The Professional Writer

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.