Whats one thing youd like help with in your writing life today? Id like to coach you about itand 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: Whats 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 Querie...
Jan 02, 2024•5 min•Ep 247•Transcript available on Metacast Sometimes you AND your pitch need to get out of your head and out into the world. On the first Tuesday of the month, Im hosting co-pitching calls where freelancers work on their pitches together. This month I offered a few short prompts for those who needed it. Here I elaborate on ways to approach these prompts, your story idea, your editor, your readers, and your mindset. You might also like WCP 245 Archives: Monday mornings on the mountain with Mishka WCP 217 Title TK WCP 16: Freewriting for f...
Oct 03, 2023•22 min•Ep 246•Transcript available on Metacast On Monday mornings I used to be cranky and anxious. Its 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 ...
Sep 19, 2023•33 min•Ep 245•Transcript available on Metacast In one week, you might have a pub that youve written for for years fold, receive an email from an editor who said she loved your pitch now asking for a ton of edits, sign a contract for a new book, and have a source ask to reschedule an interview. It seems theres nothing as constant in change in the freelance writing world and yet so many freelancers seem continually surprised by the meta pattern of change. In this episode we look at handling change as a freelance writer in general, and then foc...
Sep 12, 2023•24 min•Ep 244•Transcript available on Metacast They say its the thought that counts when it comes to gifts. But if youve 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 th...
Sep 05, 2023•12 min•Ep 243•Transcript available on Metacast On a road trip, you might see a dozen reminders about an upcoming exit. The frequency doesnt mean that you should get off the highway for an unwanted detour. Following the trail of habitual thoughts can derail your writing life. Learn to stay the course. Also: The last session for the year of my small group coaching program, Freelance Writer Bootcamp, starts in mid September. Details and application info: www.FreelanceWriterBootcamp.com You might also like WCP 1: Whats your (writing) problem? Wr...
Aug 29, 2023•16 min•Ep 242•Transcript available on Metacast Some writers always honor their deadlines for clients, yet arent 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 isnt what actually makes you complete an assignment on time. Its your decision to complete it (which you ma...
Aug 22, 2023•18 min•Ep 241•Transcript available on Metacast Perception of time varies from person to person, and from task to task. Before, during, or after a particular writing task your estimate of how long it takes will likely vary. This lack of clarity about time in the moment can be seen or described in very different ways depending on the context (eg flow vs time blindness). If you dont know how long something will take you, how can you quote profitably? If you dont know how much time has gone by, how do you know what to do next to stay on schedule...
Aug 15, 2023•23 min•Ep 240•Transcript available on Metacast Freelance writers often have a hard time setting rates, or feeling great about them after weve signed a contract. It can feel challenging when: You have a sense that theres a correct rate to charge, but you dont know what it is You dont know how much you need to earn this year, so cant 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 anothe...
Aug 08, 2023•21 min•Ep 239•Transcript available on Metacast Do you (almost) always honor your agreements to others (e.g. you routinely make your deadlines), but have a hard time doing things that nobody else is completing (e.g. pitch a story to a new-to-you editor)? External accountability can help interrupt narratives that are neither fact-based nor helpful. Today I share with you a number of external accountability practices that are helpful for writers as well as questions to help you better tune into what works for you. Learn how to bridge the extern...
Aug 01, 2023•18 min•Ep 238•Transcript available on Metacast No electricity. No internet. Theyre 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 were going to continue to see large areas lose power and connectivity. Here in South Africa, weve had plenty of chances to learn how to freelance efficiently both with some tech strategies and managing our own expectations during power outages. Lets get into both so that you can keep getting your work done. You m...
Jul 25, 2023•31 min•Ep 237•Transcript available on Metacast As a species, were pretty judgey. As working writers, were constantly having our work judged. Sometimes it can feel like how someone feels about our writing is how they feel about us. When we add our own judgement of somebody elses judgement, things get sticky. Fear of judgement (by an editor, a friend, an anonymous reader who leaves a comment, or even ourselves) can be a major blocker. This episode is a bit shorter than normal to give you some time to write into a prompt in your freelance journ...
Jul 19, 2023•15 min•Ep 236•Transcript available on Metacast Freelancing while traveling disrupts the home routine. Get clear about your process and expectations when traveling, and youll 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 storie...
Jul 11, 2023•28 min•Ep 235•Transcript available on Metacast One great guiding question is at the heart of a pitch that lands an assignment, or in an article that resonates with readers. Answering this question is usually going to be more compelling for a reader, and often essential for an assigning editor. This episode unpacks the power of answers, plus the exception you want to watch out for (ie, when you want to make sure that the question is explicit). Not sure how to generate guiding questions? Listen for the exercise I recommend to get your understa...
Jul 04, 2023•22 min•Ep 234•Transcript available on Metacast As a writing coach, Ive heard countless writers complain about their numbers. Or, more accurately, Ive lost count. Often somebody will hook into a goal number (daily word count, annual income, how many likes on a post) that disappointswhether they hit that number or not. And many others dont identify a goal number from the outset, but then lament that whatever number theyre looking at is not enough (or possibly too much). Using numbers against ourselves in this way is largely counterproductive, ...
Jun 27, 2023•15 min•Ep 233•Transcript available on Metacast Steph Fuccio invited me to her podcast, Content to Connect, to discuss the value and impact of podcasting and newsletters. This BTS conversation is relevant to anyone involved with a podcast, newsletter, or other (semi) regular form of opt-in communication. I share my own transition from a newsletter to podcast and how these both help my ideal clients decide they want me to be their writing coach. Mentioned in this episode: Steph Fuccios website: https://www.stephfuccio.com/ Content to Connect p...
Jun 06, 2023•22 min•Ep 232•Transcript available on Metacast In some important ways, it doesnt matter what your job is when somebody you care about dies. In todays 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, its quite likely you have experienced grief over the loss of a loved one (and/or have wanted to support someone who ha...
May 16, 2023•15 min•Ep 231•Transcript available on Metacast Some thoughts on writing and pitching together, trying new things, and how timing your work sessions gives you useful data. You might also like: WCP 175 Writing in community WCP 111 Intentions and transitions WCP 1: Whats 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 leaving a review on Apple Podcasts ; including in an article or blog post; or sharin...
May 09, 2023•12 min•Ep 230•Transcript available on Metacast 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 weve ever done before. -Importance of recognizing personal biases and understanding audience needs -How curiosity and unique ideas help writers stay ahead of the AI cur...
May 02, 2023•32 min•Ep 229•Transcript available on Metacast Black lives matter, today and every day. This is not always reflected in the media. Today we look at how an anti-racist approach to reporting helps us get closer to the real truth of what is happening in the stories you cover. An anti-racist approach works both in stories that explicitly cover racism, as well as so-called softer stories where you may not have initially identified a racial angle. This process will require you to confront biases in society as well as within yourself. InNo Name in ...
Apr 25, 2023•25 min•Ep 228•Transcript available on Metacast 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? Ive 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 dont want to invest inand then cant...
Apr 18, 2023•20 min•Ep 227•Transcript available on Metacast Its common for the lede to get buried in the draft (and sometimes final) article. In pitches, it can happen twofold: first theres a tendency to take up a half a screen of nonessential small talk (Hope youre well), and then even in what is supposedly the main pitch, theres often excessive background and context. All of this may make you, the freelance writer, feel more comfortable. But it also means that the real focus of your story remains buried, and effectively unavailable to your editor and t...
Apr 11, 2023•14 min•Ep 226•Transcript available on Metacast Every three months marks a turn of seasons, and a refresh of the financial quarter. Its the perfect time for an evaluation. Pausing to review and reflect on whats 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 uplev...
Apr 04, 2023•17 min•Ep 225•Transcript available on Metacast Freelancers often think of the editors who dont want to assign them stories, and of readers who dont want to read their stories and angles, when writing pitches. I dont mean the editors dont want to assign the stories because the pitches need to be zhushed up. I mean the editors dont want to work with the writer because its a bad match. If the freelancer had done a frank assessment, theyd realize that they dont to write the kind of stories that pub does, or for the rates and terms they offer. Th...
Mar 28, 2023•20 min•Ep 224•Transcript available on Metacast We all know were 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 ve...
Mar 21, 2023•17 min•Ep 223•Transcript available on Metacast If you know improving your pitch acceptance rate would uplevel your writing life, or you keep saying you want to work with me in Freelance Writer Bootcamp, but find the idea of filling in the application a stumbling block, this episode is for you. Freelance Writer Bootcamp alumni frequently cite confidence as their most useful outcomealongside new clips from the Guardian, the New York Times, Bustle, Travel + Leisure, the LA Times, Afar, the BBC, Earth Island Journal, Al Jazeera, and so many more...
Mar 17, 2023•17 min•Transcript available on Metacast I used to work at a homemade ice cream parlor. When someone came in and was unsure of what to order, Id offer them a taste. If they wanted multiple tastes, that was fine, but they didnt get mint chip and coffee oreo and strawberry all crammed onto one tiny taster spoon. When an assigning editor looks at pitches, they are in tasting mode, and ready to order. Mentioned in this episode: WCP 155 Why your pitch is too long WCP 182 Archives XV: Annoying pitches WCP 1: Whats your problem? Download my f...
Mar 14, 2023•20 min•Ep 222•Transcript available on Metacast Ever wonder what vulnerability feels like? Try telling people youre about to shop your book proposal when youre worried maybe no one will ever buy said proposal. The proposal (or pitch, or post, or whatever it is) doesnt actually make us vulnerable; neither does telling people about it. Its the way we think about these thingsand in this case specifically what you think other people might think. Instead of avoiding the things that we really want to write/publish/promote, lets plan for how well ta...
Mar 07, 2023•23 min•Ep 221•Transcript available on Metacast Some freelancers say theyre writing for low paying, low circulating, low quality, or otherwise low satisfaction publications because they need to pay their dues. If working this way was a sure route to high paying, high circulating, high quality, highly meaningful work, Id be all for it. But its not. Those publications arent suddenly going to become lucrative and prestigious. And editors at their dream pubs arent going to make assignments because theyve taken low paying gigs somewhere else. The ...
Feb 28, 2023•18 min•Ep 220•Transcript available on Metacast Whether youre writing a short pitch or a lengthy feature, the urge to include more, more, more can be seductive. Succumb to this pull, and youll see productivity, speed, and quite possibly you and your editor suffer. Deciding when enough is enough and knowing how to kill your darlings can help you enjoy each component of the writing process, while also making your entire orientation more streamlined. In this episode, I unpack: The importance and benefits of including less How to identify when yo...
Feb 21, 2023•19 min•Ep 219•Transcript available on Metacast 
