Anna Wenner
Verified
(She/Her)
As seen in:
Medium,
MSN,
Wirecutter,
Business Insider,
USA Today,
Aol,
National Geographic,
Detroit Free Press,
Flipboard,
Yahoo Sports Canada
and
Covers:
Accessibility, neurodiversity, LGBTQ+, home, all things fandom/nerdy, style, pets, video games, books, art
Freelance writer for Wirecutter, Consumer Reports, and more | Find me on Bluesky: annawenner.bsky.social | Rep: @Lynnette_Novak | She/Her
Interview
What was your first job as a journalist?
I was an intern in high school with the Topeka Capital-Journal for their education section and opinion section.
Have you ever used a typewriter?
Yes, but just for fun. I actually have a mechanical keyboard for my computer that looks (and sounds) just like a typewriter and I LOVE it.
How is social media changing news?
It's great because it broadens the reach to more readers, but each site demands a different approach in order to really resonate.
Who's your favorite fictional journalist?
Rory Gilmore. As someone raised by an awesome single mom, Gilmore Girls has always been one of my favorites.
What does it mean to be a journalist?
To approach every assignment with thoroughness and truth and to hold those with power accountable to the people.
How do you prefer to be pitched on stories?
Email, always. If you have products designed for accessibility and/or businesses by and for LGBTQ people, reach out!
What tools and software do you use to do your job?
Trello to keep track of things and Slack to talk to my teams. Honestly email and Google Drive are 99% of my working tools though.
What's your favorite social network?
I like several for different reasons! LinkedIn is where I find the most work, but TikTok is where I go to laugh, for instance.
Who do you wish followed you?
Luvvie Ajayi, Ashley C. Ford, Jesse Q. Sutanto, Aiden Thomas, Alice Wong, Jonathan Stroud, Rachel Smythe
Why did you become a journalist?
To help people live their best lives safely and authentically, whether by reviewing products or supporting inclusive designs and businesses.
Did you work for your high school newspaper? If so, what did you do there?
I actually didn't! I worked on my college paper as a photographer and editor of the Opinion section, though!
What story are you most proud of writing or working on?
Every time a story I write inspires positive change in inclusivity and accessibility, it feels amazing. It's one reason I do what I do.
What advice can you offer to aspiring journalists?
Try a lot of new things until you figure out what type of journalism is the best fit for you. There's a lot out there you may not know of!
When's the best time to pitch you?
Any time! That being said, if your pitch is time sensitive (such as for a holiday) I'd usually need it at LEAST a month ahead of time.
What's the best pitch you ever got?
A weighted pillow for ADHD. I was highly skeptical but the pitch explained itself well and when I reviewed the product I loved it!
What's the worst pitch you ever got?
Any product that is designed for those who are disabled but marketed in a way that makes fun of these same consumers for "broader appeal."
What's your favorite drink?
Soda or hot chocolate. Not a huge alcohol person, but cider on the days I do want a drink!
When you're not at a computer, where are you most likely to be?
With my enormous dog and tiny cat playing video games or wandering a National Park. There's rarely an in-between.
Aside from your own, what's your favorite publication to read?
National Geographic. As a photographer and writer who loves nature, it's pretty hard to beat.
What's the most common misperception about your beat?
That accessibly designed products are only for those with disabilities. Accessible design helps EVERYONE.
Would you like to take the Muck Rack Interview?
Create a Muck Rack profile.