#153 Estelle's Edge: Repurpose and Revitalize: How to Turn Old Writing into New Essays, Articles, and Bylines

Estelle Erasmus shares strategies on how to breathe new life into the work you've already created. She draws from her 30+ years in publishing to reveal practical, creative ways to transform past essays, blog posts, journal entries, or even pieces from defunct websites into fresh, publishable work.

 

In this episode:

• Turn older writing into micro memoirs, flash fiction, or service journalism [1:25]

• Rework rejected pitches into timely articles or essays [6:15]

• Pitch local and regional outlets for new publishing opportunities [8:20]

• Use past material for TEDx talks, profiles, and reported pieces [8:57]

• Leverage platforms like Substack, Medium, and literary journals to grow your audience [15:35]

 

Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/lGAg07y-GMo

 

Related Episodes and Articles

Episodes

#139 How to Submit Your Writing to Literary Magazines and Get Published

https://estelleserasmus.com/139-how-to-submit-your-writing-to-literary-magazines-and-get-published/

 

#88 The Founder of HARO, Launches SOS—Source of Sources

https://estelleserasmus.com/88-the-founder-of-haro-peter-shankman-a-hero-to-journalists-on-deadline-launches-source-of-sources/

 

#18 Repurposing Writing Through Reprints

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/freelance-writing-direct-with-estelle-conversations/id1647429472?i=1000596773834

 

Articles

When Writers Are the Ones Blocking the Page: 6 Ways to Move Forward (And An Offer)

https://estelleserasmus.substack.com/p/when-writers-are-the-ones-blocking

 

If You are Thinking of Doing an Audiobook

https://estelleserasmus.substack.com/p/if-you-are-thinking-of-doing-an-audiobook

 

Audiobook and sample for Writing That Gets Noticed

Order and listen here

https://www.audiobooks.com/promotions/promotedBook/786773/writing-that-gets-noticed-find-your-voice-become-a-better-storyteller-get-published?refId=207903

Connect with Estelle:

 

Get More from Estelle:

Webinar: Sign up for Estelle's webinar on October 9th in collaboration with Writer's Digest

Mapping Your Memoir: How to Find the Heart and Shape of Your Story

https://writersdigestuniversity.mykajabi.com/mapping-your-memoir

🎤 TEDx Talk: How to Get Noticed in Your Writing and Beyond
Estelle blends personal storytelling with actionable strategies for standing out—starting with a chaotic moment involving Thomas the Tank Engine.
📺 Watch, comment, and share

📬 Newsletter + FREE Pitching Guide
Find out more about this episode and get Estelle's free pitching guide when you sign up for her newsletter: https://estelleserasmus.com/podcast

About Estelle:

Estelle Erasmus is an award-winning journalist, author of Writing That Gets Noticed (named a "Best Book for Writers" by Poets & Writers), and host of Freelance Writing Direct—2025 Podcast of the Year (Education), American Writing Awards. A Contributing Editor for Writer's Digest and adjunct professor at NYU, her work has appeared in The New York Times, The Washington Post, WIRED, PBS/Next Avenu