November Newsletter
Hola desde Puerto Vallarta, Mexico! Thank you for subscribing to my monthly newsletter that highlights my recently published articles, upcoming calls for sources, and a peek into my travels. If you want to support my work, tips are appreciated via Venmo, CashApp, and PayPal. Alternatively, you can subscribe to the paid version of this newsletter for $9.99 a month.
Until the end of 2021, I’m offering $50 off my freelance consultations where I workshop pitches and allow writers to ask me anything. The fee for the contribution will increase in 2022 so book and pay by the end of the year here: LolaAnnMendez.com/Consultation
I worked 28 hours in November, which is much more my speed than 60+ hours in October. This month, I filed eight pieces. Three were assignments, three were commissioned pitches, and two were greeting card submissions (which checks off a childhood dream of getting paid to write greeting cards!) I also spent nearly 10 hours working on a ghostwriting project for a travel website.
In November, I sent 44 pitches—three were commissioned, 15 were rejected, and 26 are pending a response. Researching, pitching, interviewing, writing, editing, and business management accounted for 18 hours of work in November.
My portfolio can be viewed any time at LolaAnnMendez.com. In November I had seven articles published. Each image is clickable should you want to read the story. This month I debuted in Bicycling Magazine, TED Ideas, and The Travel Magazine. I have upcoming pieces in new-to-me publications including the Telegraph, Thrillist, and Wine Enthusiast.
November 2021 marks my five-year anniversary as a full-time freelance writer. This month I made my debut in OutVoice as a writer and a source. I wrote about filing late fee invoices, how freelance writers can make their pitches stand out, and I was interviewed about what I wish I had known my first year as a freelance journalist.
I was also featured as a source in several articles this month. I shared industry insights with Underpinned on how I detach my self-worth from my work, and chatted with Linktree regarding why it’s important to have your pronouns in your email signature and social media bios. Vacationer Magazine featured me as the Vacationer of the Week and published an interview with yours truly.
The Gay Guides Have Been a Survival Guide for Queer Travelers in the U.S. Since the 50s. Looking to speak with queer folks who have memories to share from going to Paramount Steak House in Washington, D.C. aka Annie's.
The Tampon Tax. Looking to talk with policymakers, organizations who’ve taken a stand against the tampon tax, and real women fighting for tax-free tampons.
What’s the cost breakdown on freezing my eggs? Looking to speak with MDs in the field (gynos, fertility specialists, doulas, etc.) about the various fees, why they’re necessary, and what they wish patients understood about the financial investment before scheduling that initial appointment.
Heart of Palm Health Benefits. Looking to speak with RDs and MDs about the health benefits (with scientific studies to back up claims) of palmitos.
California's Lesser-Known National Parks. Open to pitches from tour guides, rangers, and travelers about their favorite lesser-known national parks.
Why Spirits and Wine are Becoming Massage Treatment Ingredients. Looking to speak with experts who can provide scientific studies to back their claims about the benefits of using these boozy ingredients in spa treatments.
Queer-friendly Conception Options. Looking for pitches from relevant MDs (gynos, fertility specialists, doulas, etc.)
Navigating a Fibroid Diagnosis. Looking to speak with doctors about how diagnosis works, outcomes, etc.
I’m also writing the titles below, but don’t need sources.
I’ve Been Following a Plant-Based Diet for 15 Years—Here’s What I Wish I Had Known When I Started
The Best Vegan Restaurants in Vietnam
Meet the Black Vegan Chef Who Cooks for Vice President Kamala Harris
In November I took three press trips across the U.S. starting in Anaheim with Marriott, then Palm Springs, CA with the tourism board, and rural Ohio to discover wellness offerings in the destination. My health insurance rejected my request to have surgery to remove the fibroid in my uterus twice so since I wasn’t going under the knife I went to Guadalajara and Tequila for a weekend. Next week begins seven weeks of continuous travel. Follow my adventures on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.