My career in the menswear industry began in 2014 when I decided I wanted a change from the 9-5 grind. I began to approach editors with content ideas for their websites and after plenty of rejection, managed to score some work with online retailer The Idle Man and shortly after, TOPMAN. Through connections I made in these two freelance roles I was hired for freelance writing duties by ShortList magazine’s online team and later FashionBeans, where I was eventually made contributing editor. I now work across a range of publications including big names like Esquire, Men’s Health, and independent authority sites like Ape to Gentleman where I provide the bulk of the SEO style content.

1. Don’t underestimate the power of networking. Go to as many industry events as you can and talk to the people you want to work with. It’ll work in your favour when you email them with an idea for a feature further down the line. That said, don’t let anyone tell you that you need to be in London to work in the industry. Some of my most reliable and long-running clients have never actually met me face to face and I now work completely remotely having left London over a year ago. You can always travel if a meeting is important.
2. As a freelance writer, your most important attribute is your ability to write. Your second most important is your dependability. Never miss a deadline, always communicate with your editor in advance if there’s a chance you might hit a delay and always be available. The easier you can make your editor’s life, the more highly they’ll value you over the competition.
3. Get used to rejection. If you’re cold pitching editors you’re going to get a lot of no’s and – even worse – radio silence. Don’t take it personally. These people’s inboxes are full of emails just like yours. For every ten pitches, you make maybe you’ll get one, yes but when you do it’s worth it.