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
- Extra resources, including expert webinars, designed to help you level up
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
Should You Provide Other Services as a Professional Blogger?
You might be a professional blogger, but what happens if someone asks you to do something else? I am often asked if I provide other online-type services in addition to my writing. Many clients are interested in social media promotion, wider content distribution, and other services. I find that (for me at least) sticking to
How to Set Freelance Writing Rates — A Guide
As a freelance writer, you're probably trying to figure out the best way to set rates. Here's how to set freelance writing rates. Trying to figure out how to set freelance writing rates is one of the most difficult aspects of doing this thing. It's the wild west out there. Pretty much you get what
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
Pro Blogging
Five Ways to Add an Authoritative Voice to Your Blog Posts
As a professional blogger, one of the best things you can do is add an authoritative voice to your blog posts. Here are five strategies to use. In order to garner a little more respect in the world of writing, some professional bloggers like to add an authoritative voice to their blog posts. I've been
How to Maintain a Flexible Schedule as a Freelance Writer
As a freelance writer, a flexible schedule can help you enjoy your life as well as make money. A freelance writer has to manage making money versus enjoying life. This can be especially true if you line up a number of regular gigs. Regular gigs are nice because you can usually count on the money
Freelance Rates: Asking For vs. Accepting a High Fee
I still struggle with asking for a high fee when setting freelance rates. I don't mind accepting a high fee, but it's hard to ask for one. If you are one of the dozens of people who read this blog, you know that I make a living as a professional blogger. And it's not a
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
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
How I Organize My Articles, Sources, and Due Dates
Need to keep track of sources, stories and due dates? Here's how I organize articles for clients. Over the course of the last two years, I've shifted into writing that bears a resemblance to traditional journalism. Many of my clients want an authoritative voice, and they expect me to incorporate expert sources into the content