Lola Méndez @lolaannamendez Twitter profile

Pinned Tweet

Lola Méndez

2 years

Queer Latina journalist and essayist writing about sustainability, travel, social justice, veganism, wellness, and more for @USATODAY , @CNN , @foodandwine , @ArchDigest , @SmithsonianMag , @lonelyplanet , @Refinery29 , @readersdigest , @ParadeMagazine , and more.

home - Lola Méndez

LOLA MÉNDEZ IS AN URUGUAYAN-AMERICAN FREELANCE JOURNALIST Lola’s work has been published in many print and digital publications across the world including CNN, BBC, USA Today, Washington Post,...

lolaannmendez.com

6

3

60

Last Seen Profiles

@Portia_Mantima

@no_ts_273

@Seeaaha

@bunda__montok

@LMUKNews

@wishymain

@tareko_JP

@gleamapp

@Sharkipedia

@h_two2

@csusbpd

@tuxpizza

@Knowle_FC

@iMisiu

@RIADA_Live

@full_hornet

@jungkookhotline

@AnpasPiemonte

@Apriam12345

@Citilink

@LancsLabourClub

@HotRockCapital

@CQUni_Appleton

@hao_says_hao

@SH_GL192

@munomoses

@zgrbiter1

@sungjae_han

@doronstudio

@BO_FushimiHobby

@people_p76669

@sintasintaan_

@kokora_anqme

@ARS_OC

@kvin_cw

@ave_pen

Lola Méndez

@lolaannamendez

2 years

Once I wrote about the Latina pay gap for a publication and later found out I was paid $100 less than the publication usually pays for opinion pieces. They paid me, a Latina, less than they pay my white peers, for an article about how Latinas make less than white people.

333

11K

85K

Lola Méndez

@lolaannamendez

3 years

I have friends who got abortions & don’t feel traumatized. They don’t want to be mothers. Society expects them to be torn apart by the decision but abortion isn’t tragic for everyone. It’s not our business why someone aborts. Stop the rhetoric that it’s always a hard choice.

40

2K

10K

Lola Méndez

@lolaannamendez

3 years

Wrote 850 words for $2.50/word today 🥳

64

22

3K

Lola Méndez

@lolaannamendez

4 years

Unpopular opinion: just because you like to travel doesn’t mean you’re interesting.

34

91

1K

Lola Méndez

@lolaannamendez

2 years

This is blowing up! Hire these 580+ Latinx writers and pay them fairly. Latinx Heritage month starts in a week!

15

172

1K

Lola Méndez

@lolaannamendez

3 years

I just landed a story I’ve been pitching for over 3 years for $1,000!! Never give up on the ideas you believe in.

25

28

1K

Lola Méndez

@lolaannamendez

4 years

I DID IT!! I woke up to an accepted pitch which pays $500. I officially have over $10K of work this month. I never in my wildest dreams thought this was possible until a few days ago. Thanks to everyone who cheered me on as I hustled to find $3K in work the last few days. 🙏🏽🤍😭

54

10

1K

Lola Méndez

@lolaannamendez

4 years

I want to write a personal essay about my NYC firefighter lover who hid that he was married with children from me for seven years and how my Gen Z cousin helped me piece together the truth.

61

14

731

Lola Méndez

@lolaannamendez

6 months

I landed a pitch today that I have been pitching for over a year to 20 + editors. Don't give up on your stories!

31

49

709

Lola Méndez

@lolaannamendez

4 years

Starting today, all New Yorkers will be able to get 3 free meals a day. Pick up breakfast, lunch, and dinner at any of 435 sites across the five borough. No one will be turned away. For more info and to find a pickup location near you, simply text "FOOD" or "COMIDA" to 877-877.

3

482

646

Lola Méndez

@lolaannamendez

2 years

The Latina Pay Gap has increased this year. Latinas earn $0.49 for every $1 earned by white non-Latinx men. Latina Equal Pay Day, December 6, is the date when Latina’s pay catches up with a white non-Latinx male counterpart’s earnings from the previous year.

5

84

650

Lola Méndez

@lolaannamendez

4 years

New list alert! If you're a Latinx journalist or editor just drop a note on this thread and I'll add you to this list. This is an ongoing resource/effort. So far we have 101 members.

312

327

619

Lola Méndez

@lolaannamendez

2 years

Comparably, white women make $0.83, Asian women make $0.75, Black women make $0.62, and Indigenous women $0.50 for every $1 a non-Latinx white man earns even though The Equal Pay Act was passed in 1963.

7

65

614

Lola Méndez

@lolaannamendez

3 years

Signed my first 5-figure contract today!! Feeling very proud of myself. 🎉🎉

40

4

615

Lola Méndez

@lolaannamendez

3 years

This sentiment comes from me, someone who is undergoing 3-4 doctors appointments a week because of how badly I want to be a mother. I want people who want to be mothers to be mothers and people who don’t want to be mothers not to be mothers. #mybodychoice #AbortionIsHealthcare

6

24

560

Lola Méndez

@lolaannamendez

4 years

Someone pinch me! An editor from a major women's magazine emailed me to see if I want to write for them. Have I made it?

27

10

544

Lola Méndez

@lolaannamendez

3 years

I'm waiting on payment for 19 articles ($6,867). The most overdue invoice is from September. Publications don't acknowledge what a financial strain this puts on writers.

24

33

534

Lola Méndez

@lolaannamendez

2 years

Unless editors leave Twitter I literally can’t as I use it to find calls for pitches, get editor emails, and share my work. I also use it to find sources and connect with my peers. Unfortunately, there isn’t another platform as sufficient for freelance writers as Twitter.

8

35

531

Lola Méndez

@lolaannamendez

4 years

I just landed myself a monthly travel column so brb as I pinch myself and sob some happy tears.

52

1

528

Lola Méndez

@lolaannamendez

1 year

Writing my first article for @voguemagazine today 🥺

36

6

532

Lola Méndez

@lolaannamendez

3 years

I just got offered a $3/word assignment. Is this an alternate universe??? Unclear. Someone come pinch me.

36

1

507

Lola Méndez

@lolaannamendez

10 months

Quick success story: I wrote an article for $480 that then turned into a $2,000 speaking gig. You never know who is reading your work and will want you to share your expertise with their audience.

13

25

468

Lola Méndez

@lolaannamendez

4 years

I was just approved for a grant from a journalism foundation and am crying happy tears for the first time in a long time.

38

3

458

Lola Méndez

@lolaannamendez

1 year

Got my first assignment of the year that pays over $1/word! 🎉

24

7

446

Lola Méndez

@lolaannamendez

5 months

What I don’t understand is why J schools don’t teach students how to freelance. I’ve done consultations with writers who have Masters in journalism from NYU and Columbia who have said the curriculum didn’t cover the business of freelancing.

Tulika Bose

@TulikaBose_

5 months

Is it *ethical* to be teaching journalism right now?

56

69

553

27

50

454

Lola Méndez

@lolaannamendez

4 years

Just applied for a travel editor role at a major publication 😳😳😳😳 send good vibras porfa!

25

2

414

Lola Méndez

@lolaannamendez

1 year

Had a dream story come out in a dream publication while I was in my Uber on the way to the gym and I’m crying happy tears 🥹

37

2

403

Lola Méndez

@lolaannamendez

5 years

As of today, I’ve officially doubled my 2018 income! In fact, I’m $200 over. Being a freelance journalist isn’t always lucrative but I made a promise to myself to pitch pubs that pay fairly and ask for my worth, it’s seriously paid off! I’m celebrating with rum drinks in Belize.

15

13

393

Lola Méndez

@lolaannamendez

2 years

Travel writers, if you can take decent pictures on a camera, always offer original photos with your pitches! I often get paid more for the images that illustrate the piece than the actual writing. I just invoiced for $575 for photos in addition to $500 for copy.

15

37

386

Lola Méndez

@lolaannamendez

4 years

Also, I officially did it, I surpassed my income goal for the year of $50K! I'll be taking December off, bitches. Going to be a month at the beach for this little lady.

16

3

383

Lola Méndez

@lolaannamendez

3 years

I just found out a recently published article of mine has been read over 60,000 times! I wish more editors would share these metrics with writers. We have no idea how to know if your work was well-received by your readers if you don't let us know.

13

16

374

Lola Méndez

@lolaannamendez

4 years

Do any other journalists feel like they're putting together a puzzle when they're writing?

32

4

359

Lola Méndez

@lolaannamendez

5 years

I just landed my highest ever paid article ($1,500!!!) for a story about a woman of color and period poverty so pardon me as I go sob some happy tears. This is the kind of work I hope to be getting more of in 2020!!!

25

6

355

Lola Méndez

@lolaannamendez

2 years

This afternoon I held my father as he took his last earthly breath. It was the most horrific thing I’ve experienced & at the same time the biggest honor. He lived an extraordinary life & I’m so proud to be his daughter. Spending 33 years w/him wasn’t enough. My heart is shattered

93

1

356

Lola Méndez

@lolaannamendez

1 year

Just found out a story I wrote for a print magazine will be a cover line! This is a first for me and feels like a career milestone. 🥳

30

0

355

Lola Méndez

@lolaannamendez

4 years

Even if I don’t hit my goal of a $10K month, I’m already at the most I’ve ever earned in a month (currently $9,405) even when I worked as a sr manager at a PR agency I made less. Either way, I’m celebrating this milestone. I worked hard to get here. Gonna buy a fancy champagne.

34

1

345

Lola Méndez

@lolaannamendez

5 years

@jillboard I hate that this is being covered as ‘greets a fan’ —feels grossly like erasure.

3

0

329

Lola Méndez

@lolaannamendez

4 years

Here's my end of year thread with the articles I'm most proud of this year, with rates for transparency. I'm going to just share one article per publication. I almost always negotiate and I rarely accept work under .50/word.

28

32

342

Lola Méndez

@lolaannamendez

4 years

Freelancer writers, how was your July? I wrote 23 articles. I sent 63 pitches: 7 accepted, 21 rejected, 6 considered, 29 no response. For the first time ever, I tracked my time. I worked for 108 hours and earned $41/hour. So far, I have 19 articles due in August. #binders

24

11

316

Lola Méndez

@lolaannamendez

4 years

I may be on the cusp of accepting a staff writer role for the first time ever! Send me that 2021 abundance energy amiges! 🙏🏽🤍✨

14

0

306

Lola Méndez

@lolaannamendez

3 years

Who else just followed the @POTUS account for the first time in 4 years?

27

26

303

Lola Méndez

@lolaannamendez

4 years

I wrote 295 articles this year varying from 300-1,500 words. I sent 672 pitches, not including the daily ideas for my trending news gig. For the first time in my career, I was assigned many articles and was overjoyed that they mostly align with my expertise.

10

3

301

Lola Méndez

@lolaannamendez

4 years

I'd like another $2,825 in commissions or assignments for September so I can break the career milestone of having a $10K month. This is the closest I've ever been to a 5-figure month. I have time in the last 2 weeks of September for more work. Time to follow up on some pitches!

15

10

301

Lola Méndez

@lolaannamendez

4 years

I wrote 60 articles this month which includes many 300-600 word trending news pieces. I worked 121 hrs and earned $99/hr—just $1/hr away from my 2021 hourly goal. I sent 46 pitches. 11 were accepted, 1 is being considered, 19 were rejected, and 15 have no answer. #binders

21

6

302

Lola Méndez

@lolaannamendez

6 months

I wrote two articles ($1,080 worth of work) today! Here's to more days like this in 2024.

7

2

288

Lola Méndez

@lolaannamendez

2 years

I love that even Prince Harry’s had a list of what he was looking for in a partner. Even royals manifest. #HarryAndMeghanNetfix

4

32

277

Lola Méndez

@lolaannamendez

3 years

Just sold my 9th story to @Refinery29 ! It’s such a joy to write for one of my favorite publications. Each acceptance feels like a career high. 🥳

5

0

282

Lola Méndez

@lolaannamendez

18 days

After working as travel journalist for seven years I’ve finally broken into @CNTraveler and my contribution made the cover illustration!! 🍨

37 Unforgettable Airport Meals Around the World

From chicharron sandwiches in Lima to a noodle buffet in Tokyo and a ladies’ filet in Johannesburg.

www.cntraveler.com

14

4

286

Lola Méndez

@lolaannamendez

4 years

Feeling brave so just sent a pitch to the NY Times for the first time in a long time. Please cross all your fingers and toes that I get a response!

16

1

280

Lola Méndez

@lolaannamendez

3 years

Did I just scream because I got verified on @Twitter ? Yes, yes I did! 😂🤣

31

0

277

Lola Méndez

@lolaannamendez

4 years

Freelance writers, how was your June? I wrote 20 articles and sent 96 pitches. 35 were accepted, eight are being considered, 28 were rejected, and 25 haven’t garnered a response yet. I’m thrilled to have an acceptance rate of 36%! #binders #amwriting #writersofcolor

26

11

267

Lola Méndez

@lolaannamendez

5 years

I never considered studying abroad because financially it was out of reach. I wish I had the chance to go overseas in my youth during my formative years. #StudyAbroadBecause it’ll expose you to the many beautiful ways to live a life.

12

37

264

Lola Méndez

@lolaannamendez

3 years

Took me two hours to start the search for sources for four articles. I don't think people realize all the behind the scenes work that goes into an article before you've written a single word.

6

23

265

Lola Méndez

@lolaannamendez

4 years

Freelance writers, how was your January? I sent 26 pitches. 7 were rejected. 2 were commissioned. 3 are being considered. 14 have gone unanswered. #binders #amwriting @writersofcolor

36

9

265

Lola Méndez

@lolaannamendez

3 years

If I keep up my current workload I could potentially earn $78K in 2021 purely from freelance writing for 10 hours a week or less.

11

3

257

Lola Méndez

@lolaannamendez

4 years

I worked a few eight-hour days to make it all work the last week but I managed to file my final story and invoice for September. In the end, I completed over $12,000 worth of writing work this month. I'd say it's time for a nap, but I have a $2,000 story due tomorrow!

24

2

258

Lola Méndez

@lolaannamendez

4 years

My name is not Lola Mendez. My bylines should be Lola Méndez but so many of them aren't. It makes me cringe when I see my name without the tilde (accent). It's erasure and very disappointing to be made to feel like the proper spelling of my name doesn't matter all that much.

18

20

255

Lola Méndez

@lolaannamendez

10 months

A Latina who just earned 4-figures for her first-ever Keynote speech. 👩🏽‍💼💃🏽

20

4

257

Lola Méndez

@lolaannamendez

3 years

Landed a story today that had been rejected/ignored at 10 publications. Perseverance pays off!

11

2

247

Lola Méndez

@lolaannamendez

4 years

25 years ago Selena was tragically taken far too soon. The Mexican-American singer paved the way for Latinas in many ways. For @Zora , I wrote about her legacy and how Selena has been honored over the years. #RIPSelena #AnythingforSelinas #SelenaForever

Selena Forever! How Family and Fans Are Keeping the Icon’s Memory Alive

Twenty-five years after her death, Selena Quintanilla’s candle continues to burn brightly

zora.medium.com

3

71

228

Lola Méndez

@lolaannamendez

3 years

I reported a man on @Bumble who sexually assaulted me on a date and the app is asking me for proof. I wasn’t recording a video when he kept grabbing my breasts and trying to get his hand in my pants, I was trying to figure out how to get out safely. Believe women.

7

17

242

Lola Méndez

@lolaannamendez

3 months

Signed a lease on my dream apartment in Chiang Mai, Thailand today. In the best neighborhood near vegan cafes. I have a soaking tub! The building has a saltwater rooftop pool, gym, cowork, and sauna. Monthly rent is under $400!

17

4

243

Lola Méndez

@lolaannamendez

7 months

I made less than $35K this year which is what my salary was 13 years ago with my first position out of college (in PR, not journalism). I don’t feel motivated to do my EOY thread/newsletter. Freelancing while grieving sucks. There are no paid bereavement days.

15

6

241

Lola Méndez

@lolaannamendez

5 months

I've had 19 pitches commissioned and 29 rejected so far this year. Not bad for five weeks into 2024!

18

5

242

Lola Méndez

@lolaannamendez

3 years

I’m finally writing a travel story for a major US newspaper! I’m not sure if it will be in print but this is a huge career win for me! 🎉

20

0

229

Lola Méndez

@lolaannamendez

5 years

I might not make 93K a year from freelance writing like that one dude but I did TRIPLE my 2018 income from freelance writing in 2019 so I'm just going to let myself be proud about that.

16

3

227

Lola Méndez

@lolaannamendez

1 year

I went on a press trip last May and didn't land any stories until the last few months which include a feature in Vogue and a print magazine story. Please be patient with travel writers, we're dedicated to landing stories but have zero control over editorial budget or calendars.

4

18

229

Lola Méndez

@lolaannamendez

3 years

After an assigned personal essay was killed this week, I considered quitting journalism for the first time. Editors don't realize the power they have over freelance writer's careers. Yesterday my editor from Elle said my draft was 'perfect' and reminded me I'm good at my job.

9

0

224

Lola Méndez

@lolaannamendez

6 months

I see a lot of disdain from editors on here about follow up but it's one of the only ways freelance writers can secure work. I just landed three stories and will earn $1,500 after I followed up with the editor three times since I initially pitched last August and September.

15

8

225

Lola Méndez

@lolaannamendez

1 year

Don’t even know who to pitch anymore after all these media layoffs. This industry is a dumpster fire.

8

9

225

Lola Méndez

@lolaannamendez

3 years

This is the nicest way anyone has ever told me they can't afford my rates: "Unfortunately we don’t have the budget at the moment that aligns with your quality of work at the moment."

6

1

221

Lola Méndez

@lolaannamendez

5 years

I lost $350 today because a story I've been working on since July was killed. When you're not independently wealthy being a freelance writer is extremely stressful financially. I'm proud of the story and confident it will land elsewhere, but all that unpaid labor really sucks.

12

13

217

Lola Méndez

@lolaannamendez

4 years

@megynkelly Hi Megyn! I’m curious to know if you read my article or just the headline? I’ll keep an eye out for actual “news analysis” during your live tweets of the next debate. Try going beyond the jokes you spewed out this week. It’s really not hard. Bible!

23

8

209

Lola Méndez

@lolaannamendez

1 year

Just got a rejection within a minute of sending a pitch.🤣😂

29

1

214

Lola Méndez

@lolaannamendez

3 years

I sent 23 pitches today. Please clap (and commission my stories)!

13

0

210

Lola Méndez

@lolaannamendez

4 years

As an extra ironic fuck you to the white men who make $1 per my 45 cents, I hit $12,000 of income in a single month from freelancing writing for the second month in a row.

12

1

205

Lola Méndez

@lolaannamendez

4 years

It's really nice when editors tweet saying laid off writers should reach out to them. Truly. But, I wish they'd do the same for freelancers who don't have a steady paycheck. The publications even able to accept pitches from non-staff writers during this pandemic are dwindling.

6

25

199

Lola Méndez

@lolaannamendez

4 years

Alright, that was about 1.5 hours of unpaid labor. In addition to following 1K+ editors on Twitter I search for these terms: "taking pitches" "calls for pitches" "open for pitches" "pitching guidelines" "accepting pitches" "looking for writers" "pitch me" "looking for pitches"

Lola Méndez

@lolaannamendez

4 years

I have the time, so I'm going to look through my editor list and RT calls for pitches. Jump on these opps! At the very least, save the editor contacts into your database for future pitches. Make note of the kinds of stories the editors are looking for, rate, wordcount, etc.

2

123

8

10

195

Lola Méndez

@lolaannamendez

2 years

I didn’t get the gig but I had been interviewing for a content lead position with a sustainable brand that would have paid $180K. Good salaries are out there!

7

197

Lola Méndez

@lolaannamendez

4 years

Finalized the contracts and paperwork for my first $2/word piece today! 🙌🏽

8

0

197

Lola Méndez

@lolaannamendez

4 years

Having trouble finding editor contacts? Turn to Twitter's search tool. For example, type "Refinery29 editor" and click people to see who has those keywords in their bio. Editor's emails are often in their bio. If not, plug their name into the publication's email configuration.

7

25

193

Lola Méndez

@lolaannamendez

2 months

Just got one of those dream assignments that makes you all emotional. To be at a point in my career where editors from major publications reach out to me to ask to write about topics that I’m deeply passionate about is so fulfilling. 🥺

5

1

191

Lola Méndez

@lolaannamendez

4 years

Someone finally hired me to write about how CBD helps me enjoy sex as a survivor of r*pe. Don't give up on your ideas! I've been pitching this story for 14 months.

9

7

187

Lola Méndez

@lolaannamendez

3 months

6 months until I’m 35. While I’m not where I thought I’d be (married w/children) I have prioritized experiencing this globe & have found such enrichment through learning about cultures around the world. Country 88 tomorrow! It never ceases to amaze me just how far I’ve gone.

6

4

184

Lola Méndez

@lolaannamendez

8 months

November was the worst month of my freelance writing career. I wrote 2 articles and earned $600, not enough to cover rent. Many editors told me they ran out of budget for the year—which is daunting as I only have two deadlines for December despite sending 79 pitches in November.

21

3

182

Lola Méndez

@lolaannamendez

3 years

I landed $2,900 worth of commissions in the last hour and decided to splurge on a super gorgeous eco-villa to stay in Puerto Vallarta until my birthday in October!

11

2

182

Lola Méndez

@lolaannamendez

2 years

Well, it actually happened. A publication accepted my pitch, I tried to negotiate, and then they rejected the pitch.

21

4

179

Lola Méndez

@lolaannamendez

2 years

A little bit of salary transparency in travel journalism was a nice thing that happened on Media Twitter today via @NiemanLab after @vikkie 's epic tweet.

1

27

176

Lola Méndez

@lolaannamendez

2 years

This week a goal travel publication accepted my pitch! Unfortunately, their set fee is .05/word. It was hard to withdraw my pitch. I’m proud of myself for knowing the value of my work. I trust it’ll land elsewhere at a pub that has the budget to pay my rate.

11

2

178

Lola Méndez

@lolaannamendez

2 years

Just had a travel pitch commissioned by a goal pub and I'm so overjoyed that I'm crying happy tears and shaking. Don't give up on pitching those pubs you think are out of your reach. They're not!

14

5

175

Lola Méndez

@lolaannamendez

2 years

Latinas have the widest pay gap but researchers haven't clarified how it impacts Black, Indigenous, Asian, and white Latinas. There are also pay gaps that negatively impact queer people and disabled people.

2

12

168

Lola Méndez

@lolaannamendez

3 years

Friends, #PuertoVallarta , MX needs your help. A Cat 1 Hurricane left behind devastation. Houses, hotels, businesses, roads, and bridges have collapsed from the non-stop rain and flooding. People are missing including a young Mexican boy.

9

121

167

Lola Méndez

@lolaannamendez

5 years

My first time seeing my words in an in-flight magazine on my flight!! 😭😭😭

14

4

168

Lola Méndez

@lolaannamendez

4 years

I'm officially just $2,500 away from my income goal for the year meaning I will probably be able to take summer off for the first time since I began working which is very exciting stuff.

17

3

170

Lola Méndez

@lolaannamendez

1 year

Made my debut in @voguemagazine today and am feeling all the feels 🥹

23

2

170

Lola Méndez

@lolaannamendez

3 years

Just received a my second $1/word commission of the year! First was in January. Manifesting this becoming a monthly professional achievement in 2021! 🙏🏽

6

2

166

Lola Méndez

@lolaannamendez

1 year

There's no greater feeling as a freelance writer than getting an email from an editor that says, "I read your excellent piece and had zero questions or issues."

8

5

164

Lola Méndez

@lolaannamendez

4 years

I've had over 100 articles published in the last 15 weeks.

9

1

160

Lola Méndez

@lolaannamendez

4 years

I just got a piece accepted that I've been pitching the pub since November. It took 4 follow-ups. Don't give up until you get a rejection, writer friends.

14

12

157

Lola Méndez

@lolaannamendez

5 months

Latine editors and writers are being treated like we’re disposable. First the LA Times De Los layoffs and now Vice/Refinery29 Somos. There are so few publications that pay writers fair rates and publish Latinx stories all year long — not just our designated celebratory month.

4

34

158