Best Freelance Writing Podcasts (2024)

1
How to expand, broaden, and pivot your offerings 18:04

8M ago18:04

18:04

Most of us believe that we can build better businesses if we niche down to become a go-to writer for a particular type of asset in a specific space. Once we do this, however, it can feel hard to expand and grow. What if we want to work in another industry? What if we want to write web copy instead of longform content? In this episode, we offer advi…

1
How to find a freelance writing mentor (and what IS a mentor?) 17:21

8M ago17:21

17:21

Finding a freelance writing mentor is no easy task: They need to fit in with how you work and take instruction best. In this episode, we share our most impactful mentor experiences and the editors/mentors we learned from the most, plus tips on how to find one for yourself.By Kaleigh Moore and Emma Siemasko

1
Building email lists and sending newsletters 22:47

8M ago22:47

22:47

An email newsletter is a great way to stay in touch with your audience and build your personal brand. But wait…is an email newsletter necessary? Will it actually help you market and sell your freelance services? In this episode, we share how we think about email newsletters and what we’ve seen from our freelance friends: the successes, downfalls, a…

1
Explaining your freelance writing job when you’re off the clock 26:42

8M ago26:42

26:42

What do you say to people when they ask what you do? Does your professional identity as a freelance writer affect how you show up in the world? In this episode, we talk about how to explain what you do when you’re off the clock, surrounded by people who don’t “get it.” We’re also covering what we’re doing outside of work in 2024, what we’re thinkin…

1
What to do when the market is flooded with freelance writers 21:50

9M ago21:50

21:50

You see a post on LinkedIn calling for freelance writers with 750 comments. Is it just you… or does the market seem super saturated? What can you do when it feels harder than ever to differentiate? In this episode, we explore what we’ve been seeing lately and how it’s affected us mentally. We offer advice on how to work around this saturation to co…

1
Is the way we write today efficient? A conversation with Rob Carpenter of ButterDocs 24:13

9M ago24:13

24:13

The writing process consists of three steps: (1) researching and outline, (2) productive writing, and (3) editing. But are the tools we use designed for this process? Are we as efficient as we think we are? Is there room to save time and increase our creative output? We sat down with Rob Carpenter, content strategist and Head of Marketing at Butter…

1
Short-term contract roles: yay, nay, or maybe? 21:47

9M ago21:47

21:47

Companies sometimes hire writers for short-term contract roles to help with specific projects. They might hire a writer to work with them for 30-40 hours per week for a set period, such as three months. What are the pros and cons of taking on these roles? In this episode, we share our own experiences taking on contract work and offer some things to…

1
“Book My Day” offerings: Will they work for you? 20:44

9M ago20:44

20:44

Some freelancers suggest clients “book their day” if they want to work with them. Clients reserve a day… and work gets done. What does this look like in practice? How do freelancers successfully structure it? Are “book my day” offerings a good idea for your business? In this episode, we dig into the benefits and pitfalls of clients paying for a day…

1
What’s happening outside work? We’re dishing! 40:54

1+ y ago40:54

40:54

Did you know we are really good friends? HA. We enjoy each other’s company, love chatting about WHATEVER, and are catching up and giving you a picture of our holistic selves beyond the world of freelance work. We talk about Kaleigh’s history as a dancer, Emma’s weird modern house, and get into what’s happening outside of work. For anyone who wants …

1
WTF is going on with freelance writing right now? 26:14

1+ y ago26:14

26:14

Freelance writing is really weird right now. Layoffs, the rise of generative AI, and internal chaos at a lot of companies have made many of us feel super insecure about the field. Our friends and colleagues are kinda freaked out… and maybe we are too? In this episode, we talk about what we’re seeing in the world of freelance writing and what we’re …

1
What’s the deal with B2B SaaS and why is everyone doing it? 25:14

1+ y ago25:14

25:14

We both work in B2B SaaS. So do A LOT of writers. But what even is B2B SaaS? Why does it seem like so many writers are working in this area? In this episode, we talk about how we got into B2B SaaS, explain why it’s so popular, and offer some guidance on how to figure out whether it’s the right niche for you. This season of Freelance Writing Coach w…

1
How to conduct an A+ interview that gets you the gold 27:11

1+ y ago27:11

27:11

If you’re creating original content, you’ll likely find yourself conducting interviews. You might interview subject matter experts, customers, or your client’s customers! Emma does it all the time when she writes case studies. Kaleigh does it for more journalistic assignments. In this episode, we offer advice on how to conduct a gosh darn good inte…

1
When your editor has SKY HIGH expectations 27:56

1+ y ago27:56

27:56

Working with an intense editor can be, well, intense. It has the potential to elevate your writing, poke helpful holes in your sentences, and take you to the next level. But it can also be really annoying. In this episode, we’re discussing our experiences working with editors who’ve got high high high standards. This season of Freelance Writing Coa…

1
What do people look for when they’re hiring writers? 27:19

1+ y ago27:19

27:19

What does it mean to be a REALLY GOOD writer? In this episode, we’re exploring what content managers, thought leaders, and others look for when they’re hiring writers. In particular, we discuss writing abilities and editorial chops.By Kaleigh Moore and Emma Siemasko

1
ChatGPT, Google Bard, and what we think about the wild world of AI 30:18

1+ y ago30:18

30:18

WOOOOOOO boy. Where do we start with this one? Unless you’re living on the moon, you have *feelings* about what generative AI tools mean for your business, livelihood, and craft. In this episode, we explore our thoughts and feelings on AI and offer some ideas on how we can rise to the occasion in the new world of robot writers. This season of Freel…

1
How to screen prospective clients to avoid bad ones 29:12

1+ y ago29:12

29:12

We’ve all had clients that were...awful. But what if we told you avoiding nit-picky, cheap, or boundary-crossing clients was well within your control? We believe a screening process makes the difference! Don’t worry– we’ve made our fair share of mistakes, too. In this episode, we’re explaining how we screen prospective clients to avoid bad eggs and…

1
How freelance writers can efficiently outsource: A conversation with John Doherty, founder of EditorNinja 25:21

1+ y ago25:21

25:21

Outsourcing frees up your time so you can focus on tasks that generate revenue and ultimately build your business. But how can you get started with outsourcing and why might hiring editors be a good place to start? In this special episode, we sat down with John Doherty, founder of EditorNinja and sponsor of this season of the Freelance Writing Coac…

1
Becoming a better editor (so you can be a better writer) 17:55

1+ y ago17:55

17:55

Freelance writers benefit from great editing! After all, having a second (or third) set of eyes on a piece of writing can help you better understand its strengths and weaknesses, ultimately helping you deliver higher quality assets. But what IS editing and how do you make sure everything you turn in is sufficiently polished? In this episode, we tal…

1
How to get off on the right foot with a new client 21:59

1+ y ago21:59

21:59

A new lead comes in, you sell them on your services, and you both agree it’s a great fit. YES, this is the dream! But rolling out the red carpet for a new client doesn’t end after they sign your contract or proposal. What can you do with a brand new client to get the relationship off on the right foot? In this episode, we talk about how to make sur…

1
Writing tests, trial posts, and when to do something for free 19:35

1+ y ago19:35

19:35

What happens when a prospective client asks you to write a trial post for free? What about an unpaid test? Are there circumstances where doing work that’s unpaid makes sense or is this always a big NO? In this episode, we talk about writing tests, trial posts, and when it might make sense to write for free (or not!).…

1
How to become the go-to freelance writer for a specific offering 20:07

1+ y ago20:07

20:07

There’s lots of talk about niching down by industry, but what about becoming the go-to person for a specific offering? Freelance writers see success when they’re THE person for a particular thing. In this episode, we talk about our experience niching down and how you can get people to remember you as the “go-to person for writing podcast summaries,…

1
Building an efficient freelance work day 23:27

1+ y ago23:27

23:27

Making efficient use of your time is essential to running a successful freelance business, but lots of freelancers waste time on tasks that have little impact on revenue or lifestyle. In this episode, we discuss how we create efficient work days. We get into how many hours we typically work, tools to help ensure efficiency and focus, and what we re…

1
Legal contracts: What to consider and nit-picky things to include 23:06

1+ y ago23:06

23:06

Whether it’s getting paid on time, avoiding scope creep, or dealing with micromanagement, a contract is every freelance writer’s best friend—as long as it’s done right. These documents are a point of reference and a tool to help keep both parties on the same page around timing and deliverables (and other important stuff, like payments.) As you read…

1
How to manage projects and keep track of assignments 20:51

1+ y ago20:51

20:51

Freelancing (AKA being your own boss) means being the master of your time. Effective project management is a big part of doing this well. So, how do you keep track of your freelance writing projects without working beyond capacity? We’re breaking it down for you, sharing the tools and processes we use along the way. Tools for freelance project mana…

1
Events, conferences, and retreats: How to make the most of them 23:21

2y ago23:21

23:21

Events, conferences, and retreats offer freelance writers a break from the average day-to-day grind in front of the computer. They claim to help you learn from experienced speakers and grow your network, but…do they? Emma and I chat about our experiences with events and conferences and how we look at them moving forward. Fun Fact: We met at a confe…

1
Copywriting vs. content writing: What’s the difference? 19:39

2y ago19:39

19:39

Website content, social media posts, marketing emails, press releases—freelance writing is an umbrella term for many types of writing. But most freelance writers specialize in either content writing or copywriting (not both.) Writing in any form produces content, which is why copywriting is often lumped together with content writing. Confusing, rig…

1
They’re coming for your jobs: AI, robots, and “write for you” machines 19:03

2y ago19:03

19:03

AI-powered writing tools have gained a lot of attention recently. These tools are impressive in their ability to understand natural language and create content in seconds. But are these machine-powered tools advanced enough to replace (human) freelance writers? Social media is filled with screenshots of AI-generated emails, blogs, poems, and much m…

1
Freelance writing coaches: Are they worth it? 21:41

2y ago21:41

21:41

Running a freelance writing business can be extremely rewarding, but sometimes, you feel stuck and unsure of the next step. When this happens, there are several things you can do to “unstick”' yourself. One of these is getting help from a freelance writing coach. Several coaches specialize in freelance writing. However, it's important to figure out…

1
Why some freelancers give it up for a regular, full-time job 19:41

2y ago19:41

19:41

We think freelance writing is a pretty sweet gig—but it’s not for everyone. Some lead successful careers as self-employed people, while others miss the structure of a full-time role. One isn’t inherently better than the other, and deciding which one is right for you can take some trial and error. Some leave freelance life behind and return to a tra…

1
Struggling with writer’s block: Our ideas for busting through 21:41

2y ago21:41

21:41

Is writer’s block even real? Any writer knows this is a contentious issue. Some believe writer’s block isn’t a legitimate thing—an excuse for not getting words on the page—and it’s entirely made up. Others swear by the concept and can distinctly mark times when they have writer’s block and when they don’t. No matter how you feel about it, the conce…

1
What to do when personal disaster strikes 21:57

2y ago21:57

21:57

Why did you become a freelance writer? For freedom? Flexibility? The ability to work on your own terms? Whatever your reason, sometimes life can get in the way and throw your plans off course. Learning to navigate the issues that crop up when you’re trying to run a business can help you weather the storms and deal with them. More importantly, it en…

1
HATERZ: Online bullies, devil’s advocates, naysayers, and people who drive us nuts 22:19

2y ago22:19

22:19

Existing on the internet these days is a bit of a double-edged sword—and if you’re running or growing your business online, it can be even worse. Many of us have met amazing people online that become our friends, colleagues, and clients. Still, for each excellent interaction and connection, there are bullies, devil’s advocates, and naysayers. Every…

1
Are we headed into a recession? DON’T PANIC 20:43

2y ago20:43

20:43

Things may be a bit quieter right now, and it’s easy to slip into a mindset that makes you think it will be that way for a while (or there’s just not enough work out there.) “Don’t let the headlines be a self-fulfilling prophecy. Don’t see something that says, ‘No one’s hiring freelancers,’ and think, ‘No one’s hiring freelancers, so I guess that’s…

1
Should you get business insurance? Maybe? 15:44

2+ y ago15:44

15:44

This episode needs a disclaimer which is that we are not lawyers. However, someone told us to get business insurance so we looked into it. In this episode, we discuss business insurance. One of us has it and one of us doesn’t. The person who doesn’t was unlikely convinced by this episode. Basically, talk to an insurance agent. But if you’re looking…

1
Speaking gigs: Their place in your freelance career 24:58

2+ y ago24:58

24:58

Both of us have done our fair share of speaking gigs throughout our freelance careers. Speaking is a great way to share your authority and meet new people. At some point in your business, you may want to start booking speaking gigs so you can share your knowledge with the world. In this episode, we discuss how to start small and what to keep in min…

1
Our freelance desk and office setups: our go-to tools that keep us comfy and productive 30:32

2+ y ago30:32

30:32

Kaleigh got a new L-shaped desk. Emma’s is vintage. Kaleigh works in an office. Emma works in the corner of her bedroom (thanks California real estate + COVID). In this episode, we’re sharing our freelance desk and office setups. You’re going to hear about a zen-like place and a corner of chaos. By the end of this episode, you’ll want one of our de…

1
“What would I charge for this?”: Getting real about the $$$ we’d charge 28:06

2+ y ago28:06

28:06

WE ARE GETTING REAL ABOUT WHAT WE CHARGE FOR CERTAIN ASSETS. In this episode we share what we think are reasonable rates for blog articles, case studies, websites, and more. We thought we’d be able to share numbers WITHOUT explaining the nuance but couldn’t really do that. There is always nuance when it comes to pricing. If you’re wondering if you’…

1
Using LinkedIn as a freelance writer 21:50

2+ y ago21:50

21:50

Neither of us are LinkedIn masters, but we’ve seen freelancers get massive amounts of value from the platform. In this episode, we discuss how we approach LinkedIn and how we’ve seen others leverage it. We call out Michal Eisikowitz and Leah Neaderthal who are both doing awesome things with the platform. If you’re interested in how freelance writer…

1
Longterm clients, retainers, one-off projects: Which mix is right for you?  24:28

2+ y ago24:28

24:28

Some freelancers work with one or two longterm clients while others do a series of one-offs. It can depend on the type of work you do, but it can also depend on what you like and what matters to you. In this episode, we discuss the pros and cons of longterm clients, retainers, and one-off projects. There’s no perfect mix, but there’s probably a rig…

1
Everything client boundaries! Creating them and upholding them 25:40

2+ y ago25:40

25:40

Are your clients texting you in the middle of the night? Do they expect instant responses on Slack? Do they want you to deliver a draft within 24 hours or hop on a call right now? AHHHH. You became a freelancer so you wouldn’t be beholden to a boss, but it feels like your clients are owning you. We know the feeling, and it’s one that can be solved …

1
#7: Building a Successful Global Freelance Writing Business as a Non-Native English Speaker 23:39

2+ y ago23:39

23:39

Drashti Shah is a freelance writer from India who now lives in Italy. She joins us in Episode 7 to talk about how to build a successful global freelance writing business as a non-native English speaker. What does she share? -An overview of where her business is now -Resistance she ran into because she's a non-native English speaker -How she overcam…

1
How to juggle the many demands of being alive 26:52

2+ y ago26:52

26:52

A listener asked us how we juggle the daily demands of our lives and careers: how do we eat nutritious meals? How do we make sure we get outside every day? How do we make the most of the flexibility that freelancing has to offer? Well, it’s a work in progress for both of us. We’re far from perfect, but we have been freelancing for a long time and h…

1
#6: Writing Our Way to Disability Inclusion 31:28

2+ y ago31:28

31:28

In this episode, we chat with Lia Stoll, a freelance disability writer and the co-founder of Lara Guide Dog School. Lia has an incredible story. At a young age, she witnessed something that started her on a path she would follow all the way until today — a path that aims to help people with disabilities to live as independently as possible. She sha…

1
How to get off Upwork, Fiverr, and other freelance platforms 23:28

2+ y ago23:28

23:28

There’s nothing wrong with starting your freelance career on Upwork, Fiverr, or another platform. In fact, we know many successful freelance who did (and still do!) gain a lot from these marketplaces. But what do you lose when you continue to rely on these platforms to get work? Freelancers often tell us they want to get “off platform” but aren’t s…

1
#5: Cold Pitching with Maya Capasso 26:30

2+ y ago26:30

26:30

In this episode, we chat with freelance writer and cold pitch coach, Maya Capasso. Like many of us, Maya had a rough start with cold pitching. She was uncomfortable with it because she didn't want to blindly cold pitch a huge list of contacts. However, she soon figured out a personalized approach that helped her to start closing deals. Now she's fi…

1
#4 Overcoming Perfectionism When Pitching Big Publications with Amber Petty 27:19

2+ y ago27:19

27:19

For 13 years, Amber was a professional actress in New York and Los Angeles. She starred Off-Broadway in 50 Shades! The Musical performed and taught at the Upright Citizens Brigade Theater. She also did improv around the world with Baby Wants Candy. But mostly, she played the role of “getting ignored by agents.” Growing tired of waiting for audition…

1
#3 Niche Spotlight: Subcontracting For Comms Professionals and Writers with Laura Ansbro 29:59

2+ y ago29:59

29:59

Hi and welcome to Season 1 Episode 3 of the All Things Freelance Writing Podcast with guest, Laura Ansbro! I’m your host Jessica Walrack and today we have the pleasure of talking with Laura Ansbro. Laura’s a freelance content writer who's been writing for 4-5 years and specializes in creating engaging, persuasive long-form content for writers and o…

1
#2 Big Bylines, Book Deals, and Going For It with Brianne Hogan 51:38

2+ y ago51:38

51:38

Brianne Hogan is a writer, editor, author, actor, storyteller, and podcast host. She has bylines in over 60 publications including the BBC, Buzzfeed, Elle, Scary Mommy, and the Washington Post. She's also the author of Joy in the Stars, a book from BuzzFeed, and Friendship Signs. In this episode, we pull the curtain back to show how Brianne achieve…

1
#1: Content Distribution with Sarah Colley 29:39

2+ y ago29:39

29:39

Sarah Colley is a freelance content writer, consultant, and strategist that helps tech startups, B2B's, and more to drive leads (not just traffic) with her smart and scrappy distribution tactics. She's written for brands like Dooly, metadata.io, Rewind, Go Guardian, and many more. In this episode, she defines content distribution, explains why most…

1
How to write about something you know nothing about 19:42

2+ y ago19:42

19:42

Both of us write about fairly technical topics we once knew nothing about. But now, we’re experts. In this episode, we talk about our strategies for understanding a topic when we’re out of our league. This will be particularly helpful for those who write about topics they haven’t encountered before.By Kaleigh Moore and Emma Siemasko

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