We think you're amazing, here's why

Let's share some love

This month we’ve been writing about collaboration over competition and how working together and helping one another is far better than gatekeeping. Whenever I talk about this, I think of a few specific individuals who have helped me in my career — there was the late, great John Malathronas who quite literally took me under his wing at networking events when I was a green little editor who needed to meet freelancers. There were my two Rough Guides managers, Tim Chester (now freelance and open for work, if you’re commissioning) and Ellie Aldridge, who taught me the tricks of commissioning and editing. And then there are the countless freelancers who have provided endless inspiration (Helen Ochyra, Meera Dattani) and unreasonably kind pep talks (the exceptional Xenia Taliotis and Nori Jemil).

And, of course, there’s Steph, without whom I’d never have been brave or bold enough to start this newsletter. To all of these people I want to extend an ostentatious large thank you.

It’s rare we get the opportunity to tell people how they have impacted or helped our careers, and so now I’m throwing the ball into your court. Below this newsletter you can add comments and today we’d love for you to use them to shout out to the people who have made a difference in your work. Is there an editor who helped you shape a piece? A PR who supported you from the beginning? Or a colleague who has been a rock during difficult times? Tell them how they’ve changed things for you in the comments below and share the love.

PS. This newsletter is coming to you 10 hours later than usual because we’re currently trying to pay it forward on our own travel writing retreat, teaching new, aspiring writers to make their way in this industry.