Abby Stern
Author / Ghostwriter / Journalist / Fashion & Lifestyle Writer / Screenwriter / PR & Marketing
West Hollywood, CA
instagram @abbystern
Q What do you do?
“What don’t I do (in the creative space)?”
I do everything from creative writing to journalism to lifestyle writing, beauty writing, fashion writing, ghostwriting to content creation and acting as a media liaison. This includes writing homepage content, editorial content, copy for product boxes and anything else that involves writing for a brand. I take the creative part of myself and marry it with the journalistic part of myself to create content and assets that serve a brand's best interests.
Q What steps did you take to get to where you are now?
I began taking freelance writing and journalism jobs right out of college. I've worked for many brands and publications to hone my skills. I also wrote a novel (According to a Source) that was published by St. Martin's Press. I don't feel like I've taken "steps" as my life and career have always zigged and zagged. Happy to share more details if you're interested.
Q How do you stand out in your field?
Listening is as much of part of my job as writing. It's important to me to give my clients what they ask for, not something that has my fingerprints on it. That means listening to their needs. While my voice is what garners the majority of compliments about my writing, I like to disappear into the content that makes the brand pop.
Q What are you working on right now?
On the freelance side, I'm ghostwriting a blog for a skincare company and on the personal creative side, I'm developing a new dark comedy television show.
Q What’s your style?
My style when it comes to projects for myself is always voicey. I love to write concisely with a dash of humor. When I'm working for a company or brand I adapt to the style we've discussed is best to execute their wants and needs.
Q Out of all your slashies, which one do you wish you could do more often?
I love my creative writing but I honestly need to work with brands and businesses to balance it out. Sometimes the creative juices just aren't flowing for book/tv/film projects and working on a project for a brand helps reinvigorate me.
Q What is frustrating you right now?
Clients who ask for things ASAP and then take a long time to respond. I am a big believer in setting daily and weekly schedules to manage my time to complete all of my tasks. When a client wants a quick turnaround (and if I can accommodate it), I shuffle things around. When they let the work sit for weeks without a response it's frustrating because I don't know how to budget my time for my upcoming schedule.
Q If you could hire someone for $20/hour, what would you have them do to make your day easier?
All of the daily tasks and chores in life. Dropping things off at the post office. Going to the grocery store. Cleaning my house. I love it when my mind can focus solely on my projects and find it allows my creativity to flow more freely.
Q What do you wish you could have told yourself, when, and why?
I would have told my 22-year-old self that some things are just not meant to be and that trying to force or manipulate the situation won't help. Allow things to be as they are and when you do that, everything works out.
Q If you could talk to an expert to gain more insight on something, what would it be about?
Space. I've gotten sucked into a few Netflix documentaries and was fascinated with one about civilians going to space. Of course, I love hearing about outer space itself but all of the jobs that go into preparation and making space flight possible are fascinating as well! If anyone has an extra seat available on a rocket, call me :)
Q What kind of opportunities/projects are you looking for?
I am open to collaborating with all types of businesses and brands for any of their writing or copywriting needs. I also handled a majority of the press for my novel, so I'm experienced in media reach-out and writing press releases as well and would love to create those types of assets for brands as well.
Q Describe your ideal job/client/collaboration.
I'm open! I love working with beauty, fashion, and wellness brands because those are the areas I've worked with in the past. But I'm always up for something new and a challenge and would love to work with a doctor or some kind of service provider as well.
Q: What is your rate?
My rates vary depending on the project and client. Projects by the word are $1.75-$2.00. My hourly rate is $175-250 and flat fees for the scope of work plus a certain number of revisions can be discussed as well. These fees are only examples and I'm open to working with clients on pricing.
Q How should someone approach you about working together?
Email is the best way to connect with me. Please include your company/brand, scope, proposed general timeline, and rate. The rate can be discussed more in-depth but it's great to have a jumping-off point to see if the project is a fit for me right off the bat.
Q Who is a creative you admire?
Brandi Fowler/Destination Fab I love the aesthetic of the account, Brandi's vibe, tips, and of course travel goals.
Q Oh! and… how do you stay creative?
Tennis! It keeps my head clear.
This member profile was originally published in June 2022.