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
[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
[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
Professional Bloggers: Endorsements, Sponsored Posts and the FTC
Sponsored posts offer a way for professional bloggers to make a little extra money. But you need to be prepared to disclose your relationships. Professional bloggers have enjoyed an increase in influence in recent years. Major brands — and even not-so-major brands — are anxious to reach new audiences with the help of bloggers. If
Pro Blogging
4 Ways to Trigger My Professional Blogger BS Detector
As a professional blogger, I'm constantly contacted by people who want something from me — for free. Here's what triggers my BS detector. In the last six weeks, I've had 10 — 10! — conversations with people who want me to do something for them. These are people who haven't built relationships with me, and
[Video] When to Use Your Own Voice
Thanks to the Internet, nearly anyone can share thoughts and be heard. Even when I post something on my personal blog (that hardly anyone reads), I still see hundreds of visitors each month. My voice is heard by a small audience. As an online freelancer, though, you have the potential to reach a wider pool
5 Reasons Online Freelancers Should Meet Others in Person
Because of the nature of their work, many online freelancers see no need to connect with others in the “real” world. Here's why you need those in-person interactions. When I first started as an online freelancer 10 years ago, I relished the thought of not having to deal with people in person. I struggle with
Writing Tips
Who's Doing NaNoWriMo?
Are you interested in non-paying writing projects, like NaNoWriMo? Way back in 2007, I participated in NaNoWriMo. National Novel Writing Month provided me a way to finally write that novel that had been rolling around in my head. I finished it, and it sucked. There's a reason I write non-creative non-fiction. Now that November is
Good News! I'm Writing at a Desk Again!
After suffering for months without a desk, I'm pleased to announce that I'm writing at a desk again. Not too long ago, I realized that I really, really need a desk. After weeks and weeks of waiting, I'm pleased to announce that I am now writing at a desk again. (Which makes the fact that
The Blurring Line Between Journalism and Content Marketing
Journalism these days looks increasingly like content marketing, especially with major publishers including social media training. I've been digesting conversations I had at FinCon, as well as my later trip to H&R Block headquarters in Kansas City. The last month has given me a lot of food for thought, and one of the things I've
Productivity
Good News! I'm Writing at a Desk Again!
After suffering for months without a desk, I'm pleased to announce that I'm writing at a desk again. Not too long ago, I realized that I really, really need a desk. After weeks and weeks of waiting, I'm pleased to announce that I am now writing at a desk again. (Which makes the fact that
On Knowing Your Limitations as a Freelancer
Do you know your limitations as a freelancer? Sometimes, you need to take a step back and get realistic about what you can do. Every year since 2011, I've attended FinCon. I attend two or three conferences over the course of most years, since it is a good way to network and get to know
I Miss Writing at a Desk
I didn't realize how much I like writing at a desk until I didn't have the option. Now I'm going a little crazy. A couple of years ago, I had a mild argument with my husband. It was time to get rid of the old desktop computer I used for my day-to-day writing, and move