Twitter handle:

@MrAlexSebastian

What do you freelance about?

I cover business, investing and wealth management. That can take the form of news, analysis, commentary or features, either on a per word basis or shifts.

I’ve worked as a reporter and editor on both the consumer and B2B side, so I’m very happy to do either as a freelancer. My past employers include This is Money, Portfolio Adviser, FT Group and Business Insider. I like the variety that writing for both a general audience and specialist, expert readers can bring.

There are more details on my website —optimal-media.co.uk

What are your areas of specialisation?

There are a lot of things that sit within the broad, overlapping categories I cover, including stocks, funds, markets, asset allocation and economics, so it’s hard to pin it down to one or two specialisms. If I had to pick out a couple of things I like to do most, it would be interview-based features with the smartest people in the City, and news analysis pieces.

I enjoy the process of identifying and explaining exactly what the news means and what people should be doing in response, whether that’s from my own research and analysis or through asking experts in a given field.

How much notice do you need to turn round, say, a 1,000-word feature?

I like a tight deadline, so I could do the next day in many cases. Certainly within a few days. It would just depend on whether I need to set up interviews or already have the source material in hand. 

Are you happy doing corporate work?

I haven’t done any up to now as I’ve been in full-time journalism roles, but I’m definitely open to it yes.

How can PRs help you with your work?

I think the biggest thing is good targeting. It really stands out when you receive news, analysis, interview pitches or research that is directly relevant and you can tell the sender has put in the time to understand the kind of work you focus on.

The other major factor is speed of response. Whether it’s a yes we can help, or a no, coming back quickly is great. The journalist knows where they stand and can go elsewhere if needed without getting delayed.

Have you won any awards/gained specific financial qualifications?

I got my swimming badges when I was a lot younger. More relevant perhaps is the Investment Management Certificate (IMC) I did a few years ago.

I’d certainly recommend doing the IMC to other financial journalists. It gives you a really nice overview of markets, economics and the investment industry. It does involve calculating bond yields though, so it won’t be everyone’s cup of tea.

You’re probably already busy, but what’s your elevator pitch to commissioning editors?

If you need something written for a business section, investing page, City trade title, or require an editor who knows the territory well to step in and look after something, let me know. 

What advice would you give to a journalist thinking of becoming freelance for the first time?

I’ve only just gone freelance so ask me again in a year or so! What I would say is be sure to have several years in full-time newsroom based jobs under your belt first. I’m not sure you could build up the knowledge and skill set needed without that.

What’s the commission you’d most like to undertake?

I’d enjoy interviewing any very high-profile business leader, investor or central banker. If we are talking long shots that would be brilliant, then I would say Jerome Powell or Michael Burry. 

What was the last article you read that really shocked you?

I’m not easily shocked. Some of the reporting around the war in Ukraine has been pretty alarming though.

If you were to write a headline to sum yourself up, what would it be?

'Former This is Money, Portfolio Adviser, FT Group and Business Insider journalist embarks on freelance adventure armed with laptop and lots of ideas'

Outside of work, what are your hobbies?

No zany hobbies. I’m a big sports fan. If anybody is competing at anything there’s a chance I’m interested. Football, rugby and cricket mainly. Hiking is something I enjoy, as is watching a good film.   

And finally… what’s your go-to karaoke song?

I can safely guarantee you won’t see me singing karaoke.