Featured Freelance Writers — Maya Capasso

One of the main reasons I started No Hustle Freelancer is to create a community. I am excited to continue this Featured Freelance Writer series. :) Today, I want to introduce you to Maya. I’ve ‘met’ Maya in a freelance writing Facebook group. In this interview, we talk about many aspects of freelancing. She gets vulnerable about navigating depression, PTSD, and anxiety as a freelance writer (something I can absolutely relate to myself). I hope you enjoy this conversation as much as I did.

Tell us about yourself. What kind of freelance writing do you do/what's your niche?

I do content writing, so I write blog posts, articles, and emails for my clients. I'm also a cold pitching consultant for fellow freelance writers. I have a few different niches: entertainment journalism, mental health, podcast writing, and history. What is central to all of my writing is education, empathy, and inclusion.

Where do you write? On your couch? A nice home office? Cafes? Coworking spaces?

I currently live in my parents' basement with my girlfriend. She works full-time from home, so I go upstairs to my old childhood bedroom to get my work done. It's not ideal, but it's comfortable and familiar, and it works.

When and why did you decide to start freelancing? How long have you been freelancing?

After I graduated from college in May of 2020, straight into the COVID pandemic, I had no idea what to do. I was living with my parents who are high-risk for COVID, so I couldn't pursue an in-person job. I found it nearly impossible to even land an interview for a traditional full time job because I had degrees in History and Women's & Gender Studies with no job experience. So I decided in December of 2020 that I would make work for myself! I began my freelance career that month, and I never looked back.

How did you find your first clients? How do you find your clients now?

My first clients were content mills, and I ditched them pretty quick. My favorite way to find clients is through my specific cold pitching technique. It gives me so much freedom! I get to create my own opportunities. I also get clients who come to me on LinkedIn and occasionally through networking in Facebook groups. I also found one of my favorite gigs on Craigslist!

What is your favorite thing about freelancing? Anything you don't like?

The FREEDOM! This is the best job ever because I get to choose what I work on, when I work on it, and how to approach it. I get to set my rates. And I don't have a boss! I don't like how complicated taxes are. I'm still trying to figure that one out!

What is the most valuable lesson you've learned so far?

Only work with clients who truly value the work you do.

Let's keep it real, there is always something to work on. Is there anything you are currently struggling with or working to improve on as a freelance writer?

I'm trying to work on my focus. I need to take a step back and analyze my client acquisition strategies. I'm great at cold pitching, but I don't always actually do it. I need to figure out how to stay motivated!

A lot of freelance writers choose this path because of chronic illness, chronic pain, mental health issues, or a disability. If you are dealing with any of the following, can you tell us about it a bit and how do you navigate freelance writing and physical and/or mental health challenges.

This is definitely a huge reason why freelancing appeals to me. I struggle with Major Depression and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. This impacts my freelance writing when it comes to motivation and imposter syndrome. My depression makes it hard to stay motivated, so I have to take extra steps to make sure I'm staying on track. I also let myself take breaks when I need to, and I try to be kind to myself. My anxiety around not being good enough as a freelancer and a writer is definitely part of my mental health struggles. I've done a lot of work on my self-esteem and mindset over the past year, and that's made the biggest difference for my business.

BIPOC writers, writers from marginalized communities, and non-native speaker writer face certain challenges that others do not. Are you part of any of these groups? If yes, can you tell a bit about the challenges you are facing, how you are dealing with them, and any tips you have. 

I'm a queer freelance writer, and honestly I haven't faced any challenges because of my identity. It's really only opened up doors for me! I write about LGBTQ+ issues in my entertainment journalism a lot, and my queer perspective helps me write content that is social justice-oriented.

What advice would you give freelance writers that are just starting out?

Build a small portfolio and learn how to cold pitch! That's really all you need to get started. 

Are you interested in creating a sustainable freelance writing business without the hustle? Check out my freelance writing course with a step-by-step process of exactly what you need.