Sherrie Negrea was working as a public relations writer at a local university when she was offered a freelance position designing, editing and writing the newsletter for the Thomas J. Watson School of Engineering and Applied Science at Binghamton University. The freelance life appealing to her, so she quit her full-time job and became a writer and editor for hire. For the past 13 years, she has focused on writing for higher education publications. She also pens articles and edits publications related to K-12 education, science, engineering, health care and business.

How did you get started working with B2B publications?

I wanted to focus on higher education and searched for all the magazines in the field. I started out writing for two of them: College Planning & Management and University Business Magazine. I like that my articles offer practical solutions to readers who are decision makers in the field. There isn’t anything I don’t like about working with B2B publications!

Do you work with a “dream” trade publication? How did you land your first gig with them?

I just began writing for Unbound: Reinventing Higher Education, the online journal of the University Professional and Continuing Education Association (UPCEA). I was referred to Unbound through my freelance work with Rutgers University, which is editing the journal.

What has been your favorite assignment so far?

I really enjoyed writing an in-depth article about the science behind climate change for Cornell Engineering Magazine because it reflected the harsh reality of global warming based on scientific data.

Can you offer advice to freelancers on how to find and sustain work in this field?

Remember who the audience is and offer the readers solutions for addressing problems or issues your article explores. Pick an area that interests you and develop some expertise in it by keeping up with changing trends. Then start getting published in the field. Also, use ASBPE to connect and network with other B2B writers and editors.

What is your advice for magazine editors about how best to work with freelancers?

Let freelancers know if you are looking for writers or accepting pitches on your magazine’s website, the ASBPE website or Twitter.