Copy Chatter for Freelance Writers with Ashley Gainer

Want to become a ghostwriter? Awesome! There's some stuff you need to know... let's talk about it.  Ready to go all-in on ghostwriting? Head over to ashleygainer.com/ghostwriterschool and get on the waitlist. You won't regret it! (psst that's an affiliate link) ONE LAST THING. Go to ashleygainer.com/rates and pick up my new guide to setting and raising your freelance writing rates! It's called Rates Redux and I think you'll love it. More soon!    ------------------------------------------------ If you haven't joined the Facebook group yet, click here: https://theinkwellguild.com/ Check out the blog for more writing tips: https://ashleygainer.com/blog/ FREE RESOURCES: Get a FREE copy of Freelance Writing Starter Pack: https://ashleygainer.com/starter-pack Join the FREE 5-Day Email Niche Challenge: https://writingnichechallenge.com/ FOLLOW ASHLEY Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ageditorial Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ashley.gainer/

I've been learning a lot lately about the importance of running your business your own way instead of just following everyone else's advice. Their advice might work for them, but it might not work for you. This is your reminder to make your own rules. 

Ever heard of an audit? Some of you are going to love this. Audits are a type of copywriting service that are less about the writing and more about you leveraging your knowledge and expertise. This is not for beginners, but it's definitely something to have on your radar. In this episode, I'm talking about 11 reasons why I LOVE audits and why I think they can be a great addition to your services, when you're ready.    _________________________________________________________________________________________________   If you haven't joined the Facebook group yet, click here: https://theinkwellguild.com/   Check out the blog for more writing tips: https://ashleygainer.com/blog/   FREE RESOURCES: Get a FREE copy of Freelance Writing Starter Pack: https://ashleygainer.com/starter-pack Join the FREE 5-Day Email Niche Challenge: https://writingnichechallenge.com/   FOLLOW ASHLEY Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ageditorial Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ashley.gainer/

The dreaded question... What do you charge for that? I have lots of workarounds for NOT answering that question when I'm on the spot and not totally sure what to say, but I also know it's important to give a real number in some contexts.    --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- If you haven't joined the Facebook group yet, click here: https://theinkwellguild.com/ Check out the blog for more writing tips: https://ashleygainer.com/blog/ FREE RESOURCES: Get a FREE copy of Freelance Writing Starter Pack: https://ashleygainer.com/starter-pack Join the FREE 5-Day Email Niche Challenge: https://writingnichechallenge.com/ FOLLOW ASHLEY Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ageditorial Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ashley.gainer/

Knitting, baking, walking around my woodsy neighborhood. What do these three things have in common? They keep me from burning out.  When you're running a freelance writing business, especially if it's a significant source of your family's income, it can be easy to slip into "I should be working" mode around the clock. But let me tell you from personal experience... this doesn't work long-term.  You will burn yourself out until you're basically fried crispy.  This episode of Copy Chatter delves into why it's so important to give yourself downtime, as well as some of my favorite things to think about when it comes to taking downtime and what to do. This is one of those heart-to-heart episodes that's more about advice than about business tips, and I hope you benefit from the mistakes I share.  -------------------------------------------- If you haven't joined the Facebook group yet, click here: https://theinkwellguild.com/ Check out the blog for more writing tips: https://ashleygainer.com/blog/ FREE RESOURCES: Get a FREE copy of Freelance Writing Starter Pack: https://ashleygainer.com/starter-pack Join the FREE 5-Day Email Niche Challenge: https://writingnichechallenge.com/ FOLLOW ASHLEY Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ageditorial Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ashley.gainer/

Whether you're just getting started or you've been at it for a little while and you want to feel more legit... these are 3 things I recommend you do ASAP to set your business up and make it feel official and happy.  The IRS form mentioned in the episode can be found at https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/apply-for-an-employer-identification-number-ein-online (or search the web for "apply for EIN").  As always, let me know what you think of this episode!  ------------------------------------------------ If you haven't joined the Facebook group yet, click here: https://theinkwellguild.com/ Check out the blog for more writing tips: https://ashleygainer.com/blog/ FREE RESOURCES: Get a FREE copy of Freelance Writing Starter Pack: https://ashleygainer.com/starter-pack Join the FREE 5-Day Email Niche Challenge: https://writingnichechallenge.com/ FOLLOW ASHLEY Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ageditorial Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ashley.gainer/

As a writer, one of the most important things you can do to sharpen and refine your writing skills... is read. Read good books. Read good samples. Prioritize it. Make time for it. Reading is fuel for your writing engine. Don't limp along, running on fumes. BONUS RANT included.  ---------------------------------------------- If you haven't joined the Facebook group yet, click here: https://theinkwellguild.com/ Check out the blog for more writing tips: https://ashleygainer.com/blog/ FREE RESOURCES: Get a FREE copy of Freelance Writing Starter Pack: https://ashleygainer.com/starter-pack Join the FREE 5-Day Email Niche Challenge: https://writingnichechallenge.com/ FOLLOW ASHLEY Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ageditorial Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ashley.gainer/

So what exactly are you? What am I? Who are they? What are we even doing here? This short episode clarifies some of the most frequently used (and commonly misunderstood) terms referring to what our roles are.  -------------------------------------- If you haven't joined the Facebook group yet, click here: https://theinkwellguild.com/ Check out the blog for more writing tips: https://ashleygainer.com/blog/ FREE RESOURCES: Get a FREE copy of Freelance Writing Starter Pack: https://ashleygainer.com/starter-pack Join the FREE 5-Day Email Niche Challenge: https://writingnichechallenge.com/ FOLLOW ASHLEY Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ageditorial Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ashley.gainer/

Nobody wants to miss deadlines, but what do you do if you're facing that particular reality? I don't have a ton of experience, but I did miss a deadline or two over the past 12 years... and I've had a lot of deadlines missed on me, as well. With all those experiences in mind, I'm giving you 7 things to do when you realize that you, too, will not make that deadline. Make sure you stay for #7, because it's the most important one!  ----------------------------------------------- If you haven't joined the Facebook group yet, click here: https://theinkwellguild.com/ Check out the blog for more writing tips: https://ashleygainer.com/blog/ FREE RESOURCES: Get a FREE copy of Freelance Writing Starter Pack: https://ashleygainer.com/starter-pack Join the FREE 5-Day Email Niche Challenge: https://writingnichechallenge.com/ FOLLOW ASHLEY Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ageditorial Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ashley.gainer/

Nobody wants to be in crisis mode, but sooner or later we all find ourselves there anyway. Today's episode goes into my best 5 tips for weathering a crisis, no matter where you are in the timeline.  ----------------------------------------- If you haven't joined the Facebook group yet, click here: https://theinkwellguild.com/ Check out the blog for more writing tips: https://ashleygainer.com/blog/ FREE RESOURCES: Get a FREE copy of Freelance Writing Starter Pack: https://ashleygainer.com/starter-pack Join the FREE 5-Day Email Niche Challenge: https://writingnichechallenge.com/ FOLLOW ASHLEY Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ageditorial Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ashley.gainer/

Should you get that course? It's kinda expensive. I dunno... maybe? Ooorrrrrr... maybe not. This episode gives you some things to think about when you're considering a niche skills training, and what some of the alternatives are.  ----------------------------------------- If you haven't joined the Facebook group yet, click here: https://theinkwellguild.com/ Check out the blog for more writing tips: https://ashleygainer.com/blog/ FREE RESOURCES: Get a FREE copy of Freelance Writing Starter Pack: https://ashleygainer.com/starter-pack Join the FREE 5-Day Email Niche Challenge: https://writingnichechallenge.com/ FOLLOW ASHLEY Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ageditorial Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ashley.gainer/

There's no love lost between Upwork and me, and one of my goals is to get every struggling writer off those bidding sites. Today's episode should help you begin to get your head around the whole "why would anyone work with me when there's a bunch of platforms where they can hire someone for pennies?" situation. This one's a little bit on the shorter side, but I think it'll help you no matter where you are in business.  ------------------------------------------- If you haven't joined the Facebook group yet, click here: https://theinkwellguild.com/ Check out the blog for more writing tips: https://ashleygainer.com/blog/ FREE RESOURCES: Get a FREE copy of Freelance Writing Starter Pack: https://ashleygainer.com/starter-pack Join the FREE 5-Day Email Niche Challenge: https://writingnichechallenge.com/ FOLLOW ASHLEY Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ageditorial Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ashley.gainer/

Client calls don't have to be so scary! As long as you keep these 5 things in mind, you can go in confidently and end the call confidently as well. One of the perks of this gig is getting to meet interesting people doing interesting things inside interesting businesses and organizations, and the client call is one of the most enjoyable ways to do that (when it goes well)!  ------------------------------------- If you haven't joined the Facebook group yet, click here: https://theinkwellguild.com/ Check out the blog for more writing tips: https://ashleygainer.com/blog/ FREE RESOURCES: Get a FREE copy of Freelance Writing Starter Pack: https://ashleygainer.com/starter-pack Join the FREE 5-Day Email Niche Challenge: https://writingnichechallenge.com/ FOLLOW ASHLEY Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ageditorial Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ashley.gainer/

Do you need a CRM? Do you even know what a CRM is? Is it worth paying for? I'm spilling all my personal CRM beans so you can make the right decision for you. ------------------------------------- If you haven't joined the Facebook group yet, click here: https://theinkwellguild.com/ Check out the blog for more writing tips: https://ashleygainer.com/blog/ FREE RESOURCES: Get a FREE copy of Freelance Writing Starter Pack: https://ashleygainer.com/starter-pack Join the FREE 5-Day Email Niche Challenge: https://writingnichechallenge.com/ FOLLOW ASHLEY Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ageditorial Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ashley.gainer/

Once you enter the world of freelance service providers, it's easy to get swept away in all the different types of offers out there. Group coaching programs and masterminds are two of the biggies that are supposed to help you grow your business... but do you really need to join one? And if so, which one? How do you know when it's time? I've been around the block a few times, and I have stories to tell. This episode goes into what a mastermind is, what a group coaching program is, what the benefits are, and how to know if it's time to join one.  ------------------------------------------- If you haven't joined the Facebook group yet, click here: https://theinkwellguild.com/ Check out the blog for more writing tips: https://ashleygainer.com/blog/ FREE RESOURCES: Get a FREE copy of Freelance Writing Starter Pack: https://ashleygainer.com/starter-pack Join the FREE 5-Day Email Niche Challenge: https://writingnichechallenge.com/ FOLLOW ASHLEY Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ageditorial Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ashley.gainer/

Once you get up and running, looking for marketing strategies for your freelance writing business, it's easy to fall down the rabbit hole of email lists. Do you need one? How frequently should you write? What do you even say? I remember getting caught in the vortex a few different times as I considered and reconsidered my email list situation.  Today's episode is all about the email list, the "lead magnet funnel," and how the whole shebang works, so you can make an informed decision about this particular strategy.  The email service provider I recommend to people just starting with an email list is MailerLite. I've used them for years and have always been happy with them.  ------------------------------------------------- If you haven't joined the Facebook group yet, click here: https://theinkwellguild.com/ Check out the blog for more writing tips: https://ashleygainer.com/blog/ FREE RESOURCES: Get a FREE copy of Freelance Writing Starter Pack: https://ashleygainer.com/starter-pack Join the FREE 5-Day Email Niche Challenge: https://writingnichechallenge.com/ FOLLOW ASHLEY Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ageditorial Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ashley.gainer/

Do you need a website to be a freelance writer? Short answer, no. Longer answer: no, but you need something. You can't just have nothing. This episode goes into some alternatives to the website, most of which are ideal for the non-techies and struggling perfectionists among us.  ----------------------------------------------------- If you haven't joined the Facebook group yet, click here: https://theinkwellguild.com/ Check out the blog for more writing tips: https://ashleygainer.com/blog/ FREE RESOURCES: Get a FREE copy of Freelance Writing Starter Pack: https://ashleygainer.com/starter-pack Join the FREE 5-Day Email Niche Challenge: https://writingnichechallenge.com/ FOLLOW ASHLEY Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ageditorial Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ashley.gainer/

Lots of people talk about the benefits of offering your own course. This is something I get a lot of super-secret questions about... it seems like many of us are afraid to say it out loud. Today I'm giving my one woman's hot take on whether or not you're ready to put out your own course. I'm mentioning a lot of the things I wasn't thinking about when I put my own course out, as well as some of the things that have surprised my fellow course creators along the way. This one's a little bit different, and it's not for everyone, but it's definitely something a lot of us are thinking about anyway.  ----------------------------------------------------- If you haven't joined the Facebook group yet, click here: https://theinkwellguild.com/ Check out the blog for more writing tips: https://ashleygainer.com/blog/ FREE RESOURCES: Get a FREE copy of Freelance Writing Starter Pack: https://ashleygainer.com/starter-pack Join the FREE 5-Day Email Niche Challenge: https://writingnichechallenge.com/ FOLLOW ASHLEY Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ageditorial Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ashley.gainer/

Whether you're trotting the globe or plotting a staycation, a break from work is on the docket for you (I hope!). But how does the whole vacation thing work when you're a service provider and not a salaried employee with paid time off and all that? I've had travel on the brain (but sadly, not on the calendar) for a while now, so I thought I'd share some of my tried-and-true pointers for working out a vacation for yourself when you're a freelance service provider.  Here are some links I mentioned in this episode:  - blog post on the same subject: https://ashleygainer.com/how-to-take-a-vacation-when-youre-a-freelancer/ - Julie Stoian's pin drop protocol: https://juliestoian.com/the-1-thing-that-prevents-overwhelm-at-work-after-being-away-on-vacation-or-leave/ Taking a vacation any time soon? Pop into the Facebook group and let me know! I've got cabin fever...  ----------------------------------------------------- If you haven't joined the Facebook group yet, click here: https://theinkwellguild.com/ Check out the blog for more writing tips: https://ashleygainer.com/blog/ FREE RESOURCES Get a FREE copy of Freelance Writing Starter Pack: https://ashleygainer.com/starter-pack Join the FREE 5-Day Email Niche Challenge: https://writingnichechallenge.com/ FOLLOW ASHLEY Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ageditorial Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ashley.gainer/

The biggest obstacle to your freelance writing success is that wrinkly grey blob between your ears. Today I'm busting 4 myths we writers tell ourselves, so next time you hear one of these ricochet around your head you'll know how to deflect it. Plus, that link I promised somewhere in the middle: ashleygainer.com/stop --------------------------------------------------- If you haven't joined the Facebook group yet, click here: https://theinkwellguild.com/ Check out the blog for more writing tips: https://ashleygainer.com/blog/ FREE RESOURCES: Get a FREE copy of Freelance Writing Starter Pack: https://ashleygainer.com/starter-pack Join the FREE 5-Day Email Niche Challenge: https://writingnichechallenge.com/ FOLLOW ASHLEY Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ageditorial Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ashley.gainer/

Everyone's favorite mystery: SEO! Sometimes it can be awkward to work with SEO keywords. This episode goes over 3 of my best tips for making it work.  ------------------------------------- If you haven't joined the Facebook group yet, click here: https://theinkwellguild.com/ Check out the blog for more writing tips: https://ashleygainer.com/blog/ FREE RESOURCES: Get a FREE copy of Freelance Writing Starter Pack: https://ashleygainer.com/starter-pack Join the FREE 5-Day Email Niche Challenge: https://writingnichechallenge.com/ FOLLOW ASHLEY Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ageditorial Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ashley.gainer/

Internal, external, no-follow, do-follow... we're talking all about links today. What you need to know, what you need to avoid, and what you need to consider when it comes to the where, when, and why of links in your copy. ---------------------------------- If you haven't joined the Facebook group yet, click here: https://theinkwellguild.com/ Check out the blog for more writing tips: https://ashleygainer.com/blog/ FREE RESOURCES: Get a FREE copy of Freelance Writing Starter Pack: https://ashleygainer.com/starter-pack Join the FREE 5-Day Email Niche Challenge: https://writingnichechallenge.com/ FOLLOW ASHLEY Facebook: Ashley Gainer Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ashley.gainer/

How do you know when it's time to start offering that new writing service you've been thinking about? Or what do you do when a client or prospect asks you if you can do this other thing you've never done before? This episode lays out a step-by-step process for figuring out if now is the right time. Join us for more writing tips in the Ink Well Guild! Just head to theinkwellguild.com. 

If the idea of interviewing sources makes you quake in your boots, today's show is for you. I'm giving you my best journalist tips for interviewing so you can get great quotes and information from your sources. A good interview can add a lot of shine to your piece, so you want it to be good! Don't forget to join the Ink Well Guild Facebook group at theinkwellguild.com. 

This one's a listener request! How do you do the research you need when it's time to sit down and write? I'm laying out my process, drawn from 9th grade English class (thank you, Mrs. Hagler), and giving specific examples of how to conduct and note your own research. THIS is how you avoid rehashing the same ol' stuff everyone else is rehashing. As always, let me know if you have any questions! Don't forget to join me on FB... theinkwellguild.com will take you there. 

If you've bought a lot of courses and other training, you might be familiar with the woes of forgetting what you have. This episode goes through my simple setup for making sure I actually use all that stuff I buy. Let me know if you unearth any gems while you get yourself organized! Don't forget to join us over at theinkwellguild.com. 

If you're gonna be in business, you gotta keep tabs on your income. I'm going over my (ridiculously basic) system in this episode, plus giving you suggestions for working out your own method. Bonus pep talk at the end, too. Don't forget to hang out with me at theinkwellguild.com! 

You've identified a place to pitch, but how do you know where to send this? I'm sharing 7 things I did consistently, for years, when I was pitching for new clients. These aren't the only things you can do, but this list of tactics never failed me. Don't forget to join the Ink Well Guild on FB or at theinkwellguild.com!

This episode might get me in hot water. I've seen people get really heated about what I'm about to share with you. Let's go over what I'm even talking about, how to do it right, and what NOT to do if you want to stay in the Good People Club. Don't forget to join the group at theinkwellguild.com! 

If you want to get noticed and turn on the inbound marketing engine, you've gotta show up. But it doesn't have to be a chore! In fact, a lot of it is pretty natural. Today's episode is stuff that any writer can do, no matter what level of experience (or pay rate). 

Is it ok to do more than just writing? Sure it is! You just need to pick one thing and lead with it -- not try to build two separate businesses at once. But once you're solid with writing clients, you can think about expanding a little bit to make yourself more well-rounded. Today's episode goes into how that might look. Don't forget to join us in the free group! www.theinkwellguild.com 

Well... it's 2021, and things are still crazy, BUT it's totally and 100% possible to find awesome writing clients, right now. In this episode I'm diving into 4 super-current methods for finding clients today. Don't forget to let me know what you try and how it works out!

It's a fresh new year! And while we already know what could go wrong, this episode is all about what could go RIGHT for you. I've got 3 things to implement in your writing business this year that will boost your confidence, effectiveness, and overall awesomeness. The last one may surprise you! 

If 2020 left something to be desired, you aren't alone. I'm getting raw and real about 2020 as well as 2021 and what I'm doing to dust myself off and move forward. 

Freelance writing is awesome, but it's definitely not the right move for everyone. So... how do you know if it's the right move for you? I'm talking through some of the considerations to make in today's episode. Let me know what you come up with!

There are countless perks when it comes to freelance writing. On today's show, we're talking about a few of the biggest and best ones. THIS is why we all keep going. What would you add? Let me know at theinkwellguild.com

There are 5 types of relationships you need for your business to be successful. Sounds like a lot, but really it's the makings of a fun, profitable business that keeps you fed and happy. 

What's the difference between pitching and cold emails? Does it matter? Which one should you do? All that and more in this episode. 

I love freelance writing for many, many reasons. In this episode, I'm sharing 7 reasons why I think freelance writing is the BEST at-home business you can start... especially these days.

Whether you're just getting started or you're ready to start offering a new writing service, you're gonna need a portfolio. But how do you get writing samples when you don't have any gigs yet? That's what my wailing toddler and I are talking about today. 

Managing expectations isn't the most glamorous discussion to have, but when client expectations go wrong, they go REALLY wrong and I want to help you avoid that! I have 7 tips to share with you about managing client expectations and staying happy as a freelancer. 

If you wanna be a professional writer, you gotta be improving your writing skills along the way. I'm sharing 9 tips to help you out. Get cracking!

Good news and bad news: You don't have to get on the phone for every client... BUT, there will be times when you'll need to get on the phone if you want to get the gig. Client calls have a lot of benefits, but they're really intimidating for new writers. In today's podcast, we'll talk about why calls are a good idea, go over some pointers for conducting your calls, and then talk about setting boundaries around the whole "availability" thing. 

There's a dirty lie out there telling new and would-be freelance writers that they should write for free for a little while to "get established." I offer loads of juicy (and sometimes counter-guru) advice in this week's episode.  

Landing a recurring writing gig is GREAT for your business. In this episode, we talk about what recurring work looks like and why I'm such a fan. 

As a writer, I can get a little neurotic about my writing. Perhaps you can relate? What I've had to learn over the years is that there's a difference between doing a great job... and just being neurotic. Being neurotic is fine, if it's not the thing keeping you from getting paid (or paid enough). But for many of us, it's a big block. And one of the neuroses I see out there in freelance writer land? They come down to various "reasons" why we can't write faster. Today I address those issues head-on.

If there's one thing I've learned this year, it's that if I go down... everything goes down. I've been focusing on ramping up my self-care routines, and in this episode we'll go over my top recommendations for self-care specifically for the work-at-home warriors among us. 

There are three different ways you can niche down, and you can combine any of these three to niche down even further. We're exploring what they are and how that looks in this episode.

I've been around a long time, and I did a whole lot of making it up as I went along. These are some of the huge mistakes I've made in my decade-long career... and how you can do better

These are my top 5 tips for managing your workload as a freelance writer.

People ask me all the time if I will guarantee their results if they join my programs. My answer might surprise you.