Skip to main content

Mentoring for Freelance Writers

A mentor doesn’t answer your questions—they help you see possibilities, navigate challenges, and build a career that’s uniquely yours.

You have stories to tell, and the world needs them like never before. At a time when there is a cacophony of content and loud voices on the internet, it’s never been more important to create stories that cut through the noise, challenge conventional narratives, diversify perspectives, and make a meaningful difference.

As a science writer, you’re more than just a storyteller. You’re a bridge between complex ideas and the people who need them most. You have the power to change the world one word at a time.

You did not choose this job to merely make a living. You want to create a life and career that reflects your values. But you also want a balance between the work you love and the life you want to live.

Whether you’re striving to craft compelling pitches, refine your storytelling, develop a unique voice, or produce accurate and impactful reporting, I’ll help you grow as a science writer.

And if you’ve been freelancing for a while but are tired of riding the financial rollercoaster, I’ll help you create a more stable and intentional business—one that aligns with your goals, plays to your strengths, and supports your lifestyle and wellbeing.

“Manuela is a wealth of knowledge and insight as a science journalist. Even though I am not a journalist, her thoughts on boosting my writing business were very helpful. Having notes from our call was useful to remember all the things we discussed and guidelines to help in my next steps. I definitely recommend her!”

You don’t have to follow the rules to build a business you love

For years, I believed I had to fit the world’s image of success. I measured myself against others, thinking I needed to change who I was to achieve it. But success isn’t one-size-fits-all.

With time, I’ve learned that you don’t have to lose yourself in the process of reaching your goals. You don’t have to be an extrovert to succeed. You don’t have to be loud to lead. Together, we can create a version of success that feels authentic to you. I’ll help you find the confidence and clarity to build a sustainable life—because you deserve it, and you have the power to shape the work and life you want.

If you are a creative, introverted, quietly rebellious who desires a career built with intention, balance, and authenticity, you’re in the right place.

Who I work with

  • Fresh graduates stepping into freelancing for the first time
  • Early-career researchers exploring freelance science writing as a new path
  • Science journalists transitioning from in-house roles to freelancing
  • Freelancers returning to work after a break, such as maternity leave
  • Freelancers with a few years of experience who want to stop worrying about their bank account

What can we do together

Why working with me

With nearly a decade of experience as a freelance science journalist and content writer, I’ve written for a wide range of readers—from clinicians and researchers to children. I know what it takes to adapt your voice, tell impactful stories, and connect with diverse audiences. I can help you do the same.

I continue working with mentors from all over the world and studying how journalism can challenge and reimagine traditional narratives. My work draws on approaches like decoloniality in journalism, solutions journalism, and techniques like complicating the narrative. These tools can help you create stories that inspire behaviour change, diversify perspectives, and leave a lasting impact. I’ve also studied yoga philosophy, and its principles of mindfulness, balance, and intentionality deeply inform my approach to work and running my business.

I built my freelance career from scratch after leaving academia. I taught myself both the craft of writing and the complexities of running a business. I’ve navigated significant life transitions, two long maternity breaks, and moving across continents. Each time, I rebuilt my business from the ground up. Today, I have a steady and robust freelance career that allows me to do work that matters to me and live the life I desire.

But what works for me might not work for everyone, and that’s okay. Building a sustainable and fulfilling freelance career doesn’t mean chasing someone else’s version of success. Let’s focus on your goals, your strengths, and the kind of life and work that feels right for you.

I’m your ally, cheerleader, and occasional ass-kicker when you need one.

Offerings

SPARK

A one-off session to ignite ideas, clarity, and immediate action.

SPARK is a 75-minute strategy session to help you identify where you feel stuck in your work. Together, we’ll explore the next steps with a balanced approach that addresses your mindset and practical strategies for moving forward. By the end of the session, you’ll have a clear action plan with a roadmap to guide you towards your goals, a fresh set of ideas to approach your work and 2 weeks of asynchronous support via email.

 

Investment

$349

FLOW

A 6-week program to unlock your creative rhythm and fuel consistent progress.

FLOW is designed to help you step into a natural flow of work that feels both productive and aligned with who you are. Over three months, we’ll craft a personalised strategy that taps into your unique strengths and energy, helping you move from feeling overwhelmed to confidently taking consistent action. You’ll gain clarity on your goals, refine your systems, and learn how to work with ease, not hustle. The program includes 3 biweekly 75-minute sessions, personalised resources and actionable steps, and ongoing support via email.

 

Investment

$749

ROOT

A 3-month program to create deep, lasting foundations for a sustainable and balanced career.

ROOT focuses on building a strong, sustainable foundation for your career. Over the course of our time together, we’ll work to align your vision, systems, and strategies with your strengths and values, ensuring your business supports your life—not the other way around. This program is designed to help you establish lasting habits, refine your workflows, and create income streams that bring balance and growth. The program includes 6 biweekly 75-minute sessions, deep support, thoughtful planning, and ongoing guidance.

 

Investment

$1459

“Manuela is a warm, encouraging coach with excellent expertise as a freelance science journalist and writer. As a new (ish) freelancer, I appreciated her guidance on strategy, personal branding, and effective networking.”

Questions & Answers

Who are your services for?

My services are designed for aspiring and early-career science writers, researchers transitioning into freelance writing, and established freelancers looking for more stability and balance in their careers. If you’re transitioning from academia, returning after a break, or you’ve been in the game for a while and feel stuck, I can help.

Do I need to have it all figured out before signing up?

Not at all! In fact, part of the mentoring process is helping you figure out what works best for you.

Can introverts really thrive as freelancers or business owners?

Absolutely! Being an introvert doesn’t mean you can’t build a thriving freelance career. It just means you may need to approach things differently. As an introvert myself, freelancing has offered flexibility to work in a way that suits my temperament.

How do I know if your services are right for me?

If you are still unsure, let’s chat! Book a free discovery call, and we’ll figure it out together.