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Click here to look at Meryl Cubley's full freelance profile on Journalism.co.uk.

Why did you choose to become a freelancer?
After editing a street-style music, arts and fashion magazine I felt that I needed a change in my working lifestyle. I had enough contacts to make ends meet for a while, and the support of both family and friends.
 
If you trained, where? If not, how did you become a freelancer?
I trained at Cardiff University's School of Journalism, and recently finished an MA in English. My practical experience was from many 'working for free' stints in both London and around the country, as well as writing articles sans-fee and hoping that one day it would be worth it!

I am also trained as a person-centred behavioural counsellor, which has proved to be invaluable in terms of my writing for women's magazines on topics such as relationships and sex.
 
Do you specialise in any particular field and what areas do you write about?
I specialise in an eclectic number of fields. I have been doing a lot of business writing recently, and hugely enjoy environment, travel, review and lifestyle commissions.

The majority of my work comes from the women's magazine sector - both print and online - though the latter is more productive.

I write mainly about women's issues, relationships, sex and health - all from a feminist perspective - currently considered a scary 'non-sexy' term, which I find a great shame.

I have also recently written my first erotic novel - though this is under a pen-name - for the benefit of my business clients.
 
Which publications have you been published in?
The Guardian, Red, Grazia, Scarlet, Handbag.com, GetLippy.com, Allaboutyou.com, Femin.co.uk, Ladies First, Tiara, Swansea Life, Corporate Wales, Corporate Scotland, Ceredigion Environment Agency, and many other small-scale independent arts and music magazines.

I have also appeared on GMTV's LK Today discussing women's rising use of internet pornography in the UK.
 
Which articles, in which publication, are you the most proud of?
To obtain a commission in the national media within the women's magazine sector is incredibly tough - particularly with the current desire for 'real life' stories, in place of interesting or challenging ideas. So it is of course satisfying to receive a commission from the big 'glossies,' and unfortunately the women's market can still be a case of who, rather than what you know.

But I would have to say that writing for Scarlet is something I am very proud of. The publication has and continues to do a lot for women. Every woman should read it.

I would also say that one of the first pieces I ever wrote (whilst still at university in Cardiff) on the topic of eating disorders is something I am still very moved by. The bravery and trust showed by the women and men I interviewed is something I have never forgotten. 
 
What are the best and worst aspects of freelancing?
The best is being your own boss and choosing what you would like to write about. That kind of freedom is priceless. The worst is without doubt the financial insecurity and the endless time spent chasing up payments.
 
Do you have any interesting anecdotes in relation to your experience as a freelancer?
Rather a word of advice: Treat good editors with the utmost care and respect. They hold the key to your commissions. There is no room for arrogance.

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freelance | freelancer of the fortnight | meryl cubley | pornography |

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