‘Annie’s soul is so soothing and just encourages us to think of things differently’ – Holly Tucker, MBE
Hello, I’m Annie.
I’ve been a freelance journalist for over 15 years, writing for the Guardian, the Observer, Forbes, Grazia, Red Magazine, Stylist, Metro, the Telegraph, the Independent, the Evening Standard, Refinery29, You Magazine, Women's Health, iNews and more.
I’m also the author of three non-fiction books: Raise your SQ (Radar, 2023), Shy (Fourth Estate 2021), The Freelance Mum (Fourth Estate 2019). Plus, I’m a Sunday Times-bestselling ghostwriter for celebrities and I write poetry that goes viral on Instagram.
So writing is my thing.
But alongside writing, I’ve launched digital magazines and businesses that have boomed. Reaching 100,000 views a month; bringing in six figures a year. So I ‘get’ the online writing and business world and love sharing what I know.
Here on Substack, I publish personal essays, self-development tools and business tips that will get you thinking and doing. I’m delighted to be a bestseller, named as one of Substack’s ‘Featured Publications’ and to rank in global top 30 under ‘Philosophy’.
I write about freelancing, motherhood, creativity, productivity, career success, the many times I’ve failed, perseverance and how it’s good to be mediocre. I’m very open about my writing life, and share everything I can to help other writers succeed.
Poetry
Two of my poems have gone viral - 'I've just had a baby' and 'what I want', after being shared by thousands of women around the world, including Paloma Faith and Busy Philipps.
I turned them into prints and books, which sold globally - across Europe, the US, Australia, Canada. And I continue to share poetry and poetic prose on Instagram @annieridout.
Coaching
I’m a trained and experienced life coach and on the coaching side of my career, I’ve been featured in Psychologies, the Independent, Women’s Health, Femail and Forbes, as well as dozens of podcasts.
I've created a business model called The Creative Way (using Instagram creatively, earning a monthly income from Substack essays, launching online courses and offering one-to-one coaching/consultancy work). I work this way, and teach it.
Behind the career…
I was born and raised in north London, have lived in Somerset (twice) and Liverpool, Brighton and east London, and I’ve travelled the world.
But now I’m back in north London with my husband and our three children.
I play the piano, guitar and handpan and compose my own music.
You can find me on Instagram: @annieridout and (very occasionally) Twitter: @annieridout
Here’s what people in my Substack community say…
"I love reading Annie's work and often find both reassurance and empowerment in her writing" - Emma Svanberg
"Your work is thought provoking and encourages action. I love that!" - Shahidah Al-AMin
"Hi Annie. Always love what you write and always inspired by your Madonna-like ability to change, adapt and flex to what you, your family and your career require. Brava! Felicity " - Felicity Haythorn
These are my most popular articles…
