Explore every episode of the podcast 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.

“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.

When crafted thoughtfully, promotional social media posts that link to your blog or podcast really do work. Learn 3 things not to do under any circumstances, plus get 10 tips to help you write stellar social posts that’ll get clickthroughs.

What’s it like to migrate from writing for the Christian market to writing for a Big 5 general market publisher? Susan Meissner penned 9 novels for the Christian market before moving to the general market, where she has had 7 historical novels published by a major New York publishing house. In episode 64, Susan, a USA Today bestselling author, shares her evolution as a writer and reveals how she “raises the bar” for each new story she writes.

Let's flip the script on "playing small!" During my frank conversation with mindset coach, Kyrsti Snyder, we discuss (1) why we don’t accomplish our goals, (2) three types of goals we can set for our business, and (3) five tips for achieving our goals.

Do you like to write true, inspirational stories? Consider shopping your stories to an anthology such as Chicken Soup for the Soul. Tracy Crump, author of 22+ Chicken Soup for the Soul stories, shares insider tips for shaping a story to submit to the world’s most popular anthology series.

When many others offer the same types of services, products, and programs as you, how can you make a name for yourself? Brand strategist, Britney Gardner, and I discuss several core principles for doing business intentionally: finding your best client, selecting brand photos, developing marketing messages, and filtering the wrong subscribers off your email list.

“Shoulding” ourselves – saying, “I should do this or that” – freezes us from making progress. Let’s stop beating ourselves up! Author coach, Alice Crider, suggests practical tips for getting out of our own way so we stop sitting on the sidelines and become leaders.

What motivates a writer to have such faith in their project that they persevere for months or even years in the face of countless rejections? Grit. To flesh out what grit means for the success of your business, I’m sharing fascinating stories from real-life creatives, as well as four ways to develop grit, from Angela Duckworth’s book, Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance.

Does talking about books put you in your happy place? Do you enjoy influencing readers to pick up good books and steer away from bad ones? You might want to try your hand at reviewing books. Katherine Scott Jones – book enthusiast, reviewer, and author – introduces us to the art of book reviewing. You’ll discover (1) who should – and shouldn’t – become a book reviewer; (2) what readers, publishers, and authors look for in a book reviewer; (3) four ways to get started reviewing books; (4) how to write a balanced, fair review, and (5) how to follow up with the publicist/author after you publish your review.

Are you seeking a literary agent? Wondering what you can do that’ll help them say “yes” to your pitch? Barb Roose, an agent with Books & Such Literary Management, unpacks 3 important factors that’ll help you land an agent, and shows us 3 effective ways to build an author platform. Transcript included.

Some people mistakenly assume that writing for children is simple. Multi-published author, Diane Stortz, knows that writing children’s books is every bit as challenging – and rewarding – as writing for adults. In Episode 56, Diane shares the secrets to her success and recommends six things prospective children’s writers can do to get started.

Crafting guest post guidelines for your blog requires a lot of thought and decision-making. But guidelines are well worth your time investment. In episode 55 (part 2 in my mini-series on guest blogging), you’ll get a free printable swipe file of my guest post guidelines that you can adapt for your own use.

I receive bizarre guest post pitches every week. I instantly delete them without opening them. Episode 54 is a guidebook for what NOT to do when pitching your guest blogging services. Follow along with the transcript while listening – I reprint several actual, unretouched pitches I’ve received, complete with hilarious spelling and punctuation errors!

When you’re writing a book, it’s just you, banging out beautiful words. When you finish the draft, your next step is to invite others to help prepare your manuscript for publication. In part 2 of my conversation with freelance editor, Samantha Hanni, we discuss three ways authors can bring the ‘reader first’ mindset into the editing process: (1) stay humble about your message, (2) stay humble about your edits, and (3) communicate with your editor.

Approach writing as if you’re hosting a dinner party. Invite readers to the table with the understanding that they bring life experiences with them that’ll impact the way they’ll receive your words. “Set the table” for your readers by putting them FIRST. In Episode 52, Samantha Hanni and I unpack three questions that’ll help you shape a reader-first mindset: (1) What are my publishing goals? (2) Who is my reader? (3) How do I want my reader to be different after reading my book?

Should I seek a traditional, royalty publishing house or should I self-publish? It’s a question nearly every author asks themselves. For Dianne Andre, the answer was “self-publish ebooks.” In Episode 51, Dianne and I discuss why she chose indie publishing, and she unveils four book launch tactics she tried during her recent book launch. A bonus infographic is included: 7 Steps to Plan an Ebook Launch.

12 hot tips for turning social media followers into email subscribers. PLUS, discover why inviting people to subscribe must become a routine part of your social media schedule, and learn what not to do, under any circumstances.

How would you react if every social network suddenly removed all your followers or closed down your account? Would you feel confident that you still have a way of amplifying your voice and connecting with your fans? In Episode 49 (part 2 in a 3-part series), you’ll discover 5 important differences between social media and email marketing, and I’ll show you why focusing more energy on email marketing will set your business up for good things to happen.

How do I get more people to read my blog? I’ll walk you through two surefire methods that’ll make it easy for people to receive an alert whenever you publish fresh content. Plus, I include a bonus tip just for podcasters.

Are you an audiobook skeptic? If so, my interview with Katherine Scott Jones will change your mind! And if you already love audiobooks, check out Katherine’s 17 recommendations for new listens in the Narrative Non-Fiction, Memoir, and Fiction genres.

Avoid TL;DR! In this short episode, I'll help you simplify your introductions to podcast and vlog episodes, e-newsletters, and blog posts.

Suffering from lockdown slump? If your creative juices have dried up, my interview with Jeanette Hanscome is exactly what you need to dump the slump. Join us and explore creative activities that’ll breathe new life into your writing.

I’m not a “word of the year person.” But this year, the word SIMPLIFY beckoned. In Episode 44 of The Professional Writer podcast, I’ll help you simplify (1) the people you serve and (2) the products, services, and programs you offer. And I’ll challenge you to take 4 massive action steps that’ll simplify your business processes!

Have you ever been “in the zone” and when you glanced up from your computer, you were shocked that three hours had passed? That happens to me all the time! Amy Connell, a certified personal trainer, demonstrates simple stretches desk jockeys can do to get the blood flowing and relieve muscles we’ve been overusing in all the wrong ways. BONUS demo video included!

It’s time to exercise your social media muscles! In the final installment of our 4-part series on the secret to doing social media, you’ll (1) decide which social network(s) to be active on (2) get best practices for engaging with your followers, and (3) discover why doing weekly and monthly analytics reviews will help you adjust your routine so you focus on activities that best build your business.

Social media marketing is a marathon, not a sprint. Let's replace the "sprint" mentality with productive activities that result in the best return on our investment. In Episode 41 (Part 3 in a 4-part series on the secret to doing social media) you'll also learn: (1) why you shouldn’t auto-publish links to your latest blog posts; (2) why it’s important to share promotional content multiple times; (3) how to adapt one piece of content for multiple social channels, and (4) how to effectively use social media schedulers. Plus, I’ll introduce you to 14 popular social media scheduling tools!

Consider every piece of social media content you post as part of your business portfolio. That will keep you focused on creating content that builds your business. In Episode 40 (part 2 in a 4-part series on the secret to doing social media), you’ll (1) identify your core income streams or areas of influence, and (2) develop 6 types of content that will direct your audience towards your core revenue streams.

“I don't have time to do social media. My schedule is already packed.” If you’ve ever uttered those words, this episode is for you. I’ll walk you through a process that’ll help you form social media habits that will serve you well over the long-term. (This is Part 1 in a 4-part series on practical tips for effective social media marketing.)

“Are you ever going to write a REAL book?” The first time someone asked Grace Fox that question, she felt slighted. Grace, a popular and accomplished devotional writer, reveals how she worked through her internal struggle with writing devotions, and how she wrote ninety 225-word devotions in 20 days.

Are you unintentionally alienating your Facebook friends, turning off agents and editors, and driving away potential clients? In Episode #37, you’ll discover the 2020 version of the “drunk at a party selfie,” and get 3 tips for conducting yourself on social so you avoid decimating your personal and professional credibility. (Includes full transcript.)

“Writing is really hard work for me,” says Ginny L. Yttrup. “In the midst of it I often find myself stymied. Blocked. Confused. Wanting to do anything but write.” If you’ve ever experienced the slow tedium of writing and felt like giving up, Ginny will identify two areas where writers commonly get stuck and put you on track to get unstuck.