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Close up of the surface of the water with sunshine reflecting on the gentle waves
Exciting news: the ocean writer is now also an ocean author! My debut book is coming out this year.
View of a desk where someone is writing notes in a notepad with a cup of tea and phone also on the desk
For those thinking of using their comms skills for good, Melissa has shared some of the different conservation comms jobs you could consider.
Birds eye view of a person typing on a laptop, with a cup of coffee
Melissa shares key things to share with your freelance copywriter when briefing them on a project to set yourself up for success.
Close up of the surface of the water with sunshine reflecting on the gentle waves
At first glance, writing about the ocean might seem like a very narrow niche but Melissa explains why that's not true at all.
Underwater photo of a whale shark swimming close to the water's surface with sunlight streaming down on its back
Melissa shares some tips on how to stay resilient as a freelance climate writer as well as touching on why it's important.
Birds eye view of a cappucino, glass of water and a laptop to illustrate Melissa's daily freelance life
A few thoughts on some things Melissa would love to achieve during her career as a freelance ocean writer.
Computer showing whitepaper or report graphs next to a notepad
Top tips on how to improve your marine science communication from Mel's experience running The Ocean Writer Ltd.
Picture of a woman reading news or preparing PR and press release plans with magazines spread out in front of her
If you're wondering whether you should send a press release as an attachment, here's why Mel recommends you don't.
Photo of a person typing at a laptop
Being a marine journalist isn't all rainbows and butterfly fish. As a quick reality check, Melissa shares some of the worst bits.
Picture of a woman reading news or preparing PR and press release plans with magazines spread out in front of her
Melissa shares some of her favourite things about being a freelance ocean journalist.
Coral reef
How can you maximise the chances of hearing back from the media. And, even better, them being interested in your conservation story?
Seagrass meadow in Greece taken by Dimitris Poursanidis / Ocean Image Bank
Based on Melissa's experience of becoming a freelance conservation writer, here are some tips to help you do the same.
Coral reef
An overview of some of the best sites and newsletters to check when you're looking for freelance conservation writing opportunities.
Close up view of a squid's eye with the rest of the body out of shot
Squid have been around for millions of years and live in every ocean in the world. Here are a few fun facts about these interesting animals.
Whale tale disappearing into the ocean in front of the horizon
Examples of my work as a whale writer: from humpbacks and to sperm whales and not forgetting the other cetaceans (dolphins and porpoises).
Whale shark swimming in the ocean
Examples of my work as a shark writer: from whale sharks and great whites to zebra sharks, threshers and even the Meg!
Photo of a person typing at a laptop
Melissa gives some insight into what's involved in sending a pitch to her editors, from her experience as a marine science journalist.
Flat lay of a mug of coffee, set of headphones and a phone with a podcast playing on screen
An overview of my interview on the 15 Minute Freelancer: your snack sized guide to being your own boss and building a business you love.
Seagrass meadow in Greece taken by Dimitris Poursanidis / Ocean Image Bank
Giving back: an overview of how Melissa (The Ocean Writer Ltd) tried to give back through her work in 23-24 (April to March).
Melissa walking away from the camera on a beach
Tracking the actions Melissa (The Ocean Writer Ltd) has taken to make a positive impact in 2024.
Image of a paradise beach Nevis from the water
Tracking the actions Melissa (The Ocean Writer Ltd)'s has taken to make a positive impact from April 2021 to April 2024.
A thresher shark swims towards the camera with a nervous look on its face and its long tail trailing behind it
A few fun facts about (probably!) my favourite species of shark: the thresher shark
A basking shark swims directly towards the camera with its huge mouth agape as it munches on plankton
Did you know the basking shark's scientific name means something like ‘great-nosed sea monster’ in Greek? Here are a few more fun facts.
A cute cartoon of a little pink blobfish with small black eyes and downturned mouth looks at the camera
We don't know all that much about these strange fish but here are a few things we do know about the much-misunderstood blobfish.
Melissa in a swimming pool with her scuba diving instructor learning to use a rebreather
A snippet of my interview on the Research Adjacent podcast
Picture of a person reading a newspaper
It's a common misperception that journalists are only out to trip you up - but that's not true. Here's why.
Photo of a woman holding her arms in the air in celebration by Tirachard Kumtanom
Keeping track of and celebrating wins, achievements and general things that made me happy in my business each month.
A cuttlefish hovers in front of a black background
Diving into an animal that doesn’t always get the attention it deserves with some fun facts about cuttlefish.
Fish swimming above a coral reef
Examples of pieces from my portfolio as a marine science journalist.
Birds eye view of a cappucino, glass of water and a laptop to illustrate Melissa's daily freelance life
An outline of what to expect if I've asked to set up an interview with you for one of my articles.
Whale shark swimming in the ocean
This Whale Shark Day, here are a few fun facts about whale sharks - from my experience as a conservation, ocean and whale shark writer
View of a desk with someone typing at a typewriter and books, a lamp and a small vase of flowers in the background
How I went from a London-based PR professional to a freelance writer specialising in marine conservation and sustainability.
Melissa in a swimming pool with her scuba diving instructor learning to use a rebreather
Examples of pieces from my portfolio as a scuba diving writer.
A woman standing in an office wearing a white top and red glasses stares at the camera and gestures as if to tear her hair out in frustration
A few things journalists find annoying – so you can avoid them in your future media relations outreach.
A phone, two notebooks and a cup of coffee on a desk
Melissa explains when (and why) not to send a press release and highlights other channels that could be a better fit for your story.
Seagrass meadow in Greece taken by Dimitris Poursanidis / Ocean Image Bank
Examples of pieces from my portfolio as a sustainability writer.
Birds eye view of beautiful blue waves lapping the white sandy shore
Examples of pieces from my portfolio as a conservation writer.
A person working at a desk - writing in a note book with a laptop open and cup of coffee
Common media relations pitfalls that can hamper your coverage. Plus, some simple solutions to help you maximise your press success.
View of a desk where someone is writing notes in a notepad with a cup of tea and phone also on the desk
My messaging development service is tailored to each organisation's specific needs but here's an overview of what's usually involved.
Melissa sitting at her desk with a black cocker spaniel on her lap looking at the computer screen
Examples of pieces from my portfolio as an animal writer.
A man and woman smile at each other with laptops in front of them and a podcast microphone on the table between them
A roundup with a few of my favourite podcasts for learning more about science, nature, the ocean and conservation.
Fish swimming above a coral reef
Melissa's giving back overview for 2022-23: including donations, pro bono work, tree planting, sharing expertise and more.
Lloyd wears a Sussex Dolphin Project while standing on the beach on the phone
Lloyd Gofton shares how he moved into the conservation sector and his experience as a member of the Sussex Dolphin Project team.
melissa and second women doing yoga on the edge of a boat looking out to the ocean
Examples of pieces from my portfolio as an ocean writer.
View of the earth from space with white clouds swirling over the blue ocean and green land
How I stay positive and keep motivated as an environmental writer in the face of the climate crisis and the challenges our planet is facing.

Ready to chat?

Hello!

Great to hear you're interested in working together - I'm always keen to hear about exciting new stories from marine conservationists, potential commissions from editors and suitable briefs from prospective clients.

So, let's chat. You can send me an email (I aim to respond within three working days, usually sooner) or book a call below. I look forward to hearing from you.

Melissa wearing a blue top and smiling at the camera with a blue wall and painted mural of jungle plants in the background

Please note: due to high demand, I often have a wait time for new clients and cannot guarantee last-minute availability.

As such, please give as much notice as possible for your projects. Thank you!

Or book a call:

I do not work with the fossil fuel industry. If that's you, please look for support elsewhere. Thank you.

The Ocean Writer Ltd. Registered company number: 14772669

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I support Project Seagrass by donating 1% of every cleared payment from my services via Work for Good

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N.B. I do not work with the fossil fuel industry. If that's you, please look for support elsewhere. Thank you.

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