Megan Greenwell
LightNews LightNews
banner
greenwell.bsky.social
Megan Greenwell
@greenwell.bsky.social
22K followers 300 following 1.5K posts
I write narrative features for Businessweek &c. I host "The Kicker" podcast for Columbia Journalism Review. I wrote Bad Company: Private Equity and the Death of the American Dream, which you can buy here: https://bookshop.org/a/109816/9780063299351
Posts Replies Media Videos
Pinned
greenwell.bsky.social
Megan Greenwell @greenwell.bsky.social · 17h
@charleylocke.bsky.social and I designed a class to help freelancers make more money from more sources, and have more fun doing it. Not just how to pitch, but how to find lucrative work, how to build community, how to manage your money. We’d love it you joined us. flyingsolofreelancing.com
Week 1: Subject → Pitch → Assignment So you have a compelling idea for a story. How do you figure out the right way in? How much unpaid time should you spend pre-reporting before you pitch? We'll talk about how to lay out a concise, irresistible pitch email, when and how to follow up, and how to tailor your pitch for different publications. You'll learn how to strategically and confidently reach out to editors, and how to build one assignment into an ongoing relationship. Week 2: Work That Pays the Bills Pitching and writing ambitious, time-consuming journalism requires supplementing your income with other steady work. That could mean copywriting, consulting, a paid newsletter, academic editing, sponsored content, research, teaching, case studies, and/or production (all of which we've done). We'll talk about how to find work that subsidizes your journalism but doesn't take up all your time, how to balance your priorities, and the nitty-gritty of negotiating with different types of clients. Week 3: The Editors Don't take our word for it re: what makes a great pitch. We'll host a panel of editors from major publications who are hungry for new ideas. You'll have the chance to ask them about how to structure your pitches, how much reporting to include, and what to leave out. You can even run the seed of a pitch by them to get feedback on what they'd want to know before assigning the story. We'll definitely include editors from magazines that pay freelancers $2 a word and up, but we'll also leave space to invite editors you want to hear from. Week 4: Building Community and Practice Freelancing means sacrificing built-in colleague relationships that happen in a newsroom. That means you have to (and get to) build those relationships yourself. We'll delve into how to develop community with other freelancers, both online and in-person, and how to rely on your colleagues for accountability, editorial advice, and support. We'll also cover some ways to think about "networking" as building relationships with people who you'd like to work with and whose work you enjoy. (And no, you don't need to live in NYC to do it!) We'll also talk about how to develop a consistent writing practice to improve your skills outside of formal assignments. Week 5: $$$ Let's take the stress out of managing your money. We'll go into detail about exactly how to set achievable financial goals, track invoices, and plan for inevitable fallow periods. We'll also bring in the best accountant in the business, from the firm that works with both of us and almost every other freelancer we know, to tell you how to minimize both your tax burden and your stress. Week 6: How to Advance There are no promotions when you work for yourself, so how do you grow your career? Whether you aspire to write big investigations, books, podcasts, or TV, we'll bring the experts to you. An in-demand book agent will discuss what she's looking for when she scouts journalists to sign, while a journalist turned TV-writer will talk about exactly how he made the switch. By the end of the workshop, you'll have a map for how to go from point A to point B - and tools for figuring out your own long-term goals.
Reposted by Megan Greenwell
greenwell.bsky.social
@charleylocke.bsky.social and I designed a class to help freelancers make more money from more sources, and have more fun doing it. Not just how to pitch, but how to find lucrative work, how to build community, how to manage your money. We’d love it you joined us. flyingsolofreelancing.com
Week 1: Subject → Pitch → Assignment So you have a compelling idea for a story. How do you figure out the right way in? How much unpaid time should you spend pre-reporting before you pitch? We'll talk about how to lay out a concise, irresistible pitch email, when and how to follow up, and how to tailor your pitch for different publications. You'll learn how to strategically and confidently reach out to editors, and how to build one assignment into an ongoing relationship. Week 2: Work That Pays the Bills Pitching and writing ambitious, time-consuming journalism requires supplementing your income with other steady work. That could mean copywriting, consulting, a paid newsletter, academic editing, sponsored content, research, teaching, case studies, and/or production (all of which we've done). We'll talk about how to find work that subsidizes your journalism but doesn't take up all your time, how to balance your priorities, and the nitty-gritty of negotiating with different types of clients. Week 3: The Editors Don't take our word for it re: what makes a great pitch. We'll host a panel of editors from major publications who are hungry for new ideas. You'll have the chance to ask them about how to structure your pitches, how much reporting to include, and what to leave out. You can even run the seed of a pitch by them to get feedback on what they'd want to know before assigning the story. We'll definitely include editors from magazines that pay freelancers $2 a word and up, but we'll also leave space to invite editors you want to hear from. Week 4: Building Community and Practice Freelancing means sacrificing built-in colleague relationships that happen in a newsroom. That means you have to (and get to) build those relationships yourself. We'll delve into how to develop community with other freelancers, both online and in-person, and how to rely on your colleagues for accountability, editorial advice, and support. We'll also cover some ways to think about "networking" as building relationships with people who you'd like to work with and whose work you enjoy. (And no, you don't need to live in NYC to do it!) We'll also talk about how to develop a consistent writing practice to improve your skills outside of formal assignments. Week 5: $$$ Let's take the stress out of managing your money. We'll go into detail about exactly how to set achievable financial goals, track invoices, and plan for inevitable fallow periods. We'll also bring in the best accountant in the business, from the firm that works with both of us and almost every other freelancer we know, to tell you how to minimize both your tax burden and your stress. Week 6: How to Advance There are no promotions when you work for yourself, so how do you grow your career? Whether you aspire to write big investigations, books, podcasts, or TV, we'll bring the experts to you. An in-demand book agent will discuss what she's looking for when she scouts journalists to sign, while a journalist turned TV-writer will talk about exactly how he made the switch. By the end of the workshop, you'll have a map for how to go from point A to point B - and tools for figuring out your own long-term goals.
January 5, 2026 at 6:08 PM
Reposted by Megan Greenwell
charleylocke.bsky.social
when I was laid off, I couldn't have imagined that I would find freelancing to be the most interesting, stable, and lucrative job I've ever had. five years later, I can't imagine wanting a staff job instead.

if you're freelancing-curious, come learn how to make your own good job in journalism
greenwell.bsky.social Megan Greenwell @greenwell.bsky.social · 17h
I’m really thrilled to be teaming up with @charleylocke.bsky.social, one of the most successful freelancers I know, to teach a 6-week intensive workshop for experienced journalists looking to build or strengthen freelance careers.
Flying Solo
How to Freelance
flyingsolofreelancing.com
January 5, 2026 at 6:07 PM
greenwell.bsky.social
@charleylocke.bsky.social and I designed a class to help freelancers make more money from more sources, and have more fun doing it. Not just how to pitch, but how to find lucrative work, how to build community, how to manage your money. We’d love it you joined us. flyingsolofreelancing.com
Week 1: Subject → Pitch → Assignment So you have a compelling idea for a story. How do you figure out the right way in? How much unpaid time should you spend pre-reporting before you pitch? We'll talk about how to lay out a concise, irresistible pitch email, when and how to follow up, and how to tailor your pitch for different publications. You'll learn how to strategically and confidently reach out to editors, and how to build one assignment into an ongoing relationship. Week 2: Work That Pays the Bills Pitching and writing ambitious, time-consuming journalism requires supplementing your income with other steady work. That could mean copywriting, consulting, a paid newsletter, academic editing, sponsored content, research, teaching, case studies, and/or production (all of which we've done). We'll talk about how to find work that subsidizes your journalism but doesn't take up all your time, how to balance your priorities, and the nitty-gritty of negotiating with different types of clients. Week 3: The Editors Don't take our word for it re: what makes a great pitch. We'll host a panel of editors from major publications who are hungry for new ideas. You'll have the chance to ask them about how to structure your pitches, how much reporting to include, and what to leave out. You can even run the seed of a pitch by them to get feedback on what they'd want to know before assigning the story. We'll definitely include editors from magazines that pay freelancers $2 a word and up, but we'll also leave space to invite editors you want to hear from. Week 4: Building Community and Practice Freelancing means sacrificing built-in colleague relationships that happen in a newsroom. That means you have to (and get to) build those relationships yourself. We'll delve into how to develop community with other freelancers, both online and in-person, and how to rely on your colleagues for accountability, editorial advice, and support. We'll also cover some ways to think about "networking" as building relationships with people who you'd like to work with and whose work you enjoy. (And no, you don't need to live in NYC to do it!) We'll also talk about how to develop a consistent writing practice to improve your skills outside of formal assignments. Week 5: $$$ Let's take the stress out of managing your money. We'll go into detail about exactly how to set achievable financial goals, track invoices, and plan for inevitable fallow periods. We'll also bring in the best accountant in the business, from the firm that works with both of us and almost every other freelancer we know, to tell you how to minimize both your tax burden and your stress. Week 6: How to Advance There are no promotions when you work for yourself, so how do you grow your career? Whether you aspire to write big investigations, books, podcasts, or TV, we'll bring the experts to you. An in-demand book agent will discuss what she's looking for when she scouts journalists to sign, while a journalist turned TV-writer will talk about exactly how he made the switch. By the end of the workshop, you'll have a map for how to go from point A to point B - and tools for figuring out your own long-term goals.
January 5, 2026 at 6:08 PM
greenwell.bsky.social
I’m really thrilled to be teaming up with @charleylocke.bsky.social, one of the most successful freelancers I know, to teach a 6-week intensive workshop for experienced journalists looking to build or strengthen freelance careers.
Flying Solo
How to Freelance
flyingsolofreelancing.com
January 5, 2026 at 5:26 PM
Reposted by Megan Greenwell
markreel.bsky.social
The first two hours this morning
A old advert that has the words What the heck is Electronic Mail? With a man looking very scared by a sparkling trail flying around his desk
January 5, 2026 at 11:21 AM
Reposted by Megan Greenwell
atherton.bsky.social
you don't need to add caveats agreeing that the head of state abducted is a bad guy before opposing abduction of a head of state by military force. If the rule was any head of government is fair game then the entire world would be a series of decapitation strikes and show trials in foreign courts.
January 3, 2026 at 1:50 PM
greenwell.bsky.social
Perhaps not THE highlight of the whole thing for Mr. Mayor, but man, how satisfying when the end of your lease lines up so nicely with a new and much nicer place to live suddenly coming into your possession.
c-sommerfeldt.bsky.social Chris Sommerfeldt @c-sommerfeldt.bsky.social · 3d
Mayor Mamdani hasn't moved into Gracie Mansion yet and remains in his Astoria apartment for now, his team says. He expects to move at some point before his lease is up Jan. 30.

His team also shares this pic of him taking the W train to City Hall this morning from Astoria.
January 2, 2026 at 6:16 PM
greenwell.bsky.social
happy new year’s, buddies. here’s to building a better world in 2026.
a buncha balloons on a bar ceiling. it’s pretty!
January 1, 2026 at 4:03 AM
Reposted by Megan Greenwell
markwelch.bsky.social
"Bad Company" is one of the best-written and most readable books I've read during this godawful year.

@greenwell.bsky.social did a great job with this! Thanks!
December 31, 2025 at 9:39 PM
Reposted by Megan Greenwell
staceyshick.bsky.social
I just realized this is missing @greenwell.bsky.social’s “Bad Company” because I read it in paper and forgot to add it to the list. And it’s probably the book I’ve recommended the most!
staceyshick.bsky.social Stacey Shick @staceyshick.bsky.social · 5d
2025’s reading list is the shortest since I started keeping track, but also “Path Btw the Seas” was 700 pages. Faves: “Bee Sting, “God of the Woods.” Disappointing: “Twist,” “Here One Moment.”
2025 books Everybody Wants to Rule the World, Ace Atkins The Night Watchman, Louise Erdrich A House in the Sky, Amanda Lindhout Everything Is Tuberculosis, John Green The Wedding People, Alison Espach Super Sad True Love Story, Gary Shteyngart Here One Moment, Liane Moriarty Twist, Colum McCann Atmosphere, Taylor Jenkins Reid The Bee Sting, Paul Murray The Women, Kristin Hannah The Fallen, Ace Atkins Path Between the Seas, David McCullough The Bookshop of Yesterdays, Amy Meyerson The God of the Woods, Liz Moore
December 31, 2025 at 5:20 PM
greenwell.bsky.social
This year, I
-became a (mostly) full-time writer
-finally learned to do my makeup
-got decent at German
-went on several of the best hikes of my life
-ate a lot of S-tier Solo Fancy Business Trip Bar Dinners™
-published a book
-spent a truly deranged amount of time on airplanes
✌️ 2025
A stand of unbelievably tall redwoods in northern California An incredible array of snacks and a novel at an outdoor cafe in Milan The ocean and a Monterey Cypress tree at Point Lobos me, looking insane, holding a whiskey on an airplane
December 31, 2025 at 4:57 PM
greenwell.bsky.social
Saw a ton of great art this year! 18 unique museums, eight trips to the Met, four to MoMA. Especially loved the Asawa (SFMoMA version) and Gabrielle Münter exhibitions. Still sad I couldn’t get to Amsterdam for Anselm Kiefer. More highlights on my IG for the artheads!
Gabrielle Münter, “Das Frühstück der Vögel” Seydou Keïta, Untitled three Ruth Asawa wire sculptures Ernst Ludwig Kirchner, “Der Mäher”
December 30, 2025 at 3:57 PM
Reposted by Megan Greenwell
randomprecision.bsky.social
My 10 favorite books of the year! Finishing at 85 books, 24K pages
- Death of the Author @nnedi.bsky.social
- Ways of Being: Beyond Human Intelligence @jamesbridle.bsky.social
- One Day, Everyone Will Have Always Been Against This by Omar El Akkad
The 10 book covers of the books listed, across a gray background
December 29, 2025 at 7:03 PM
Reposted by Megan Greenwell
charleylocke.bsky.social
and if you want to learn more from @greenwell.bsky.social, me, and others about how to make freelancing a financial success, check back here on Jan 5!
December 29, 2025 at 6:51 PM
greenwell.bsky.social
My pal and freelancer extraordinaire @charleylocke.bsky.social and I are working on a cool project to help other full-time freelancers and wanna-be full-time freelancers make it work financially, so STAY TUNED. 🤭
greenwell.bsky.social Megan Greenwell @greenwell.bsky.social · 7d
That good “writers should talk honestly about money” post inspired me to calculate how I made my income this year. I made more from writing than usual, but not enough! (I encourage others to do this and post the results!)

51% book
23% writing
11% teaching
8% speaking
7% consulting/brand work
December 29, 2025 at 3:58 PM
greenwell.bsky.social
That good “writers should talk honestly about money” post inspired me to calculate how I made my income this year. I made more from writing than usual, but not enough! (I encourage others to do this and post the results!)

51% book
23% writing
11% teaching
8% speaking
7% consulting/brand work
December 29, 2025 at 3:32 PM
Reposted by Megan Greenwell
stevemullis.net
"Bad Company" by @greenwell.bsky.social. I knew the private equity industry sucked before I read this, but boy howdy, does this really do an excellent job of putting a human face on the industry's impact. Greenwell and her subjects, however, don't give in to despair. It's still hopeful, in the end.
Cover image for "Bad Company" by Megan Greenwell
December 26, 2025 at 4:58 PM
greenwell.bsky.social
@egtheog.bsky.social turned my book cover into a Christmas ornament. 😭
The cover of my book as a Christmas ornament
December 25, 2025 at 9:07 PM
Reposted by Megan Greenwell
bighummusguy.bsky.social
A+ job from the in-laws this Christmas @greenwell.bsky.social
December 25, 2025 at 5:47 PM
Reposted by Megan Greenwell
schliefke.bsky.social
The copy of Bad Company I gave my sister and brother in law this morning already has dog earred corners! Thanks @greenwell.bsky.social !
Brother on law can't put down Megan Greenwell's Bad Company early afternoon, Christmas day.
December 25, 2025 at 7:49 PM
greenwell.bsky.social
Perfect timing on this, as today I proudly gave my husband (a perfectly typical-sized man) three separate 4-packs of socks (his favorite Christmas gift), all of which I had somehow independently ordered in men's size 4-7.
wapplehouse.bsky.social Kristi Yamaguccimane @wapplehouse.bsky.social · 12d
I don’t give a shit about your accomplishments this year. What’s the dumbest shit you did the past 12 months? The truly stupidest decision you made in 2025?
December 25, 2025 at 2:45 PM
Reposted by Megan Greenwell
justokonline.bsky.social
The 10 best books I read this year, in alphabetical order by title:

Bad Company by @greenwell.bsky.social
Blazing Eye Sees All by @leahsottile.bsky.social
Cry For Me Argentina by @tamis.bsky.social
Empire of Orgasm by @ellenhuet.bsky.social
In My Remaining Years by Jean Grae
December 24, 2025 at 9:44 PM
greenwell.bsky.social
This encapsulates what has driven me crazy about since she was trying to get professors fired when we were college classmates — this air of condescension, like she’s working for the common good and just trying to get you to do the same. Obviously it’s grift but the TONE of it just kills me.
justinbaragona.bsky.social Justin Baragona @justinbaragona.bsky.social · 12d
Bari Weiss just sent this Christmas Eve email to the CBS News staff about "building trust," which includes her tripling down on spiking the CECOT piece "to make sure it's comprehensive and fair."

One CBS staffer tells me: "She really has no idea how insulting she comes across."
December 24, 2025 at 7:47 PM
greenwell.bsky.social
Thank you to the Boston Globe (especially @katekilla.bsky.social)! I take back all the mean things I’ve ever said about New England! www.bostonglobe.com/2025/12/22/a...
The 75 best books of 2025, by the Boston Globe My book at the top of the nonfiction list (it’s alphabetical but who cares!)
December 24, 2025 at 3:31 PM
greenwell.bsky.social
BAD COMPANY
Private Equity and the Death of the American Dream
bookshop.org/a/109816/978...
December 24, 2025 at 2:53 PM