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 ..read more

Sometimes you AND your pitch need to get out of your head and out into the world.  On the first Tuesday of the month, I’m 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 freelancers WCP 4: Pitching: The perfect black T-shirt ? Download my free guide on ..read more

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 ..read more

In one week, you might have a pub that you’ve 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 there’s 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 focus in on the pattern of feast and famine.  ? You might also like … WCP 150 Archives: Compan ..read more

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 afterthough ..read more

On a road trip, you might see a dozen reminders about an upcoming exit. The frequency doesn’t 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: What’s your (writing) problem? Writing Coach Podcast Greatest Hits Playlist on Spotify ✏️ Work with me in Freelance Writer Boot ..read more

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 spe ..read more

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 don’t know how long something will take you, how can you quote profitably? If you don’t know how much time has gone by, how do you know what to do next to stay on schedule? Here’s what I’ve found helpful in terms of this aspect of time management. ? Mentioned ..read more

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.” Ideall ..read more

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 external accountability you’ve already got to your internal accountability, so that you can show up ..read more