Building a "Dump Doc"

Sometimes, when you sit down to write something (especially if it’s long-form), getting started can feel incredibly overwhelming.

You know where you need to end up with the finished product, but…where to even begin!?

Over the past nine years of doing this type of project week after week, here’s what I’ve come up with that makes getting started (and finished!) a far less daunting task.

Building a dump doc

The blank page is NOT your friend.

To get past that blaring white screen and its mocking cursor, start making a (very messy) document with the foundational pieces of what you’re working on. I suppose this would be what some call the research phase, but to be frank, research, to me, sounds like a tidy and organized process. This, on the other hand, is a little…chaotic.

When I’m building my “dump doc” (as in, just dumping things into a doc, like a brain dump), I’m not focused on getting pieces organized yet. That's what I do during the outlining process.

During this part, I’m just gathering pieces in one place so I can come back and organize them later.

My dump docs usually include:

• Links to similar types of articles for inspiration

• Results in Google’s “People also ask” feature for SEO heading guidance

• Any company research/findings I need to include

• Interesting POVs or anecdotes from Twitter I find related to the topic (this is often a jumping-off point for finding subject matter experts I want to speak with about the topic)

• Stats/data points

From there…

Once I have a decent amount of information in the document, I can begin to move the puzzle pieces around, and the article takes shape quickly.

That said, the dump doc-building phase is the heaviest lift, by far. It takes the longest because while I’m pulling this all together, I have to be mindful of:

• Finding recent/current information that’s relevant to my specific search query

• Getting credible stats from quality sources

• Staying away from rabbit holes and opening endless tabs on my browser

• Balancing conflicting data sets and painting a full, accurate picture of the topic

I know my fellow writers can relate, because when I asked: “What's the most frustrating part of the research process as you work on writing content?”, I got responses like this:

You’ve got options!

The good news is that there are OPTIONS for making this process more efficient and far less time-intensive. The right one depends on how you work best, but here are a few things that are helpful.

1. Waldo

This ad-free Chrome extension makes the normal Google search process way more efficient (to me, it’s like Superhuman, but for Googling.) I use it to get more targeted search results with its search "lenses" that let you narrow down search results to cut through the noise and clutter of Google’s ordinary search results (so I find exactly what I need in about half the time.) Also…it’s FREE.

2. PrimoStats

Tired of hunting down the source of a stat that’s been linked to in 32,235 different listicles, only to find it’s actually from 2002 (and therefore no longer relevant)? PrimoStats helps you find stats with original data sources. There’s a free version with access to 1,000 stats, or there’s a paid version that gets you access to more than 15,000 stats. Bonus points that it’s female-founded by a marketer I’ve known and admired for years!

3. Jessica Pereira’s research-as-a-service offering

If you’re a writer who does not enjoy the research process and wants to outsource that aspect of the process completely, the good news is: That’s what Jessica does. While she’s currently on maternity leave until November, she offers a done-for-you service where she’ll do the legwork of creating an organized, reliable dump doc (so all you have to do is build it into the full narrative.)

In summary

The bottom line here: If you can build a dump doc, your writing assignments will only get easier and less stressful. I’ve found it keeps me from procrastinating, it helps me get greater clarity around the topics I’m working on, and in general, it makes the entire writing process much more efficient.

See also: No more writer's block.

Use tools that help you work smarter (not harder), or if you hate researching, consider outsourcing it completely. You’ve got the playbook and the toolkit; all that’s left to do is to put it to good use.

---

This blog post is brought to you by Harlow. Harlow helps freelancers get organized, save time, and look professional with automated invoicing, proposal templates, and much more—all from one centralized hub. Learn more now!

---

Does Your Writing Take a Stance?

There’s a lot of writing out there in the world, but the stuff that stands out in our modern, noisy world seems to follow one approach: It takes a stance.

It puts a stake in the ground and says, “This is what I think and believe to be true. Here’s why.”

Why does it stand out? Because expressing an opinion (especially online) entails a certain level of risk.

• People may disagree with your point of view (and take to social media to start a conversation about it.)

• The internet never forgets, so if you change your mind, someone out there might dig up what you shared in the past and challenge you on it.

• It can spark conflict, confrontation, and disagreements.

Putting your thoughts, feelings, and convictions into writing often feels scary. That’s why so many people just...don’t.

But guess what? Writing that doesn’t take a stance has its downsides, too.

• It can lead to writing that reads as non-committal, wishy-washy, or fluff.

• It can mean surrendering your platform to simply regurgitating what other people think/say on the issue.

• It puts you on the sidelines where you’re not sharing your two cents and using your personal voice.

More and more lately, I find myself seeking out writing that takes a stance. Sometimes I agree with the author; sometimes I don’t. But either way, I appreciate when writers make the brave choice to share their personal thoughts on a topic.​

Take a look at a few standout examples I bookmarked that have come across my desk lately and see what this looks like in action:

1. ​What Do You Mean “You Don’t Have a Bike”?!​

2. ​You Probably Shouldn't Launch on Product Hunt​

3. ​The problem with complaining about the system​

In all three of these examples, the author is coming down on one side of an issue and making an often *very persuasive* case for doing so. They’re shining examples of how to make a case for what you believe in with logic, data, and storytelling that’s all woven together.

So if there’s one thing I can ask you to consider this week as you sit down to write, it’s this: Share what you think.

You are a person with valuable, interesting personal insights. How can you leverage those to make a case for your point of view? It may open the doors to conversations and engagement like you’ve never seen before.

35 lessons from 9+ years of full-time freelancing

Popping in today to share a few lessons learned from my nine years as a full-time freelance writer.

These insights are useful to anyone running a business. I wish I would've known these things...well...nine years ago.

I’ve also added in relevant podcast episodes where there’s more detail on these specific points.

Let’s get to it.

1. Ask for help when you need it.

Freelance writers have to keep a lot of their own plates spinning, but that doesn’t mean they have to do everything by themselves. Asking for help and outsourcing tasks that make you frustrated will free up your mental bandwidth to focus on what you’re good at.

For me, outsourcing my retirement investing, taxes, accounting, and bookkeeping was a game-changer. I hated managing these aspects of my business, so I handed them off to folks who are specialists in these areas.

It came with a small price tag, but the peace-of-mind it provides is more than worth it. If there are areas in your business you need help with, find out who can help you and hire them to do so.

2. Start building an audience as soon as possible.

When the day comes that you finally want to start branching out beyond client work and leveraging your expertise in the form of consulting or products, you’ll need a relevant audience to share those with. That’s why it’s important to start working on growing that audience sooner rather than later.

This might be through an email list, your social following, a podcast; the medium is up to you. Just start sharing valuable lessons you’re learning as you go and let folks behind the curtain of your business. Bring them along on the journey with you.

3. Teach everything you know.

This phrase is one I swiped from Convertkit, but it applies to freelance writers, too. There’s no real guidebook for how to launch and run a successful freelance business, so teaching lessons learned through trial and error helps position you as an authority in the space and a go-to source of knowledge in your area of focus.

This approach has been the foundation of resources like my newsletter and digital products. Some freelancers worry that sharing their knowledge means other writers will take away from their business opportunities, but the truth is: Even if you share your “secret sauce,” no one will ever be able to replicate the exact experience and results you deliver as a professional.

Spread the wealth when it comes to your knowledge. There’s only an upside.

Get The Things I Wish I Knew When I Started Freelance Writing

Download a free copy of my book.

When I finally made the switch to full-time freelancing, I quickly learned a few key lessons that only experience can teach. Now, I'm sharing that with you.

Download

I respect your privacy. Unsubscribe at any time.

Built with ConvertKit

Get past those fears and find a way to sell that feels natural to you. Forgo the tactics that make you cringe, and constantly experiment and ask for feedback on how you can improve your approach. That along will separate you from the masses.

6. Beware of burnout.

Working too hard for too long is a recipe for disaster. Freelance writers don’t have an overarching supervisor or boss figure to remind them to take time off from time to time, so it’s easy to slip into the “always on” mentality. When this happens, not only does the work become less fulfilling, but you will also eventually start to resent it, too.

It’s important to have an accountability partner who can check in on you and keep you aware of when you’re showing signs of burnout. When the red flags pop up, give yourself permission to step away and take a break. You need a mental reset so you can come back fresh.

7. You don’t always have to love the work you’re doing.

Speaking of resenting your work: The reality is that you’re not always going to love the work you do.

Sometimes it’s a slog; sometimes it’s difficult. No one loves their work 100% of the time. It’s normal to feel unmotivated/uninspired from time to time.

This is why I’m a huge proponent of having creative side projects that help keep your brain sharp and engaged in different ways.

8. Creative side projects keep your brain stretchy.

Don’t lose sight of whatever your creative side project is, whether it’s painting, making YouTube videos, novel-writing…you name it.

These outlets can be your saving grace when you need to shift your mental energy and focus. Plus: They’re great mental gymnastics that can help you better execute your day-to-day client work, too.

It’s tempting to just veg out in front of the TV at the end of the day (and we all need that sometimes!) but it’s also important to have a just-for-fun project you can channel your imagination into as well.

9. Having a large online following comes at a cost.

It wasn’t until the past year or two that I started amassing a fairly large following online, mostly on Twitter. Having an ever-growing audience of folks who want to hear from me is great, but it also comes with some trade-offs.

The larger the audience, the more people there are to notice when you mess up, to criticize, etc. I’ve been fortunate to have 99% positive interactions so far, but there is the occasional troll with a M.O. of making me feel small, or stupid, or wrong.

It’s part of it, and I just do my best to ignore non-constructive criticism, but it does take its toll.

10. You don’t have to out-earn yourself month-over-month.

As a freelancer, the amount you earn each month is really up to you based on how much you’re willing to take on. That’s a fantastic possibility for the self-motivated, highly efficient folks out there, but it’s also dangerous, as it can set them up to be overly competitive with yourself to the point of burnout.

From experience, I can tell you that having an ever-rising benchmark for “success” is a recipe for disaster. Instead, focus on maintaining a workload that’s manageable and realistic for you.

11. Rejection and mistakes happen. How you deal with them is more important.

Your proposals and pitches will get rejected on a regular basis. You will, at some point, make an error within your work. All of these things feel bad; sometimes they even make us think, “Man, I’m not good at this. I should just give up!”

The reality, however, is that to get rejected and to mess up is to be human. It happens to all of us. The real issue of importance here is how you handle these negative experiences. Are you learning from them? Did you handle them proactively, professionally, and with grace?

Less-than-stellar experiences are powerful teaching moments. Don’t get stuck on the downside; turn them into another stepping stone along your journey.

12. It’s okay to call yourself a freelancer.

“Freelancer” often has negative associations that come with it: It’s something people do in-between jobs; it’s not a long-term, sustainable career path; people who do it are just scraping by. However, in my experience, none of these statements are true.

Sure, I could call myself a consultant, or use a brand name to market my services, or I could make up some fancy-sounding title for myself. But you know what? The easiest, clearest way to explain what I do is to use my name, face, and the “freelance writer” title to explain who I am and what I do. There’s no shame in calling yourself a freelancer.

Leave the negative associations behind and let your track record of success speak for you; not your title.

13. Every freelance writer needs a sounding board.

Working alone as a freelancer means most of the time there’s no one around to bounce ideas off. It’s just you. On days when you feel lost, or need to troubleshoot, or just want to vent, it’s important to have an outlet for that.

For some, working with a paid coach or mentor offers this plus the added benefits of accountability check-ins, guidance, and structure (like regular meetings.) For others, however, having a fellow freelancer friend does the trick.

Regardless of the route you choose, remember: You don’t have to do this alone. Make sure you have people you can call on for support.

14. Focus is an underrated skill.

Your attention can easily get stretched thin as you explore different projects, products, and ideas as a freelancer. However, when you split your attention in this way, it quickly becomes difficult to lean into any one particular area.

You can go wide or deep; not both.

Rather than keeping a lot of plates spinning, I’ve learned the returns are higher when you focus on just a few things (and doing them really well.) Focus is an underrated skill that can be a determining factor when it comes to long-term sustainability within a freelance career.

15. Celebrate your wins (no one else will do it for you.)

One of the biggest things I’ve missed since leaving the traditional office work environment is having co-workers to celebrate things with when things go well. I missed having work friends who can take you out to lunch on a good day or the boss who says “Well done” when you’ve accomplished something important. I realized that when you work independently, you have to do that for yourself.

That’s why I do an annual “year in review” post and try to do something fun on my “freelance-iversary” each year. No one else will do it for you, so it’s important to take time to celebrate accomplishments in your own way. Don’t let your big milestones quietly slip by.

16. Recurring work and long-term relationships = business longevity.

It’s much easier to keep working with clients who already know, trust, and like you than it is to sell yourself to a brand new client every time you need work. That means it’s crucial to develop deep, long-term relationships with the clients you want to work with regularly.

To accomplish this, I make a point to send them handwritten thank you notes, to regularly check in and see if there’s anything I can help them with, to ask questions like: “What can I do that would make your work easier?”, and to send small thank you gifts during the holidays. These small actions and gestures go a long way and help you stand out from the masses.

17. Form healthy workday habits and become a slave to them.

Okay, so I adapted this line from Matthew McConaughey’s book Greenlights, but I love the message. When you’re busy, it’s easy to sit at your desk all day, to skip lunch, to subsist on caffeine, and to hunch over your keyboard until it’s dark outside.

But guess what? Your body and mind will eventually revolt. Instead, be proactive about forming healthy workday habits (like getting up and going for a walk, doing yoga/meditation, drinking plenty of water, taking an *actual* lunch break, etc.) If you don’t, you’ll find yourself in a world of hurt.

18. Not everyone needs a schtick or “alter ego” for the sake of branding.

Lots of writers decide to create some sort of marketing gimmick or “alter ego” for themselves as part of their branding. For some, it’s great. For others, it’s noise that’s only getting in the way of the skills and services they’re selling.

Ask yourself: Is this really helping me sell? Or is it unnecessary? Talk to people who’ve hired you in the past and get their perspective on it; don’t guess. I’ve opted to just market my services using my name and face, and I’ve had no problem growing my business that way. It’s a personal choice at the end of the day, but it’s one to think about seriously.

19. Don’t be afraid to take the lead with clients.

Early in my freelance career, I always felt unsure of what *exactly* I was supposed to be doing, so I deferred to my clients when it came to processes and workflows. This meant I was at the mercy of learning various softwares, approval processes, etc. (which meant the work took longer.)

As I got more experienced, however, I figured out my own processes that were often more efficient and effective, so I started taking the lead on projects and laying out my workflow in a proactive way. So often clients were grateful to have an experienced professional take the lead, and more often than not, it got me hired, as it proved I knew my way around the work I was doing.

The sooner you do this in your business (and templatize much of your documentation), the faster you’ll be seen as a professional your clients can trust and defer to when it comes to project execution.

20. Raise your hand and say so when you have a good idea.

Speak up! All of the best opportunities I’ve had so far have come from speaking up and saying so when I’ve had a good idea or seen a problem I can solve. It’s easy to sit on the sidelines, and speaking up/putting yourself out there is risky, but what’s the worst that can happen?

You’ll get a “no.” And then you try again. When you see a need you can address, be sure to position it in the right way and focus on providing value to the person you’re pitching the idea to.

My go-to formula: “I think you could do X thing and produce Y result, and here’s exactly how I can help you do that via A, B, and C.”

21. Always be connecting.

Everyone loves a good connector, don’t they?

They generate so much goodwill and positive ripple effects. I’m always working to refer smart people, to connect folks on Twitter, and introduce people I think should know each other.

By doing this, the favor is often returned, and you become known as one of those highly valuable, well-connected people. You lose nothing by making these connections: It’s pure gain on all sides. (Just make sure everyone’s okay with you making introductions beforehand!)

22. Keep an eye out for clients who exhibit red flag behavior.

If you notice a client doing things that make you feel uncertain during your initial interactions, don’t let things get too far (and definitely don’t sign any long-term agreements with a client until you’re sure you work well together.)

Red flags are things like: Not respecting your office hours, telling you how the work should be done and when, missing deadlines or phone calls, etc.

Be clear about your expectations and work boundaries right from the start, and if they’re crossed, address the issues as soon as possible. If things go unresolved, you can respectfully end the working relationship and wind things down with your client. Be sure there is a section in your contract that outlines this as well.

23. Curiosity is a secret weapon.

Not only will a curious mind help keep your skills and mind sharp, but it’ll help you be a better writer, too. Curious people always ask, “But, why?” and answer those questions within their writing, which means they can go deep and write things that are valuable and relevant for a long time.

Plus: You never know where your curiosity will lead. When you follow it, it may open doors to new career paths, connections, and friendships.

Example: I’m fascinated by quantum mechanics, and a friend on Twitter who’s also curious about it has made some excellent book recommendations for me on that topic this year.

Those initial conversations eventually lead to work opportunities as we got to know each other better. Win-win!

24. Twitter opens more doors than you could ever imagine.

If there’s one social media platform that’s paid back dividends when it comes to investing time and energy there, it’s Twitter. Twitter offers a direct line of communication with potential clients, writers, editors, and smart people you want to know (and you can hop into lots of conversations already happening there.)

The thing to remember: It’s a cocktail party; act accordingly. People are watching and listening. Approach it not with a “what’s in it for me?” mentality, but with the goal of making new online friends, learning from experts, and participating in interesting exchanges. The more connections you build there, the more doors will open for you.

25. Goals are great, but only if they’re realistic.

The easiest way to set yourself up for failure is to get the bar too high for yourself. Don’t set crazy revenue or output goals, for example. If you’re an overachiever, you’ll break yourself trying to meet an unrealistic objective (and you’ll be mad at yourself when you fall short.)

Instead, opt for tiny wins that you can accomplish without overextending yourself. Those small steps of progress add up, and while they don’t have the big payoff that comes with accomplishing some near-impossible feat, they’ll help you make meaningful progress while maintaining your sanity.

26. Fancy tools and software aren’t always the secrets to better writing.

You can have the best toolkit on the market, but the reality is: The only way to truly improve your writing is to practice.

Sometimes those tools only even get in the way and make things more complex than they need to be. Don’t be seduced by fancy software that claims it’ll revolutionize your writing abilities; that’s just marketing. You are the key to better writing.

Establish a regular writing practice, read as much as you can, and keep at it. Tools aren’t the answer. You can waste a lot of money learning that the hard way.

27. You do not need to say yes to every call request, podcast interview, or guest post opportunity that comes your way.

Time is a limited resource, and you have to be protective of it. Be wary of things that can easily eat up your time for very little return on investment. Consider the potential returns that can come from various requests of your time (like podcast appearances, speaking opps, etc.), and make sure the upside is worthwhile.

After all, the more you say yes to these, the less time you have for billable working hours. Follow the rule of “If it’s not a hell yes, it’s a no” as a guideline.

28. Freelancing is 100% a lucrative, full-time career path.

There seems to be a generalization out there that freelancing isn’t a lucrative full-time career path, but the fact is: It very much can be.

Not everyone is going to reach the six-figure mark, but the motivated have an opportunity to earn more than they would with a set salary. And yes, freelancing is not for everyone: It’s best suited to self-starters who aren’t prone to procrastination and that do well with working independently.

Overall, don’t believe the naysayers. With remote work on the rise, freelancing is only going to become more popular and “normal” as a profitable, long-term career path.

29. Define what “enough” means to you within your business.

Because freelancing tends to be more open-ended (no set salary, create your own office hours, etc.) it’s easy to fall into a trap of self-competition. It’s important to define what qualifies as “enough” within your business.

Answer questions like:

• How many hours do I want to work each week?

• How much do I want to earn each month/year?

Once you’ve hit (or neared) your goals, you can give yourself permission to slow things down, take time off, and enjoy the flexibility freelancing provides. Without those benchmarks, though, you can easily form some workaholic, always-on, “never enough” tendencies which are a recipe for burnout and unhappiness.

30. Stay connected and don’t self-isolate.

Working alone and from home is naturally isolating in nature: There are no co-workers, no office holiday parties, etc. It’s important to be aware of this and to work hard to stay connected, both online and off, through things like virtual coffee dates, attending conferences, taking retreats with fellow freelancers, etc.

Being social is a skill, and when you fall out of practice, it becomes difficult (which will have a ripple effect into your client interactions.) Keep yourself rooted in a network of friends, peers, and like-minded people who understand your work and lifestyle. Find your tribe.

31. Automate tedious tasks to work smarter, not harder.

As a one-person operation, you have a lot on your plate (and your time is money.) Automate as much as you can to work at maximum efficiency with help from software, templatizing documents you use over and over, and creating easy-to-customize scripts for common conversations.

If needed, hire help! The apprentice model works great for this.

Prioritize your efforts by figuring out what you spend the most time on (or repeat most often) and work your way down the list.

32. Always get a signed contract before work begins.

It’s hard to do things like enforce boundaries and battle scope creep if both parties don’t sign off on a legal agreement before working together where all of this is defined.

In your contract, be clear about your payment expectations/process, your workflow, the project requirements, and the timeline. There are many templates out there you can purchase and then customize for each new client. Don’t skip this step.

33. Every new client should pay an up-front deposit.

For new clients you haven’t worked with before, it’s important to get a deposit paid before work begins as part of your onboarding process. This can range between 25-50%, but should be collected before work begins as a show of good faith. This also helps the client put some “skin in the game” by investing in your work at the start of the working relationship.

It’s also a fail-safe so you aren’t left empty-handed if a client falls off the face of the earth mid-project. Be clear about when the remainder of the deposit fee is due as well.

34. Learn how to handle edits with grace.

Working with editors is a regular part of a freelance writer’s job. It’s just part and parcel.

99% of the time, editors deliver notes and edit requests aimed at improving the writing. It’s not a personal attack, so don’t take edits personally. Know how to ask for helpful feedback and add clarity if you feel confused about an editor’s requests.

Also: Be clear about how many rounds of edits are included with your rates (so things don’t get out of hand.)

35. Charge what you’re worth.

Guess what? You should probably charge more.

If you have a solid track record of successes, are in high demand, and consistently do what you say you’re going to do (on time!) then you’re ahead of the pack. Know your value and charge accordingly…and raise your rates on a regular basis.

What would you add?

I’d love to hear from fellow writers and see what lessons you’d add to this list. Tweet me @kaleighf.

Pricing How-to for Freelance Writers

I still remember what I was paid for my first writing assignment back in 2013.

$25 for ~800 words. Not exactly money to retire on.

But you know what? I was thrilled. Getting paid to write was a watershed moment—no matter what the rate.

As time went on, though, I realized that I was charging hobby prices. I knew if I wanted to transition writing on the side into a full-time freelance writing career, I was going to need to charge more.

At the time, I was also running a profitable online business. Realizing if I leaned into this niche—eCommerce and the software tools adjacent to them—I saw how that would position me more as a subject matter expert/specialist.

Which also meant I’d be able to charge more.

The problem: “Charging more” is a little...vague.

• What did more mean?

• What were freelance writers charging?

• What could I expect to earn when I went full-time?

• How would I make sure I wasn’t stuck under-charging and working with the most stressful clients?

Today, I want to share a bit about I answered these questions and talk about pricing for freelance writers (in hopes it’ll add some clarity.)

Why is pricing freelance writing work so hard?

Pricing services isn’t an issue most people encounter in their daily lives.

For salaried workers, it’s a matter of looking at industry rates and negotiating when you receive an offer. In many cases, an employer’s offer is already a great starting point.

But freelance writing is different. You have multiple clients, meaning multiple offers and negotiations on a never-ending basis.

It can be highly subjective, too. If you haven’t tracked your results, it can be difficult to point to a piece in your portfolio you’ve written and say: “See? My work generated exactly $491.03 for my client.”

Consider everything that goes into pricing:

Endless variables. How extensive is your writing experience? Are you a rare freelancer in your local market? Do you have specialized industry knowledge? Are you the sole human on earth capable of creating this content? Any one of these variables can affect your pricing.

No guide book on going rates. Do a quick search online and you’ll find rates for freelance writing work are all over the place. Even well-reputed books include vast margins in their pricing guides. Yes, there are answers to questions like “how much should I charge per word?” in books like those. But it won’t take you long to realize these answers might not apply to your situation.

Custom project needs. Let’s say one client hires you to write a 1,000-word case study. They’ve put together all the information you need—stats, quotes, even a pre-designed template.

Then let’s say another client comes along and wants a blog post of a similar length. But they want you to interview 10 subject matter experts first. Maybe their goal is to turn your post into the basis for a presentation they’ll give next month. Maybe they want you to dig into academia to find fresh, original research you can’t find in the competition’s posts.

Same word count, totally different projects.

You won’t be freelancing long before you realize that no two projects are exactly the same.

Scarcity mindset. Freelance writing is sort of like being on a sailboat—you have to gauge the wind, move with the current, or wait until the tide changes. The uncertainty that comes with it makes it hard to say no to new opportunities when you need the work.

Let’s say you’re looking at a slow month. A new client comes along and offers you half your usual rate.
If you haven’t done any solid work in determining your rates, it can be all too easy to shrug and say, “Hey—I could use the money. Sure, I’ll do it.”

Next thing you know, you’ve made a commitment that can tax you down the line with major opportunity costs.

So how do you approach pricing freelance writing jobs?

How to price freelance writing jobs

The good news is that because writing is highly subjective, there isn’t any right or wrong way to price your services.

However, there are some factors you’ll want to keep in mind, such as:

Market. Does your client pay higher rates because of the market/area they’re based in? It’s perfectly fine to take that into consideration. If you work in a small town, you may still be giving those big-city companies a bargain.

Type of client. Are you working for a major enterprise? They may have a larger budget to employ. The decision-makers are often fine spending it as long as they get quality work in return.

Byline. Having a successful byline can boost your credibility and exposure. If you have to forgo a byline (and miss out on the SEO perks that come with it), charge a higher rate.

ROI. Let’s say you’re doing sales writing. You can ask about a commission model wherein you earn a percentage of the sales generated from the copy. This is commonplace within the direct response industry.

One-off gig vs. ongoing work. A one-off gig actually requires more ancillary work than ongoing clients. Think about it: it requires onboarding, editing, adjustments, and payment reconciliation. With consistent, ongoing clients, you’ll often have your routine down to a science, reducing administrative work. Don’t forget this when you charge someone for a one-off project.

Learn the specifics of pricing (from me!)

There is a lot to get into around this topic, and I don't think a blog post is the best place for me to do a super deep dive with you on it, so I'm inviting you to my Pricing for Freelance Writers coming up on Tuesday, March 23rd at 7:30 pm CST.

This is one of the most requested topics I get from readers, and I've coached more than 60 individuals one-on-one on this very topic.

Many of them have gone on to build thriving freelance writing businesses, some were recruited by Fourtune 500 companies, and others secured five-figures worth of work just weeks after learning these lessons from me.

The cost to attend this workshop is $40.00, and the recording will be available to anyone who signs up (so don't worry if you can't be there during the live event.)

During this session, I'll walk you through:

• Various pricing models and structures you can test out

• Going rates for writing work and places where you can find industry-based data around pricing averages

• Major do's and don'ts when it comes to quoting projects

• Education to provide around your rates (that'll help you communicate your value and get hired)

• Tips for including pricing info on your website

• Raising your rates over time

There will also be time at the end for Q&A, and you'll be able to ask your questions using your webcam since the event is set up so you can see me and your fellow attendees.

​Get your spot here.

Introducing: The Freelance Writing Coach Podcast

I’m super excited to share a new project I've been working on with my friend and fellow freelance writer Emma Siemasko.

What is it, you ask?

It’s the very first season of our new podcast called Freelance Writing Coach!

In each 25-minute episode, we take a deep dive on various topics and provide actionable advice (plus firsthand insights) gleaned from our combined 10+ years of full-time freelancing.

Our hope is that this will be your new go-to podcast for building a freelance writing business.

You can listen to (and binge!) all nine episodes of season one NOW.

Season 1 topics include:

• Why you should think about freelance writing as a BUSINESS

• Our personal schedules & how we juggle our heavy workloads

• How we find new freelance writing clients

• Rates: How to set them, raise them, & fearlessly ask for what you need

• Websites: Stories about our own & advice on what makes a great one

• Dispelling myths about what you HAVE to do as a freelance writer

• Our writing processes: Overcoming the blank page & how we get writing done

• Why companies hate most freelance writers (& how to be likeable)

• How to grow a freelance business

---

Big thanks to our sponsor SelectFew for coming on board and helping bring this podcast to life! SelectFew provides transparent, flexible marketing teams made of pre-vetted freelancers. If you run a business and need help with marketing or if you’re an established freelancer looking to work with new clients, head to SelectFew.co.​

How are Freelance Writers Faring During COVID?

Remember the last time you drove through a rainstorm at night?

The road was dark and winding; thunder booming. You wished you could skip to the part where you were safe and cozy at home, but all you could do was focus on the next few feet in front of you. 

That’s what March 2020 felt like. 

Those of us who freelance were anxious about client work and felt unsure of whether or not our businesses would make it. And we couldn’t skip forward to the good part. We had to keep taking things a day at a time.

I’ve had some questions on how my freelance business is doing during COVID, so I’m here today to shed some light on my personal experience and to spotlight the freelancing industry as a whole during 2020 and beyond.

Let's jump right in.

COVID’s impact on the freelance industry

Starting with a zoomed out view of the freelancing industry as a whole, let's get some context on a larger scale before I get into my own experience as a freelance writer.

I’ve pulled some data to paint a picture of how COVID’s ripple effects have played out within the freelance market.

The rise of the freelance economy

Before COVID, freelancing was already growing as an industry and career path. But now, freelancing is an even bigger piece of the US economy...and it continues to grow.

Data shows that 36% of the workforce now performs freelance work and that the freelance economy contributed $1.2 trillion to the U.S. economy in 2020 — up 22% from that of 2019.

What’s even more surprising: More than two million Americans started freelancing in the past 12 months. That’s a lot of new freelancers.

These new freelancers seem to enjoy this type of work, too: The same study showed 60% of post-COVID freelancers said no amount of money would convince them to go back to a traditional job.

Current job market for freelancers

Maybe you’re wondering: Why would someone hire a freelancer right now? Aren’t companies facing layoffs and budget cuts?

In many ways, the pandemic actually accelerated the need for freelancers.

Instead of hiring full-time employees (and worrying about the added costs like benefits, training, and equipment costs), some companies decided to address their needs with external freelance help.

Payoneer's global survey of freelancers shows:

• 32% say demand has decreased following COVID-19

• 40% described demand as stable or continuing to grow

Plus: The average freelance hourly rate in 2020 was higher than that of 2018.

How has COVID impacted freelance writing?

Now let’s zoom into my realm: Freelance writing.

Like any other type of freelance business, freelance writers saw their fair share of ups and downs in 2020. It’s no secret that news outlets took a big hit. Study Hall, an online media community that offers resources for freelancers, compiled an ongoing list of outlets that have stopped commissioning freelance work, with about 90 media outlets listed so far.

In April, the New York Times estimated that 36,000 workers at news outlets had been laid off or had their positions reduced since the beginning of the outbreak.

Layoffs aren’t the only hurdles COVID presented for freelance writers, either. Writers in Charge published a survey assessing the impact of the pandemic on the freelance writing industry.

Here’s what they discovered:

• Late payments: Some clients are simply refusing to pay 48.8% of freelance writers due to the pandemic.

• Loss of business: 71% of freelance writers have lost business due to COVID-19.

• Project postponement: 58.7% of freelance writers have had projects postponed or cancelled due to COVID-19.

Unpredictable workloads

For some freelance writers, COVID sent workloads on a roller coaster ride. Many clients working with freelancers had to take a moment to regroup and reassess before signing on for more projects.

As budgets tightened, freelance writers like Amy Knightley completely lost their incoming business. “My pipeline froze,” she said. “Companies couldn't bring in a consultant to transform their marketing and business development while considering layoffs.”

For others, the impact was increased uncertainty.

“The biggest impact for me has been unpredictability,” said writer Ashley Cummings. “Usually I know what to expect from clients, but they've been all over the place during COVID.”

As time went on, however, business started to steady for some. All of Phil Paquette's freelance writing clients paused projects in March, but now things are looking up. “The few first months after the pandemic were rough, but I will have my best month ever (in seven years of freelancing) this month,” he said.

Writer Ana Gotter was in a similar boat: “Things picked up around November, and I’m almost back to pre-COVID income levels,” she said.

Moving through uncertainty

Despite these uncertain times, some found that the dramatic turn of events created a perfect opportunity to make the leap and try freelancing full-time.

That’s what marketing consultant Grace Clarke did.

Early on in her professional career, she began investing in her knowledge and expertise. She learned everything she could about different platforms, including TikTok—even though no one was hiring TikTok strategists yet.

“What some called a 'hobby' (and something I couldn’t bill clients for) later became an advantage.”

Investing her time and deepening her knowledge about new platforms helped Grace meet client needs later. And now, her business is booming because of it.

“I hate saying this: The pandemic helped my business take off,” Clarke said. “I was just more ready than some. Without realizing it, I’d been putting in a ton of work to get into a position that allowed me to deliver when my industry shifted.”

Adapting to change ​

Why are some freelance businesses thriving more than others?

The short answer: it depends.

Writer Paula Beaton lost 90% of her clients at the start of the pandemic since most of them were in the travel industry. However, she adapted quickly. “I've diversified a little and have clients across a range of industries now...and I’m busier than I was before COVID hit,” she said.

Some freelancers (self included) found their workload increasing because of clients’ ability to pivot quickly and take a digital-first approach.

Writer Kat Ambrose shared that most (if not all) of her software-as-a-service clients saw an uptick in usage with more people working from home, so they wanted to push content on how people could use their products to do their best work at home.

Freelance writer Kat Boogaard had a similar experience. “A lot of the companies I write for in the productivity and project management spaces were in higher demand than ever with remote work. My business has thrived despite COVID.”

Other companies took advantage of their downtime, hiring freelancers like brand storyteller Amanda Gareis to help with a rebrand or pivot. “2020 was my biggest and busiest year so far,” she said.

Overall: It’s pretty incredible to hear how many businesses were able to flourish during a worldwide pandemic.

My personal experience

I’ve also experienced a busy period despite COVID, which I’m grateful for. 

Back in March, I considered applying for a PPP loan (I ultimately opted not to) and was feeling anxious about the future of my client work. I had no idea if companies would cut freelance support as they got conservative with budgets or if they’d lean into online content creation with events and in-person marketing off the table. 

Thankfully it’s been the latter, and I’ve kept so busy this year that I’ve been getting help with overflow assignments and sending referrals to fellow writers a handful of times each week. I’m so thankful (and sort of shocked) that my annual revenue was up 70% over that of 2019.

Part of the reason: I haven’t been traveling, so I’ve had even more availability than usual to take on new projects.

In my experience, overall, it seems like many teams have leaned into content creation—trying to tap into the captive internet audience while so many of us are at home. 

What’s next? 

I keep thinking about this quote by E.L. Doctorow and how it relates to freelance writing:

“Writing is like driving at night in the fog. You can only see as far as your headlights, but you can make the whole trip that way.” 

We don’t know what 2021 will bring for the world of freelance writing, but we’ll all just keep putting one foot in front of the other, pushing forward into the unknown. Even if it’s at a snail’s pace.

We have to keep going. 



5 Templates Every Freelance Writer Needs

To say that templates are a game-changing element to a freelance writing career is...it’s an understatement.

When I was starting out as a freelance writer, I did things that ended up costing me a lot of time  and money. Instead of doing work that directly translated into income, I spent much of my 50+ hour work weeks composing emails and creating customized proposals for people who hadn’t yet hired me. 

I reasoned that surely all that hard (free!) work would pay off by winning me new clients.

However, more often than not, those meticulously-crafted emails and proposals went...nowhere. This inefficient method of chasing new clients was a surefire path to burnout.

Once I started adding templates to my email writing and proposal-making process, my hamster wheel of a freelance writing career transformed into a real-deal business. I saw my proposal acceptance rate jump from 50% to 80% and my income grow by 284%. 

Even better: I was working fewer hours. I finally could enjoy the freedom and flexibility of freelancing. 

5 Essential Templates for Freelance Writers

Here are the templates that every freelance writer needs to start booking better, higher-paying clients (and more of them.)

1. Client screening questions

It may be tempting to take any work that comes your way when you’re first starting out, but take it from me: you owe it to yourself and your career to be selective on who you work with. 

Once I started being pickier about the freelance writing projects I took on, I saw my rates increase and I earned a reputation as an expert. This also led to more advanced career opportunities like speaking and training.

And it all started when I began screening clients with an intake survey.

A simple intake survey helps you avoid tying up hours of time on back-and-forth emails and in-person meetings with bad-fit prospective clients. 

In the space of four or five general questions, you get important answers that help you determine if the client is a good fit for your services, and if their goals are realistic. Plus, you get a basic understanding of the project scope.

Here are examples of questions I ask on my intake survey:

• What type of copywriting do you need assistance with?

• What are your goals for this copy (in order of importance?)

• Who is your target audience for this copy?

• What type of writing styles do you admire? Provide a few examples.

• What is your projected budget for this project?

Your intake survey can be a form on your website, a quick email, or you can use a questionnaire tool like Typeform. After your prospect answers the survey questions, you can determine if you’d like to weed them out or if you’d like to proceed on an initial call to learn more about their needs.  

2. An onboarding email template

Your onboarding email is a way to set the ground rules for a healthy freelancer-client relationship.  When it comes to freelance writing, there’s going above and beyond for a client, and then there’s bending over backward. 

Going above and beyond is the standard we should all strive for: It means you’re delivering a quality of work that’s even better than what your client expects. But you should never bend over backward. 

When you do, it means you’re not setting reasonable boundaries with your clients. If you don’t set boundaries, you risk the kinds of client management mishaps I made in my early years as a freelance writer, like agreeing to uncomfortably low rates, doing work outside the scope of the project, and getting ghosted by a client before they paid me.

An onboarding email helps you avoid these mishaps and speed up the onboarding process by setting expectations and boundaries early on. 

Here are a few pieces my onboarding email template includes:

• A description of the writing process: What the client can expect in terms of outlines, drafts, and revisions, where they can share feedback, and typical turnaround times.

• Rates: For blog writing, I share my rates based on word count. Some other freelancers provide a starting rate depending on the complexity of the project. The point is to give new clients an idea of what you charge so they can determine if they can afford your services. Not sure what to charge? Check out this freelance writer rates survey from Ashley Cummings.

• Payment process: The details of deposits and invoicing. The earlier you establish this upfront, the faster you can get paid. 

I send my onboarding email just after an initial consultation with a new client before I put together a more detailed proposal. 

3. A proposal template

Speaking of proposals, I’m going to let you in on a secret: by the time you’ve screened them and had your initial call and sent them your onboarding email, your client just wants to know what you can do for them and how much it will cost. 

Yes, it’s nice to wrap it all up in a visually appealing package, and with document-creation tools like Xtensio you can, but the last thing your client wants is a wordy sales pitch. Just give them the goods.

Here are a few sections I include in every proposal:

• Introduction: A quick note summing up my experience and track record, plus a relevant customer testimonial.

• The problem: A summary of the problem the client has articulated to me, and how it has impacted them.

• The solution: A summary of my recommendations, including how my services will help them overcome their obstacles. 

• Rates-:An itemized list of my rates for the proposed service. 

4. A writing brief template

Once you win that dream client with your stellar proposal, you can sit back and relax and wait for writing assignments, right? WRONG!

I’ve had clients who are excellent at giving me specific instructions on what they expect out of my writing in terms of style, voice, tone, and format of deliverables. 

And then there are the other 99%.

Most freelance writing clients are at a loss when it comes to what they want you to write for them. No surprise there; they aren’t writers. If your client can’t articulate their expectations for a writing project, it will lead to endless revision rounds when you deliver the draft. The more changes they have to make on the back end, the less likely they are to hire you for future projects or refer you to other clients. 

Make your client’s job easier (and give yourself less heartache) by providing them with a writing brief they can use every time they have a new assignment for you. It will gather all the details you need to be successful. 

Here are a few things I include in my client writing briefs:

• Title- A working or suggested title (along with a few other options)

• Due date- When the client needs a finalized version

• The objective of the piece- Overall goals this piece should accomplish

• Target audience- Who will be reading the piece

• Target word count- How long it should be

5. A follow-up email template

Everyone has freelancing dry spells, but yours can be few and far between with a quick little follow-up email to past clients. You have an untapped pool of freelancing work just sitting in your contact list. All you have to do is say “hi.” 

Even if your previous client doesn’t have work for you at the moment, sending a follow-up email helps you stay top of mind once there is a project. Plus, past clients have a wonderful (and profitable) tendency to send referrals your way. 

Most of my clients now come to me via referral. In fact, my five-sentence follow-up email template has earned me more top-notch freelance writing work than my painstakingly-crafted proposals ever did. 

Here’s how I approach following up with clients:

• Set a reminder to email a past client. Once I’ve wrapped up a project with a client, I go to the last email they sent me and create a reminder in Zoho (my email provider) to ping me with an alert in 5-6 weeks. Gmail also has a reminder tool. 

• Paste and customize the follow-up email template. Well, this is easy. When it’s time to follow-up, I copy, paste, and send. Referral-bait: set. 

• Another option: use an email scheduling tool. If you’re cool with paying a small monthly fee, you can use a tool like MixMax. Load any email templates you want and it will populate your contact’s name into the personalization fields. You can also schedule when to send individual emails or build and schedule an email sequence. 

As for what to include in the email template, here’s a hint:

• Say “hi.” Because, duh.

• Say thank you. Because they’ve helped me/my business grow, I enjoyed working with them, etc.

• Ask what they’re up to. Because they may have a project I can help with.

• Offer help. Because they may need some.

• Ask for a referral. Because they may have a friend in the industry who needs a writer like me.

• Ask for feedback. Because if they loved working with me, their feedback can act as a testimonial to help win new work. And if there’s something I could have done better, I need to know so I can fix it or learn from the mistake.

Templates are a smarter way to run your freelance writing business

When I started templatizing my emails and proposals, I felt a mixture of delight and guilt. I was delighted because the simplified approach was saving me loads of time while winning me higher-paying deals. But I felt a bit guilty because, well, shouldn’t I be working harder to win such high-paying deals.

However, once I embraced the fact that I was reaping the rewards of working smarter, that guilt vanished. I started to look for other time-consuming processes I could templatize and automate...and each time I find a new way to work smarter, it pays off. 

Start working smarter today. Learn more about my Freelance Writer Template bundle to start winning back precious time and winning the confidence of your current and future clients.

Live Sessions + Teaching Writing Lessons via Crowdcast

Over the past few months, I’ve been experimenting with teaching writing lessons in a live format via Crowdcast.

So far I’ve done four live (paid) sessions that average about 10-15 people each as well as one free Q&A session (which had almost 100 attendees.)

So why have I been doing these? A few reasons:

1. I like the opportunity to practice teaching on video.

   With a full course in the works, I wanted to get some practice in speaking and teaching lessons on camera and studying the footage to spot areas for improvement. It’s alarmingly easy to pick apart every little thing I do that is weird or could be better, so I’ve had plenty of fodder for analysis when I watch the recordings.

2. Because it’s live, it keeps me sharp.

   You really have to stay on your toes when teaching in real time. It’s tricky sometimes not to stumble or lose my train of thought, but practicing is making it easier. I do plenty of pre-event prep, make lots of notes, and use my slides to guide the lesson. I think my favorite part though is when I get to chat with attendees and answer questions. Speaking of…

3. I like being able to answer questions from attendees in real time.

   I can’t always know everything my session attendees want covered when I teach on a specific topic, so it’s great to be able to open up the floor for questions at the end so we can go over anything that wasn’t addressed or that they’re still curious about. This is also great insight for improving future events.

So what are some of the writing topics I’ve been teaching on so far?

1. Writing product page copy that sells

This topic felt especially relevant, as with everything happening around the coronavirus pandemic, retail has been rapidly shifting online. 43% of ecommerce merchants report increasing sales in recent months according to studies, and in some cases, it's like Black Friday every day. That's great news, but it also means there's more competition online than ever before.

So how do they stand out? An easy place to start is to step up the copy on product pages. And who better to teach folks how to do that than a writer who's been working in the ecommerce/retail industry for seven years? (Hey, that's me!)

This session was aimed at providing practical, actionable insights needed to upgrade product page descriptions to not only convert more sales, but also cut down on returns, to help shoppers find answers to key questions, and to help retailers *wow* visitors with a unique writing voice.

The pricing strategy: The ticket price for this session was set so that attendees could easily recoup the cost of the investment with just a few sales ($99).

(Psst—even though this event took place on June 30th, there are still a few spots available to get the material—and buying the $99 ticket will provide access to the full recording OR you can get just the slides for $65.)

2. Writing your About Page

People feel weird and gross writing about themselves. I get it. Writing an About page for your website is no easy task, but getting it right is extremely important:

• This is often one of the first places you'll make an impression on someone looking to learn more about you (52% of site visitors look for an About page, in fact.)

• It sends free organic traffic to your site (it’s often one of the first things people find when they search for you.)

• It’s a place where you can grow your email list.

• It’s one of the few places you can talk all about yourself without sounding like a total narcissist.

Lots of people expressed interest in more detail around how to do this well after I wrote this post, so this live session went deeper into some of the major dos and don'ts, offered up tips for writing a stellar About page, and reverse engineered some A+ examples.

The pricing strategy: It can be super expensive to hire a pro copywriter to build out this page for a website, so I wanted to offer a more affordable DIY option and priced the session at just $75.

(Again, this session still has just a couple of spots available for purchase where you can get access to the full recording.)

3. Writing to drive sales

I’ve written extensively on these topics over the past seven years, so this was a more general writing lesson wherein writers of all skill levels could learn how to leverage science and psychology to write in a way that drives conversions and sales.

We covered a few key topics:

1. WHY people buy

2. Leveraging emotions

3. Using persuasion/building trust

4. Scarcity

5. Classical sales copywriting formulas

6. Basic best practices

The pricing strategy: I tried something different with this one and offered two different pricing tiers:

• $199 for live training + a personalized feedback on a piece of your choosing OR

• $99.50 (50% of full price) for live training only, no feedback (code EVENTONLY)

Most people went the 50% off route. I left 15 spots open for this one in case there was anyone who wanted this info after the fact—access is here. (Coupon code is still good, and the feedback offer stands!)

4. Pitch class

Pitch Class was a session I did not once, but TWICE, where writers, journalists, and marketers could learn how to craft a compelling pitch for clients, reporters, and guest posts.

We went over:

1. How to come up with relevant story ideas for pitches

2. Nuts and bolts of crafting a strong pitch

3. Finding and connecting with the right people

4. How and when to follow up

5. General pitching best practices

6. Advice from established writers and editors

The pricing strategy: Again, I went with the tiered offering:

• $199 for live training + a personalized pitch critique OR

• $99.50 (50% of full price) for live training only, no critique (code EVENTONLY)

A lot more people were interested in the feedback for this one.

I left quite a few spots open for this one as well, as the material is evergreen. (Coupon code is still good, and the feedback offer stands for this, too!) You can also just get the slides for $65.

What would you like me to teach next?

I always want feedback on what writing lessons would be most helpful/relevant from my audience, so please let me know if there’s a topic you want me to cover in my next live session (coming late July 2020.)

Want more insights on writing? Sign up and get them sent right to your inbox every other Wednesday.

How Does Freelance Writing Work?

Remember that feeling you had as a teenager the first time you slid behind the steering wheel of your parents’ car? 

You get in, fire it up, and grab the wheel with a white-knuckle-death-grip as you jerk your way around an empty high school parking lot.

You’ve watched other people drive for years — they make it look so easy — but knowing that the brake is on the left and the gas is on the right doesn’t make you an instant Dale Earnhardt. 

You have to figure out how the car works when you’re in control before you’ll feel comfortable in the driver seat. 

Becoming a freelance writer is a lot like learning to drive a car. 

You see other freelance writers making it look easy, but you’re still trying to figure out how to get started. You also have to answer questions like:

• What do you do? 

• Who do you do it for? 

• How do you make money? 

Before you can drive, you need to understand the basics of how freelance writing works, so let’s break it down together.

What is freelance writing?

Freelance writing is the business of writing for other people as a self-employed person. You don’t have to commit to one company as a W-2 employee, and you’re free to take on as much or as little work as you want. 

Image via FlexJobs

As a freelance writer, you have a lot of options for what you can write and who you can write for. It’s an amazingly broad profession that you can mold to fit what you’re great at and love to do. 

People will hire a freelancer to write:

• Blog posts

• Website copy

• Landing pages and sales letters

• Advertising copy

• Social media posts

• Magazine articles 

• News reports

• White papers

• Ebooks

• Case studies

• Scripts for video or radio

• Business plans and reports

• Product descriptions

• User manuals

• Company newsletters

• Marketing and sales emails

• Press releases and media kits

You have a lot to choose from work-wise as a freelance writer, but don’t let the list overwhelm you. Choose a few options that you know you can knock out of the park and offer those services to people who need help. 

Why do people hire freelance writers?

Now, you’re probably wondering why someone would even hire a freelance writer — why not either do it themselves or hire someone full time to take care of everything? 

As a freelance writer, you’re offering your clients four things: expertise, flexibility, money and time — all of which make hiring a freelancer a great deal. 

But what do these four things actually look like?

1. Expertise

When a company needs some writing done, they need a double expert — someone who both knows the subject and can masterfully write about it. 

Sure, they may have plenty of people on staff that know what they do like the back of their hands, but most of them aren’t expert writers. Plus, it would take them away from their current responsibilities. 

Instead, the people in charge can hire a freelance writer who’s already a double expert to write anything they need.  

2. Flexibility

You’ve heard the phrase “Jack of all trades, master of none,” right? 

It’s basically impossible for a company to find a writer who can handle all of their writing needs — from emails to blog posts to website copy to instructional guides — with the same level of expertise. 

Chances are, they’ll be great at one or two things and just average at everything else. 

Instead, they can hire different freelancers who specialize in each type of writing, giving companies greater flexibility to match the perfect person to each individual project. 

3. Money

Hiring a full-time staff member to write for a company is expensive. 

A new salary, training, equipment and technology, insurance costs, retirement plans and other benefits for a full-time writer will add up in a hurry. 

Instead, they can hire a freelancer to work only when it’s needed. Even freelancers with the highest rates save companies a ton of money by getting rid of all those other costs that come with hiring a full-time person.

4. Time

People are busy, especially those making big decisions for a company. They don’t have time to write something themselves and can’t sacrifice someone else’s time within the company to do it. (they’re busy too, after all.)

But they can hire a freelance writer. They only have to invest a little time getting the freelancer up to speed and checking their work so they can worry about their biggest responsibilities. 

Finding freelance writing clients

You have to find work if you want to live and love the freelance writing life. 

That work comes through relationships — with both people you want to work for and other freelancers. 

Building these relationships will help you figure out what people need. Be observant. What kinds of writing do they struggle with? Where can you help them? 

As you observe and learn, you can pitch your work. Every pitch should show the client what’s in it for them — how can you make their life easier and business better?

Once you have some work under your belt, you can also ask for referrals.

If you’ve made your past clients happy, you can see if they know anyone else who could benefit from your services. Also, if you’ve built relationships with other freelancers, you can see if anyone has overflow work or any leads that they can pass off to you. 

I recently wrote about different ways to find freelance writing clients if you want to dive even deeper into it.

Getting paid for your freelance writing work

Putting words on the page for people is only half the battle to becoming a freelance writer. You have to put money in the bank if you want to make a career out of it. 

Image via FlexJobs

You’ll need to be able to send and track invoices to clients and make sure you get paid. There are some great options out there that make it easy and keep your fees low while allowing clients to pay safely (and quickly!) via credit card. You should check out options like:

• PayPal

• Wave (this is the one I primarily use)

• QuickBooks

• FreshBooks

I will say, though: Figuring out when you get paid is a bigger conversation. 

I know it can be intimidating when you’re new to freelance writing to ask for payment up front, but that should be your goal. You need money to live, and waiting for several weeks to get paid for work that you’ve already done will cause a lot of anxiety. I’m very anti-Net30 because I believe that writers should be paid when the final product is delivered, and also always require a 50% deposit before work begins.

Before you start a project, discuss when and how you’ll get paid with your client and be clear about your process so you can avoid any uncomfortable money conversations with them later.

Putting your name out there

You’ll burn out fast if you have to start from scratch after every freelance writing project. 

Instead, start establishing your expertise and building your reputation as a freelance writer.

Social media is your best friend here. Chat with other freelancers on Twitter. Share your thoughts and articles that you’ve written on LinkedIn. If you build your relationships, work will eventually come trotting into your DMs and email. 

Wrapping up

You can read about how freelance writing works all day long, but you won’t really get the hang of it until you jump behind the wheel and start practicing. 

It might be rough at first, but as you build your relationships and learn how to show clients that you can make their lives easier, you’ll be on the right track to becoming a freelance writer who is in it for the long haul.

Want more insights on freelance writing? Sign up and get them sent right to your inbox every other Wednesday.

How to Become a Freelance Writer

If you’re researching jobs that let you escape the office and be your own boss, being a freelance writer probably tops most lists you’ll find online.

You can work wherever you want (as long as you have an internet connection), whenever you want (please sleep from time to time), and for whoever you want (assuming they want to work with you, too). 

But what does a freelance writer do, exactly? And how do you become one?

There’s a lot more to it than waking up in the morning, pounding on your keyboard for a few hours and then calling it a day. I want to give you a behind-the-scenes look at the life of a freelance writer to help you decide if it’s the right path for you.

A freelance writer wears many hats

Think about the last time you got hired for a “normal” job.

The company gave you a job description with all of your responsibilities for your new role. They were probably pretty limited — you do your work, other people do their work, and life’s good for everyone involved. Different people (or teams of people) take care of human resources, billing, sales, production and everything else it takes to run a business. 

As a freelance writer, you have to wear all of those hats. You’re running a business but don’t have a bunch of other people to take care of all the business-y tasks.

Writing for clients is only a portion of what a freelance writer does (and a pretty small portion, too). In fact, Clockify’s report on how freelancers spend their time shows that 75% of freelancers spend 20 hours or less on billable work every week. 

A freelance writer has to market their business, send invoices to clients, keep track of their finances and so much more (all while also writing for their clients.)

If you decide to jump into the freelance writing life, you should be prepared to have two bosses with very different needs and expectations — your clients and yourself. 

The work you do for freelance writing clients

Writing for clients is the bread and butter of what a freelance writer does. Client work pays the bills and will (hopefully) take the majority of your time at work. 

But what does that work look like? If you’re new, “writing for clients” probably seems gray and ambiguous. Hopefully I can make it a little more clear by showing you who these “clients” might be and what they’ll pay you to write for them.

Who hires a freelance writer? 

Businesses hire freelancers because they don’t have the time, resources, or expertise to do the necessary writing work themselves. 

Words are an important part of every business, especially now that most everything lives online. From blog posts and website copy to social media and instruction manuals — it takes a lot of words to make sure people know what a company does and who they do it for. 

But writing’s tough: For many people, it’s both a bore and a chore, distracting them from other aspects of their businesses. It’s much easier for a business to pay someone to do all that writing instead of doing it themselves. Outsourcing is an easy way to scale up operations.

Hiring a full-time writer is expensive and often unnecessary for most companies, but a freelance writer can provide writing expertise on a project-by-project basis. It’s a win-win most of the time — other people at the company don’t have to use their time writing less-than-stellar content and the freelance writer gets paid to write (while still keeping their freedom to work with other people as well. )

What does a freelance writer do for clients? 

Freelance writing comes in all shapes and sizes. Clients could hire you to write anything from a 100,000-word memoir to a 100-character tweet.

ClearVoice, a platform connecting brands with freelancers, points out 10 different types of freelance writing that their customers pay for. This list isn’t exhaustive, but it’s a great place to start:

• Blog writing — creating insightful and helpful articles and blog posts to help the client’s website get more traffic. 

• Brand journalism — sharing stories about the client to help make them look good through press releases, customer testimonials and brand stories.

• Copywriting — writing words that incite a response. Copywriting is an extremely broad discipline and could include anything from website copy and infographics to billboards and magazine ads to product descriptions and sales pages. 

• Ghostwriting — writing under someone else’s name to share their expertise and build their credibility with thought-leadership articles, white papers, books and ebooks. 

• Technical writing — creating technical materials like how-tos, guides and instruction manuals.

• Social media writing — building relationships with people on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and other social media platforms.

• Email writing — connecting with a client’s email subscribers with newsletters, automated campaigns, thank you messages and other types of email. 

• Scriptwriting — penning the dialogue for Youtube videos, podcasts, explainers and other kinds of audio and video content.

• Long-form content writing — compiling a lot of information into ebooks, white papers, case studies and ultimate guides.

The work you do for yourself as a freelance writer

You don’t hear much about the business side of freelance writing. It’s further away from the money and a lot less fun, so often times people don’t talk about it. 

But these tasks, while much less sexy than getting to paid to write for clients, will make or break your work as a freelance writer. 

Marketing

Because freelance writers work on projects, clients come and go pretty quickly. You need a constant stream of new work to make sure you don’t have to resort to eating cup-o-noodles for every meal because you don’t have any clients.

It’s every freelancer’s dream to have all-star clients sliding into your email inbox begging you to work for them, but I’ve got some bad news — it’s not going to happen (at least, not at first). 

You’ll have to do some leg work to get your name out there and show people what you can do for them. Payoneer’s Freelance Income Report shows that 59% of the freelance writers they interviewed spend more than three hours every week promoting their businesses.

59% of the freelance writers Payoneer interviewed spend 3+ hours every week promoting their businesses.

Finance

While dealing with taxes, billing and expenses aren’t the most thrilling taks of freelance life, you still have to get them done. 

As a freelancer, you’ll have to track every dollar you make and spend on your business. You can always track everything in a spreadsheet, but a small business tool like Quickbooks, FreshBooks or Wave will help you keep your finances organized without taking too much of your attention away from writing.

Networking

A recent study found that 64% of freelancers in the UK felt lonely because of their work. When you’re used to being an office around people all day, it can be tough to build relationships and avoid loneliness and burn out as a freelance writer.

You probably roll your eyes at the thought of networking. 

But it doesn’t just mean going to some networking event and walking around awkwardly handing out business cards to people sipping cheap wine. 

Networking is about building relationships. Yes, you’ll connect with potential clients, but connecting with other freelancers is just as important. You can support and bounce ideas off each other and even send referrals back and forth if you come across work that isn’t quite in your wheelhouse. 

Being a freelance writer is all about balance 

Freelance writers do everything any other business does. The freelance life is a delicate balance that you’ll have to work hard to keep in check. It’s very easy to get sucked into working all day every day and never knowing when to push the off switch. 

If you decide to become a freelance writer, you have to be a master of priorities and organization. If you can find the balance between working for clients and working to keep your business moving forward, you’ll be on your way to a successful life as a freelance writer.

Want more insights on freelance writing? Sign up and get them sent right to your inbox every other Wednesday.

Ways to Find Freelance Writing Jobs

When you’re just starting out as a freelance writer, it’s tempting to use job boards like Upwork to try and find work.

I have two words of advice: DO NOT. 

Before you burn yourself out vying for low-paying gigs and shady clients with thousands of other freelancers, take a breath. 

Ask yourself: if you were your dream client, who would you rather hire:

• A person who you know nothing about beyond a form they completed on a freelancer marketplace?

• Or a trusted member of your professional community? 

Over my freelance writing career, I’ve learned that the best way to get new client work is NOT hunting for gigs on low-paying job boards or spamming strangers with desperate cold pitches. 

Finding great freelance writing jobs is an ongoing cycle powered by relationships. 

Let’s call this process “The Freelance Flywheel.”

The freelancing flywheel is a sustainable way to find freelance writing jobs

Here’s how it works.

Phase 1: Learning 

The learning process is ongoing for any freelance writer. I’ve created some digital resources to help you keep your skills sharp.

As you master the basics of your craft, you’ll start to specialize in types of freelance writing or writing for a specific client, and you’ll need to hone your skills – not only as a writer but also as a business owner. 

Here are some of the top resources for building a successful freelance writing business.

In addition to adding to your knowledge base, learning gives you more access to communities of other freelance writers, prospective clients, and thought leaders in your industry.

This brings me to the next (and super important) dimension of the Freelance Flywheel...

Phase 2: Growing Your Network

A freelance writer (or any professional, for that matter) is nothing without a growing network of peers and clients. As you build your network, you’ll not only discover more opportunities for work, you’ll also discover what kind of work you don’t want to do (and the kinds of clients you want to avoid). 

What are some ways to grow my network as a freelance writer?

First, focus on meeting other freelance writers. It’s important to have a network of people who not only understand what it is you do, but that act as your sounding board, that can help you troubleshoot, that you can vent to and that you can celebrate with.

Bonus: They can be incredible referral sources and may even hire you themselves.

Here are some online groups that are major social hubs for the freelance writing world:

Freelance Writing Facebook Groups

• The Copywriter Club Facebook Group

• Being Freelance

• Copywriter Café

Slack Groups for Freelance Writers

• Content Marketer Career Growth

• Digital Journalism Rocks

• Online Geniuses

Private Communities for Freelance Writers

• Peak Freelance

Once you join these groups, the best thing to do is listen, learn, ask questions, and leave thoughtful comments. Participation is essential. As you engage with your network, you’ll discover more resources writers use for finding clients, including industry-specific Slack groups, events, and other communities (even some that are private or invite-only.)

Attend/speak at events with your target audience

Interacting with other professionals in a live setting leaves a lasting impression. You can make new relationships face to face, and if you speak, you get the undivided attention of your audience.

While live events for freelance writers are wonderful ways to connect with your peers, I recommend you research the events your target audience attends, as this will be the most relevant and profitable use of your time. If there are particular companies you want to work with or people you’re hoping to connect with in real life, go to the conferences they’re going to.

What if I don’t know who my target audience is?

Plenty of freelance writers (including yours truly) start as generalists. They take any project or client that comes along to have the income and to build up their portfolios.

But if you plan on making a full-time career out of freelance work (ahem: earning MONEY), it’s important to figure out what type of writing you like and who you like to do it for. And the sooner you specialize, the better off you’ll be. 

Phase 3: Cultivating Your Relationships

So you’ve developed some skills and connected with some like-minded folks in the freelance writing world. Now what? 

Now it’s time to become invaluable to your community of colleagues and clients. 

• Create a reminder in your calendar (or inbox) to check in with clients or colleagues you haven’t heard from in a while (I try to do this every 4-6 weeks)

• Follow the social media accounts of your dream clients (not the brands, but rather the person working at those brands you want to hire you) as well as editors of publications you’d like to write for

• Help share and promote content created by fellow freelancers, target clients, and publications you want to write for

• Answer questions and offer encouragement within your online communities

• Make introductions and help fellow freelance writers with other specialties connect with potential clients

Which brings us to the final and most fruitful stage of the Freelance Flywheel...

Phase 4: Seeking Out Work

This is the part of the process that strikes fear into the hearts of creative individuals. But fear not: you can get freelance writing work without turning into a sleazy, sales-pitching spambot. 

The good news: if you’ve accomplished Phases 1 - 3, there’s a very good chance you’ll be able to get work without having to spend your days sending out cold emails to sell your services. 

The bad news: you’re still going to have to pitch for some work, but I’m going to make it easier for you.

More on that in a minute.

How do I get freelance writing work without pitching?

If you’ve developed a strong network and actively add value to your community, be prepared: new client opportunities will literally land in your DMs and inbox. 

All you have to do is ask.

Don’t believe me? Take a look at what a panel of freelance writers said when I asked them to list their top three sources of new client work:

89% of freelance writers get work through client referrals (and say it’s the best way to get qualified gigs.)

Asking for referrals from previous freelance writing clients

Of all the ways to get new clients, asking previous clients for referrals ranked at number one by a landslide.

“Referrals need very little convincing to sign on.They have a baseline trust in your work and character. That means fewer long proposals, less back and forth, and a better starting relationship.” -Freelance writer Laura Bosco

How to ask for referrals from existing/previous freelance writing clients

Don’t be shy: if you’re confident that you’ve done a great job for a client and enjoyed working with them, let them know you’re looking for more projects with companies like theirs.

A referral request should be part of your exit process with clients after your project wraps up. It can be as simple as emailing a line that says, “If you know anyone else who needs this type of work, please send them my way as I’m taking on new clients right now.”

Asking for leads and referrals from other freelance writers

Over half of the freelance writers surveyed said online groups were their go-to source for getting work, and a healthy percentage agreed that asking other freelancers for work is key. 

• Most online groups discourage self-promotion but have assigned channels and threads exclusively for letting folks know you’re available for work. Be sure to detail what type of client you enjoy working with and your writing specialty.

• Many online professional groups have “hiring” posts or posts where people are looking for recommendations for freelancers. This is not only a great opportunity to follow up via DM, but it’s a way to build relationships by recommending colleagues (they’ll remember and return the favor).

• Don’t be too shy to ask for introductions: if you see that a friend is writing for a dream publication, see if they’d be willing to connect you with their editor (and thank them if they do! I like to send a little thank you package or send a gift card to incentivize them to do it again.)

Pitching publications and blogs

As a writer, it’s essential to demonstrate your expertise, and there’s no better way to show off your writing chops than to write for a publication. But not all blogs are alike, and the quality of work can vary depending on the source of the lead. Let’s get into this a bit more.

Large publications

Getting a byline in a big-name publication like Forbes, Harvard Business Review, Fast Company, or New York Times will add authority to your personal brand (read: they’ll help you charge higher rates). Plus: You’ll reach larger audiences (and give your relatives bragging rights.)

That said, be warned: since many readers of these big guys aren’t necessarily your target client, the quality of traffic referred to your site from large publication posts is likely spotty at best. What’s more: Many large publishers don’t pay for guest contributor posts (if they do, it’s not often high-dollar work), and there are often no guarantees that your piece will be published. 

That said, is getting published in a major publication ultimately worth the work required? 

As with most things, the answer is: It depends. In my case, it’s been helpful: I’ve built part of my career off retail reporting for Vogue, Adweek, Forbes, and others.

How do I pitch ideas to major publications?

I bet you’ll guess what I’m about to say. Build relationships.

• Use those networking skills you developed in Phase 2 and Phase 3 to get friendly with editors at your favorite publications. 

• Twitter is your friend: my tweeting has led to some cool opportunities; it’s helped me get a foot in the door with new writing gigs, it’s linked me up with editors at publications I want to write for, and it’s helped me meet fellow writers who have become my internet (and real-life!) friends

• Pitch frequently and fearlessly: take a page out of Aaron Orendorff’s book and use the mantra “Let’s get rejected.” 

Pitching niche/industry blogs

Other than asking for referrals, my best client work has found me through the posts I’ve written for eCommerce and SaaS blogs. These specialty websites attract audiences that are actively in need of my services. Plus, getting featured on these blogs with links to my website has boosted my SEO authority, which helped me reach top ranking on search engine queries for “freelance writers for SaaS” and “freelance writers for eCommerce.”

Pitching reputable agencies and established freelance writers

Working for a copy chief or a more experienced freelance writer can be an apprenticeship. It helps them with overflow projects and lets you see inside their processes so you can get guidance from a pro. Don’t be afraid to reach out to someone doing what you want to do and see if they’d be willing to explore this arrangement with you.

Another option: Leverage a matching platform.

Platforms like SelectFew and Marketerhire empower freelance writers to get matched with quality clients. They’re always looking for talented and knowledgeable writers to pair with clients from startups to Fortune 500 companies. You do have to go through a vetting process, but if you’re burnt out pitching clients, this can help alleviate some of that legwork.

Pitching your dream clients on LinkedIn

LinkedIn is more than a job-hunting site for corporate employees. You can use the platform to showcase your expertise and get freelance writing clients. 

• Leverage your network and see if your clients or colleagues are connected with decision-makers at your dream client companies. If so, ask for an intro or send a connection invite mentioning your mutual connection.

• A great LinkedIn profile goes a long way: use a title that matches keywords that your dream clients are looking for, collect recommendations and endorsements, polish up your bio, and comment on prospects' posts. Leave thoughtful comments to make a deeper impression.

• Keep in mind that LinkedIn pitch fatigue is real - Messaging someone with no connections can be intrusive, so be sure to ask for an intro from a connection you share. If there are no connections, follow them and engage with their posts.

Set Goals, Get More Freelance Writing Jobs

As you work on ideal finding freelance writing jobs, set some goals that’ll help you stay on track and make consistent progress toward finding better, more quality freelance writing work. If you need some ideas, consider the following:

• Focusing on 2-3 of the above methods to acquire new clients for 90 days

• Switching up your strategy and experimenting with some of the other methods 

• Be consistent: make time in your schedule exclusively for new client acquisition at least 2x per month

• Make “theme days”: focus on one type of activity (i.e. Facebook Group Friday, Pitch-Writing Wednesday, Client Work Tuesday) for each workday. 

• Make cultivating relationships your number one priority. 

• Create a reminder in your calendar to check in with clients or colleagues you haven’t heard from in a while every 4-8 weeks.

“When starting out, at LEAST half of your time should be spent building your pipeline. When you’re a freelance writer, your main job is booking meetings with qualified prospects, NOT writing.”

— Freelance writer Anthony Sills

Will any of this happen overnight? Nope, of course not. But if you put in the work, you’ll be on the right path.

Want more insights on freelance writing? Sign up and get them sent right to your inbox every other Wednesday.

What does a freelance writer do?

This piece is a guest post from Ashley R. Cummings, a professional freelance writer specializing in SaaS, advertising/marketing, and e-commerce. Previously, she was a Russian teacher at Brigham Young University, a corporate trainer, and a grad student—all at the same time. When she’s not writing, you can find her traveling the world with her family and friends. Connect with her on Twitter and LinkedIn.

---

Have you seen Avenue Q? You know, the Broadway puppet musical where Princeton graduates from college, enters the stage distraught, and rhetorically asks what he should do with his BA in English? 

Then, the whole audience laughs hysterically.

It's funny to laugh at people that majored in English (ahem...me), but there is also a killer answer to that question. 

You should become a freelance writer, be your own boss, and make way more money than all the audience members laughing at poor Princeton.

If you’ve been tossing around the idea of becoming a freelance writer (even if you didn’t major in English), you’ve probably asked yourself this question: “What exactly does a freelance writer do?”

Let’s talk about it.

What does a freelance writer do?

Freelance writers work as independent contractors for various organizations that need help with outsourced writing. This can include writing such as:

• Blog and articles

• White papers

• Ebooks

• Guides

• Website copy, sales/landing pages

• Email sequences

• Ad copy

• Infographic copy

• Video scripts

Some freelance writers focus on providing a couple of these services, while others tackle them all. My personal advice is to focus on one or two of these types of writing, instead of being an inch-deep and mile-wide type of writer.

Now that we’ve discussed the surface of what freelance writers do, let’s talk about how they do it.

What successful freelance writers do to grow their businesses

1. Freelance writers build a website.

When people ask me how to get started with freelance writing, the first thing I tell them to do is to create a website. Here are the top reasons you need a website.

Clients search for freelance writers online 

When someone needs a copywriter, they ain’t gonna pull out the yellow pages. Okay, that’s a thousand-year-old reference, but you get where I’m going. When professionals want to hire a niche copywriter, they go straight to Google.

Don’t believe it? 81% of people search for products and services online, according to a 2020 Smart Insights report.

If you’re a health and wellness writer, and your dream client enters “hire a health & wellness copywriter” into Google, you want your website to show up. If you don’t have a website, then...well, I’ll let you do the math.

Freelance writer Jessica Baltzersen’s freelance writing website spotlights her specialization on the home page.

Your website is your freelance writing portfolio

Your clients typically won't care how long you’ve been writing or where you went to college. They just wanna know whether or not you can put a string of sentences together. 

Your website is the perfect place to show off who you are and what you can do. Include writing samples and feel free to casually name drop those impressive publications that scream “hire me."

Your website gives you credibility

Let me tell you a sad story about my mid-career crisis. I spent nine years building a pretty awesome freelance writing website, published a ton of helpful training content, and had robust links to my work on impressive publications. Then, I decided to buy the proverbial Ferrari and reinvent my career self. So, I got rid of any evidence of the old me and deleted my website. Big mistake.

My website was only down for a month or two, but the results were not great. During those two months, I had a difficult time landing clients. Why? Because clients couldn’t internet stalk me and find out how cool I was.

Long story short: As soon as I relaunched my website, I started landing new clients again. Imagine that.

(Squarespace is a great option if you’re not sure what to build your website on.)

2. Freelance Writers Network

I know I just told you that clients will find you through your website, and they will. But, the majority of your work will come from referrals.

Here are the top ways to build your professional network:

• Go to events and expos. Check out local business expos within your niche. Grab a handful of business cards, and go chat with business leaders in your industry. I have landed a lot of clients this way and made many friends.

• Use social media. Connecting with other writers, editors, and industry leaders on social media will help you land writing gigs. I personally have experienced the most success with LinkedIn, but that’s where I network the most often. Engaging on Twitter is another way to connect with like-minded individuals and find jobs. 

• Join some online communities. There are a ton of awesome Facebook, LinkedIn, and Slack communities for writers. Here are my favs: The Copywriter Club, Female Freelance Writers, and Advertising Copywriters.

• Check out Slack groups. The most useful Slack groups for me personally are local freelance, marketing, and SaaS groups. I work in Salt Lake City, so I’m part of a Silicon Slopes group and a content marketer group for people in SLC.

My last bit of advice is to set up a coffee date with someone that does what you do. You already have your job and/or industry in common, met up to see what else you have in common.

3. Freelancers Write For People & Algorithms

Writing pieces for internet publication is tricky at first. Why? Because you have to throw nearly everything you previously learned about writing out the window, and adopt a new writing structure.

Let’s do a quick exercise. Think about how you search for information online. You probably pull out your phone, enter a keyword into Google, click on one of the first few search results, and skim the content until you find what you need. 

People searching for info online aren’t settling down with a cup of tea for a good read. They are trying to find the most relevant information as quickly as possible. Excellent freelance writers write for scanners. This means:

• Cutting out the fluff

• Writing short sentences and paragraphs

• Getting straight to the point

• Putting the most important info first

• Breaking up your content with headlines and subheadings

• Writing at an 8th-grade reading level

• Using bullet points and numbered lists

Here are some helpful online editing tools: Hemingway Editor and Grammarly.

You also have to learn how to write for Google’s algorithms. 

This means optimizing your on-page content with relevant keywords so that Google’s algorithms can understand your content and rank it in the search results appropriately. 

The higher you can get your article to rank for relevant keywords, the more traffic your post will attract. Stats show the number one position in Google captures 33% of the traffic. Holy cow, Batman!

Learning to optimize your content is an involved process. Refer to this guide for help.

4. Freelance Writers Keep Learning

The best qualities of successful freelance writers are determination and a willingness to keep learning.

When you start out freelance writing, you’ll need to learn:

• How to start an independent business

• How to build a website

• What to include in your portfolio

• How much to charge

• How to pitch

• Where to find good freelance writing clients

• How to network

• Where to market your services

• Best practices for writing different types of content

• And so much more!

The good news is you don’t have to know everything to get started. You can take things one step at a time, keep learning, and continually grow your business.

It’s also wise to learn from people that have already done the hard trial and error work and have created resources to help you scale your business. Take writing courses, read copywriting books, and subscribe to various successful copywriters’ blogs/newsletters.

Freelance Writers Do More Than Write Words for Hire

So, Princeton from Avenue Q.

Here’s the answer to your question...become a freelance writer. Learn everything you can about what successful freelance writers do and then copy them. You won’t regret it.

Want more insights on freelance writing? Sign up and get them sent right to your inbox every other Wednesday.

Why You Need to Rhyme

Hope you're doing okay right now. If you're like me, maybe you too are having trouble sleeping and feel like your anxiety is at an all-time high with everything that's going on. You're not alone in that.

That said, I've been working to keep the worries at bay. Which brings us to today's topic.

Shakespeare.
Sylvia Plath.
Notorious B.I.G.
Bob Dylan.

What do they all have in common?

All of these people spent their lives writing rhymes. They practiced, perfected, and were prolific when it came to this writing exercise.

For good reason, too. Skillful rhyming doesn’t come naturally. 

It takes a lot of practice to come up with rhymes that are not only phonetically correct, but that are clever, too (and often have deeper meanings at play.)

Rhyming is a good writing practice

This was solidified in my brain when I watched a video of someone doing a freestyle rap a while back. If you’re not familiar with what these entail, it’s basically what it sounds like: The person rapping has to come up with rhymes on the spot. 

As I was watching it, I thought, “Wow. This is extremely hard. I could never do this, and I spend almost all of my time with words.”

That’s when I realized that it would make for an *excellent* writing practice.

Now, let’s be clear: I’m no rapper. I’m certainly no poet, either. 

But I do enjoy words and want my brain to be a bit more acrobatic when it comes to using them. I want to be able to ninja flip from word to word.

Maybe you do, too.

Whether you’re writing prose or poetry or raps or even just nursery rhymes, practicing creative rhyme-writing is a great way to:

• Build your vocabulary

• Strengthen your brain’s synapses and get better at word choice improvisation

• Recognize different patterns, structures, and rhythms of writing 

In short: Writing rhymes, regardless of format, keeps your brain sharp and your vocab fluid.

So how do you go about this type of practice? 

How rhymes can improve your writing skills

First, pick your format. Are you going to write poems? Limericks? Freestyle rap? Maybe test out a few to see what you like best.

If you’re curious about freestyle rap as a format, I found an interview with Jensen Karp that had some insights on how to go about practicing. He recommends taking a battle-style approach by giving yourself a subject to focus on.

“I used to put magazines on the floor and make fun of the people on whatever page was open. The more I practiced, the more I made things come to my brain quicker,” he said.

The beauty of this is that it’s a private practice. You don’t need to go blast your rhymes across the internet.

I can tell you with certainty that the world is not ready to hear my diss track, mmmkay?

Here are some other ways you can work at this writing practice:

BEGINNER 
Pick a few words and come up with as many rhymes as you can for them. From there, pull from your list and tell a story, constructing as you go with your rhyming words.

NOVICE 
Challenge yourself to tell jokes and deliver punchlines within your rhyming story. See if you can work in some double meanings, pop culture references, or clever turns of phrase that give your rhymes a bit more depth.

ADVANCED
If you want a major challenge, put yourself on the spot. Pick a subject and then come up with a story that rhymes in real time without stopping (start with two minutes.) No paper, no keyboard. This one has to be out loud so you have no crutch.

If you want to see pros do this, check out the Improvised Shakespeare Company. (Yes, that’s Thomas Middleditch.)

Their premise: No script. No plot. No rehearsal. The performers take a suggested play title from the audience and then improvises a two-act Shakespearean play on the spot. 

The mere thought of having to do this makes me sweat, but I’ve seen these performers pull off an hour-long play in this format that’s absolutely hilarious...so, it can be done!

Challenge yourself over the next few weeks and see how your brain changes and your writing improves as you work on rhyming. I think you'll be surprised.

This article originally appeared in my newsletter, A Cup of Copy. Sign up and get these free tips sent right to your inbox every other Wednesday.

How to Write Descriptively

Let's talk about writing descriptively today.

I've got three examples we're going to dive into from really varied sources: Ernest Hemingway, Brandon Boyd of Incubus, and Sylvia Plath.

Who needs a metaphor? Not Hemingway.

Hemingway said: "A writer's style should be direct and personal, his imagery rich and earthy, and his words simple and vigorous." 

Let’s see how he executes this, shall we? Here's an excerpt from The Sun Also Rises. We'll dissect what’s happening here.

“In the morning I walked down the Boulevard to the rue Soufflot for coffee and brioche. It was a fine morning. The horse-chestnut trees in the Luxembourg gardens were in bloom. There was the pleasant early-morning feeling of a hot day. I read the papers with the coffee and then smoked a cigarette. The flower-women were coming up from the market and arranging their daily stock. Students went by going up to the law school, or down to the Sorbonne. The Boulevard was busy with trams and people going to work.” 

Pretty vivid mental picture, right? 

It’s enjoyable to read because the scene he’s created for us is rich with detail, but it’s done simply. He’s not being overly flowery: In fact, his sentences are declarative, fact-based, and direct.

The vocabulary he writes with is basic, but he’s painting a visual picture here (without a single metaphor, mind you.) He’s letting you see through his eyes, observing a scene as it unfolds around him.

Sure, he could’ve just wrote: In the morning I got coffee and breakfast. It was warm. People were walking around.

But he didn’t. He filled out the scene with more detail, engaging the senses along the way: The feeling of the sun’s warmth on his skin, the smell of coffee and cigarette smoke in the air, the noise of trams and people making their way to work or school.

You can do that, too. Paint pictures for your readers with details. Think about speaking to the different senses. Take readers along with you on a trip back into your memory and put them in the scene as the action unfolds.

Be like Brandon Boyd: Don’t come right out and say it.

I was re-listening to Incubus’s Morning View album a few weeks ago and the lyrics from the song 11 am jumped out at me as another great example of descriptive writing. 

Rather than coming right out and saying what’s happening during a scene, Boyd describes a setting to conjure up a vision in the listener’s mind. Take a read of some of my favorite verses from the song:

7 am
The garbage truck beeps as it backs up
And I start my day thinking about what I've thrown away

Let’s start with this first verse. 

I liked that the onomatopoeia he used (beeps) isn’t the sound of an alarm clock, as that’s what you’d expect in a morning-centered verse. Instead, he uses the sound of the garbage truck, which then tees up a metaphor related to how he’s thinking of something discarded and thrown away, which plays at the undercurrent of a deeper emotional loss. 

Three lines guys...he did all this in three lines.

But it doesn’t stop there. At the bookend of the song, we get another strong mental picture from the end of the day. (Now, remember this is from 2001, mmmkay? The phone he’s talking about is a landline.)

12 pm and my dusty telephone rings
Heavy head up from my pillow, who could it be?
I hope it’s you

He didn’t just write: The phone rang late at night and I didn’t know who it was.

• He tells us the phone is dusty (because it hasn’t been used in a while.) There’s an implied loneliness and isolation.

• He tells us he’s waking up from a deep sleep.

• He tells us what thought ran through his mind at the sound of the ringing phone.

We’re getting all of these clues about the emotional undertone of the person within the scene in just a few words. 

The next time you want to do the same, ask yourself: What emotional context can I provide? How can I set the tone of the scene? What clues should I give the reader about what the character is thinking and feeling? 

You don’t have to come right out and say it, but be sure to drop some clues.

Lean on the fig tree like Sylvia Plath.

Plath is verrrrry into the metaphor, and while sometimes writers have a tendency to get in the weeds and carried away with them, she does a great job of keeping things focused to take full advantage of this writing device.

Take a look at this fig tree metaphor from The Bell Jar:

“I saw my life branching out before me like the green fig tree in the story. From the tip of every branch, like a fat purple fig, a wonderful future beckoned and winked. One fig was a husband and a happy home and children, and another fig was a famous poet and another fig was a brilliant professor, and another fig was Ee Gee, the amazing editor, and another fig was Europe and Africa and South America...I saw myself sitting in the crotch of this fig tree, starving to death, just because I couldn't make up my mind which of the figs I would choose. I wanted each and every one of them, but choosing one meant losing all the rest, and, as I sat there, unable to decide, the figs began to wrinkle and go black, and, one by one, they plopped to the ground at my feet.” 

Plath isn’t talking about actually sitting under a fig tree that’s dropping expired fruit. She’s using the tree as a metaphor for the opportunities she has to choose from in her life and how her indecision (and inability to choose from and act on them) is resulting missed moments and possibilities gone by. 

It’s far more interesting to read her describe it with the fig metaphor than just having her come right out and lament about things in plain language. The metaphor here lends some artistic flair and some depth you wouldn’t fully get if it were laid out differently and metaphor-free.

Plus: She uses some interesting word choices throughout that kind of smack you in the face and make you pay attention:

• She’s not sitting against the tree, she’s sitting in the crotch of it.

• The figs plop (again: onomatopoeia!) on the ground, turn black, and shrivel (very visual.)

Metaphors can be tricky: If not well-executed, they can come across as cheesy, or overdone, or downright trite. 

If you want to employ a metaphor, try to use your creative brain muscles and come up with comparisons that are fresh, unique, and maybe even a little off-beat. Your readers will appreciate the originality.

***

These were just a few examples that have been floating around in my brain recently, but my hope is that by sharing them and breaking down what’s working within them, you’ll become more aware and do the same as you read/listen to words from different writers and artists.

Make note of what sticks with you, then break down why. 

It’ll make you a more observant reader/listener and definitely a better writer.

This article originally appeared in my newsletter, A Cup of Copy. Sign up and get these free tips sent right to your inbox every other Wednesday.

How to Wrap Up The Year for Your Freelance Writing Business

I wanted to share a few of the activities I’m doing this week to wrap things up for my freelance writing business in 2019. Maybe these will be good reminders, or maybe they’ll be inspiration for a few new things to try out.

So, let’s dive in.

1. Check in with your freelance writing clients.

Reach out to the clients/contacts you haven’t spoken to/worked with in the past 3-6 months. Send a short email and ask what they’re up to, if they have any holiday plans, and if there’s anything you can help them with in 2020. It’s a really natural time to pop into these folks’ inboxes with a friendly hello and “don’t forget about me!” message.

2. Send some handwritten cards.

Maybe it’s the Midwesterner in me, but I believe in the power of a handwritten note, even if it’s just a quick thank you. I’m taking time this week to send out personalized thank yous to the clients I’ve worked with most in the past year, sources who’ve offered great insights for my pieces, and referrers who send me gigs. (Note: These are not holiday cards. I don’t make assumptions about what people celebrate, and instead opt for a thank you over holiday greetings.) I also like to send treatos to my internet friends’ dogs. Is that weird? Hope not.

3. Make a list of what was accomplished.

I always do a Year in Review post (you can read 2018’s here), but the first step of drafting those is to sit down and make a list of all the things I accomplished within my business that make me proud. Without a boss to give a performance review, this is my chance to evaluate personal progress and helps me give myself credit for the hard work I put in. It’s easy to let these things slide by, so this deliberate activity is a form of gratitude and self-congratulations that I’m not always great at allowing myself.

4. Make plans for the year ahead.

I love plans. In fact, you could call me Leslie Knope, as I am also a yellow-haired female who loves jammin’ on her planner.

This is the time of year when I set a few goals I’d like to accomplish in the next three months (note: I’m not really into yearly goals--that’s too long of a window for me.) During the rest of the year I tend to go with the flow, but this is the one time I try to sit down and think strategically about what I want to accomplish right at the beginning of a new year.

A relevant listen:

5. Evaluate your current freelance writing rates.

Ask yourself: Have you expanded your skills or subject matter expertise over the past year? Won awards? Taken courses/upped your training for the services you offer? Have you produced impressive results for your freelance writing clients that prove you're pretty great at what you do? If so, it might be time to raise your rates with new clients--and the end the of year is a perfect time for this. As you think it over, also consider how you'll communicate the increased value you deliver that warrants those higher fees.

6. Do nice stuff.

This year especially, I’ve felt like there’s a real need for extra kindness, so I’ve been trying to step up my game in this department. Whether it’s helping a friend with social media advice, making cookies for the library’s holiday party and dressing up as Princess Elsa for the kids, leaving snacks/drinks out for the delivery people, or just giving compliments more freely, these little things go a long way (I hope.)

7. Take a break.

I’ve decided to close all of my email inboxes December 21-January 1 so I can take a real breather from my freelance writing business. It seems like lately things have been extra busy (which, don’t get me wrong, is great; last December was a complete dud), but I know this period is going to be extra quiet anyway, so I’m putting up the old OOO message and just enjoying time with family. 

I’m also really looking forward to some non-work things: Going to see the new Little Women movie, taking a trip to St. Louis for my husband’s birthday, lots of baking, and eating all the good food.

I hope your end-of-year (and whatever you celebrate!) is wonderful. I think you’re pretty great. Keep up the good work, and as always, happy writing.

This article originally appeared in my newsletter, A Cup of Copy. Sign up and get these free tips sent right to your inbox every other Wednesday.

Why I Specialize as a Freelance Writer

As a freelance writer, should you be a generalist or a specialist?

I personally started out as a generalist. I was a freelance writer who’d basically do any job that came my way that first year...because MONEY.

But you know what? That was a tough year.

It was exhausting learning about tons of new industries and the ins and outs of different styles of writing (like blog posts vs. website copy vs. eBooks, for example.)

So a year into freelancing, my husband nudged me to take Paul Jarvis’s Creative Class course. And I did it.

During the course, I again heard this same message I'd heard time and time again: Pick a niche; be seen as a professional.

But I kept thinking, “What about the money I’ll miss out on by saying no to gigs?”

I wanted that money. But it turns out that wasn’t a problem.

The more I specialized as a freelance writer, the more I got hired.

I like to think of it this way: If you were hiring someone to paint a mural on the side of your building, would you want to hire someone who positioned themselves as a more general ‘artist’, or someone who specializes in painting large-scale murals?

Um...it’s the latter.

While the artist can probably get the job done, the mural specialist is likely going to have a process in place for each step of the execution process, can give an accurate forecast around how long the project will take, and is familiar/comfortable with the tools needed to execute this type of project.

The same is true for freelancing.

Would clients be more likely to hire a generalist that labels him or herself as a freelance writer (with no specialization around a specific industry, type of writing, etc.) or a highly knowledgeable subject matter expert who does one type of writing for companies similar to their own?

Again, it’s the latter.

Sure, generalists have their places. And I am all for the pursuit of well-rounded knowledge and expertise.

But when you’re trying to get hired, it makes a lot of sense to have a specific area of focus--both for you and for the client.

Other reasons freelance writers should specialize

• You’re pulling from an existing knowledge base rather than learning from scratch every time you start a new project.

• You build up a network of contacts within your niche that you can leverage for quotes, insights, and expertise you tie into your projects.

• Referrals come easier, because you’re constantly working with like-minded people who understand what you do as a freelance writer (and know a bit about your track record.)

  If you just want more of my insight on this topic, listen to this edition of the Everyone Hates Marketers podcast I recently did with Louis Grenier of Hotjar.

This article originally appeared in my newsletter, A Cup of Copy. Sign up and get these free tips sent right to your inbox every other Wednesday.

Best Tips for Getting Ahead in Your Freelance Writing Career

Earlier this week, I spoke to a class of high school seniors in an entrepreneurship program.

I got into how connections, networking, and relationship-building got me from an e-commerce store launched on a whim in college to a full-time freelance writing career.

But I think the most important thing I shared was on my last slide. You know...the major takeaways.

So what were they?

Never stop learning; always be curious.

Loving to learn and a curious mind has helped me become a better researcher, writer, and overall better communicator. If you can dedicate yourself to always taking in new information (and learning from it) you’ll have a leg up over a good majority of folks who are content with flying on autopilot mode into adulthood.

Find people who are doing what you want to do and ask them questions.

If you can find someone who’s willing to take you under his or her wing and can share insight on how they got to where they are, you’ve discovered a brilliant shortcut when it comes to getting from where you are to where you want to be. Not only can they help you avoid some of the mistakes they made, but they might even be willing to take you on as an apprentice--which can be an incredible hands-on way to learn.

Make friends, be nice to people.

I got into working with software companies because I connected with an editor (Emma Siemasko!) over Twitter. She commented on liking a piece from my e-commerce store, and so I offered to send her one for free. That back-and-forth then moved to email, and she eventually ended up hiring me as a freelance writer. The connections grew from that one conversation. To me, this is a major testament to making friends (and generally being a nice person!)

Raise your hand and say so when you have a good idea.

It’s easy to sit in the shadows and never speak up. It’s much harder to say, “Hey, I have an idea on how we can do X, and I can help by doing A, B, and C.” However, if you do it and go out on a limb by speaking up, it can lead to major opportunities. For me, it’s how I ended up co-teaching the Creative Class, a course for freelancers, with Paul Jarvis. I say swallow your fears and say so when you can bring something valuable to the table. The worst that can happen is the other person will say no.

Be honest with yourself about what you’re good at (and what you’re not.)

I always used to beat myself up that I wasn’t a math person. It made me feel stupid and I was frustrated that my brain didn’t work that way. But then I realized when it came to words--that was my forte. And it was okay that I wasn’t a math person. Being honest with myself about where I excelled and where I didn’t simplified my life and business by allowing me to outsource things I’m not good at--and it helped me find a career I truly enjoy, too.

Eight hours a day is a long time to spend doing one thing;try to find something you enjoy.

I wish someone would’ve told me this when I was in college. When you’re spending 40 hours a week doing something, you better like it--because that’s where a good chunk of your adult life will be spent. That doesn’t mean you have to go out and find your *dream job.* But it does mean that the path you choose should be rooted in something you enjoy and can fully lean into.

Make stuff even when you’re not entirely sure what you’re doing.

I’m a do-er. I don’t think too much about details and process when it comes to creating--I just go, full steam ahead. This maker mentality is how I launched my first business, helped me get my first freelance gigs, and ultimately led to the incredible career I have now. Making/launching things is scary and hard, but I say just GO and perfect it along the way. Don’t get stuck in the planning stage. Make, tweak, repeat.

These reminders aren't just good for high schoolers; they're good axioms for anyone. They're especially helpful if you're looking to change gears and shift into a new career or life direction.

This article originally appeared in my newsletter, A Cup of Copy. Sign up and get these free tips sent right to your inbox every other Wednesday.

Reflecting on Six Years of Full-Time Freelance Writing

Back with another personal update this week.

No writing lesson, but if you missed last week’s post on how to vary your writing voice, that’d be a great one to check out.

So what’s new around here?

Well, in a few short months, I’ll be coming up on six whole years of full-time self employment. That’s really wild.

What’s it like freelance writing?

It feels like yesterday that I graduated college and started my PR job for a local non-profit.

I was there for two and a half years, so really, that means I’ve been working on my own twice as long as I’ve worked in an office setting.

Now, there are a lot of wonderful things about working alone and from home on a freelance basis. The perks are very real, and I’m so grateful for them.

Positives of Freelance Writing

I get to set my own schedule, which means it’s often as flexible as I want it to be.
I can get up and start my day whenever I want (or sleep in a bit if needed!)
I can work extremely efficiently with zero interruptions.
I wear sweatpants most days.
I can challenge myself to earn more because I’m not on a set salary.
I get to hang with my dog Brooks and take breaks to walk him when I feel like it.
I can cook tasty lunches in my kitchen (even though I don’t very often...I’m bad at this.)

But there are also some major drawbacks to this type of work life, too.

Negatives of Freelance Writing

There are no real co-workers to vent to on a rough day or to celebrate with when things go right.
Some days I go a full eight hours without talking to another human out loud.
Living and working in the same (small) square footage can get really monotonous.
With most of my work being digital, much of what I create feels intangible.
There’s stress that comes with the ebb and flow of work, which is mostly out of my control.
Sometimes not having a set salary opens the door to endless self-competition (which isn’t super healthy.)

I’ve been thinking a lot about the pros and cons of this lifestyle I’ve been living lately as I talk to friends and fellow freelancers who are now entering different life stages.

Some are having their first kids. Some are moving. Some are buying their first homes. It feels like a period of transition for a lot of people around my age right now (those of us who are shifting out of the late 20s and into the early 30s) and it generates a weird feeling.

As of right now, my life is pretty stable. No big changes on the horizon. It’s business as usual.

But I find myself wondering, “Am I doing the right thing? Am I on the right path?”

Existentialism and Freelance Writing

This is all really more of an existential question rather than one rooted in unhappiness or malcontent, but it’s there nonetheless. And I’ve been wrestling with it for a while.

Maybe you’re in (or have been in) the same boat before. The water is choppy. I’m feeling a little seasick (to get reaaaal heavy on the metaphor.)

I’m working on figuring out what the answer looks like for me, but I feel like it’s time for something different. An added challenge or a new goal to strive for.

Until then, remember to be nice to yourself. And keep writing.

This article originally appeared in my newsletter, A Cup of Copy. Sign up and get these free tips sent right to your inbox every other Wednesday.

How Writing Makes You Smarter

You have unique, interesting thoughts and ideas that pop into that head of yours...probably on a regular basis.

Maybe it was from a conversation you overheard, or a show you watched, or an experience you had.

From this, you muse upon an idea...but maybe you stop there.

I say: Take those thoughts, ideas, perspectives, or opinions and WRITE THEM DOWN.

See, writing presents an interesting, neuron-pumping activity that truly challenges your brain to translate your rather shapeless ideas into logical, syntax-conforming sentences.

It’s mental gymnastics when you have to take a fuzzy concept and transform it into writing that reads as if you were explaining your idea to another person.

That, my friend, definitely makes you smarter.

Yes, it’s hard to do.

If you’re not used to writing, it might be a big challenge.

But writing (again, even if you never publish it or share it anywhere) is a great activity with benefits that translate far beyond the page:

It changes your vocabulary, as you have to find the right words that match up to your ideas.

It changes the way you speak, as it forces you to work on sentence structure, composition, and general idea communication...which informs the way you sound off the page as well.

It helps you understand yourself better, as you get to see your ideas translate from a vague concept inside your head to words and phrases on a page. It forces you to externalize your inner monologue.

It strengthens your logos. In Rhetoric, logos = logic. As you write down your ideas, you’ll fine-tune how to logically present ideas as you sort through translating your thoughts into words. If you think of an invisible reader as you write, you’ll be driven to write convincingly with logic-driven structure--and again, you’ll challenge yourself to make sense of things, rather than leaving ideas as gray, ambiguous concepts inside your head.

All of those things sound pretty great, right? I mean, I want to communicate better, sound smarter, and think more logically--who wouldn’t?

So here’s my challenge for you:

I want you to set aside 15 minutes once a week to open up a notebook (or Google Doc) and write about an idea you have.

Pick something you’re really interested in or passionate about, and then explain why.

There are no grades.
No comment section for people to say, “Yeah, BUT…”
This is your mental exercise.

So give it a whirl. Try it out. Maybe even make it a weekly thing.

I think you’ll be surprised by all you get from it.

This article originally appeared in my newsletter, A Cup of Copy. Sign up and get these free tips sent right to your inbox every other Wednesday.

A Little Life Update: Summer 2019

I almost phoned in this post.

I thought about doing a roundup of old lessons I'd taught on writing.
I considered just skipping it all together.

But then I decided to just be honest and say, "I don't feel like writing about writing this week." I just didn't. You have those weeks, you know?

Instead, I'm gunna share a little life update and peel back the curtain a bit on what I've been doing lately. So we can catch up like the old friends we are.

Summer Travel

One of the interesting things my husband does as part of his job is teaches a class on entrepreneurship to high school students every morning. They learn how to launch and operate their own businesses plus lots of important soft skills. It's a great class I wish I'd had when I was in school.

If we get a small window of school being out, we jump on it. The first place we went was Seattle.

We both loved how friendly the people were, the gorgeous hiking just outside the city (we climbed a freakin' mountain!), and the food.

Plus, it just felt very...livable. Comfortable. We liked the blend of nature and natural beauty with the tech environment in the city. And there were SO MANY DOGS! Which, of course, made me love it even more. We were both pretty charmed.

Last week we went out to Boston and spent several days exploring the city. We had Italian food on the North End, walked the esplanade, toured Harvard, and put so many miles on our shoes just checking things out. I also went to my first baseball game EVER at Fenway!

I even got the chance to meet my writer friend Liz Wellington for breakfast one day, which was so great.

In a few weeks we're headed to LA, and I cannot wait to stuff my face with Korean BBQ, to go to the dog beach (my favorite place on earth), and to LOL at the Largo comedy club.

Brooks (our doggo) is also getting an adventure trip soon...somewhere driveable, but likely out of state. He needs a vacation too. He loves to hike, splash, and ride in the car, so we're planning to take him somewhere fun.

Making Moves

Business-wise, I'm still very much focused on writing blog content for e-commerce platforms and the software that integrates with them. That's what pays the bills.

However, I've also been exploring other areas lately that tie into that and help build my ethos as a writer and subject matter expert around online business.

In the past few months I've landed pitches at retail-focused publications like Adweek, Glossy, and Forbes, and have LOVED researching and writing stories about trends and interesting approaches to business. You can read some of those stories here if you're interested.

The Great Outdoors

In the Midwest, you get just a few weeks a year of really nice weather before it becomes insufferably hot and humid and mosquito-laden. That period is right now, so I've been trying to be outside as much as possible.

We just got some kayaks and have been out on the water in a few different areas just soaking up the sunshine and "doing a serenity", which is what I call relaxing.

Brooks and I have been on lots of walks as well, and just last night he got to go for a swim in the lake. He was very happy about his work retrieving a tennis ball.

Finding Balance

The one thing I've been struggling with that comes with all the fun things listed above is maintaining a healthy balance between work time and life time.

Travel makes it hard to find a good routine. On nice days, it's hard to sit indoors at the computer.

I'm trying to shift my schedule a bit so that I can get the most done during the most optimal windows of time, but it's not perfect. Work in progress :)

Anyway, that's what's new with me.

Want more stories like these? Sign up and get them sent right to your inbox every other Wednesday.