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THREAD Since my op-ed, so many people have reached out to me asking for guidance on how to share their stories of workplace mistreatment. Here are a few things that helped me:
1/x Document everything. Keep a diary. Record if allowed by law. Email friends and family members. Even if you never share, this helps prevent gaslighting.
2/x Know your rights. Read any NDAs you signed. If possible, request a copy of your employment file. Try to hire a lawyer, visit a legal clinic, or at least follow discrimination litigator @QianJulieWang
3/x Protect yourself. I was only able to write about my former employer because I was in a good place. You and your family come first. I saw victims decline to speak up because it wasn't safe-- I respect that. This applies psychologically, as well.
4/x Now, for actually writing :) if your goal is newspapers/magazines, learn how to pitch! @annfriedman's guide is my fave. https://medium.com/@annfriedman/how-and-where-to-pitch-your-writing-1c316fa37bda
Every piece I've published has been a cold pitch or a slush pile submission. I found the editors contact on Twitter
Every piece I've published has been a cold pitch or a slush pile submission. I found the editors contact on Twitter
5/x Have a timely peg. Even if it gets edited out, this gets editors more likely to read and makes it more ok to send to multiple editors.
For the last 2.5 years, I'd see news stories, get upset, then write something that day. None of them saw the light of day, but I was ready.
For the last 2.5 years, I'd see news stories, get upset, then write something that day. None of them saw the light of day, but I was ready.
6/x Celebrate rejection. In 2018 and 2019, I racked up over 100 rejections per year. I learned so much from them and started getting excited to hear "no" instead of just silence.
7/x Aim high- but not just for the big names. My first piece was for the amazing @OhThatRajul at Vice's health blog on jaw botox. Was it a heavy hitting piece? Did I learn so much? YES.
Also writing for @saribotton at @Longreads, @The_Rumpus, @BoulevardLitMag, helped so much
Also writing for @saribotton at @Longreads, @The_Rumpus, @BoulevardLitMag, helped so much
8/x find a writing community! I was so grateful to take class with @hilella and meet my soulmates. If you have the means, @sackettstreet and @CatapultStory are great. @awpwriter mentorship program is free if you pay for a membership (~$80). There are great free groups online, too
9/9 know that you are not alone! So many folks are going through this and will appreciate you speaking out
Those are a few things that helped me. What am I missing? What am I overlooking?
Those are a few things that helped me. What am I missing? What am I overlooking?
