Journalism

My over decade-long journalism experience involves writing and editing compelling narratives for both print and digital media. My work has appeared in The Guardian, BBC, Financial Times, CNN, Jacobin, Nikkei Asia, The Economist, New Statesman, openDemocracy, WIRED magazine, Foreign Policy, The Nation, Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Review of Books, Quartz, The Telegraph, Novara Media, Prospect Magazine, The Spectator, Mekong Review, Times Literary Supplement and many other publications.

A versatile journalist comfortable writing in different formats and styles, I have a track record of filing clear and punchy copy under tight deadlines. Testimonial:

“Have been happy to commission, edit and work with Jessie. She’s easy to discuss and talk with and has a good eye for stories and people.”

—Tom Levitt, Commissioning Editor, The Guardian

“Jessie is a talented and thorough journalist. I edited Jessie’s work on a couple of occasions at CNN and found her to be prompt, receptive to feedback and willing to shepherd sometimes complex or sensitive stories through multiple layers of review. (She’s) a pleasure to work with.”

—Sheena Mckenzie, Editor

Copywriting

I’m skilled at breaking down complex subjects into clear, engaging copy with nuance and care. I’ve worked on various annual reports, research and copywriting projects for think tanks, charities and NGOs such as Media Defence, The Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung and Limelight Foundation. Testimonial:

“Jessie is someone I would work with again in a heartbeat. She brings strong editorial judgement, excellent writing, and professionalism that make collaborative projects run smoothly. I would warmly recommend her to NGOs, think tanks, foundations, and other mission-driven organisations looking for someone who can develop and deliver thoughtful, high-quality media and copywriting work with care and intelligence.”

—Inge Snip, Communications and Partnerships Manager at Limelight Foundation

Whether you’re a journalist seeking to transition into freelancing, an academic hoping to break into writing for mainstream media, or a student looking for their first role editorial or communications role—I’ve got you covered. I offer 1:1 coaching appointments tackling a diverse range of topics: how to navigate freelancing, career transitions/trajectory planning, story editing, pitch workshop, sensitivity reading, CV/job applications/portfolio website/cover letter editing, preparing for broadcast appearances, breaking into lecturing, launching new media platforms and more.

My guidance and feedback draws on my 12+ years of practical media experience, as well as academic modules I’ve taught at Kingston University (Media Employability, Working with Words, and Journalism for a Digital Audience, which is an NCTJ certified course). Visit the coaching tab on my website for more details.

At present, I work part-time as a lecturer at Kingston University, where I teach journalism and media employability to undergraduates and postgraduates studying media and communications. Modules I’ve taught include Working with Words, which teaches writing and editing, and Journalism for a Digital Audience, an NCTJ certified course. I also developed and delivered a module on media employability that featured speakers from across the industry.

Over the years, I’ve also taught workshops on freelance pitching and writing, in addition to guest speaking at various universities and think tanks. Have an idea for a workshop? Let me help you shape and build it to maximise engagement and uptake.

As a freelance consultant, I bring my core journalistic values—trust, credibility, editorial integrity, transparency and a commitment to ethical approaches–into all of the projects I take on. I offer insights in the following areas of expertise (broadly defined):

• Developing new multimedia initiatives and platforms

• Art, political and cultural communication

• Diversity, equity and inclusion training

• Strategic communications

• Audience targeting, social media and multi-platform growth strategy

• China government, economy and consumer culture analysis

• Asia-focused foreign policy and geopolitical risk assessment

• Intersectional feminist and de-colonial foreign policy

• Human rights monitoring and impact assessment (particularly in Greater China)

• Expert and source referral

• Crisis communication and decision-making

Through my editing roles at NüVoices, Translator Magazine, and various international newsrooms, I’ve achieved demonstrated success in commissioning and shaping engaging content, as well as managing a global roster of contributors. In addition to skilfully delivering both structural and line edits, I’m experienced at nurturing relationships with a diverse range of contributors, from established voices to emerging talent. My feedback is sharp, holistic, and above all clear.

I also have experience as a sensitivity and authenticity reader, most recently for author Vincent Bevins on his book If We Burn: The Mass Protest Decade and the Missing Revolution.

I’m an experienced presenter, moderator and speaker who has appeared on broadcast, in-person and online programs hosted by Chatham House, Amnesty International, BBC World News, BBC Woman’s Hour, Oxford University, Channel 4 News and many more. At the International Journalism Festival in Perugia, I spoke on a CNN-hosted panel about extractive journalism and China reporting.

I’m open to speaking engagements on the following topics: diversity and representation in media, China and East and Southeast Asia, diasporic communities, press freedom, anti-racism, feminism, human rights reporting, digital media, grassroots communities and independent publishing.