On Thursdays, I provide thoughts on your questions and/or review interesting things I've read, listened to, or watched. On this #ThursdayThoughts episode, I answer a question about how to stop overthinking and second-guessing yourself.

My suggestions are to: (1) Start with something low stakes. (2) Use the resources around you, like The OpEd Project, and then (3) Number three, perfect your pitch. Check out the full episode for more.

// Show Highlights

01:11 - The question: How can I stop overthinking and second-guessing myself when pitching myself to editors? 

04:40 - Shontavia's horrible experience with an article she wrote 

06:03 - How to start with a low-stakes article in your local newspaper 

09:14 - How The OpEd Project helped Shontavia go from local letters to the editor to TIME, Huffington Post, and the Washington Post 

11:13 - The one thing you can do to stop wasting time writing full articles 

// Show Notes

How to Put Yourself Out There: https://www.buzzsprout.com/795392/2444864

The OpEd Project: https://www.theopedproject.org/

How to Pitch, from The OpEd Project: https://www.theopedproject.org/pitching

How to Pitch an Article to a Magazine: https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-pitch-an-article-to-a-magazine

3 Mistakes That Make Editors Throw Your Pitch in the Trash: https://www.themuse.com/advice/3-mistakes-that-make-editors-throw-your-pitch-in-the-trash

// Want More?

Find Shontavia Johnson at www.shontavia.com

Sign up for Shontavia's #MakeItHappenMonday Newsletter at http://www.makeithappennewsletter.com

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