Twitter:

@MsCathyHudson

What do you freelance about?

Anything to do with personal finance, from mortgages and insurance to energy, with a bit of tech thrown in. I worked at Which? before going freelance and still regularly work for them. Other publications I’ve written for include The Money Edit, Expert Reviews, Ideal Home, Money.co.uk, the i paper, the London Evening Standard and Loveproperty.com. I mainly write for consumers but I’ve recently started writing for a trade publication, which is a whole new way of looking at things.

What are your areas of specialisation?

I started my career writing about mortgages and property, which are still my pet subjects. I also love a bit of number crunching.

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

I’m rarely available at short notice. At least a couple of weeks is ideal.

What’s the piece you’re most proud of?

Turning my hand to trade journalism has been a challenge I’ve enjoyed and given me the chance to cover issues outside of the UK. I’m really proud of the first piece I wrote for the ITIJ (International Travel & Health Insurance Journal) on the differences in how mental health conditions are covered in travel insurance policies around the world. In some countries they’re still barely covered at all so it’s an issue that needs to be highlighted.

Are you happy doing corporate work?

Yes, although I haven’t done a lot.

How can PRs help you with your work?

By providing experts I can speak to. Replies to my questions over email often don’t cut it when the subject is one I’m less familiar with. An in-depth chat with someone who knows their stuff is invaluable.

Have you won any awards/gained specific financial qualifications?

I won a BIBA best personal finance journalist award when I was at Which?

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

I’m passionate about getting to the bottom of a subject to explain it as clearly as possible for readers and will always deliver sparkling copy on time – I hate missing deadlines!

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

Speak to all your contacts who commission freelancers in your areas of expertise to find out exactly the kinds of stories they’re looking for then pitch ideas. Editors love commissioning people they know and trust and if you do a good job they’ll commission you again and recommend you to others. It’s a great way to build up your client base. And don’t forget to set up a personal pension!

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

A day in the life of Elon Musk. I find him fascinating and would love to know what really goes on behind the scenes.

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

I was really shocked to read about the little boy who died because of the mould in his home. It’s heartbreaking that people are forced to live in such conditions.

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

Hard-working freelancer with a thirst for knowledge.

Outside of work, what are your hobbies?

Singing. I belong to a choir and love taking part in the gigs we do out and about to raise money for charity. I also run. I’m currently training for a 10k, which I think is probably my limit.

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

'Jolene' by Dolly Parton. It’s great fun to sing. I used to live in Japan so I’m a bit of a karaoke veteran.