Sam Walby — Freelance Writer, Editor & Interviewer, Sheffield

Hi! I'm a freelance writer, editor and interviewer with 20 years of experience in independent magazine publishing, social enterprise and community initiatives.

I'm motivated to use my skills and experience for social good — in Sheffield, South Yorkshire and the world — and working with people to help shape and share their stories is my gift.

I was Editor-in-Chief of Now Then Magazine from 2009 to 2026, during which time I managed the print and online editions, writing and editing thousands of stories and hosting hundreds of interviews.

I also have experience in grant funding, project management and company directorship at Opus Independents.

I'm new to this freelancing lark. I'm open to meeting anyone who thinks we could collaborate — wherever you are in the world — and I'm happy bringing any or all of my skills to work that I think is worthwhile.

My Skills

Writing

Working collaboratively with story sources and stakeholders on everything from Q&A transcripts and long-form articles to insight reports and reflections.

Editing

From helping to shape a story in its earliest version to fine-detail copy editing and pre-publication proofreading.

Interviewing

Hosting conversations that are generative and supportive, planting the seeds for compelling written stories.

Bid writing

Bringing together the needs of organisations and their stakeholders with grant funders' priorities to give the best chance of success.

Project design & management

Offering detailed structure and good time management while holding outcomes and objectives in mind on projects large and small.

My Experience

Now Then Magazine

Editor-in-Chief

2009 – 2026

Opus Independents Ltd

Company Director

2013 – 2026

Generative Journalism Alliance (GJA)

Co-founder, Interviewer & Facilitator

2023 – Present

Finite Magazine

Copy Editor

2026 – Present

$Doncopolitan Magazine logo$

Doncopolitan Magazine

Copy Editor

2014 – 2017

South Yorkshire Climate Alliance (SYCA)

Trustee

2017 – 2021

Street Party Organiser

2018 – Present

Testimonials

"Sam's ability to attune carefully to the people around him, his deep listening for what's said (and not said) in a conversation, his remarkable attention to detail, and his diligence, as well as his capacity to turn big and complex ideas into things that are accessible and engaging, all make working with him a joy and a constant source of inspiration."

Jack Becher, GJA

"Sam is a gifted editor […] A genuine interest in a huge range of material and a talent for bringing the best out of writers."

Andrew Wood, Now Then Writer

"Sam is ambitious for the people, organisations and causes he works with, and honest and dedicated in a way that's rare these days."

Heather Ditch, Brand Groundworks

"Sam is encouraging and quietly motivating, optimistic when that is what a team needs, but equally able to offer critique with gentleness and clarity."

Tchiyiwe Chihana, Opus/GJA

"His numerous talents have extended to fundraising, comms work, project management, live events, policy development, being a conscientious, responsible and imaginative company director, and a hundred other talents besides."

Sam Gregory, Now Then/Opus

Contact

I'm available for one-off commissions, projects and regular work, and I'm always happy to jump onto a call to scope out how we might work together.

Email: hello@samwalby.com

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/sam-walby