeing Buena Vista Social Club and meeting the producer + lead actress

[34:28] The power of community: Meeting like-minded freelance writers at ASJA

[38:35] Final thoughts: Why investing in networking and professional development is essential

Noteworthy Quote From This Episode

“Freelancing is more competitive than ever—but instead of worrying about competition, focus on what makes you unique and how you can deliver an exceptional client experience.”

Ashley Cisneros Mejia

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Read The Recap

My Experience Attending ASJA’s 2025 Conference

Attending the ASJA (American Society of Journalists and Authors) conference was a truly meaningful experience for me. This organization has been on my radar since 2023 when I first heard about their scholarship program for underrepresented writers. That opportunity allowed me to attend their virtual conference, which was an incredible introduction to this prestigious group of experienced independent journalists, content marketers, and authors.

ASJA has been around for over 75 years, setting itself apart with its stringent membership requirements. To become a professional member, writers must have a portfolio of work published in national outlets. They also offer an associate membership for those who have written for regional publications. This exclusivity ensures that ASJA is a community of seasoned professionals who understand the nuances of independent journalism and high-level content creation.

After receiving the scholarship in 2023 and attending my first ASJA virtual conference, I was hooked. The following year, I attended another virtual event, where I discovered the Client Connections program—a speed networking event that pairs freelancers with editors and decision-makers from top publications, branded content studios, alumni magazines, and agencies. This was a game-changer for me.

Fast forward to 2024, and I found myself attending ASJA’s in-person conference for the first time in New York City. It was a significant moment for me—not only because it was my first ASJA in-person event, but also because it was the first time ASJA had hosted an in-person conference in NYC in six years. Held at the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) in Manhattan, the event was an unforgettable experience.

Freelancing Is More Competitive Than Ever

One of the key takeaways from the conference was the increasing competitiveness in the freelance market. As more professionals, including those from media, journalism, and tech industries, face job losses, many are turning to freelancing to generate income. While I embrace an abundance mindset, it’s undeniable that more freelancers are competing for the same opportunities.

This makes it more important than ever to invest in personal and professional branding. We all have a brand, whether we actively shape it or not. The challenge is to communicate our differentiators—our unique value propositions—and to deliver exceptional experiences for our clients. Providing high-quality content, ensuring seamless collaboration, and offering additional value can help freelancers navigate an increasingly crowded market.

A recent editorial hiring survey revealed that, for the first time, there are more freelancers than staff writers in the industry. This shift underscores the importance of adaptability, innovation, and expanding one’s skill set to remain competitive.

Versha Sharma on Resilience and Values

Versha Sharma, the Editor-in-Chief of Teen Vogue, delivered a particularly impactful keynote. I loved that she went into detail about her path growing up as an Indian-American in Louisiana to working her way to the leadership at Teen Vogue. She spoke candidly about failure, sharing her experiences of struggling in college, having to make up coursework, and dealing with family expectations. She also spoke about being a first-time mom. Her transparency about balancing professional ambitions with motherhood was refreshing and resonant.

Versha also praised ASJA’s ongoing commitment to diversity, equity, accessibility, and inclusion. In a time when many organizations are rolling back DEI initiatives, she emphasized the importance of aligning ourselves with outlets and businesses that uphold these values. As freelancers and business owners, we have the freedom to choose our clients, vendors, and media sources based on their commitment to truth, accuracy, and inclusivity.

Some of the audience members asked Versha about what kinds of media she and her team are consuming in order to learn more about what’s important to Gen Z and Gen Alpha. She mentioned two podcasts:

Let Me Say This

Vibe Check

Versha also shared a guide for writers interested in pitching to the editors at Teen Vogue.

Developing Complementary Skills

Another major takeaway from the conference was the value of expanding our skill sets. Freelancers who can offer multimedia storytelling—such as high-resolution photography, audio recording, and video content—have an edge in the market. Investing in basic tools and training to provide clients with more immersive storytelling options can be a game-changer.

For example, Anna Sproul Latimer, a book publishing industry expert, shared insights on monetizing newsletters. She revealed that her paid Substack subscription generates approximately $40,000 annually, demonstrating the potential of direct audience engagement. She provides free content while paywalling her most valuable insights, offering a model that many freelancers could replicate.

Key Takeaways from Day Two

One of the standout sessions featured Emil Wilbekin, the founder of Native Son, an organization that empowers gay Black men. He shared a valuable interviewing tip: Ask interviewees—especially artists, engineers, and creators—about their process. People love talking about how they work, and this approach often uncovers fresh angles and story ideas.

A panel on visual storytelling provided another important lesson I appreciated: Always capture both horizontal and vertical video footage. While vertical content is trending, horizontal images remain valuable for blog posts, website content, and broader multimedia applications. Additionally, capturing a variety of shots—including B-roll and multiple angles—ensures greater flexibility in storytelling.

Speaking About Podcasting

Speaking on the podcasting panel at ASJA was an incredible honor and one of the highlights of my conference experience. While I’ve spoken on many stages throughout my career, this was my first time presenting in New York City—at the prestigious Fashion Institute of Technology, no less—which made it even more special. 

I had the privilege of sharing the stage with Holly Rizzuto Palker, a talented podcaster, writer, and author who was actively pitching her new book. Holly’s podcast, This Mama Is Lit, is available through her Substack. Holly was the driving force behind our session, taking the lead in pitching the panel to the conference organizers, shaping our discussion topics, and scheduling practice sessions to refine our approach. 

I also presented alongside Estelle Erasmus, a journalist with over 30 years of experience in publishing, a professor at NYU, and author of Writing That Gets Noticed and host of the podcast Freelance Writing Direct. As a fellow podcaster, she brought a wealth of insight into the craft and industry of independent media. 

Our two other panelists, Jennifer Fink, co-host of the podcast On Boys, and Brianna Avenia-Tapper, host of the Writing Stories podcast were unfortunately unable to attend due to illness.

During the session, we covered a range of topics, including why writers should consider podcasting, the benefits of using audio as a content platform, and essential tools for podcast production. 

I shared my personal journey with podcasting, emphasizing how investing in the right tools—such as Descript, my go-to editing software—helped me maintain momentum without getting bogged down in complex technical processes. I explained how I initially tried to teach myself Audacity through YouTube tutorials but found it too time-consuming and frustrating. 

Discovering Descript, thanks to a recommendation from fellow writer Sarah Greesonbach, transformed my editing workflow, allowing me to edit my podcast by simply deleting text rather than manually adjusting audio tracks. 

Our discussion was lively, with a great audience turnout and thoughtful questions from attendees who were either curious about starting a podcast or looking to improve their existing workflow. The session left me feeling energized and grateful to be part of a community of podcasters who, like me, are passionate about amplifying stories and voices through audio.

The Client Connections Event

One of the most exhilarating parts of the conference was participating in Client Connections. This speed networking event paired me with senior editors and decision-makers from some of the most respected names in media. I had the privilege of meeting with representatives from Forbes, Adweek, Fortune, VQ, the Vassar College Alumni Magazine, and Onward Publishing (which specializes in health-related content).

Meeting these accomplished professionals, many of whom have spent decades navigating the ever-changing media landscape, was both humbling and inspiring. Journalism is not an easy industry to sustain a career in, and the people I met have not only done so but have also ascended to leadership positions. I was honored to share my work with them and discuss potential opportunities, but more than anything, I was grateful for the conversations and connections that will continue to shape my career.

My First Broadway Show: Buena Vista Social Club

One of the most unforgettable moments of my ASJA conference experience was seeing Buena Vista Social Club at the Shubert Theatre on Broadway. While I’ve seen Broadway tours at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts in Orlando, this was my first time experiencing a show on Broadway itself, and I was beyond excited. Thanks to ASJA members Stacy Freed and Debbie Kaplan, a group of 47 women writers, including myself, had the chance to see this incredible musical together.

The show, inspired by the life of legendary Cuban singer Omara Portuondo, spans decades of Cuban history, following the lives of musicians impacted by communism and the rise of Fidel Castro. It was a mesmerizing blend of music, storytelling, and history, featuring an all-Spanish musical score with vibrant Son, Danzón, and Bolero rhythms. 

The musicians were phenomenal—one played the cuatro with the mastery of Jimi Hendrix, infusing every note with raw energy. The show’s themes of migration, family separation, and cultural pride struck a deep emotional chord with the audience, and I could hear people around me crying, moved by the powerful story.

After the performance, we had an extraordinary opportunity to visit the home of producer Robin Gorman Newman to learn about the business of Broadway. As an unexpected treat, Buena Vista Social Club’s lead actress, Isa Antonetti, joined us. She spoke candidly about the intensity of rehearsals, vocal care, and the day-to-day script changes happening during the preview phase.

Robin asked our group for feedback about the musical. I shared that I enjoyed how the story was told through the lens of two sisters—one who left Cuba for greater opportunities and another who chose to stay to honor and preserve their musical roots. This push and pull of making difficult choices for safety, financial stability, and artistic integrity resonated deeply. It reminded me of what we see today with artists like Bad Bunny, who, despite reaching international superstardom, refuses to translate his lyrics into English, maintaining a strong cultural identity and prioritizing performances in his home of Puerto Rico before touring elsewhere. His decision mirrors Omara’s in the show—choosing to center their art around their people, even when the world is calling them elsewhere.

At the same time, the musical did not villainize the sister who left, because survival and opportunity are universal needs. Watching their estrangement unfold, only to realize their love for one another never faded, was heartbreaking. It underscored the reality of family separations—not just physically, but emotionally—due to migration, war, or political upheaval. The regret of lost time and unspoken words was palpable, making this not just a story about music but about the choices we make, the sacrifices we bear, and the deep love that endures despite distance.

Friends I Met

One of the most rewarding aspects of attending ASJA was the opportunity to connect with so many talented writers, each with their own unique expertise and perspectives. I had the pleasure of meeting Karon Warren, a gifted travel writer from Georgia, who shared her experiences covering destinations and navigating the challenges of freelance travel journalism. 

Charmaine Seitz, a writer who spent 20 years living in Ramallah, captivated me with her insights into the region and her upcoming memoir. 

Arlene Ambrose, a writer from Alberta, Canada, and a registered nurse, brought thoughtful discussions about mental health writing and the Canadian perspective on global affairs. 

I also met Peggy Holsclaw, an accomplished ghostwriter who has worked on numerous books and shared fascinating insights into what it takes to launch a ghostwritten book.

At the nonfiction book writers’ dinner, I connected with Dr. Sue Bowness, author of The Feisty Freelancer. She was so funny and I loved talking about our cats. 

Christina Hernandez Sherwood, a health writer from Philadelphia, and I bonded over the challenges of balancing freelance writing with motherhood. She just won an award for her work on Black women’s maternal care.

And these are only a few of the amazing women I met!

One of the most meaningful aspects of attending ASJA was the reassurance that I am not alone in this journey. As someone who works independently from home, I love the flexibility and creativity that freelancing provides, but it can also feel isolating at times. Meeting other writers who also work independently, who understand the unique challenges and triumphs of this career, was incredibly affirming. 

What stood out to me the most was the warmth and openness of the ASJA community—many of these writers have known each other for years, yet they embraced me with kindness, generosity, and a genuine willingness to connect. Despite being in a room full of accomplished professionals—some with bylines in the most prestigious publications—there was no ego. 

I’ve attended many business and podcasting conferences where competitiveness and self-promotion can take center stage, but here, it was different. I was talking to Peggy about this, wondering if it’s just in our nature as writers—after all, we spend our careers telling other people’s stories, shining a light on their experiences rather than seeking the spotlight ourselves. Whatever the reason, the down-to-earth energy, and the spirit of camaraderie made ASJA feel like home, and I left feeling deeply grateful for this community.

Final Thoughts

Attending ASJA’s in-person conference was transformative. It reinforced the value of community, deepened my industry knowledge, and provided invaluable connections. Whether through engaging panel discussions, networking, or simply meeting kindred spirits, this experience solidified why I continue to invest in ASJA.

I left New York feeling inspired, grateful, and excited for the future. For any independent writer looking to expand their career, connect with top-tier editors, or find a supportive community, I highly recommend ASJA. Join us here!

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