Publication: Insider
Topic(s): Life advice from elders, mentorship, career growth, financial wisdom, relationships
Rate: ~$0.38+ per word (Starts at $230 for 600 words)
Deadline: Rolling (open call)
Editor: Paige DiFiore (Deputy Editor, Life & Entertainment)
Submit Via: Pitch Form
What They’re Looking For:
Insider is accepting freelance pitches for heartfelt, reflective stories centered on the best piece of advice you ever received from a relative or mentor — specifically someone in their 70s, 80s, or 90s. They want to know how that advice shaped your life, your mindset, or your career.
Examples of the type of stories they want include:
- A grandma’s rule for making friends and staying social well into her 90s
- Parents’ marriage advice that shaped your views on love and relationships
- Retirement or career advice from dad that led to your big promotion
- A simple financial hack from mom that helped you buy a house in your 20s
If you can bring emotion, storytelling, and real-life impact to the page, this is your shot.
Resources/Guides:
- Insider Personal Essay Guidelines (browse past stories in Life & Entertainment)
How To Get This Client:
This is a solid personal essay opportunity for African freelance writers looking for legit online writing jobs that pay. Here’s how to stand out:
- Hook your story in the subject line of your pitch: e.g., “The Advice My Grandma Gave Me That Helped Me Become Kenya’s Youngest Landowner”
- Be specific about how the advice shaped your life — editors want transformation, not just cute anecdotes.
- Keep it relevant to themes like career, money, relationships, or personal growth.
- Use the form provided (don’t email!) and follow up if you don’t hear back in a week.
👉🏾 Want to Learn How to Pitch Like a Pro?
Most Kenyan writers miss out on these gigs because they don’t know how to pitch the right way. Our Pitching Course will show you how to turn your life experiences into $$$ in international publications.
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