Mama Mia

Mia Freedman was always in a hurry to kick her big life goals. And when she became editor of Cosmopolitan at 24 and had a baby a few months later, she thought she was right on track. But when things unexpectedly fell apart, she was forced to face a few uncomfortable truths about who she was and what she wanted to do with her life.

Over the next decade, she would experience some dazzling career highs and some devastating personal lows. She would leave the glamorous world of magazines for a high-profile new job that exploded in her face. She would lose all her confidence and then -- eventually -- find it again in an unexpected place. She would make mistakes at work and at home, and she would learn some surprising lessons about what made her happy.

About the Author

As a writer, magazine editor, popular blogger and media personality, Mia has been called the voice of her generation. Mama Mia is her story so far.

Mia began her career doing work experience at Cleo magazine aged 19. Within five years she became the youngest ever editor of Cosmopolitan, which she then took to the number one position in circulation, readership and advertising revenue in the competitive women’s lifestyle category.

In 1997 Mia pioneered the regular use of real women of all shapes, sizes and nationalities in women’s magazines. She formalised this into Cosmopolitan’s ‘Body Love’ policy and incorporated it into every issue of Cosmo. She continues to be an out-spoken advocate for a more positive portrayal of female body image in the media.

During her seven years editing Cosmo, Mia launched successful spin-off titles Cosmo Brides, Cosmo Pregnancy and Cosmo Hair & Beauty and was named Editor Of The Year by her peers at the MPA awards in 2000. In 2004, Mia became editor in chief of Cosmo, Cleo and Dolly and in 2006, she was appointed Creative Director at the Nine Network before deciding to go solo and concentrate on new media.

Mia launched her website mamamia.com.au in 2007 and it has quickly become one of Australia’s most popular independent websites for women. There, Mia writes daily on the issue of motherhood, work/life balance, pop culture, celebrity, fashion, body image and the media.

As a writer and social commentator, Mia is in a unique position, working across both old and new media. She is the journalist with the highest number of Twitter followers in Australia while her acclaimed weekly newspaper column appears in the Sun-Herald and Sunday Age. She also appears on The Today Show every week to discuss news and current affairs.

Mia is the Chair of the National Body Image Advisory Board that consults with the federal government on issues regarding body image and the media.

Her second book, Mamamia: A Memoir Of Mistakes, Magazines & Motherhood was published in September 2009. Her third, Mia Culpa will be published soon. Mia is married with three children, a dog and two ducks.