Hoping to do freelance writing? Want to know what the freelancing life is really like? In episode 85 of The Professional Writer, Tracie Heskett and I – both long-time freelance writers – reveal our best tips for breaking into freelancing.

Episode 84 of The Professional Writer podcast is the first in an ongoing series where I chat with people who do interesting things with their writing – other than writing books. Gregory Halpen certainly fits the bill! He's a passionate home baker, dessert blogger, photographer, and life coach.

Want a slew of simple-yet-effective tips to move from "invisible" to "in-demand" by getting featured on blogs, podcasts, magazines, and TV shows? In episode 83, Lisa Simone Richards, a PR & Visibility Strategist, shares insider secrets for reaching more people without spinning your wheels on social media or wasting money on Facebook ads. Includes extensive show notes so you can follow along while listening.

I answer 3 burning questions people repeatedly ask about email list building: Can I bulk email my contacts through my regular email account? Since I’m required to display a valid postal address on every email, and I don’t want to display my home address, what are my options? Can I use my gmail address to send newsletters?

You work up your courage and pitch the “book baby” you’ve been laboring over for years to an agent or editor. They respond with, “Tell me about your author platform.” Your heart hits the floor as you realize that you’ve spent years writing your book, but only a few minutes thinking about who might buy it. I'd like you to consider a different approach – one that enables you to simultaneously write, publish, and build that all-important author platform. I call it “becoming a writerpreneur.” (Includes transcript and loads of links.)

I’m doing something different on the podcast today, introducing you to Jump-Start Your Email List, my group coaching program that starts March 15. I’ll walk you through the four items you’ll create during the program and introduce you to five bonus trainings and tutorials (valued at over $700) that you’ll receive as a student in the program. Plus, you'll get a special discount when you register by 2-22-22!

My 4-tiered strategy gives my audience many opportunities to know, like, and trust me: (1) free resources (2) low-cost DIY training (3) affordable done-with you programs (4) premium coaching and done-for-you services

Authors should never separate writing from marketing. They're done in concert, much like a choir in which individual voices blend together to create a unified, harmonious sound. Today, I'll introduce you to my strategic plan that seamlessly combines writing and editing with branding, platform building, and marketing.

Protect your creative work! Lawyer Amy Nesheim helps us understand (1) The difference between copyright and trademark; (2) 5 steps you can take if someone steals your content; (3) The 4-factor Fair Use test; (4) LLC vs. Sole Proprietorship, and (5) Contracts: rules for the relationship.

“When budgeting for publishing and marketing your book, build in a 10 percent cushion to allow for unexpected expenses.” As she prepared to publish her debut non-fiction book, Amy Connell discovered the importance of the budget cushion. She shares exactly what spent to create branded promotional products, send influencer copies, and hire niche consultants. You’ll also learn Amy’s secret for creating a free, interactive resource library for her book buyers.

“A writers conference is the place I can find out how to get my book published, because my book is perfect, and everyone needs to read it.” That’s the mistaken assumption three newbie writers – Sarah Sundin, Sharon Elliott, and I – made before we attended our first writers conference. Oh, were we in for a surprise! The three of us chat about our first-ever writers conference experiences, and how attending conferences has shaped and grown our writing careers.

Five online tools to help you become a more powerful writer and editor (recommended by my listeners): ProWritingAid Jarvis AnswerThePublic PerfectIt WordHippo Transcript, video tutorials, and links to trainings included!

Your most valuable ability is your credibility. That’s why sensitivity readers, subject matter experts, and fact-checkers are crucial. In episode 73, five listeners recount their thoughts about this important topic. Learn what sensitivity readers do and how to find them.

“An unknown author wanting to get an unknown manuscript published by a traditional publisher is akin to an 18-year-old showing up in Los Angeles with a 6-string guitar, wanting to get a record contract,” says debut memoir author, Lisa Baldwin. Learn how several publishing professionals helped Lisa shift her expectations and shape her manuscript into an award-winning book. We discuss three types of investments Lisa made: (1) pre-publication costs, (2) publication costs, and (3) hidden costs.

Running a writing-related business costs several thousand dollars per year, even when you’re a frugal DIYer like me. In episode 71, I’ll walk you through: exactly what I spend to run my business how much to budget for essentials 3 things to do before investing in a service or tool Transcript and loads of links included.

How can frugal, penny-pinching entrepreneurs creatively build a business without forking out a ton of money? In episode 70, I’ll show you five basic, FREE things you can do right now to: • find great deals on tools for your business • gain visibility • interact with prospective readers and book buyers • earn bonus income Shareable infographic included!

When I hear the phrase, “business finances,” I shudder. I’m not a numbers person; I'm a word person. That’s why I invited bookkeeping expert, Vanessa Butler, to guest on The Professional Writer podcast. Vanessa will help us word nerds take a serious look at: The financial health of our business The most efficient ways to do accounting Why "business" and "pleasure" bank accounts shouldn't get married Why it's important to create a realistic monthly budget, and to look at it daily

A contract that clearly and specifically spells out expectations is a must-have for every entrepreneur, whether you’re hiring someone to work for you, or someone is hiring you to work for them. In Episode 68, I’ll share contract horror stories, suggest items to include in a legal agreement, and recommend easily customizable contract templates.

We’re exploring five problematic platform-building practices: The “swollen ego” bio Inflated follower counts Platform plugins Bestseller lists “Award-winning author” taglines I believe these vanity metrics give authors permission to bend the truth as a means of proving their worth. And that concerns me. Let’s talk about it!

Misinformation and horrible advice about email marketing abounds. In episode 66, I’m going to give you some tough love. I’ll bust 7 myths about email marketing.