When my Business Insider article went live, a few people messaged me asking, "So... how does that actually work?" It was my first time being edited by a major publication, and I realized most writers, especially those exploring writing as a new income stream while living abroad, don’t get told what this part of the process feels like.
So here it is: a behind-the-scenes look at what to expect when working with publication editors—plus a few things I learned the (slightly anxious) hard way.
The Process Isn’t as Mysterious as It Feels
If you're a digital nomad or aspiring expat looking to monetize your voice, paid writing is absolutely possible—but it’s important to know what you're stepping into.
Once an editor accepts your pitch or essay, you're not done—you’re actually just getting started. You’ll usually go through:
- Acceptance and editor feedback
- Revisions (often more than one round)
- Fact-checking and approval by a copy desk
- Final sign-off before publication
My editor at Business Insider was clear and collaborative. Once she accepted my story idea, she let me know what angle they preferred (it would be a personal essay, not a reported feature) and offered an example of tone and structure.
Once I submitted my draft, she reorganized parts for flow and clarity and asked for additional details, like timelines and what kind of work I used to do in the U.S.
Editors Edit (And That’s a Good Thing)
One of the biggest surprises was how much editing editors actually do. My voice was preserved, but certain lines were tightened, paragraphs were restructured, and details I hadn’t thought to include were flagged as essential.
For example, I had a line about tapping into retirement savings, and my editor gently asked for clarification: Was I out of money? Did I plan for this? That gave me the chance to clarify that I had savings, but my timeline was moved up due to illness, not because I was unprepared.
Those small clarifications help protect your credibility while deepening the story’s impact.
They Are Thinking About Readers, Not Just Writers
It’s the editor’s job to make sure your story flows well and meets the publication’s goals. That means they’re not just thinking about your message—they’re thinking about the reader’s experience.
For instance, the editor suggested I focus more deeply on Mexico rather than splitting the story between Mexico and Thailand. It wasn’t personal; it just made the piece stronger. At first, it was hard to cut out parts I loved, but she was right.
The Copy Desk Is Another Layer Entirely
Once my final version was approved by the editor, it went to the copy desk. This was new for me. The copy editor made small grammar changes, verified facts, and asked for proof of my veteran status (which I provided via DD214, with sensitive info redacted).
They also asked clarifying questions like whether I was retired or still working. These folks are detail-oriented and protect both the publication and you.
So... Is It Still My Article?
Yes, absolutely—but it’s a team effort. Your name is on it, your story anchors it, and your voice shines through—but it’s cleaner, tighter, and built to land with readers.
Here's What I Learned:
☑︎ Be flexible, but protect your voice
☑︎ Clarify details the first time around to reduce back-and-forth
☑︎ Ask about tone, angle, and structure early on if they don’t offer it
☑︎ Don’t be afraid to say, "Can we rework that line together?"
How to Start: Pitching Your Story
Before you pitch, take time to understand the tone, voice, and audience of the publication you're submitting to. Read a few of their recent pieces in the same section you're targeting. Ask yourself:
- Do they publish personal essays or reported features?
- Are their stories casual and conversational, or more formal and reflective?
- Who are their readers, and what types of perspectives do they amplify
Tailoring your pitch to match that voice (without losing your own) will increase your chances of hearing back.
For many personal essay sections—like Business Insider First Person, The Cut, or HuffPost Personal—personal anecdotes that show vulnerability go a long way.
Editors want real, specific moments, not summaries or advice columns. Your story doesn’t have to be dramatic—it just has to be true and well told.
Use this pitch format for a personal essay
If you’re new to pitching, it can feel intimidating—but it’s a skill you can build. Most editors don’t need a full article up front. They want a strong, clear pitch that answers:
➥ What’s the story you want to tell?
➥ How is this story timely?
➥ What makes you the right person to tell this story?
➥ Why this publication?
Here’s a simple pitch template you can tweak
Subject: Pitch: [this is where you add your short, attention-grabbing title that hints at your story]
Hi [add the editor’s name here],
I’m a [add your personal identifier: writer, veteran, digital nomad, etc. here], and I’d love to submit a personal essay on [add a summary of your story—no more than 2 sentences].
The piece explores [add one key theme or insight here] and could resonate with readers navigating [emotional, cultural, pop-culture, or societal thread—add context or reader-specific relevance here].
I’m happy to send a draft or expand on the idea if you’re interested. Thank you for your consideration!
Best,
[add your name here]
[add your website or portfolio link here]
What About the Money?
Business Insider paid me fairly for my 700-word piece. While one article may not be enough to sustain a full-time lifestyle, it's a solid income stream to combine with other remote work. Many publications pay upwards of $1,000 for essays, service pieces, or niche expertise.
If you’re a digital nomad or planning to become one, paid writing is a flexible and meaningful way to:
— Build your authority (it helps create opportunities for consulting or selling your digital products)
— Tell your story (and own it)
— Generate income from anywhere in the world
In the End, It’s Worth It
Was I nervous? Yep.
Did it push me to be clearer, sharper, and more confident? Absolutely.
The final piece was something I’m proud of—and the collaboration with my editor made it better than I could’ve shaped alone.
If you're considering writing as part of your income abroad, take a deep breath and begin.
Ready to go further?
Check out these resources I created for aspiring digital nomads:
📌 The Ultimate Digital Nomad Money Strategy Toolkit – A free starter kit with my go-to tools, income ideas, and a roadmap for getting started. [https://moveabroadplan.com]
📌 Skills2Cash Mini-Course – A free 2-week email course to help you turn your existing skills into sellable offers.
📌 The Escape Plan – A strategy-packed guide to help you sell what you don’t need and launch your move abroad, intentionally.
💬 Have questions or want a second set of eyes on your pitch? Just reply or reach out—I love helping other women get their stories out there, so I'll send you a copy of my contributor's guide. It's an older version, but soon to be updated. Get the current version free now.
The first twenty people to request it will be put on the list for a free copy of the updated version.
You're not just chasing a paycheck—you’re building a location-free life with purpose.
Always rooting for your financial, location, and time freedom,
Marcia Hylton, aka Marcia Unbound
Digital Nomad Advisor
PS: Here’s the piece if you’re curious: https://www.businessinsider.com/air-force-veteran-left-united-states-for-mexico-better-healthcare-2025-3
