I’ve been writing professionally since 2000, freelancing since 2003. Friends, I’ve seen some shit. Maybe you’ve struggled with the same issues over your freelance career. Some of the things that frustrated me are pretty universal, I suspect. The know-it-all freelancer I’ve had a lot of people tell me what I’m doing wrong in my freelance…
Freelance writing advice
How You Could be Losing at Freelancing
Of all the freelance writing advice (or just plain freelance advice because sweetie, we’re all in this together) out there, some of the most useful isn’t “how to start a freelance writing business” or “where to find freelance clients.” It’s the advice that points out those things you may be doing that are sabotaging your…
Losing the “I Sell Words” Mentality
Know those times when you look at someone’s profile on LinkedIn and immediately, that person is in your email asking if you want to hire them? That happened to a writer chum of mine recently. She happened upon someone who claimed to be a writer, so she looked. The response came shortly after. “Hi (person’s…
2025 Guide to Freelance Success
This post was going to be about something else. It was going to be advice on how to level the client/writer relationship so that you’re protecting your freelance writing business and positioning yourself as a formidable professional. Funny how things morph, isn’t it? As I started writing, I realized that all of the things I…
Finding New Freelance Income
I sit here nearly three years out from the most prolific, stressful writing years of my entire freelance writing career. From 2020 through much of 2022, I was so busy I had no time to enjoy anything. These days, I have pared down the client list to three trusted, long-term clients who are wonderful to…
The In-demand Freelancer Persona
I saw an interesting discussion on a LinkedIn forum recently that got me thinking about the way we present ourselves to potential clients. The discussion was around the use of LinkedIn’s “Open to Work” banner that one can put on their profile picture. It is meant to signal to future employers that this is a…
Your Freelance Writing Career: Finding work now, building for the future
Stop me if you’ve heard this one before: Freelancer asks the question: “How can a new freelancer become popular on freelance job websites?” Writers responded. “Create a strong profile.” “Post your portfolio.” “Get good reviews.” “Become a package designer.” Except for the obvious “Huh?” of that last one, these all seem like fair answers. Notice…
How I Boosted my Freelance Career (and how you can, too)
I’ve been thinking a lot lately about the freelancer I was and the freelancer I am now. They are two different people, my friends. The old me was a hit-and-miss freelancer. I lost my job suddenly and had two kids to support. So my freelance career back then was pasted together. I’d take whatever gig…
6 Revealing Freelance F-Ups
Ah, December. A time in which you’re either refreshing your email constantly looking for client work or so busy you forget to wrap presents. Or buy them. No matter what camp you’re in this year, let’s start December with some fun facts. Freelance tells, let’s call them. Observations from some of the shit that’s been…
4 Ways to be Your Own Freelance Coach
I’m going to share a secret with you: Business coaches are helping you discover some pretty common-sense stuff. Okay, not a big secret after all. But a coach — a good coach — can help you uncover the simple shit you’re overlooking. They can give you some pretty good advice on what to try to…