start & scale your freelancing career
tips, guides, and resources to grow
What you'll
learn in the academy
- Basic steps for laying a foundation for freelance writing
- How to land your first client and get paid for writing
- Tips for scaling your business and taking it full time
- Scripts for pitching prospective clients
Testimonials
You can become a better writer
Below are additional freelance writing resources that I personally recommend to help you grow and scale your freelance writing.
Grammarly
write better
One of my absolute favorite tools is Grammarly. I have it as a Chrome plugin, and it helps me stay on top of my writing. It's like having an editor available for me all the time. Grammarly works well with WordPress, as well as in Google Docs and other sites. It will catch common usage errors, spelling and grammar issues and even make smart suggestions to improve your writing.
Hemingway
pithy, active writing
Get rid of passive voice and overburdened sentences. If you want to write actively and get straight to the point in a powerful way, the Hemingway App is the way to go. It's available as an online tool, but you can also get the desktop app. I've thought seriously about just using it for my writing in general, mainly because of how awesome it is at forcing you to think about your sentences — and use every word to advantage
Asana
project management made easy
If you want to keep track of projects and deadlines, Asana is a great choice. I use it regularly. The fact that you can switch between list and calendar, and even track invoicing, is great. You can also use Asan to collaborate on projects and work with your virtual assistants (if you have them).
Are you a blogger looking to create the best content?
Two course recommendations for you
Enhance Your content
I love this course from my friend Ashley Barnett. This course takes you through the ins and outs of helping you create better content for your blog.
How to turn your blog into a business
My friend Larry Ludwig built a successful blog and sold it for seven figures. While you might not end up with a seven-figure blog, you can still make money with it.
The Freelance Blog
a collection of guest posts, guides, and helpful freelancing tips
Freelance Writing
Start Freelancing: All You Need is a Laptop and Wi-Fi
Ready to start freelancing? You can do it from anywhere, as long as you have a laptop and Wi-Fi. Right now, I'm sitting in a hotel room in Los Angeles. I'm hundreds of miles away from home, but I'm still getting some work done. I am working on a restricted schedule, but working nonetheless. And
Freelance Ghostwriting: Who Wrote That?
Does freelance ghostwriting make sense for your business? Before you move forward, make sure you know the basics. For years, I've been one of the most prolific writers in the personal finance space. But the truth is much worse than you think. Not only do I write posts with my byline, but I also provide freelance
How to Find Paid Freelance Writing Work
Looking to find paid freelance writing work? Here's a primer to get you started, whether you're a beginner or a seasoned veteran. When it comes to finding the next gig, you need to be prepared to visit job boards, join a website, or even ask in your network. As a freelancer, it can take a
Pro Blogging
How to Find Paid Freelance Writing Work
Looking to find paid freelance writing work? Here's a primer to get you started, whether you're a beginner or a seasoned veteran. When it comes to finding the next gig, you need to be prepared to visit job boards, join a website, or even ask in your network. As a freelancer, it can take a
What's the Easiest Way to Raise Your Freelance Rates?
Hoping to raise your freelance rates? Look no further! I've got one easy tip! I'm asked all the time how to raise rates. It's probably the number one question I'm asked. Well, after what I'm doing during this whole COVID-19 thing. People ask this even more than they ask about my schedule or about how to start
5 Tips for Communicating with Freelance Clients
Reduce the number of revisions you are asked for, and improve your overall experience, by communicating effectively with your freelance clients. As a freelance writer, I work in the communications industry. I know first-hand the importance of communication when I work with freelance clients. True — communication is important no matter who you work with.
Writing Tips
The Writer's Guide to Success
Looking for a little help when it comes to finding a writer's guide to success? The folks over at OnBlastBlog.com put together this massive — useful — infographic to help you with your writing efforts. When it comes to writing, there are a few tips and tricks that can help you enjoy more success as
[Video] How to Improve Your Writing
After a few months of craziness, and trying to figure out what to do with myself, I'm getting back to my online freelance writing videos. Since my last video, I've discovered Periscope. I'll use Periscope for a weekly writing tip every Wednesday right around 12:45 pm Eastern. At least that's the plan. My first tip
Almost Any Freelance Writer Can Benefit from Composition 101
Almost every aspiring freelance writer I know asks me how to improve. One of the best things you can do is take a composition class. It's true that one of the best things you can do as a freelance writer is to practice your writing. The more you write, the more you'll improve over time.
Productivity
5 Ways to Battle Burnout in Your Freelancing Career
In order to stay on top of your freelancing game, you need to battle burnout. I love what I do. I feel extremely lucky and blessed to be able to freelance write from home, earning a living for my family. However, even though I love to write, and I write about topics of interest to
Professional Freelancer Schedule — What I Do In a Day
So, what's a professional freelancer schedule like? I answer your questions about what I do in a day. Even when we're not in the middle of a global pandemic, I periodically get questions about what my schedule is like as a professional freelancer. However, since this whole COVID-19 thing has changed so many lives, I've
5 Tips for Communicating with Freelance Clients
Reduce the number of revisions you are asked for, and improve your overall experience, by communicating effectively with your freelance clients. As a freelance writer, I work in the communications industry. I know first-hand the importance of communication when I work with freelance clients. True — communication is important no matter who you work with.