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
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
6 Things to Include in Your Freelance Writer Bio
Your freelance writer bio is the elevator pitch at the end of any article you write. Make sure it encourages others to hire you. One of the challenges that I faced when I first began writing online was creating a bio. A freelance writer bio is your chance to hook other potential clients. Other than
Freelance Resource Review: Freelance Writers Den
Looking for tips on higher paying gigs and access to a freelance resource toolbox? The Freelance Writers Den can be a solid choice. One of the realities of going out and getting higher-paying gigs is that you need to hustle for it. There is a great deal of work involved. Freelance resources like the now-defunct
Pro Blogging
My 4 Favorite Freelancer Personal Branding Tips
Personal branding is essential for a freelancer. If you want to succeed, these freelancer personal branding tips can help. Last month, I moderated a panel devoted to freelancer personal branding. The venue was the FinCon Expo, where I've presented before. The panel was aimed more at what editors are looking for in freelancers, and I
That Time I Accepted Way Less for My Freelance Writing
Occasionally I accept less for my freelance writing services. But there's a method to my madness — and a reason I sometimes agree to write for less. Not too long ago, a fellow freelance writer asked me for some insight into what she should charge when writing for a client. It's a client I write
[Video] Should You Sign a Non-Compete?
A couple of years ago, a client of mine asked if I could stop writing about competitors of theirs. They didn't want me to mention them in lists (even if another client asked me to), and they were hoping that I wouldn't take jobs with clients that partnered with the competitor. In the end, I
Writing Tips
Three Ways Writing Outside Your Comfort Zone Can Boost Your Freelance Career
You can enhance your freelance career by getting outside your comfort zone and trying new things. Most of us like to be comfortable. It's only natural. However, the reality is that most growth doesn't take place in your comfort zone. Instead, if you want to grow and improve, you need to get out of your comfort
Five Ways to Reduce Distractions When Writing
Do you get distracted while writing? Here are five ways to reduce distractions when writing. Sometimes, the freelance writer faces distractions that feel overwhelming. How can you resist the comments on that controversial article you just read? And isn't there something to be said for popping into the next room to make sure that your
Want to Be a Better Writer? Learn How to Accept Constructive Criticism
If you want to be a better writer, one of the best things you can do is learn how to accept constructive criticism. Often, I'm asked to name the number one thing that aspiring writers can do to improve their writing. Recently, in an interview with The Daily Interview, I was asked to put my
Productivity
Life Getting Away from You? Choosing What to Let Slide
Is life getting away from you? If so, you might need to start figuring out what your true priorities are. It's been an interesting four months. My life has been getting away from me, and I finally feel as though things are settling down and becoming manageable. During these last four months, I've had to
Are You Trapped in Your Freelancing Job?
Even though I enjoy my freelancing job, sometimes I feel a little trapped. I love what I do. I like writing, and I’ve learned to like writing about financial topics. My job allows me to learn interesting things, and spend a good portion of my day doing something I like. However, there are times I
How to Make Time for Your Personal Writing
Many freelance writers wish they had more time for personal writing. Here's how to make time to write for yourself. My writing goals for this year include making time to write for my rant blog and to write more fiction. Not only do I have these personal writing goals, but I also have websites of