The Writing Coach Podcast with Rebecca L. Weber

What's one thing you'd like help with in your writing life today? I'd like to coach you about it—and share the recording with other listeners of the Writing Coach Podcast. To apply for a free coaching session with me, visit www.rebeccalweber.com/coachme 🔗 You might also like to listen to … WCP 1: What's your problem? WCP20 Setting freelance writer goals Writing Coach Podcast Greatest Hits Playlist on Spotify 🎁 Download my free guide on how to pitch freelance article ideas, "5 Proven Steps to Writing Queries that Sell." www.rebeccalweber.com/howtopitch ⭐ Support the Writing Coach Podcast by reviewing on Apple Podcasts, sharing a link on your website or in your newsletter, or in your next social media post. Let other writers know why you listen.

On Monday mornings I used to be cranky and anxious. It's not a great combo any time, and not a great foundation for the week ahead. Then I created a ritual to help me transition … and I actually look forward to that time when I get to look at my writing projects from a totally different perspective. Creating a ritual or two in your writing life can provide structure, meaning, and momentum. This episode is in memory of the patron puppy saint of the Writing Coach Podcast, Mishka. 🔗 You might also like to listen to … WCP 244: Freelance feast or famine WCP 231 Archives: Writing through grief WCP 43: Bridge thoughts WCP 15: How Nelson Mandela taught me to write faster Writing Coach Podcast Greatest Hits Playlist on Spotify 🔗 Mentioned on this episode … Essential books for writers Laura Feasey on Instagram Yolisa Qunta on Instagram Mishka on Instagram Twyla Tharp's "The Creative Habit" 🎁 Download my free guide on how to pitch freelance article ideas, "5 Proven Steps to Writing Queries that Sell." www.rebeccalweber.com/howtopitch ⭐ Support the Writing Coach Podcast by reviewing on Apple Podcasts, sharing a link on your website or in your newsletter, or in your next social media post. Let other writers know why you listen. ✏️ Work with me in Freelance Writer Bootcamp Break into your dream publications and get paid well while covering stories that matter. Alumni of my group coaching program have used the proven Bootcamp processes to break into the New York Times, the Guardian, Bustle, Fodor's, Ms., Nat Geo Travel, Al Jazeera, the BBC, and many more. Apply now for the next session: www.FreelanceWriterBootcamp.com 🔥 Work with me 1:1 Private coaching is for the writer who wants a personalized agenda and transformative breakthroughs. You'll experience new clarity about what's been holding you back and choose new patterns of thinking and behavior to propel you forward toward your writing goals. Apply for private writer coaching: www.rebeccalweber.com/coach 📝 More info and complete show notes: www.rebeccalweber.com/podcast245

They say it's the thought that counts when it comes to gifts. But if you've ever had the experience of receiving a gift that was clearly intended for somebody else (but the tags got swapped or similar), or if you received a generic Secret Santa present, you know that the thoughts leading to those gifts were fundamentally different than when somebody offers you a gift that surprises and delights you because it is just so perfect. Freelancers who pitch regularly have had the experience of sending the wrong idea to the wrong publication at the wrong time. If who you are pitching is an afterthought, that randomness shows. Sending your next editor a pitch that makes their day is an empowering experience for both of you. Learn more about the gift of specificity. 🔗 You might also like … WCP 187 You're invited WCP 180 Learning mindset WCP 4: Pitching: The perfect black T-shirt WCP 182 Archives: Annoying pitches 🎁 Download my free guide on how to pitch freelance article ideas, "5 Proven Steps to Writing Queries that Sell." www.rebeccalweber.com/howtopitch ✏️ Work with me in Freelance Writer Bootcamp Break into your dream publications and get paid well while covering stories that matter. Alumni of my group coaching program have used the proven Bootcamp processes to break into the New York Times, the Guardian, Bustle, Fodor's, Ms., Nat Geo Travel, Al Jazeera, the BBC, and many more. Apply now for the next session: www.FreelanceWriterBootcamp.com 📝 More info and complete show notes: www.rebeccalweber.com/podcast243

Some writers always honor their deadlines for clients, yet aren't accountable to themselves when it comes to marketing or creative work. Maybe you want to pitch more stories, finish your book proposal, or write in your journal every single day. You get started, then quit, and never build enough momentum to create the writing life you really want for yourself. In reality, signing a contract isn't what actually makes you complete an assignment on time. It's your decision to complete it (which you may do because you like the consequences of doing so, such as feeling reliable or spending the income). If you already know how to be accountable to somebody else, you can use that experience to practice being more accountable to yourself too. And you can do it without any negative self-talk, shame, or blame—instead, honoring your deepest writing desires is a form of self-care and we can do it more effectively from a place of curiosity and learning. 🔗 You might also like … Writing Coach Podcast Greatest Hits Playlist on Spotify WCP238 Accountability hit ✏️ Work with me in Freelance Writer Bootcamp Break into your dream publications and get paid well while covering stories that matter. Alumni of my group coaching program have used the proven Bootcamp processes to break into the New York Times, the Guardian, Bustle, Fodor's, Ms., Nat Geo Travel, Al Jazeera, the BBC, and many more. Apply now for the next session: www.FreelanceWriterBootcamp.com 🔥 Work with me 1:1 Private coaching is for the writer who wants a personalized agenda and transformative breakthroughs. You'll experience new clarity about what's been holding you back and choose new patterns of thinking and behavior to propel you forward toward your writing goals. Apply for private writer coaching: www.rebeccalweber.com/coach 🎁 Download my free guide on how to pitch freelance article ideas, "5 Proven Steps to Writing Queries that Sell." www.rebeccalweber.com/howtopitch 📝 More info and complete show notes: www.rebeccalweber.com/podcast241

Freelance writers often have a hard time setting rates, or feeling great about them after we've signed a contract. It can feel challenging when: You have a sense that there's a correct rate to charge, but you don't know what it is You don't know how much you need to earn this year, so can't break down this project accordingly You believe that the client sets the rates Spoiler alert: It is *always* possible for a potential client, a freelance colleague, or a well-meaning friend/family member in another field, to think or say: "You are charging too much" OR "You aren't charging enough." Ideally YOU won't be the one telling yourself either of these things. This episode we uncover some of the common reasons freelancers struggle with setting their rates, including the most common issue that affects high- and low-earners alike, and how to take control. 🔗 Mentioned in this episode: WCP 134 What to charge WCP 153 Archives: Pay me now! WCP 193 Rates shaming WCP 67: 3 strategies to earn more money as a freelance writer WCP 1: What's your problem? 🎁 Download my free guide on how to pitch freelance article ideas, "5 Proven Steps to Writing Queries that Sell." www.rebeccalweber.com/howtopitch ⭐ Support the Writing Coach Podcast with a review on Apple Podcasts, sharing a link on your website or in your newsletter, or in your next social media post. Let other writers know why you listen. ✏️ Work with me in Freelance Writer Bootcamp Break into your dream publications and get paid well while covering stories that matter. Alumni of my group coaching program have used the proven Bootcamp processes to break into the New York Times, the Guardian, Bustle, Fodor's, Ms., Nat Geo Travel, Al Jazeera, the BBC, and many more. Apply now for the next session: www.FreelanceWriterBootcamp.com 🔥 Work with me 1:1 Private coaching is for the writer who wants a personalized agenda and transformative breakthroughs. You'll experience new clarity about what's been holding you back and choose new patterns of thinking and behavior to propel you forward toward your writing goals. Apply for private writer coaching: www.rebeccalweber.com/coach 📝 More info and complete show notes: www.rebeccalweber.com/podcast239

No electricity. No internet. They're not one in the same, but when they overlap they make for a powerful Venn diagram. The extreme weather and increased pressures on infrastructure means we're going to continue to see large areas lose power and connectivity. Here in South Africa, we've had plenty of chances to learn how to freelance efficiently both with some tech strategies and managing our own expectations during power outages. Let's get into both so that you can keep getting your work done. 🔗 You might also like … Writing Coach Podcast Greatest Hits Playlist on Spotify 🎁 Download my free guide on how to pitch freelance article ideas, "5 Proven Steps to Writing Queries that Sell." www.rebeccalweber.com/howtopitch ⭐ Support the Writing Coach Podcast with a review on Apple Podcasts, sharing a link on your website or in your newsletter, or in your next social media post. Let other writers know why you listen. ✏️ Work with me in Freelance Writer Bootcamp Break into your dream publications and get paid well while covering stories that matter. Alumni of my group coaching program have used the proven Bootcamp processes to break into the New York Times, the Guardian, Bustle, Fodor's, Ms., Nat Geo Travel, Al Jazeera, the BBC, and many more. Apply now for the next session: www.FreelanceWriterBootcamp.com 🔥 Work with me 1:1 Private coaching is for the writer who wants a personalized agenda and transformative breakthroughs. You'll experience new clarity about what's been holding you back and choose new patterns of thinking and behavior to propel you forward toward your writing goals. Apply for private writer coaching: www.rebeccalweber.com/coach 📝 More info and complete show notes: www.rebeccalweber.com/podcast237

Freelancing while traveling disrupts the home routine. Get clear about your process and expectations when traveling, and you'll be better able to reduce frustration and optimize your next trip. Some unconscious and/or unrealistic expectations include: + Stamina, sleep, and food choices + Only reporting vs. starting to do some writing before reporting is complete + An overscheduled itinerary vs. intentional white space on calendar 🔗 Mentioned in this episode: WCP 195 Archives: Pitching travel stories before or after the trip WCP 136 Archives: Pitch the chicken WCP 162 Archives: The research rabbit hole WCP 1: What's your problem? 🎁 Download my free guide on how to pitch freelance article ideas, "5 Proven Steps to Writing Queries that Sell." www.rebeccalweber.com/howtopitch ⭐ Support the Writing Coach Podcast with a review on Apple Podcasts, sharing a link on your website or in your newsletter, or in your next social media post. Let other writers know why you listen. ✏️ Work with me in Freelance Writer Bootcamp Break into your dream publications and get paid well while covering stories that matter. Alumni of my group coaching program have used the proven Bootcamp processes to break into the New York Times, the Guardian, Bustle, Fodor's, Ms., Nat Geo Travel, Al Jazeera, the BBC, and many more. Apply now for the next session: www.FreelanceWriterBootcamp.com 🔥 Work with me 1:1 Private coaching is for the writer who wants a personalized agenda and transformative breakthroughs. You'll experience new clarity about what's been holding you back and choose new patterns of thinking and behavior to propel you forward toward your writing goals. Apply for private writer coaching: www.rebeccalweber.com/coach 📝 More info and complete show notes: www.rebeccalweber.com/podcast235

As a writing coach, I've heard countless writers complain about their numbers. Or, more accurately, I've lost count. Often somebody will hook into a goal number (daily word count, annual income, how many likes on a post) that disappoints–whether they hit that number or not. And many others don't identify a goal number from the outset, but then lament that whatever number they're looking at is "not enough" (or possibly "too much"). Using numbers against ourselves in this way is largely counterproductive, both for achieving goals and for enjoying our writing lives. I recently noticed that more than listeners have downloaded a quarter million episodes of the Writing Coach Podcast. 250k is a data point that doesn't actually mean much in practical terms. It's a fairly arbitrary number … as are so many of our writing metrics. Even hitting the number of words you wanted for a writing session doesn't necessarily mean that those words are brilliant, concise, or bloated. Choosing to celebrate with little #podcakes is a lot more fun than not having cake. Having fun is valuable in its own right. And when we are in a playful state of mind, we're far more able to step out of restrictive thought habits that shut down our creativity, energy, and motivation. Some of the very same games that you've naturally developed through playfulness with words can be applied to numbers. On this week's episode, explore a few ways you can bring a little more fun to your own numbers. 🎉 This week marks a big celebration for the Writing Coach Podcast: 250,000+ downloads! If you've enjoyed an episode (or a couple hundred), please help another writer by sharing the Writing Coach Podcast. Recommend a fave episode or share a takeaway: + Leave a review on Apple Podcasts + Include it in a "best podcast" or writer resources list + Shout out with a screenshot or link on social media (tag me on Instagram stories @freelancewriterbootcamp and I'll do the same) + Share a link in your newsletter: www.rebeccalweber.com/podcast 🔗 You may also like … WCP 132 Archives: Celebrating WCP 168 Wordle wisdom WCP 1: What's your problem? ✏️ Work with me in Freelance Writer Bootcamp Break into your dream publications and get paid well while covering stories that matter. Alumni of my group coaching program have used the proven Bootcamp processes to break into the New York Times, the Guardian, Bustle, Fodor's, Ms., Nat Geo Travel, Al Jazeera, the BBC, and many more. Apply now for the next session: www.FreelanceWriterBootcamp.com 📝 More info and complete show notes: www.rebeccalweber.com/podcast233

In some important ways, it doesn't matter what your job is when somebody you care about dies. In today's episode, we look at ways you can use writing to process your emotions and communicate love and loss, or to support somebody else who is in mourning. We also discuss the practical challenges of freelancing while grieving. In the four years since this episode was first published, it's quite likely you have experienced grief over the loss of a loved one (and/or have wanted to support someone who has gone through this). Grief runs on its own timeline; in this new intro I also address allowing time to grieve through the years. 🔗 Mentioned on this episode … Writing Coach Podcast Greatest Hits Playlist on Spotify Apply to work with me: rebeccalweber.com/coach ⭐ Support the Writing Coach Podcast by leaving a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Let other writers know why you listen. ❤️ Share the podcast with other writers via your newsletter, blog post, article, or on social media. ✏️ Work with me in Freelance Writer Bootcamp Break into your dream publications and get paid well while covering stories that matter. Alumni of my group coaching program have used the proven Bootcamp processes to break into the New York Times, the Guardian, Bustle, Fodor's, Ms., Nat Geo Travel, Al Jazeera, the BBC, and many more. Apply now for the next session: www.FreelanceWriterBootcamp.com 🔥 Work with me 1:1 Private coaching is for the writer who wants a personalized agenda and transformative breakthroughs. You'll experience new clarity about what's been holding you back and choose new patterns of thinking and behavior to propel you forward toward your writing goals. Apply for private writer coaching: www.rebeccalweber.com/coach 📝 More info and complete show notes: www.rebeccalweber.com/podcast231

One great idea element can be developed into so many different kinds of stories for noncompeting audiences. Listen to my interview on the Do Good Work Podcast, where Raul and I talk about pitching, freelancing, flexibility, generating original ideas, exploring creativity, inspiration, and more in a slightly different context than we've ever done before. -Importance of recognizing personal biases and understanding audience needs -How curiosity and unique ideas help writers stay ahead of the AI curve -Challenges staffers may find when pivoting to freelancing 🔗 Mentioned in this episode: #DoGoodWork podcast WCP 1: What's your problem? WCP 200 What I learned creating 200 podcast episodes 🎧 Podcast tour: Invite me to your podcast to discuss writing, creativity, freelancing, process, publishing, etc. I promote the interviews I do on other podcasts via my newsletter, social media, and/or by republishing here on the Writing Coach Podcast. Drop me a line and let's talk about the show we could do to meet your audience's needs. 🎁 Download my free guide on how to pitch freelance article ideas, "5 Proven Steps to Writing Queries that Sell." www.rebeccalweber.com/howtopitch ⭐ Support the Writing Coach Podcast with a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, sharing a link on your website/blog/newsletter, or shouting out on social media. ✏️ Work with me in Freelance Writer Bootcamp Break into your dream publications and get paid well while covering stories that matter. Alumni of my group coaching program have used the proven Bootcamp processes to break into the New York Times, the Guardian, Bustle, Fodor's, Ms., Nat Geo Travel, Al Jazeera, the BBC, and many more. Apply now for the next session: www.FreelanceWriterBootcamp.com 📝 More info and complete show notes: www.rebeccalweber.com/podcast229

What is your freelance writer business model? What are the skills you need to get you to the next point? Do you prefer to improve your weaknesses or your strengths? What skills are you actively developing right now? I've chosen not to pay too much attention to some skills (like spelling) that seem like a no-brainer to some writers (but that actually have had very little impact on my career). I have focused a lot on some skills (like pitching) that other writers don't want to invest in–and then can't grow the career they actually want. 🔗 Mentioned in this episode: WCP226 Exhume your lede Merriam-Webster: Why Do We 'Bury the Lede?' WCP 1: What's your problem? 🎁 Download my free guide on how to pitch freelance article ideas, "5 Proven Steps to Writing Queries that Sell." www.rebeccalweber.com/howtopitch ⭐ Support the Writing Coach Podcast by writing a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Let other writers know why you listen. ❤️ Share the podcast with other writers via your social media accounts or email newsletter. 📸 Follow me on Instagram @FreelanceWriterBootcamp ✏️ Work with me in Freelance Writer Bootcamp Break into your dream publications and get paid well while covering stories that matter. Alumni of my group coaching program have used the proven Bootcamp processes to break into the New York Times, the Guardian, Bustle, Fodor's, Ms., Nat Geo Travel, Al Jazeera, the BBC, and many more. Apply now for the next session: www.FreelanceWriterBootcamp.com 🔥 Work with me 1:1 Private coaching is for the writer who wants a personalized agenda and transformative breakthroughs. You'll experience new clarity about what's been holding you back and choose new patterns of thinking and behavior to propel you forward toward your writing goals. Apply for private writer coaching: www.rebeccalweber.com/coach 📝 More info and complete show notes: www.rebeccalweber.com/podcast227

Every three months marks a turn of seasons, and a refresh of the financial quarter. It's the perfect time for an evaluation. Pausing to review and reflect on what's actually happened allows you to plan from a more grounded place. 🔗 You might also like … WCP 50: Self evaluations When done properly, self evaluation will give you precise insights into exactly what you need to change, providing momentum and a clear answer to "What should I do now?" Episode 50 shares three questions that can be used to uplevel nearly any aspect of your freelancing. WCP 156: Evaluations and entitlement The better you are at identifying the reasons why you are and aren't getting the work you want, the more growth and control you'll have over your freelance writing life. Sometimes resistance to evaluation comes from a place of entitlement, or a sense that you have a right to a certain assignment. This episode looks at the impact of evaluating yourself routinely, and how unrecognized entitlement can interfere with the process. WCP 209 Archives: Year-end pitching As freelancers, we get to set our own schedules, and match the days and hours that best suit hours with clients that are sympatico. Few, if any, assigning editors strictly work 9-5, Monday to Friday, and take off all public holidays. Episode 209 will help you reframe when to pitch. This perspective in this episode has resulted in numerous listeners landing assignments that they otherwise would have delayed pitching. WCP 116 Lights out South Africa's electricity crisis has greatly worsened, and is expected to do more so in July. This episode is all about freelancing when things you might have taken for granted–like 24/7 electricity and wifi–aren't available. WCP 171 Seasons and cycles I respond to the seasons that change with the earth's shifting weather and daylight hours. Here are some thoughts about the correlation between seasons and financial quarters. 🎁 Download my free guide on how to pitch freelance article ideas, "5 Proven Steps to Writing Queries that Sell." www.rebeccalweber.com/howtopitch ⭐ Support the Writing Coach Podcast by writing a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Let other writers know why you listen. ❤️ Share the podcast with other writers via your social media accounts or email newsletter, or leave a comment on my Instagram or Facebook feeds. 🎧 Listen and subscribe in your favorite podcast app. 📸 Follow me on Instagram @FreelanceWriterBootcamp ✏️ Work with me in Freelance Writer Bootcamp Break into your dream publications and get paid well while covering stories that matter. Alumni of my group coaching program have used the proven Bootcamp processes to break into the New York Times, the Guardian, Bustle, Fodor's, Ms., Nat Geo Travel, Al Jazeera, the BBC, and many more. Apply now for the next session: www.FreelanceWriterBootcamp.com 🔥 Work with me 1:1 Private coaching is for the writer who wants a personalized agenda and transformative breakthroughs. You'll experience new clarity about what's been holding you back and choose new patterns of thinking and behavior to propel you forward toward your writing goals. Apply for private writer coaching: www.rebeccalweber.com/coach 📝 More info and complete show notes: www.rebeccalweber.com/podcast225

We all know we're supposed to read a publication and tailor a pitch to their needs … but so many freelancers just cut and paste the same one-size-fits-none pitch and send it out to editor after editor. In general, the spray-and-pray approach maintains a low pitch acceptance rate. But this approach actually does work in a few select cases. Listen to hear what the three situations are when it might make sense to try this, and when to customize, plus a key question that will help you clarify if the very minor tweaks you're making still count as the same pitch or not. 🔗 You might also like … How to read a publication like your future editor wants you to WCP 221 Vulnerability WCP 158 Archives Vol. IX: Urgency WCP 1: What's your problem? 🎁 Download my free guide on how to pitch freelance article ideas, "5 Proven Steps to Writing Queries that Sell." www.rebeccalweber.com/howtopitch ⭐ Support the Writing Coach Podcast by writing a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Let other writers know why you listen. ❤️ Share the podcast with other writers via your social media accounts or email newsletter, or leave a comment on my Instagram @FreelanceWriterBootcamp ✏️ Work with me in Freelance Writer Bootcamp Break into your dream publications and get paid well while covering stories that matter. Alumni of my group coaching program have used the proven Bootcamp processes to break into the New York Times, the Guardian, Bustle, Fodor's, Ms., Nat Geo Travel, Al Jazeera, the BBC, and many more. Apply now for the next session: www.FreelanceWriterBootcamp.com 🔥 Work with me 1:1 Private coaching is for the writer who wants a personalized agenda and transformative breakthroughs. You'll experience new clarity about what's been holding you back and choose new patterns of thinking and behavior to propel you forward toward your writing goals. Apply for private writer coaching: www.rebeccalweber.com/coach 📝 More info and complete show notes: www.rebeccalweber.com/podcast223