The Writing Coach Podcast with Rebecca L. Weber (Rebecca L. Weber)
Explorez tous les épisodes de The Writing Coach Podcast with Rebecca L. Weber
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| 30 May 2019 | WCP40 Warming up to your next client | 00:17:29 | |
SCHEDULE YOUR FREE MINI WRITER COACHING SESSION I offer all podcast listeners one free mini session, where we’ll get laser focused on one problem in your writing life. Click here to reserve your coaching session. WRITE A REVIEW TO SUPPORT THE WRITING COACH PODCAST Did you enjoy the show? Write a review on iTunes to help other writers find the podcast. Share a takeaway, recommend a favorite episode, or otherwise let people know why you listen. Click here to review, and select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review.” Thanks so much! | |||
| 08 Mar 2022 | WCP169 Do you need an X? | 00:19:54 | |
Do you need a blog? A subscription newsletter? A podcast? A TikTok account? A fill-in-the-blank thing that somebody (maybe you) is telling you is necessary to create and then continually update? Let’s examine your reasons why you may want to invest your time, energy, and money into creating content that you’ll be publishing yourself instead of on assignments for clients. YOU MAY ALSO LIKE … Download my free guide on how to pitch. SHARE THE WRITING COACH PODCAST Did you enjoy this episode? Share your podcast takeaways with your writer friends. Tag Rebecca on Instagram: @freelancewriterbootcamp WORK WITH ME Apply to work with me in the next session of my small group coaching program: www.FreelanceWriterBootcamp.com Break into your dream publications and get paid well while covering stories that matter. Bootcamp alumni have used these proven pitching processes to break into the New York Times, the Guardian, Bustle, Fodor’s, Condé Nast Traveler, Al Jazeera, the BBC, and many more. We cover all the external skills to improve your pitch acceptance rate, and the internal mindset work to keep you from getting in your own way. Click here to apply: www.FreelanceWriterBootcamp.com More info and complete show notes: www.rebeccalweber.com/podcast169 | |||
| 18 Jul 2019 | WCP47 Listener Q&A, Volume III | 00:18:07 | |
This week I’m answer a number of your questions … and asking you quite a few myself. This isn’t slippery side stepping, but trying to help you get to the heart of the matter. Best to listen to this one with your freelance journal at the ready: Jot down the questions that you know you need answers to, and write into them for 20 minutes. Today’s listener questions include: I don’t like my niche. How do I know if it’s time (or wise) to make a switch? Should I take an unpaid writing test? I need some help getting direction with writing professionally. How do you get past having a great story idea that fizzles out when it’s time to pitch? REGISTER FOR NEXT WEEK’S FREE TRAINING The business of freelancing: How to chart a course for success This Monday, July 22, I’l be part of a virtual panel called “The Business of Freelancing,” hosted by the Society for Advancing Business Editing and Writing. We’ll talk about how to run your freelance business like a business, addressing things like the importance of an entrepreneurial mindset, how to successfully develop clients and interact with editors, what the current freelance market is like, and more. Click here to register for free and to submit your questions to the panel. MENTIONED ON THIS WEEK’S EPISODE: WCP 39: Listener Q&A, Volume II List of all episodes of the Writing Coach Podcast The Modern Journalist Toolkit series SUBMIT A QUESTION FOR THE NEXT EPISODE OF LISTENER Q&A | |||
| 16 Aug 2022 | WCP192 No nonprofit saviors | 00:24:10 | |
Let’s talk about working with and for nonprofits (and NGOs and associations):
🔗 Mentioned in this episode: WCP 150 Archives: Company policies WCP 127 Favorite freelance writer resources WCP 52: Covering social justice for passion and pay ⭐ Review the Writing Coach Podcast 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. 🎁 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. Join the waitlist and you’ll be the first to hear when applications open, plus get access to an early bird bonus: 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/podcast192 | |||
| 14 Jan 2023 | WCP Bonus Selling yourself on your goals | 00:13:59 | |
Do you expect somebody (eg an editor, a source) or something (an idea, an interview) to make you feel excited about the story you’re going to pitch? If so, you’d benefit from changing your relationship with pitching and learn to sell yourself on your story ideas. A similar dynamic is often in place with goals: If you’re in an adversarial relationship with your goal, it’s time to learn to engage with them in a more fruitful way. This Tuesday, January 17, I’m teaching an exclusive goal setting workshop for everyone who is registered for Freelance Writer Bootcamp (the upcoming sessions as well as alumni). If you join Bootcamp before then, you’ll get an invite and get coached on your relatoinship with your goal as well. ✏️ 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 🎁 Download my free guide on how to pitch freelance article ideas, “5 Proven Steps to Writing Queries that Sell.” | |||
| 17 Aug 2021 | WCP140 Archives Vol. IV Portfolio shame | 00:25:24 | |
Portfolio shame can compound over time when a core belief (such as “I’m not a good enough writer” or “I haven’t made it yet” or “I should have better clips”) pops up every time we complete an assignment. When we repeat these thought patterns over time, and feel ashamed both of the work we have and haven’t done, it becomes harder to enjoy or appreciate our writing lives. Even when you’ve done deep mindset work and recognize that these thoughts aren’t factual or helpful, they can still reappear. We need to be vigilant and compassionate when working with portfolio shame. YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE … Download my guide on how to pitch freelance articles. Quick online portfolio solutions WCP41 Sorting and archiving freelance articles WORK WITH ME: JOIN THE FREELANCE WRITER BOOTCAMP WAITLIST Break into your dream publications and get paid well while covering stories that matter. Alumni of my small group coaching program, Freelance Writer Bootcamp, have used these proven pitching processes to break into the New York Times, the Guardian, Bustle, Fodor’s, Condé Nast Traveler, Al Jazeera, the BBC, and many more. We cover all the external skills to improve your pitch acceptance rate, and the internal mindset work to keep you from getting in your own way. Writers on the waitlist will be the first to hear when Bootcamp applications open up for early bird enrollment in the next session. Click here to join the Freelance Writer Bootcamp waitlist: www.FreelanceWriterBootcamp.com
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| 21 Feb 2020 | WCP78 Professional jealousy | 00:20:41 | |
Here’s looking at you, you green-eyed monster, you. Feeling jealous of another writer’s assignment, grant, income, relationship, skill, talent, age, credits, social media presence, book contract, education, or any other attribute can act like a double whammy. First, the compare and despair mode derails us from our own work and can be a huge time suck. Once you start down this particular rabbit hole, you can spend an awful long time down there not writing, not pitching, not developing or nurturing your own career. It’s procrastination without the short-term pleasure many other distractions offer. Secondly, we tend to judge, shame, and avoid our jealousy. When a writer friend has achieved something, we tell ourselves, we should be able to celebrate her. By adding a moral dimension to a natural human emotion, we complicate and ironically often prolong the jealous feelings.
Goal-setting for freelance writers: Join me in this workshop, exclusively for early bird registrants to the March session of Freelance Writer Bootcamp. Full show notes and more info: www.rebeccalweber.com/podcast78 | |||
| 27 Sep 2018 | 06: Why you’re not pitching when you “should” be | 00:16:41 | |
“Should” is in quotes here because it’s the voice in your mind telling you. If you’ve already gotten clear on the reasons why pitching would benefit your writing life, but you’re not doing it (or not doing it as much as necessary to get the results you want), this episode will help you get clarity on what’s really going on. Freelance Writer Bootcamp is open for registration: http://www.freelancewriterbootcamp.com/ Get full show notes and more information here: https://www.rebeccalweber.com/podcast6 | |||
| 23 Aug 2022 | WCP 193 Rates shaming | 00:27:58 | |
Have you ever been ashamed of the rate you accept for a freelance job? Ever talked to another freelance writer who felt that way? Have you ever heard someone who disapproves or criticizes a writer for their fees? Rates shaming is when somebody reprimands or reproves a writer for rates of which they should be ashamed. This can happen when the rate is perceived as too low OR too high. It can happen externally (e.g. somebody else in a writer group) OR internally (that voice in your head judging you). The one thing that’s constant is that it’s never the best route to an honest discussion about what you can charge as a freelancer. Shame leads to freelancers going underground, not transparently sharing their earnings, and feeling disrespected and disconnected. Pretty much nothing good happens from rates shaming. Today let’s look at some examples, misconceptions about shame and shaming, and mindset shifts that are genuinely empowering. 🔗 You might also like: 🎁 Download my free guide on how to pitch freelance article ideas, “5 Proven Steps to Writing Queries that Sell.” www.rebeccalweber.com/howtopitch ⭐ The best way to support the Writing Coach Podcast is to leave a review and/or rating 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. 📷 Follow me on Instagram @freelancewriterbootcamp and catch me next time I’m live. 🎧 Listen and subscribe in your favorite podcast app. ✏️ 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. Join the waitlist and you’ll be the first to hear when applications open, plus get access to an early bird bonus: 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/podcast193 | |||
| 03 Aug 2021 | WCP138 Listener Q&A, Vol. VIII | 00:20:30 | |
Hello podcast listeners! Here are the questions I’ll be answering today: + How do you stop thinking about where your sources would like to see a story published? + Do I need to list prices on my website? I keep getting asked for a rates card. + I bid on a project but they chose another freelancer. Should I let them know I can go lower? + My client wants me to use Slack but it takes so much time. I don’t want to use it. Help! Want me to answer your question on the next edition of Listener Q&A? Email me at rebecca@freelancewriterbootcamp.com MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE WCP 126 Listener Q&A, Vol. VII Download my free guide on how to pitch JOIN THE WAITLIST Join the waitlist for the next session of my small group coaching program, and you’ll be the first to hear when applications open AND get special access to an early bird bonus: www.FreelanceWriterBootcamp.com Break into your dream publications and get paid well while covering stories that matter. Alumni of my small group coaching program, Freelance Writer Bootcamp, have used these proven pitching processes to break into the New York Times, the Guardian, Bustle, Fodor’s, Condé Nast Traveler, Al Jazeera, the BBC, and many more. We cover all the external skills to improve your pitch acceptance rate, and the internal mindset work to keep you from getting in your own way. Writers on the waitlist will be the first to hear when Bootcamp applications open up for early bird enrollment in the next session. Click here to join the small group waitlist: www.FreelanceWriterBootcamp.com More info and complete show notes: www.rebeccalweber.com/podcast138 | |||
| 20 Dec 2022 | WCP210 Authors pitching publications with Jo Buer | 00:47:25 | |
Today you’re hearing the interview I had with novelist Jo Buer on her podcast Alchemy for Authors. Jo and I discuss how as an author of fiction and nonfiction books you can take charge of your writing career through freelancing, writing articles to enhance your platform, and increase your social proof. This is valuable when submitting a book proposal/manuscript, when pub day approaches, and in ongoing promotion of your books. 🎧 Invite me to be a guest on your podcast Are you looking for a podcast guest for your show to discuss writing, creativity, mindset, freelancing, journalism, or any related topics? Please reach out and invite me (Rebecca!) to come join you on your podcast. 🔗 Mentioned in this episode: Jo Buer: Website | Instagram | Alchemy for Authors Podcast 🎁 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 and/or rating on Apple Podcasts or Spotify and tell other writers 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 today: www.FreelanceWriterBootcamp.com 📝 More info and complete show notes: www.rebeccalweber.com/podcast | |||
| 09 Jul 2019 | WCP Bonus: Secrets of sustainable freelance writing success | 00:03:10 | |
Want to break into your dream publications and cultivate long-term clients? Join me for this free, live class on becoming your editor's go-to freelance writer. Click here to register: www.rebeccalweber.com/freeclass
Click here to claim your spot. Be sure to note which session is best for your time zone. | |||
| 12 Oct 2021 | WCP 148 Who is the bad freelance friend? | 00:41:09 | |
Robert Kolker’s piece about two fiction writers brought up many issues that have counterpoints in the journalism and freelance worlds, including: idea ownership and development, sense of not belonging, competition and hierarchy amongst peers, white saviorism, and friendship. MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE Rebecca on Instagram: @freelancewriterbootcamp WCP 147 Enterprise stories with Ray Joseph Download my guide on how to pitch freelance articles and join my mailing list. WORK WITH ME: JOIN THE BOOTCAMP WAITLIST Join the waitlist for the next session of my small group coaching program, and you’ll be the first to hear when applications open AND get special access to an early bird bonus: www.FreelanceWriterBootcamp.com More info and complete show notes: www.rebeccalweber.com/podcast148 | |||
| 09 May 2019 | WCP37 Write locally, publish globally | 00:34:28 | |
Freelancers want to write for foreign publications for multiple reasons: access to larger or more engaged audiences so that your stories have more impact, higher income, and the thrill of a new challenge. I’ve written stories for publications in the US, as well as in South Africa, Europe, the Middle East, Australia, and Asia. But initially I found it quite a challenge, and struggled to identify the right angles and amount of context for readers without intimate knowledge of my area. This episode will demystify finding your best foreign markets, the biggest differences between writing for local and global audiences, positioning yourself and your stories, and some tips for finding the best stories for foreign readers. HAVE A WRITING QUESTION? Send me your question in an email, and I may answer it on the next edition of Listener Q&A. WRITE A REVIEW TO SUPPORT THE WRITING COACH PODCAST Did you enjoy the show? Write a review on iTunes to help other writers find the podcast. Share a takeaway, recommend a favorite episode, or otherwise let people know why you listen. Click here to review, and select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review.” Thanks so much! | |||
| 10 Oct 2019 | WCP59 Setting freelance writer goals, Vol. IV: Money goals | 00:19:49 | |
As you probably know, the fourth quarter is terrible for all freelance writers. It will almost certainly be your worst 90 days financially of the year. Ok, that’s not true at all. It’s in no way a factual statement. It is a belief some people have, and it happens to be one that’ll get in your way when it comes to marketing and landing new assignments this month if you think it’s accurate. It’s so much easier to come up with evidence, such as all editors are away on holiday, then to do what it takes to have a really strong finish to the year. This episode is appropriate at any time of the year. I’m going to ask you some questions you’ve likely never asked yourself before. Are you keen to learn some new ways of approaching your money goals? Grab your freelance journal for this episode, as I walk you through an exercise to help you get a handle on your finances. If you’re not familiar with the freelance writer thought model, you’ll want to review episode 1 first. REGISTER FOR MY FREE CLASS NEXT WEEK:
The class is free, but you must register. Click here to claim your spot.
WCP 20: Setting freelance writer goals REGISTER FOR “SECRETS OF SUSTAINABLE FREELANCE WRITING SUCCESS”
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| 06 Sep 2018 | 01: What’s your problem? | 00:16:16 | |
Welcome to the first episode of The Writing Coach Podcast! :D In the weeks ahead, I’ll be sharing my coach approach with you to help you get out of your own way and move toward your freelance writing goals. Whatever problem you’re facing in your writing or freelancing, today I’ll introduce you to a coaching power tool to give you clarity about what’s really going on. Need some help with how to use this tool? Sign up for a free mini session at http://www.rebeccalweber.com/coach/ And Get full show notes and more information at http://www.rebeccalweber.com/podcast1 | |||
| 10 May 2022 | WCP178 Archives, Vol. XIV: Sources who want to review your draft | 00:31:52 | |
Have you interviewed somebody who wanted to review your copy before publication? This is a surprisingly high-tension issue for many journalists, even thought it seems like it could be nipped in the bud with a simple, “Sorry, that’s against the publication’s policy.” Today we cover:
🔗 Mentioned in this episode: WCP1 What’s your [writing] problem? WCP2 Thinking thoughts and feeling feels 🎁 Download my free guide on how to pitch freelance article ideas, “5 Proven Steps to Writing Queries that Sell.” www.rebeccalweber.com/howtopitch ⭐ The best way to support the Writing Coach Podcast is to leave a review and/or rating on Apple Podcasts. 🎧 Listen and subscribe in your favorite podcast app. ✏️ 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. Join the waitlist and you’ll be the first to hear when applications open, plus get access to an early bird bonus: 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/podcast178 | |||
| 29 Nov 2022 | WCP207 Strategy and mindset | 00:18:49 | |
Today we’re looking at how your mindset impacts your ability to implement strategy effectively. One tricky thing about mindset is that when we can’t recognize that we’re believing something that’s holding us back, we don’t take action because it seems like a fixed reality. For example, if you believed that a story had no possible news hook, you probably wouldn’t look for one. If you believed that the same story had multiple possible news hooks, you’d almost certainly include one or more—and be far more likely to land the assignment. 🔗 Mentioned in this episode: 🌠 CYBER BONUS SPECIAL: Apply for Freelance Writer Bootcamp today, and get an invitation to an exclusive workshop in December on writing faster with Rebecca. Offer ends November 30. www.FreelanceWriterBootcamp.com 🎁 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. ✏️ 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. Join the waitlist and you’ll be the first to hear when applications open, plus get access to an early bird bonus: www.FreelanceWriterBootcamp.com 📝 More info and complete show notes: www.rebeccalweber.com/podcast207 | |||
| 20 Sep 2022 | WCP197 Borrow this | 00:23:54 | |
Borrow from yourself. Borrow from what works. Borrow from the non-writing parts of your life to inform your writing and freelancing. We have a tendency to notice where we’ve failed or not figured things out, and then we continue down that pathway looking for examples to keep the pattern going. When we intentionally look for things we’ve done well or learned in one area of our lives, we can instead build an alternative pattern that reinforces a foundation of what works. 🔗 Mentioned in this episode: 🎁 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 and/or rating on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. 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. Join the waitlist and you’ll be the first to hear when applications open, plus get access to an early bird bonus: 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. Tell me what you want help with in your writing life. Apply for private writer coaching: www.rebeccalweber.com/coach 📝 More info and complete show notes: www.rebeccalweber.com/podcast197 | |||
| 18 Feb 2021 | WCP114 Everyday dream clients: Pitching triad miniseries (2 of 3) | 00:17:49 | |
Are you currently working on a pitch or assignment for your dream publication? Do you know that your ideal clients see you as an ideal freelancer for them? Are you confident that they’ll pay you well and promptly? If you answered “No” to any of these questions, it could indicate a lack of belief in your client and your connection with them. This will interfere with your ability to identify, attract, and retain the kind of long-term editorial relationships that you most want and that provide meaning and stability to your writing life. Today’s episode will challenge the way you connect with your current and future ideal clients. MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE WCP113 Believe me: Pitching triad miniseries (1 of 3) Download my free guide on how to pitch WORK WITH ME Mastering the art of the pitch includes understanding how to make your dream publications the actual pubs ones you’re writing for today. Alumni of my small group coaching program have used the proven Bootcamp processes to break into the New York Times, the Guardian, Bustle, Fodor’s, Ms., Al Jazeera, the BBC, and many more. Apply today for the March session of my small group coaching program: www.FreelanceWriterBootcamp.com More info: www.rebeccalweber.com/podcast114 | |||
| 25 Jul 2019 | WCP48 100 reasons why you shouldn’t write your pitch today | 00:13:50 | |
Running out of reasons to avoid pitching? I’ve got you covered with 100 reasons why you shouldn’t pitch today. Many of these can be adapted to be reasons why you should not write anything else today, like the article you were assigned last week, or your book proposal, or your novel. You’ll probably recognize a few of these reasons—ones you already believe to be true. Those seem real, immutable. Pick another one that you’ve never used as a reason not to write a pitch. I want you to experience how quickly we can take something we’ve never believed to be true, and with a little attention, can create all kinds of supporting evidence to make it real. Something we can solidly believe in. Solid like a block that we can’t pass. Once you see how easy it is to create a synthetic writer’s block, you’ll also see more readily that you have the option not to buy into and believe the other stories you’re telling yourself that prevent you from the work you really want to be doing. To see the full list of 100 reasons why not to pitch today, click here. Click here to schedule a free mini writer coaching session with me. | |||
| 14 Feb 2019 | WCP25 Using juicy quotes in your pitches | 00:13:49 | |
Quotes aren’t necessary when submitting a query to an editor, which is one reason why including a good one helps make a pitch really stand out. A story proposal should have the same DNA as the final story. Original reporting brings new insight and life to most articles; even if it’s a given you’ll be speaking with sources, including some quotes in the pitch itself can indicate a number of things to the editor. In today’s episode, you’ll:
Sign up for a free mini writing coach session. For more info and full show notes, visit: https://www.rebeccalweber.com/podcast25 | |||
| 08 Apr 2021 | WCP121 Mission: Accomplished | 00:23:33 | |
Who gets to decide if you’re accomplished or not? Is there somebody actually keeping score? Often one of the motivating reasons we set a goal is to feel accomplished. That can be a real challenge if it’s an emotion that’s unfamiliar to you. If you have a strong habit of naysaying what you do and repeatedly telling yourself that you’re not accomplished (yet/enough), reaching external milestones is unlikely to undo your habitual or default thoughts. Let’s examine how you’re defining accomplishment for yourself and how to create more of it.
WCP1 What’s your (writing) problem?
Small group coaching program: Freelance Writer Bootcamp Break into your dream publications and get paid well while covering stories that matter. Alumni of my small group coaching program have used the proven Bootcamp processes to break into the New York Times, the Guardian, Bustle, Fodor’s, Ms., Al Jazeera, the BBC, and many more. Click here to apply: www.FreelanceWriterBootcamp.com
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| 02 Nov 2021 | WCP 151 But, but, and | 00:14:27 | |
Today we are talking about goals. I’ve talked again and again about being aware of your potential obstacles when setting a goal. There are going to be challenges and so it’s important to plan on how to deal with those challenges. When we’ve created an internal obstacle, we also have the power to shift it. It’s about changing your perspective, shifting your narrative, and managing your mindset. In this episode, I’ll teach you how you can shift your “but” to “and” and see how that one switch could really change things that will point you where your next action step is. MENTIONED ON THIS EPISODEWCP 1: What’s your problem?
Episode Quotes “If it is not outside of your comfort zone, it is probably not much of a goal.” “Changing your perspective to what happens next, that is what helps you get started.” “With a close mindset there are limited possibilities.” “The best solution is to do an honest solution.”
Listen to Learn 00:17 – Planning how to deal with challenges 02:20 – Rewriting your narrative – “You as the protagonist” 04:20 – Examples of changing your “but” to “and” 12:05 – Ways to start to gain more awareness WORK WITH ME: JOIN THE BOOTCAMP WAITLISTJoin the waitlist for the next session of my small group coaching program AND get special access to an early bird bonus: www.FreelanceWriterBootcamp.com Break into your dream publications and get paid well while covering stories that matter. Alumni of my small group coaching program, Freelance Writer Bootcamp, have used these proven pitching processes to break into the New York Times, the Guardian, Bustle, Fodor’s, Condé Nast Traveler, Al Jazeera, the BBC, and many more. We cover all the external skills to improve your pitch acceptance rate, and the internal mindset work to keep you from getting in your own way. Writers on the waitlist will be the first to hear when Bootcamp applications open up for early bird enrollment in the next session. Click here to join the small group waitlist: www.FreelanceWriterBootcamp.com
More info and complete shownotes: www.rebeccalweber.com/podcast151 | |||
| 10 Mar 2020 | WCP Bonus The Confident Writer Masterclass Live on Wednesday | 00:04:16 | |
Join me for this free, live masterclass on Wednesday, March 11, at 1:00 p.m. Eastern. Click here to register: www.rebeccalweber.com/freeclass In this class we'll look at how you can increase your confidence NOW, without relying on external factors. What would you do if you felt more confident right now? Maybe you would … Make powerful freelance decisions quickly and see them through. Join us live to ask your questions during our Q&A. Click here to register: www.rebeccalweber.com/freeclass | |||
| 03 Jan 2023 | WCP212 Two-story goals | 00:10:31 | |
We often notice that an article works on two levels: On an obvious level it’s about X, but what it’s *really* about is Y. Goals have a similar dynamic, especially when they’re well chosen and intentionally take us outside of our comfort zones. On one level, you identify a goal that’s in line with your values and vision for yourself as a writer. And on another level, the pursuit and achievement of this goal shifts who you are. Your beliefs, your identify, your behaviors, all have to change to get the desired result. This is what the goal is about on a deeper level. 🔗 You might also like: WCP 185 Freelance writing goals, Vol. VII WCP 160 Freelance writing goals: 5W1H goal setting WCP 2: Thinking thoughts and feelings feels 🎁 Download my free guide on how to pitch freelance article ideas, “5 Proven Steps to Writing Queries that Sell.” www.rebeccalweber.com/howtopitch ❤️ Share the podcast with other writers via your social media accounts or email newsletter, or leave a comment on my Instagram or Facebook feeds. ✏️ 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. Join the waitlist and you’ll be the first to hear when applications open, plus get access to an early bird bonus: 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/podcast212 | |||
| 14 Sep 2021 | WCP144 Archives Vol. V, What’s your (writing) problem? | 00:23:47 | |
Today’s episode is a replay of the most popular one published here on the Writing Coach Podcast in the past three years. So chances are, if you've ever listened to the podcast, you’ve heard this one before. I encourage you to listen to it again. Try to come to it today, with beginner's mind. You’re not a beginner as a professional writer. But when it comes to better understanding what’s happening in your own mind—especially when you get in your own way—I want you to hear this with fresh ears. Challenge yourself not to listen in a passive consumption mode. That is the nature of podcasts. This time, take a more active role. Do the exercise with a pen and freelance journal or on your computer—some kind of external written surface. Use this episode to create new understanding for yourself of what’s happening in your writing life. If you ever say that you’re stuck with any aspect of writing or freelancing, this is an excellent tool for diagnosing the problem. YOU MAY ALSO ENJOY … WCP 2: Thinking thoughts and feelings feels SHARE THE WRITING COACH PODCAST WITH OTHER WRITERS Subscribe and write a review of the Writing Coach Podcast on Apple Podcasts. WORK WITH ME: JOIN THE BOOTCAMP WAITLIST Join the waitlist for the next session of my small group coaching program, and you’ll be the first to hear when applications open AND get special access to an early bird bonus: www.FreelanceWriterBootcamp.com Break into your dream publications and get paid well while covering stories that matter. Alumni of my small group coaching program, Freelance Writer Bootcamp, have used these proven pitching processes to break into the New York Times, the Guardian, Bustle, Fodor’s, Condé Nast Traveler, Al Jazeera, the BBC, and many more. Writers on the waitlist will be the first to hear when Bootcamp applications open up for early bird enrollment in the next session. Click here to join the small group waitlist: www.FreelanceWriterBootcamp.com More info and complete show notes: www.rebeccalweber.com/podcast144 | |||
| 18 Oct 2022 | WCP201 Interconnections with Iona Brannon | 00:44:27 | |
Iona Brannon is a writer and a photojournalist who deeply enjoys drawing out beauty in the mundane. Her upbringing in multiple countries has given her love for the nuances of culture and travel, and her passion is in uniting people from different backgrounds through the common threads of human pain and joy. Iona is a prolific freelancer who has written for Condé Nast Traveller, Afar, Travel + Leisure, Business Insider, and other publications.
🔗 Mentioned in this episode: A How-To Travel Guide for the Newly Sober Sailing the Coast of Maine on a Historic Windjammer Iona Brannon on Instagram @ionawanders Iona Brannon’s website: www.ionabrannon.com 🎁 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 and/or rating on Apple Podcasts or Spotify and tell other writers why you listen. ❤️ Share the podcast with other writers via your social media accounts or email newsletter, or leave a comment on Rebecca’s 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. Join the waitlist and you’ll be the first to hear when applications open, plus get access to an early bird bonus: 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/podcast201 | |||
| 14 Feb 2023 | WCP218 When it’s hard to let it be easy | 00:19:11 | |
If you’ve experienced something as difficult in the past, or know that a task is challenging for others, you may subconsciously make it harder for yourself because you believe the dominant narrative that it is hard. On the Writing Coach Podcast this week, we look at how different writers struggle with letting the things that are easy for them be easy without overcomplicating or overthinking. Let go of the habit of making things harder than they are by working with your brain instead of against it. 🎁 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 Writing Coach Podcast with other writers via social media, your website, or your 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/podcast218 | |||
| 14 Dec 2021 | WCP157 Worth the money | 00:12:07 | |
When I started freelancing, I was 100% DIY. One of the tricky things about making a good living as a freelance writer is getting a feel for what to do yourself and where to spend–or invest–time and money. Some choices that seem to be saving short term wind up costing you in the long run. Let’s look at some areas where you may want to invest in supporting your star employee. WORK WITH ME How do you land assignments that pay well enough to pay for these supports? Apply for the January 2022 session of my small group coaching program, Freelance Writer Bootcamp. Break into your dream publications and get paid well while covering stories that matter. Bootcamp alumni have used these proven pitching processes to break into the New York Times, the Guardian, Bustle, Fodor’s, Condé Nast Traveler, Al Jazeera, the BBC, and many more. We cover all the external skills to improve your pitch acceptance rate, and the internal mindset work to keep you from getting in your own way. Let’s get started: www.FreelanceWriterBootcamp.com More info and complete show notes: www.rebeccalweber.com/podcast157 | |||
| 06 Oct 2020 | WCP104 When to pitch | 00:21:02 | |
Freelance writers often spend a lot of time trying to decide when to pitch. Learn when the very best time to pitch is, plus what you can do with the time you used to spend asking this question. Follow me on Instagram: @freelancewriterbootcamp Apply to work with me in my small group coaching program: www.FreelanceWriterBootcamp.com Break into your dream publications. Earn more money. Cover stories that matter. In my small group coaching program, you’ll learn the same proven processes that have helped Bootcamp alumni break into the New York Times, the Guardian, Bustle, Nat Geo Travel, the BBC, Outside, and many more. The October Bootcamp is the last group in 2020. Apply today: www.FreelanceWriterBootcamp.com Download my free guide on how to pitch More info and complete show notes: www.rebeccalweber.com/podcast104 | |||
| 06 May 2021 | WCP125 Flexible deadlines | 00:09:06 | |
When an editor wants you to do a piece but leaves the deadline up to you, your initial reaction may be: Great. I’ve got work lined up and I don’t have to work on it yet. It can be quite liberating if you’re used to working under tight deadlines and a lot of pressure. But somewhere along the way, things turn. You still don’t have a deadline, but now you can’t believe you haven’t gotten it done. The relief has morphed into pressure. MENTIONED IN THIS SHOW WCP 7: Procrastinate later
Please let other writers know why you listen and what they’ll get out of tuning in. Your reviews help support the longevity of this podcast. Click here to write a review on Apple Podcasts.
5 Proven Steps to Writing Queries that Sell More info: www.rebeccalweber.com/podcast125 | |||
| 15 Nov 2018 | WCP13 Setting freelance boundaries and company policies | 00:16:38 | |
Establishing company policies might sound like it would create distance from freelance clients, but it does the opposite, especially with your ideal clients. Clear boundaries set a framework for clear expectations and positive work relationships and self care. If you know what you will and won’t do, it leads to better communication. On the other hand, a lack of boundaries breeds feelings and behavior that tend to be regressive and that distances us from clients.
More info and full show notes: https://www.rebeccalweber.com/podcast13 | |||
| 10 Nov 2020 | WCP Bonus: Pitch Imperfect Masterclass | 00:03:34 | |
Register for the free masterclass, taught live on Wednesday: www.rebeccalweber.com/masterclass Perfectionism is a gateway to procrastination. If you're holding yourself and your story ideas to an impossible standard, you're probably not sending out very many pitches. Click here to register for the Pitch Imperfect Masterclass: www.rebeccalweber.com/masterclass | |||
| 26 Oct 2021 | WCP150 Archives Vol. VII, Company policies | 00:18:44 | |
Establishing company policies might sound like it would create distance from freelance clients, but it does the opposite, especially with your ideal clients. Clear boundaries set a framework for clear expectations and positive work relationships and self care. If you know what you will and won’t do, it leads to better communication. On the other hand, a lack of boundaries breeds feelings and behavior that tend to be regressive and that distances us from clients. A customer asked him for something that he didn’t want to do. He wanted to say not but hesitated, as he thought the customer would perceive it as a personal slight. But saying, “It’s company policy” breathes some air into the situation. It’s not personal, it’s not about the client. Many freelancers feel put on the spot with certain requests. They didn't realize they had a boundary or limitation until the other person crosses it, and then they feel compelled to say yes. As a freelancer, you may not think of yourself as a company, even if you are incorporated. It’s useful to think of work boundaries as company policies that your inner entrepreneur created for you. If somebody makes a request, you can say no on behalf of yourself as an individual, or on behalf of the writing business. In this week’s episode of the Writing Coach Podcast, we look at what policies you might consider, how to set them up, why to have them, and what to do if you notice that you're not actually following your own policies. SHARE THE WRITING COACH PODCAST WITH OTHER WRITERS OR TAG ME WHILE SHARING ON SOCIAL MEDIA YOU MAY ALSO LIKE … WORK WITH ME: JOIN THE BOOTCAMP WAITLIST Join the waitlist for the next session of my small group coaching program, and you’ll be the first to hear when applications open AND get special access to an early bird bonus: www.FreelanceWriterBootcamp.com Break into your dream publications and get paid well while covering stories that matter. Alumni of my small group coaching program, Freelance Writer Bootcamp, have used these proven pitching processes to break into the New York Times, the Guardian, Bustle, Fodor’s, Condé Nast Traveler, Al Jazeera, the BBC, and many more. Writers on the waitlist will be the first to hear when Bootcamp applications open up for early bird enrollment in the next session. Click here to join the small group waitlist: www.FreelanceWriterBootcamp.com More info and complete show notes: www.rebeccalweber.com/podcast148 | |||
| 04 Mar 2022 | WCP Bonus Wordle walked into a café | 00:11:25 | |
A couple more freelance insights while playing Wordle over morning coffee, this time focusing on the roles of perseverance and giving yourself wise counsel. FOLLOW ME ON INSTAGRAM Did you enjoy this episode? Follow Rebecca to get notified next time she goes live on Instagram and tag her when you share the Writing Coach Podcast with your writer friends: @freelancewriterbootcamp WORK WITH ME Join the waitlist for Freelance Writer Bootcamp now and get early access to the application PLUS a super special early bird bonus: www.FreelanceWriterBootcamp.com Break into your dream publications and get paid well while covering stories that matter. Bootcamp alumni have used these proven pitching processes to break into the New York Times, the Guardian, Bustle, Fodor’s, Condé Nast Traveler, Al Jazeera, the BBC, and many more. We cover all the external skills to improve your pitch acceptance rate, and the internal mindset work to keep you from getting in your own way. Click here to join the waitlist: www.FreelanceWriterBootcamp.com | |||
| 21 Dec 2021 | WCP158 Archives, Vol. IX: Urgency | 00:18:47 | |
Freelance writers often conflate two very different kinds of urgency. Confusing them impacts pitching and following up. First is the urgency of the story itself. This includes identifying why the story needs to be told now. It can be any kind of news peg or timely aspect that compels the editor to assign and publish the piece, and the reader to prioritize reading it. Second is our own personal/professional sense of urgency. This can be when you’re telling yourself that you need to place a piece ASAP, and are operating from anxiety or panic in a way that leads to poor decision making. Note that you might have a strong desire to place a piece with a short shelf life, and that it’s possible to do this while feeling focused, curious, confident, or calm. When it comes to following up on a story pitch, you want to know the difference between a story that needs to be told urgently (in this case, you’ll want to follow up sooner than normal) and your own urgent need to line up your next assignment. YOU MIGHT ALSO ENJOY … Download my free guide on how to pitch LET’S WORK TOGETHER Break into your dream publications. Earn more money. Cover stories that matter. In my small group coaching program, you’ll learn the same proven processes that have helped Bootcamp alumni break into the New York Times, the Guardian, Bustle, Nat Geo Travel, the BBC, Outside, and many more. Apply today for the next session of Freelance Writer Bootcamp: www.FreelanceWriterBootcamp.com | |||
| 14 May 2020 | WCP89 Annoying pitches | 00:14:19 | |
Are your emails annoying your editor? Are you sending too many followups? Too many story ideas? Are all your messages getting on their nerves? If your pitches are half baked, poorly written, and an overall bad fit for the publication, it really doesn’t matter how many you send. You can’t send lousy pitches and expect assignments as a reward for not sending them more often. Assuming your pitches are developed with the editor’s needs in mind, let’s look at the real situation. MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: Master the art of the pitch in my small group coaching program. Apply here: www.FreelanceWriterBootcamp.com More info and full show notes: www.rebeccalweber.com/podcast89 | |||
| 29 Jul 2022 | WCP Bonus Morning in the library | 00:16:04 | |
🔗 Mentioned in this episode: WCP 44: Monday morning on the mountain with Mishka 🎁 Download my free guide on how to pitch freelance article ideas, “5 Proven Steps to Writing Queries that Sell.” www.rebeccalweber.com/howtopitch ❤️ Share the podcast with other writers via your social media accounts or email newsletter, or leave a comment on my Instagram @FreelanceWriterBootcamp or Facebook feeds. 🎧 Listen and subscribe in your favorite podcast app. ✏️ 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. Join the waitlist and you’ll be the first to hear when applications open, plus get access to an early bird bonus: www.FreelanceWriterBootcamp.com | |||
| 01 Nov 2022 | WCP203 Archives XX: The $10k email | 00:23:15 | |
Knowing how to negotiate can be the difference between earning a part- or full-time income as a freelance writer. I don’t want you to break into your dream publication only to have them pay you less than what they pay writers who know to ask for more. Asking for (and receiving!) more money on your first assignment with a new client literally pays off in two ways. First is the initial boost to your cash flow with the piece you’ve just successfully negotiated. It also establishes a better rate for your subsequent work too. This where you’ll really see the sustainable payoff when you review your earnings for the year or longer with ongoing clients. In today’s episode, I share with you the details of an example that worked particularly well: a single email resulted in more than $10k on top of the client’s original offer. Listen in to uplevel your approach to negotiations. 🆙 Want to bring this to the next level? We spend a full week on negotiations of rates and terms in Freelance Writer Bootcamp. Alumni have broken into publications like the New York Times, the Guardian, BBC Travel, Al Jazeera, Bustle, and many more. Join the waitlist for a special early bird bonus. www.FreelanceWriterBootcamp.com 🔗 You might also like: Writing Coach Podcast Greatest Hits Playlist on Spotify ✏️ 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. Join the waitlist and you’ll be the first to hear when applications open, plus get access to an early bird bonus: 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 ⭐ Support the Writing Coach Podcast by leaving a review and/or rating on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Let other writers know why you listen. 📝 More info and complete show notes: www.rebeccalweber.com/podcast203 | |||
| 05 Aug 2019 | WCP49 Sources who want to review drafts | 00:28:39 | |
Have you interviewed somebody who wanted to review your copy before publication? This is a surprisingly high-tension issue for many journalists, even thought it seems like it could be nipped in the bud with a simple, “Sorry, that’s against the publication’s policy.” Today we cover: + A simple method to reduce the number of times sources ask to review the copy
Click here to write a review on Apple Podcasts. MENTIONED ON THIS EPISODE: WCP1 What’s your [writing] problem? | |||
| 07 Aug 2020 | WCP99 Risky business | 00:13:48 | |
Are you telling yourself you’re all in and willing to do anything … unless it involves anxiety, doubt, boredom, or frustration? Deciding to do things when you’re not in the mood (especially if you’re never likely to be in the mood) is the key to growing your freelance career. If you avoid risk, you avoid success as well as failure. Let’s look at how and when to take risks. DOWNLOAD MY FREE GUIDE ON HOW TO PITCH Click here to download 5 proven steps to writing pitches that sell.
My small group coaching program focuses on the art of the pitch: Break into your dream publications, get paid well, and cover stories that matter. Click here to learn more: www.FreelanceWriterBootcamp.com Private coaching helps you reach new goals in your writing life. Apply for a coaching consultation call: www.rebeccalweber.com/coach
WCP 97: Setting freelance writer goals V: Celebrations More info and full show notes: www.rebeccalweber.com/podcast99 | |||
| 25 Mar 2021 | WCP119 I want to, I want to not | 00:11:36 | |
This is the first of two episodes exploring the intersection of desire, commitment, and priorities. Is there something in your writing life that you strongly desire but haven’t committed to yet? Writers who mistake desire for commitment are actually committed to wanting to do something—request deadline extension, write a book, pitch a dream publication, earn 2x more than last year—rather than committed to making it happen. They want the thing. And they also don’t want it. Let’s explore if you’re in this situation and how to move forward. Download my free guide on how to pitch. WORK WITH ME Small group coaching program: Freelance Writer Bootcamp Break into your dream publications and get paid well while covering stories that matter. Alumni of my small group coaching program have used the proven Bootcamp processes to break into the New York Times, the Guardian, Bustle, Fodor’s, Ms., Al Jazeera, the BBC, and many more. Click here to apply for Freelance Writer Bootcamp: www.FreelanceWriterBootcamp.com Private coaching Private coaching is for the writer who wants a personalized agenda and transformative breakthroughs. You will experience new clarity about what’s been holding you back and choose new patterns of thinking and behavior to propel you forward toward your goals. I work with new coaching clients by application only. Click here to apply for private coaching: www.rebeccalweber.com/coach More info: www.rebeccalweber.com/podcast119 | |||
| 04 Sep 2022 | WCP Bonus When you’re not enjoying the writing life | 00:14:17 | |
So many professional writers have lost touch with the passion or purpose that brought them to this work in the first place. If you’ve achieved a lot but aren’t enjoying it, what’s the point? 🔗 Mentioned in this episode: WCP 1 What’s your writing problem? 🔥 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 📷 Follow me on Instagram @freelancewriterbootcamp and catch me next time I’m live. 🎁 Download my free guide on how to pitch freelance article ideas, “5 Proven Steps to Writing Queries that Sell.” | |||
| 24 Oct 2019 | WCP61 Coming attractions | 00:13:54 | |
Movie trailers are a brief preview of what’s to come. We’re all willing to watch for two minutes—IF it’s any good. In a minute or two, we usually know if we’re in (“Ooh, I want to see that one!”) or if it’s a hard pass. What we never see is the screenwriter, director, or a critic talking to the camera and telling us what the film is about, what they think of it, how much we’ll enjoy it, etc. None of that. Not from the studio who wants us to make a decision to spend out time and money watching the film. And yet writers do the equivalent in their pitches all the time—telling us about a topic rather than showing us a story. What’s happens in the ones that do get us interested? Listen into today’s episode. FREELANCE WRITER BOOTCAMP WAITLIST: Hear about early bird registration for the January 2020 session of Freelance Writer Bootcamp by clicking here to join the waitlist: www.FreelanceWriterBootcamp.com Freelance Writer Bootcamp is my small group coaching program that teaches you everything you need to know to write pitches that sell, break into your dream publications, and cover stories that matter while getting paid well to do so. Bootcamp alumni have used these methods to break into the New York Times, the Guardian, the Washington Post, the BBC, Bustle, Shape, and many others, as well as niche and regional publications too. Freelance Writer Bootcamp integrates the internal work that holds writers back—like doubt, imposter syndrome, procrastination, indecision, and overwhelm—with the external work of finding your best markets, developing story ideas, writing and sending pitches, and using proven strategies to develop long-term clients. The next session starts in January. If you’re keen to master the art of the pitch, join the waitlist and I will email you the details next week. www.FreelanceWriterBootcamp.com YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE: Bonus episode: Freelance Writer Bootcamp alumni discuss what the program’s really like | |||
| 12 Sep 2023 | WCP244 Freelance feast or famine | 00:23:33 | |
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: Company policies WCP 239: You set your freelance writing rates WCP 1: What’s your (writing) 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 September 2023 session: www.FreelanceWriterBootcamp.com 🎁 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/podcast244 | |||
| 12 Sep 2019 | WCP55 Finding story ideas you can’t Google: Conferences, conventions, and trade shows, oh my | 00:21:50 | |
Live events like conferences, conventions, trade shows, can be a rich source of multiple story ideas—or an overwhelming waste of time and energy. Learn how to leave with a small notebook bursting with everything you need to write up pitches for feature ideas instead of a bunch of lousy brochures. MENTIONED ON THIS EPISODE: WCP 47: Listener Q&A, Vol. III ASK REBECCA ANYTHING: Click here to submit your writing question for the next episode of Listener Q&A. | |||
| 07 Jun 2022 | WCP182 Archives, Vol. IV: Annoying pitches | 00:16:17 | |
Are your emails annoying your editor? Are you sending too many followups? Too many story ideas? Are all your messages getting on their nerves? If your pitches are half baked, poorly written, and an overall bad fit for the publication, it really doesn’t matter how many you send. You can’t send lousy pitches and expect assignments as a reward for not sending them more often. Assuming your pitches are developed with the editor’s needs in mind, let’s look at the real situation. 🔗 Mentioned in this episode: 🎁 Download my free guide on how to pitch freelance article ideas, “5 Proven Steps to Writing Queries that Sell.” www.rebeccalweber.com/howtopitch ⭐ The best way to support the Writing Coach Podcast is to leave a review and/or rating on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Let other writers know why you listen. I have a few spots opening up in June and July for writers who want private 1:1 coaching. If you’re keen to work with me privately, schedule a free consult call for us to discuss your writing goals and how coaching together can help you reach them faster. Apply for private writer coaching: www.rebeccalweber.com/coach ✏️ Join the waitlist for group coaching 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. Join the waitlist and you’ll be the first to hear when applications open, plus get access to an early bird bonus: www.FreelanceWriterBootcamp.com 📝 More info and complete show notes: www.rebeccalweber.com/podcast182 | |||
| 19 Sep 2019 | WCP56 Playing it safe | 00:11:55 | |
The questions isn’t do you want to play it safe, but where are you playing it safe in your writing life? And why? We all want some security and safety, but these feelings are always relative perceptions rather than objective realities. Given the same exact situation--such as achieving a freelance income goal, landing several anchor clients, or writing disposable first drafts--one person can feel secure, while another feels unstable. Some people prioritize safety above everything else. Sometimes building safety is itself a goal. Sometimes learning to take risks is what’s necessary to reach a goal.
WCP1 What’s your [writing] problem? PRIVATE WRITER COACHING: I have a few spaces available for writers who want to start in October. The best way to determine if we’re a good fit is to sign up for a free mini session. Click here to schedule. | |||
| 28 Feb 2023 | WCP220 Archives: Don’t pay your dues | 00:17:45 | |
Some freelancers say they’re 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, I’d be all for it. But it’s not. Those publications aren’t suddenly going to become lucrative and prestigious. And editors at their dream pubs aren’t going to make assignments because they’ve taken low paying gigs somewhere else. The freelancer thinks: “I’ve got to do these stories somewhere that doesn’t pay much because I won’t get the assignment otherwise.” Unfortunately, this kind of thinking leads to more of the same after the articles are published. Instead of being proud of the new clips, the freelancer thinks: “I only got the assignment because I did it for free.” We all have limited time and energy. Don’t spend yours on pitching places you don’t really want to write for because of some imaginary dues that nobody is collecting. Look out for where you’re holding yourself back instead of growing forward. Don’t argue for why you should play small or for why you can’t do the things you really want to do. In this episode we look at the reality that you do know your potential. Recognize it, remind yourself of it, argue for it. Develop and pitch stories that matter to you and to the publications you want to write for. 🔗 You might also like … Writing Coach Podcast Greatest Hits Playlist on Spotify ✏️ 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 Freelance writer 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 🎁 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 and/or rating on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Let other writers know why you listen. 📝 More info and complete show notes: www.rebeccalweber.com/podcast220 | |||
| 02 Jan 2024 | WCP247 Coach me | 00:04:32 | |
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 … 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. | |||
| 29 Apr 2021 | WCP124 3-minute marketing makeover | 00:16:20 | |
Do you hate marketing because it always takes too long and never winds up in front of the right people? Today we’re challenging that with a quick makeover of that humble marketing workhorse, your email signature. It’s such a fast and easy way to demonstrate to your clients (current and potential) that your communications are always concise and thoughtful. Plus, unlike most makeovers, you’re not going to wind up with some tricky hairstyle that you’re never able to replicate. Once you make these changes, everyone will see the new, improved version.
Three-minute marketing makeover blog post
Please let other writers know why you listen and what they’ll get out of tuning in. Your reviews help support the longevity of this podcast. Click here to write a review on Apple Podcasts.
5 Proven Steps to Writing Queries that Sell More info: www.rebeccalweber.com/podcast124 | |||
| 20 Dec 2018 | WCP18: The creative process with Emma Philipson | 00:24:00 | |
Emma Philipson is the author of the very funny new book about the creative process, “Don’t just give up - quit!” She teaches creativity to adults in her native Sweden and shares her own process as well as what she teaches today on the podcast. In this episode Emma talks about using your creative muscles, the importance of being both naughty and vulnerable in your work, and the willingness to trust in the process and in not knowing. More info and full show notes: https://www.rebeccalweber.com/podcast18 Share the Writing Coach Podcast on Instagram and tag me @freelancewriterbootcamp | |||
| 18 Mar 2022 | WCP Bonus Thinking long term | 00:11:21 | |
Sometimes it’s faster in the short term not to change the way we’re doing things … but once we make the shift to more sustainable approaches, we reap the benefits long term. I changed the kind of printer I’ve always had, which will save a bit of plastic and hassle. And I changed the way I do my banking and pay for business expenses, which means I save time and effort when reconciling. You can also shift from an emphasis of breaking into pubs just for a once-off assignment to using it as a a springboard for long-term editorial relationships, which are the foundation of sustainable success for freelance writers. If you missed the masterclass I just taught on this, sign up today and I’ll send you a replay link: www.rebeccalweber.com/masterclass FOLLOW ME ON INSTAGRAM Did you enjoy this episode? Follow Rebecca to get notified next time she goes live on Instagram and tag her when you share the Writing Coach Podcast with your writer friends: @freelancewriterbootcamp WORK WITH ME Apply to work with me in my small group program: www.FreelanceWriterBootcamp.com Break into your dream publications and get paid well while covering stories that matter. Bootcamp alumni have used these proven pitching processes to break into the New York Times, the Guardian, Bustle, Fodor’s, Condé Nast Traveler, Al Jazeera, the BBC, and many more. We cover all the external skills to improve your pitch acceptance rate, and the internal mindset work to keep you from getting in your own way. Click here to apppy: www.FreelanceWriterBootcamp.com | |||
| 06 Jul 2021 | WCP134 What to charge | 00:27:53 | |
The question of what to charge comes up not just amongst newish freelancers, but frequently amongst mid-career and veterans as well. In reality, nobody else can tell you what your rates should be. Today we’re looking at three components so that you can feel more clear and confident in deciding what to charge: 1. Research 2. Do the math 3. Money mindset
MENTIONED IN THIS SHOW WCP 1: What’s your problem?
Ready to master the art of the freelance article pitch? Break into your dream publications and get paid well while covering stories that matter. Alumni of my small group coaching program, Freelance Writer Bootcamp, have used these proven pitching processes to break into the New York Times, the Guardian, Bustle, Fodor’s, Condé Nast Traveler, Al Jazeera, the BBC, and many more. Writers on the waitlist will be the first to hear when applications open up for early bird enrollment in the next session. Click here to join the Bootcamp waitlist: www.FreelanceWriterBootcamp.com More info and complete show notes: www.rebeccalweber.com/podcast134 | |||
| 27 Dec 2018 | WCP19: Your year in review | 00:13:18 | |
Ready to plan for 2020? What you do (or don’t) accomplish in 2019 is going to set you up for the year ahead. Think about what you one year from now will be poised to do if you have a year of growth vs a year on automatic pilot. Today I offer you three different ways of looking at the past year before turning to goal setting for the future. More info and full show notes: https://www.rebeccalweber.com/podcast19 | |||
| 19 May 2022 | WCP Bonus 🍌 Bananas, late paying clients, and the familiar zone | 00:20:25 | |
A lot of freelancers find it easier to maintain the status quo by keeping on clients that aren’t a good fit because they are so familiar. After you’ve worked with a client for a few assignments/months, you have far more insight into what they’re really like. If you knew then what you knew now, would you take them on in the first place? 🔗 Mentioned in this episode: WCP179 Pregnancy and parental leave 👶 I will be leading the breakout session on writer mindset at the Parenting Journalists Conference on Friday, May 20. (FYI: That is an affiliate link.) Use coupon code WEBER22 to get a 15% discount off of your registration fee. If you are a parent and/or write about parenting, I hope to see you there! ❤️ Share the podcast with other writers via your social media accounts or email newsletter, or leave a comment on my Instagram or Facebook feeds. 🎁 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 1:1 Private coaching is for the writer who wants a personalized agenda and transformative breakthroughs. Apply for private writer coaching: | |||
| 05 Dec 2021 | WCP Bonus Masterclass Invitation December 8 | 00:04:59 | |
Join me on Wednesday, December 8, for a live masterclass on breaking into your dream publications and achieving sustainable freelance writer success. We’ll focus on proven strategies to get consistent, meaningful assignments that pay well. Sign up for free at www.rebeccalweber.com/masterclass This won’t be the conventional, so-called freelancing wisdom that leads to mediocre results. These are the same principles I teach my paying coaching clients, who have broken into the Guardian, the New York Times, Bustle, Condé Nast Traveler, the BBC, and so many more dream publications. I'll share with you: I’ll send out a replay to all writers who register ahead of the live session. Register at www.rebeccalweber.com/masterclass | |||
| 05 Aug 2022 | WCP Bonus Daffodils, transitions, and arguing for what’s helpful | 00:14:28 | |
For me, getting ready for a coaching call or a writing session includes:
🔗 Mentioned in this episode: WCP 174 Archives, Vol. XIII: 100 reasons not to pitch today 🎁 Download my free guide on how to pitch freelance article ideas, “5 Proven Steps to Writing Queries that Sell.” www.rebeccalweber.com/howtopitch ❤️ Share the podcast with other writers via your social media accounts or email newsletter, or leave a comment on my Instagram @FreelanceWriterBootcamp or Facebook feeds. ✏️ 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. Join the waitlist and you’ll be the first to hear when applications open, plus get access to an early bird bonus: www.FreelanceWriterBootcamp.com | |||
| 15 Oct 2019 | WCP Bonus: Join me for a free class | 00:06:03 | |
Would you like to develop some real insight into the strategies that are most effective when pitching publications that feel out of reach right now? Are you curious to see how pitching effectively can lead to long-term clients and the kind of portfolio that draws editors to you (so that ultimately you wind up pitching less)? Do you have any pitching questions you’d like to ask?
Are you in?
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| 16 Mar 2020 | WCP80 Freelancing in the time of coronavirus | 00:31:37 | |
As freelance writers, coronavirus hits us both professionally and personally. We’re looking at these issues and how mindset management will help you handle: + Freelance workflow with rapidly changing editorial needs + Feeling criticized or blamed for how “the media” is handling coverage + Self-isolation, medical concerns, and information overload
Let’s work together. Apply now for my small group coaching program: Freelance Writer Bootcamp. First Draft Coronavirus resources for reporters Break into your dream publications, boost your confidence, and get paid well to cover stories that matter. Apply now for Freelance Writer Bootcamp: www.FreelanceWriterBootcamp.com Full show notes and more info: www.rebeccalweber.com/podcast80 | |||
| 24 May 2019 | WCP39 Listener Q&A, Volume II | 00:16:59 | |
Hearing another writer’s conundrum can be quite revealing. Even when the specifics are different, you’ll often recognize an aspect of the problem that’s very familiar, and you’ll be able to see how the coaching applies to yourself as well. Today we address these questions from listeners: +I’m earning more writing content but feel like my career is going backwards. What’s happening? +I need help structuring my pitches. Am I doing it right? +The editor I want to work with cc’d me by accident. Help! Resources mentioned on today’s show: Schedule your free mini writer coaching session WCP 28: Listener Q&A, Volume I Free guide on how to write a pitch that sells | |||
| 25 Jul 2023 | WCP237 ⚡ Archives: Lights out | 00:31:11 | |
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 | |||
| 14 Jun 2022 | WCP183 Going backwards | 00:24:43 | |
When a freelancer says that they feel like they’re going backwards, often they’re hyperfocusing on a small piece of data instead of larger trends (e.g. a couple of weeks/pitches vs. quarters/years); or they’ve changed an important variable (e.g. pitching more competitive publications for the first time vs. pitching less competitive pubs they’ve already written for); or they’re on the verge of a major breakthrough. As journalists, we always look out for our biases in our reporting. As a freelancers, it’s also important to look at a bias toward negative self-talk that leads to spinning out and avoiding the very things that would help you achieve your goals faster. In a culture oriented toward constant growth, stability can be framed as regression. That might sound like “I feel like I’m going backwards” instead of “I have a reliable base income month after month” or “I’m making steady progress on my project.” Plateaus get a bad rap. This is another way of describing steady clients, regular income, and long-term editorial relationships. If you’re super plugged into hustle mode and running on nervous energy, that it can seem like something’s gone wrong to be at ease and appreciate what you’ve built for yourself. Complex growth isn’t linear. Growth and progression are more often cyclical, where you’re facing a similar struggle at a new level. 🔗 Mentioned in this episode: Rebecca on Instagram @freelancewriterbootcamp ⭐ The best way to support the Writing Coach Podcast is to leave a review and/or rating 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. 🔥 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 🎧 Listen and subscribe to the Writing Coach Podcast in your favorite podcast app. ✏️ 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. Join the waitlist and you’ll be the first to hear when applications open, plus get access to an early bird bonus: www.FreelanceWriterBootcamp.com 🎁 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/podcast183 | |||
| 18 Oct 2018 | 09: Longform articles and short documentaries with Christopher Clark | 00:26:16 | |
Christopher Clark is a freelance journalist and filmmaker. He recently co-directed two documentaries about people living on the fringes of South African society for Al Jazeera and the BBC. Today we talk about: - Transitioning from writing articles to making videos Download my free guide on how to pitch: https://www.rebeccalweber.com/5-proven-steps Get full show notes and more information here: https://www.rebeccalweber.com/podcast9 | |||
| 02 Aug 2022 | WCP190 Archives XVII: Sorting and archiving freelance articles | 00:16:53 | |
Whether your articles are published online or in print, you need to make them readily available for potential clients to read online. Simply having a list of links isn’t sufficient. Sites reorganize and your links go bad; your piece gets pulled or the publication closes; and paywalls prohibit access. Clips that look great on paper need different treatment. In this episode, we look at practical tools that solve how to archive freelance articles published online and how to create digital copies of paper clips. 🔗 Mentioned in this episode: Modern Journalist Toolkit 14: Saving and organizing clips Watch the “Saving clips demo” video to see how I use Nimbus. Quick online portfolio solutions If you don’t have your own website, you still need a digital portfolio where potential clients can read your work. 🎁 Download my free guide on how to pitch freelance article ideas, “5 Proven Steps to Writing Queries that Sell.” www.rebeccalweber.com/howtopitch ⭐ The best way to support the Writing Coach Podcast is to leave a review and/or rating 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. ✏️ 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. Join the waitlist and you’ll be the first to hear when applications open, plus get access to an early bird bonus: 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/podcast190 | |||
| 16 May 2023 | WCP231 Archives: Writing through grief | 00:14:56 | |
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 | |||
| 22 Aug 2023 | WCP241 Archives: Internal and external accountability | 00:17:41 | |
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 ✏️ 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 | |||
| 26 Dec 2019 | WCP70 Application opportunities | 00:15:57 | |
Applying for scholarships, workshops, grants, and other opportunities can sometimes be daunting: What do the people reviewing this really want to know about you? What can you do to make your application stand out from the rest? A full scholarship is available right now for Freelance Writer Bootcamp. I talk about how to approach this application if you’re keen to work with me, and tips that can be used for any other competitive application process. MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE Request a copy of my free guide on how to pitch. Click here to apply for the full scholarship to my small group coaching program, Freelance Writer Bootcamp. The scholarship winner will receive lifetime access to all the core materials, live calls, bonuses, plus three private coaching sessions with me. | |||
| 05 Dec 2019 | WCP67 3 ways to earn more money | 00:14:04 | |
This week we’re looking at three proven strategies to improve your freelance bottom line. Focus on putting these into place now for a strong end to this year and a strong start to the next one. APPLY NOW FOR FREELANCE WRITER BOOTCAMP If most of your pitches don’t get assigned, or you’re not sending enough out to get the number of assignments you desire, my small group coaching program in January may be just what you need. Click here to read the details and to begin your application. | |||
| 07 Mar 2023 | WCP221 Vulnerability | 00:23:23 | |
Ever wonder what “vulnerability” feels like? Try telling people you’re about to shop your book proposal when you’re worried maybe no one will ever buy said proposal. The proposal (or pitch, or post, or whatever it is) doesn’t actually make us vulnerable; neither does telling people about it. It’s the way we think about these things—and in this case specifically what you think other people might think. Instead of avoiding the things that we really want to write/publish/promote, let’s plan for how we’ll talk to ourselves and create safety when we do take risks. 📚I’m organizing a podcast tour. 🎙️ I’d love to join you as a guest on one of your upcoming episodes if you’re a podcast host, a podcast producer, have a bestie with a podcast that would be a good fit, etc. ✉️ Email me at rlw@rebeccalweber.com and tell me a bit about your show/your people so we can make it happen. 🔗 You might also like these episodes: WCP 2: Thinking thoughts and feelings feels WCP 18: The creative process with Emma Philipson WCP 164 Putting yourself out there 🎁 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. ✏️ 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 March session: www.FreelanceWriterBootcamp.com 📝 More info and complete show notes: www.rebeccalweber.com/podcast221 | |||
| 04 Apr 2023 | WCP225 Seasonal eval | 00:16:47 | |
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 … 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. 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. 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 | |||
| 25 Oct 2018 | WCP10 The confident writer | 00:21:26 | |
Do you feel writing is your true creative, personal, or professional calling, one that brings meaning and depth to your life, and that lets you bring real value to the lives of readers … or at least has the potential to? If the answer is yes (or you’d like it to be), yet you struggle with confidence, blocks, overwhelm, or underearning, this talk about confidence and self-confidence (nope, not the same thing) will help you start to approach things differently. Sign up for a free mini coaching session to get some individualized help with building your confidence: https://www.rebeccalweber.com/coach Get full show notes and more information here: https://www.rebeccalweber.com/podcast10 | |||
| 04 Jul 2019 | WCP45 Setting freelance writing goals, Vol. 3 | 00:19:49 | |
In the first two quarters, we discussed setting and working toward your goals. Today we talk about something you might not have bargained for: You reached your goal but it turns out it isn’t all you thought it would be. Your life didn’t change. That big article didn’t make you famous. Or rich. Or confident. You did all the hard things and you’re still you. Now what? REGISTER FOR NEXT WEEK’S FREE CLASS ON PITCHING Click here to claim your spot. Be sure to note which session is best for your time zone. MENTIONED ON THIS EPISODE: WCP 1: What’s your problem? | |||
| 05 Sep 2019 | WCP54 Indistractable with Nir Eyal | 00:29:14 | |
Author Nir Eyal joins us to talk about his new book, Indistractable: How to Control Your Attention and Choose Your Life. What’s distracting you from your writing time? As Nir breaks it down, distraction always starts from within. We’ve been avoiding uncomfortable emotions way before the modern siren call of the smartphone. In this conversation, Nir shares lots of examples from his own writing life. Nir wrote the Wall Street Journal bestseller Hooked, and trained as a journalist. Many business books are hard to apply outside a corporate environment, but Nir really understands the impact of his findings on writers. We talk about: “Being indistractable does not only require keeping distractions out. It also necessitates reigning ourselves in.” WIN A FREE COPY OF INDISTRACTABLE: MENTIONED ON THIS EPISODE:
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| 23 Apr 2019 | WCP Bonus: Telling people you're a writer | 00:14:42 | |
Are you happy and excited when somebody asks, “What do you do?” No? Listen in as we go a bit deeper into how to practice your new way of thinking and talking about what you call yourself. MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE WCP 33: A writer by any other name FOLLOW ME ON SOCIAL MEDIA Follow me on Instagram. Take a screenshot of your favorite episode and tag me in your Instagram Stories. Follow me on Facebook to be notified next time I go live. SUBSCRIBE AND REVIEW Subscribe to the Writing Coach Podcast to be notified every time a new show, including bonus episodes, become available. Click here to subscribe in iTunes. If you enjoy these episodes, please write a short review on iTunes. These reviews help other writers find and listen to the podcast. Share a takeaway or a-ha moment, recommend a favorite episode, or otherwise let people know why you listen. Click here to review, and select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review.” Thanks so much! | |||
| 13 Sep 2022 | WCP196 Repetition. Again | 00:23:50 | |
If you’ve been listening to the Writing Coach Podcast for a while, you already know I:
In the quest for the new, we tend to overlook the advantages of repetition. This week on the Writing Coach Podcast, we look at some of the most useful ways to incorporate repetition in your writing, workflow, questioning, and learning. 🔗 Mentioned in this episode: WCP 144 Archives Vol. V: What’s your (writing) problem? WCP 162 Archives, Vol. X: The research rabbit hole 🎁 Download my free guide on how to pitch freelance article ideas, “5 Proven Steps to Writing Queries that Sell.” www.rebeccalweber.com/howtopitch ❤️ Share the podcast with other writers via your social media accounts or email newsletter, or leave a comment on my Instagram or Facebook feeds. 📷 Follow me on Instagram @freelancewriterbootcamp and catch me next time I’m live. ✏️ Work with me 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. Join the waitlist and you’ll be the first to hear when applications open, plus get access to an early bird bonus: 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/podcast196 | |||
| 15 Oct 2020 | WCP107 The End | 00:18:00 | |
Habits can become so ingrained that we believe that they’re the way things are rather than a pattern we’ve started and that we can also end. Sometimes when it’s nearly time to turn in a piece, we’ll go over and over and over it again, working ourselves up in a way that produces diminishing returns for the procut and is the antithesis of self-care. One of my coaching clients did this regularly, along with the refrain that it was surely no good and that the last piece’s success was just a fluke--even though decades of this made a pretty convincing case that her work was consistently high quality. In this episode, you’ll hear how we broke through the thought-emotion pattern that caused her so much pain. Once this kind of pattern is exposed, a writer can always choose a different path moving forward. YOU MAY ALSO LIKE … Apply for private coaching: www.rebeccalweber.com/coach Apply for my small group coaching program: www.FreelanceWriterBootcamp.com Download my free guide on how to pitch More info and complete show notes: www.rebeccalweber.com/podcast107 | |||
| 01 Feb 2022 | WCP164 Putting yourself out there | 00:24:33 | |
When we put ourselves out there, we take a risk. We risk not getting validation, assignments, contracts, money, Likes, comments, safety, etc. We risk approval internally and externally. The idea of putting yourself out there probably pushes buttons that you had even before you became a professional, published writer. You may have prior experience with it not being safe to say what you want to say. There may have been consequences for you, or someone in your family, or with one of your personal identities, to make themselves seen and heard. It could be someone in your immediate family or generations back. It could be someone with your same gender, race or ethnicity, sexual orientation, disability, nationality, religion, age, etc. Part of you knows that what you have to say matters. And you’ve also received the message from individuals and/or society that you should be quiet. Or polite. That you shouldn’t brag or call attention to yourself. Your journalistic training, tradition, or preference may be to not be included in the story itself, and you think that promoting your work somehow violates this ethos. Putting ourselves out there is essential. You can’t make a living as a writer without doing it. Today’s episode looks at how the resistance to the commonality amongst very different forms of putting yourself out there, be it a tweet, a pitch, negotiations, promotions, etc., and how to manage it better.
YOU MIGHT ALSO ENJOY … WCP 48: 100 reasons why you shouldn’t pitch today WCP 16: Freewriting for freelancers Spotify playlist of the greatest hits on the Writing Coach Podcast (Please rate the podcast while listening on Spotify. A 5 star rating would be much appreciated.) Download my free guide on how to pitch: www.rebeccalweber.com/howtopitch
SHARE THE WRITING COACH PODCAST WITH OTHER WRITERS Subscribe and write a review of the Writing Coach Podcast on Apple Podcasts. Share your podcast takeaways and tag Rebecca on Instagram: @freelancewriterbootcamp
WORK WITH ME Break into your dream publications and get paid well while covering stories that matter. Alumni of my small group coaching program, Freelance Writer Bootcamp, have used these proven pitching processes to break into the New York Times, the Guardian, Bustle, Fodor’s, Condé Nast Traveler, Al Jazeera, the BBC, and many more. Writers on the Freelance Writer Bootcamp waitlist will be first to hear when applications open for the next session, and get access to a special early bird offer only for those on the waitlist. Join the waitlist: www.FreelanceWriterBootcamp.com
More info and complete show notes: www.rebeccalweber.com/podcast164 | |||
| 21 Nov 2019 | WCP65 Portfolio shame | 00:17:12 | |
Our online portfolio lets us showcase our best and most relevant work to new editors. Ironically, we’re often most aware of its shortcomings at the very time that we’re trying to move our careers forward. There can be a real disconnect between what we’ve done in the past and what we want to do now and in the future. Telling ourselves “I should have newer/better/more prestigious clips” doesn’t function as a motivator to pitch with fervor to refresh the portfolio. It’s more likely to evoke shame and avoidance. MENTIONED ON THIS EPISODE Send me your question for the next edition of listener Q&A Download my guide on how to pitch freelance articles. Quick online portfolio solutions WCP41 Sorting and archiving freelance articles Apply for Freelance Writer Bootcamp in January Click here for more info and full show notes with links: www.rebeccalweber.com/podcast6 | |||
| 27 Dec 2022 | WCP 211 Archives: Story ideas you can’t google | 00:23:05 | |
Live events like conferences, conventions, and trade shows can be a rich source of multiple story ideas—or an overwhelming waste of time and energy. Plan ahead for 2023 by learning how to leave with a small notebook bursting with everything you need to write up pitches for feature ideas instead of a bunch of lousy brochures. 🔗 You might also like … Writing Coach Podcast Greatest Hits Playlist on Spotify WCP 25: Using juicy quotes in your pitches ✏️ 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: www.FreelanceWriterBootcamp.com 🎁 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 and/or rating on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Let other writers know why you listen. 📝 More info and complete show notes: www.rebeccalweber.com/podcast211 | |||
| 25 Feb 2021 | WCP115 Pitching as a freelance superpower: Pitching triad miniseries (3 of 3) | 00:15:26 | |
The pitching triad focuses on three interconnected areas: trust in yourself, in your publication, and in your pitch. Today we’re focusing on the believing in your pitch. When you know pitching is one of your freelance superpowers, it can deepen your trust and belief in yourself and your ability to work with your ideal clients as well. Here are a few things we’ll explore: Why mid-career writers who are confident about their ability to complete an assignment once they have it fall into a common pitfall when it comes to pitching A quick-check technique to see what you really think about your current pitch trajectory The two most important areas you can examine to quantify and evaluate if your beliefs are in line with the quality of your pitches
The pitching triad miniseries: WCP113 Believe me: Pitching triad miniseries (1 of 3) WCP114 Everyday dream clients: Pitching triad miniseries (2 of 3) WCP115 Pitching as a freelance superpower: Pitching triad miniseries (3 of 3) Download my free guide on how to pitch WORK WITH ME Mastering the art of the pitch includes understanding how to make your dream publications the actual pubs ones you’re writing for today. Alumni of my small group coaching program have used the proven Bootcamp processes to break into the New York Times, the Guardian, Bustle, Fodor’s, Ms., Al Jazeera, the BBC, and many more. Click here to apply for Freelance Writer Bootcamp and master the art of the pitch. More info: www.rebeccalweber.com/podcast114 | |||
| 12 Jul 2022 | WCP187 You’re invited | 00:16:14 | |
When you pitch a story idea, are you inviting the editor to consider working with you? Do you recognize the value of what you’re offering and tempt them? Or are you asking the editor to give you an assignment? Do you approach the pitch from a place of neediness? Give/get, push/pull, love/hate … which side do you want to be on? 🔗 Mentioned in this episode: WCP 127 Favorite freelance writer resources WCP 166 Archives, Vol. XI: Call for pitches 🎁 Download my free guide on how to pitch freelance article ideas, “5 Proven Steps to Writing Queries that Sell.” www.rebeccalweber.com/howtopitch ⭐ The best way to support the Writing Coach Podcast is to leave a review and/or rating on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. 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. Join the waitlist today and you’ll be the first to hear when applications open, plus get access to an early bird bonus: www.FreelanceWriterBootcamp.com 📝 More info and complete show notes: www.rebeccalweber.com/podcast187 | |||
| 21 Feb 2019 | WCP26 Decolonizing science writing with Sibusiso Biyela | 00:28:50 | |
Meet Sibusiso Biyela, a South African science communicator and journalist interested in decolonize science communication using indigenous languages. Don’t worry, I don’t speak science, so we’re talking mostly about language, storytelling, politics. Sibs normally writes in English. He recently completed a story about a newly discovered dinosaur species in his mother tongue, Zulu, which doesn’t have a word for “dinosaur.” As you’ll learn, it’s not a language normally used for communicating science, but he was up for the challenge. Sign up for my weekly newsletter and receive a copy of my free guide on how to pitch. For more info and full show notes, visit: https://www.rebeccalweber.com/podcast26 | |||
| 05 Apr 2019 | WCP32 Setting freelance writer goals, Vol. 2 | 00:21:03 | |
Today’s episode is part 2 of Setting freelance writer goals. Three months in is the perfect time to evaluate what you’ve done, what’s worked and didn’t, and how to make a new plan moving forward. If you’re not seeing the results you expected, you’ll want to hear these common pitfalls and new approaches you can try. Transformation may be closer than you think. Learning how to set and achieve your writing goals is a goal itself. It happens to be the start of the second quarter, but every season is a good time to check in and see what’s ready to bloom. MENTIONED ON THIS EPISODE: WCP 20: Setting freelance writer goals FREE MINI WRITER COACHING SESSION Do you want to work with me privately? The best way to find out if I’m the writing coach to help you get out of your own way is to set up a time for us to discuss where you are and where you want to be as a writer. I go into much more depth in the goal setting process with my private 1:1 clients. If you’ve been trying to DIY your goals and not seeing the results, is it time to get help? Click here to schedule a time for a mini writer coaching session. Select your time zone, and then choose a time for us to talk. SUBSCRIBE AND REVIEW The best way to catch all the episodes of the Writing Coach Podcast is to subscribe. This way you’ll be notified every time a new show, including bonus episodes, become available. Click here to subscribe in iTunes. If you enjoy these episodes, please write a short review on iTunes. These reviews help other writers find and listen to the podcast. Share a takeaway or a-ha moment, recommend a favorite episode, or otherwise let people know why you listen. Click here to review, and select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review.” Thanks so much! | |||
| 01 Apr 2021 | WCP120 Priority power | 00:16:38 | |
Today’s episode continues where we left off last week, looking at the distinction between desire and commitment. You’ve decided to step out of the energy suck of both wanting and not wanting something, and shift into prioritization. Listen into how one of the writers I coach figured out how to prioritize time for writing and sending pitches. The actions themselves seem simple, but only after first clearing up the flawed thinking and emotional resistance she had about making it a priority. When you embrace the power of priority in your writing life, it will seem like your time and self management start to shape shift. BTW, after I recorded this episode this same writer sent out a pitch and had it assigned within a couple of days, at a higher rate than she normally earns.
WCP119 I Want to, I want to not
Small group coaching program: Freelance Writer Bootcamp Break into your dream publications and get paid well while covering stories that matter. Alumni of my small group coaching program have used the proven Bootcamp processes to break into the New York Times, the Guardian, Bustle, Fodor’s, Ms., Al Jazeera, the BBC, and many more. Click here to apply for Freelance Writer Bootcamp: www.FreelanceWriterBootcamp.com Private coaching Private coaching is for the writer who wants a personalized agenda and transformative breakthroughs. You will experience new clarity about what’s been holding you back and choose new patterns of thinking and behavior to propel you forward toward your goals. I work with new coaching clients by application only. Click here to apply for private coaching: www.rebeccalweber.com/coach More info: www.rebeccalweber.com/podcast120 | |||
| 11 Oct 2022 | WCP200 What I’ve learned creating 200 podcast episodes | 00:30:53 | |
With apologies to Toni Morrison, the Writing Coach Podcast is the show I wanted to hear … so I recorded a couple of hundred episodes of it. Today I’m going behind the scenes: Why I started making this podcast (and why you might want to start or continue one—or choose to be on other people’s shows instead); my workflow, including content generation; and the mindset minefield I ran into and learned from. For me, the biggest mindset bugabear has been consistency. If you’ve been subscribed all along, you may have noticed that I did NOT publish an episode every single week on the same day for the past four years. That clashes with conventional advice to be consistent. Having a clear schedule that you stick with can provide structure and reliability, but telling yourself that you “should be consistent” doesn’t change things—and can just make things worse in terms of production. Shame slows things down. In this episode, I also share how changing my relationship with consistency (spoiler alert: it has nothing to do with will power) helped me recommit to my goals after I had covid. 🔗 You might also like … ⭐ Support and celebrate the Writing Coach Podcast by leaving a review and/or rating 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. 🎁 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. Join the waitlist and you’ll be the first to hear when applications open, plus get access to an early bird bonus: 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/podcast200 | |||
| 27 Jun 2019 | WCP44 Monday morning on the mountain with Mishka | 00:23:09 | |
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. Now I have a ritual that helps 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. 25k GIVEAWAY: To celebrate 25,000 downloads of the Writing Coach Podcast, we’re doing a giveaway on Facebook and Instagram for $25 Amazon.com gift certificates. Look for the post with “25k giveaway.” Leave a comment saying why you listen, and tag a friend. Winners will be announced on Monday. MENTIONED ON THIS EPISODE: Twyla Tharp’s “The Creative Habit” WCP 15: How Nelson Mandela taught me to write faster SHARE THE PODCAST: Help other writers find this show by writing a review on Apple Podcasts. Or take a screenshot when listening and share it on Instagram Stories. Tag me @FreelanceWriterBootcamp and/or use #WritingCoachPodcast. | |||
| 18 Jan 2022 | WCP162 Writing Coach Podcast 162 Archives, Vol. X: The research rabbit hole | 00:19:53 | |
The research and reporting rabbit holes are some of the most seductive and appealing parts of the freelance writing comfort zone. You start off doing good work: nailing down facts, seeking rich data, locating interesting sources. But there’s always another twist and turn, and you can easily lose your orientation and not know if you’re getting closer or further away from what you and your story needs. If you’ve ever said that research takes as long as it takes, or noticed that it’s taking so long that it interferes with (rather than supports) your writing goals, you’ve got to listen to today’s episode.
YOU MIGHT ALSO ENJOY … Spotify playlist of the greatest hits on the Writing Coach Podcast (please rate the podcast while listening on Spotify) Download my free guide on how to pitch SHARE THE WRITING COACH PODCAST Subscribe and write a review of the Writing Coach Podcast on Apple Podcasts or review on Spotify. Share your podcast takeaways and tag Rebecca on Instagram: @freelancewriterbootcamp WORK WITH ME Apply for the next session of my small group coaching program: www.FreelanceWriterBootcamp.com Break into your dream publications and get paid well while covering stories that matter. Bootcamp alumni have used these proven pitching processes to break into the New York Times, the Guardian, Bustle, Fodor’s, Condé Nast Traveler, Al Jazeera, the BBC, and many more. We cover all the external skills to improve your pitch acceptance rate, and the internal mindset work to keep you from getting in your own way. Click here to apply: www.FreelanceWriterBootcamp.com More info and complete show notes: www.rebeccalweber.com/podcast162 | |||
| 17 Oct 2019 | WCP60 OOO la la | 00:21:36 | |
Are you terrified of what might happen to your freelance writing career if you put up an Out Of Office message on your email? In this episode, I talk about why I OOO while at a writing retreat and during a long plane ride, and the freelance chaos that did not commence. Turns out the drama was in my head—go figure. MENTIONED ON THIS EPISODE: Maya Angelou in the Paris Review SUPPORT THE PODCAST WITH A REVIEW: Did you enjoy this episode of the Writing Coach Podcast? Please leave a review on iTunes. | |||
| 04 Jul 2023 | WCP234 Answer the question | 00:22:06 | |
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 understanding up to speed quickly. 🔗 You might also like … Why Boston doesn’t have any Michelin Star restaurants WCP 155 Why your pitch is too long 🎁 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/podcast234 | |||
| 04 Mar 2021 | WCP116 Lights out | 00:27:24 | |
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. Did you enjoy the show? Please leave a review on Apple Podcasts. Download my free guide on how to pitch. WORK WITH ME Mastering the art of the pitch includes understanding how to make your dream publications the actual pubs ones you’re writing for today. Alumni of my small group coaching program have used the proven Bootcamp processes to break into the New York Times, the Guardian, Bustle, Fodor’s, Ms., Al Jazeera, Nat Geo Traveler, the BBC, and many more. Click here to apply for the next session of Freelance Writer Bootcamp. More info: www.rebeccalweber.com/podcast116 | |||
| 19 Dec 2019 | WCP69 Right action | 00:23:55 | |
A big or consistent gap between the work you most want to be doing and what you’re actually doing indicates a lack of right action. Keeping busy or chasing after low-satisfaction, low-paying work isn’t going to resolve the situation. Let’s look at what it means to instead identify the weakest link in your freelance writing chain, and focus on strengthening it. APPLY FOR FREELANCE WRITER BOOTCAMP AND GET THE GOAL SETTING BONUS WORKSHOP I’ll be offering an exclusive Freelance Writer Goal Setting Workshop in the first week of January to walk writers through the exact steps of setting successful goals—including the steps that most goal setters miss. This is a special bonus for people who register for Freelance Writer Bootcamp by the end of 2019. If one of your goals is to make more money by writing stories that matter to you, click here to apply to Freelance Writer Bootcamp and get this bonus workshop too: www.FreelanceWriterBootcamp.com MENTIONED ON THIS EPISODE WCP1: What’s your problem? | |||
| 15 Apr 2021 | WCP122: Freelancing while sick | 00:28:20 | |
For many freelancers, when you get sick it becomes a question of finding hours or days when you’re able to push yourself to get things done vs. not getting paid, rather than taking actual time off. Today I’m talking about my own experience contracting coronavirus, and discussing how to care for yourself and your freelance writing business when you get sick in general. We look at getting rest, saying no, prioritizing, and transitioning back to full days while respecting your limitations. MENTIONED IN THIS SHOW WCP 13 Setting freelance boundaries and company policies WCP 112 Fifteen minutes of focus WCP 80 Freelancing in the time of coronavirus Resources for freelance writers during the coronavirus pandemic
Small group coaching program: Freelance Writer Bootcamp Break into your dream publications and get paid well while covering stories that matter. Alumni of my small group coaching program have used the proven Bootcamp processes to break into the New York Times, the Guardian, Bustle, Fodor’s, Ms., Al Jazeera, the BBC, and many more. Click here to apply: www.FreelanceWriterBootcamp.com
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| 16 Apr 2019 | WCP33 A writer by any other name | 00:12:53 | |
When somebody asks you what you do, are you completely at ease with your response? Many writers feel that they need to do something more—such as publish more or elsewhere, earn more, write more words, write about more important topics—before truly feeling comfortable introducing themselves as a writer. This episode will help you reframe what you’re making your chosen title mean. This is a definition that can support and empower you, rather than make you feel like you’ve come up short. FREE MINI WRITER COACHING SESSION Do you want to work with me privately? A free mini session is the best way for you to understand what they coaching process is like and if we’re a good fit. Click here to schedule a time for a mini writer coaching session. Select your time zone, and then choose a time for us to talk. SUBSCRIBE AND REVIEW Subscribe to the Writing Coach Podcast to be notified every time a new show, including bonus episodes, become available. Click here to subscribe in iTunes. If you enjoy these episodes, please write a short review on iTunes. These reviews help other writers find and listen to the podcast. Share a takeaway or a-ha moment, recommend a favorite episode, or otherwise let people know why you listen. Click here to review, and select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review.” Thanks so much! | |||
| 31 Jan 2023 | WCP216 Archives: Enterprise stories with Ray Joseph | 00:31:51 | |
What’s the importance and impact of seeking out original stories that nobody else is doing? In this conversation with freelance journalist Raymond Joseph, we examine how much a unique story and/or angle matters for you, your career, your editors, and society at large. Ray’s investigations into lottery corruption over the past four years have won him both journalism awards as well as threats. When you follow BIG money, people notice. In this episode, we discuss:
🔗 Mentioned on this episode … Writing Coach Podcast Greatest Hits Playlist on Spotify Center for Collaborative Investigative Journalism: www.ccij.io OpenUp: openup.org.za Tableu: tableau.com South African National Lottery Explorer: salotterytool.org.za GroundUp lottery stories: www.groundup.org.za/topic/lotto/ Ray Joseph on Facebook: facebook.com/rayjoejourno Ray Joseph on Twitter: @rayjoe Ray Joseph on email: rayjoe at iafrica dot com ✏️ 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 Freelance writer 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 🎁 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 and/or rating on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Let other writers know why you listen. 📝 More info and complete show notes: www.rebeccalweber.com/podcast216 | |||
| 30 Oct 2020 | WCP109 No complaints | 00:15:57 | |
If you decide to take on the complaint-free challenge, you’re guaranteed to learn something about yourself. It’s simple: No complaining to anybody you know IRL. No complaining to virtual strangers online. No complaining to yourself. (That one’s the hardest.) Complaining makes our work far less enjoyable. We engage less with our stories, we resent our clients, and we don’t appreciate ourselves. This negative framework doesn’t help us create solutions for the very problems we’re noticing. This simple (not always easy!) change will shift your approach to the writing life. MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE WCP1 What’s your (writing) problem? WCP13 Setting freelance boundaries and company policies
Request a private coaching consultation and let me know your next area of growth as a writer: www.rebeccalweber.com/coach Apply for the next session of my small group coaching program and learn to master the art of the pitch: www.FreelanceWriterBootcamp.com More info and full show notes: www.rebeccalweber.com/podcast109 | |||
| 08 Nov 2022 | WCP204 🐘🐘 Don’t think of baby twin elephants | 00:23:05 | |
Once you start fact checking your mind, you’ll notice there’s a lot of stuff you’re telling yourself that isn’t true AND that isn’t helpful. This awareness doesn’t mean that the faulty thought won’t keep coming back. It’s usually counterproductive to tell yourself, “Don’t think that!” You can instead decide ahead of time what you do want to think and practice it to help build a new neural pathway in your mind. Today’s episode looks at one of the most detrimental thoughts that a freelancer can have when pitching stories. It’s so pervasive that you may not see it as a problem—or you may feel powerless to change it. Let’s unpack this way of thinking so that you can recognize it and make a plan for a new and more powerful way to get assignments with your ideal clients. 🔗 Mentioned in this episode: WCP 2: Thinking thoughts and feelings feels WCP 4: Pitching: The perfect black T-shirt WCP 118 Best and worst clients 🎁 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. ✏️ 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. www.FreelanceWriterBootcamp.com 📝 More info and complete show notes: www.rebeccalweber.com/podcast204 | |||
| 08 Feb 2019 | WCP24: Which comes first, the pitch or the interview? | 00:15:01 | |
Which should you do first: secure an interview or pitch the story? Many writers frame this as a chicken and egg situation, but it isn’t an existential or biological question. It’s a decision you get to make about which way you want to get started. Let’s look at the pros and cons so you can make a swift and informed choice that serves you and your story. Sign up for a free mini coaching session to get help with your chicken and egg situation. Follow me on Instagram. | |||
| 31 May 2022 | WCP181 Curiouser and curiouser | 00:23:19 | |
Curiosity is a useful state of mind for freelance writers. Curiosity helps us identify great story ideas with unrecognized angles. Curiosity fuels our interest in improving our craft. Curiosity makes understanding the pitching process and other business of freelancing type processes fascinating. It opens up our imaginations to possibilities that we can’t find otherwise. How do you get curious? Listen in to today’s episode. 🔗 Mentioned in this episode: WCP 137 Asking better questions with Maggie Reyes WCP 160 Freelance writing goals: 5W1H goal setting 🎁 Download my free guide on how to pitch freelance article ideas, “5 Proven Steps to Writing Queries that Sell.” www.rebeccalweber.com/howtopitch ⭐ The best way to support the Writing Coach Podcast is to leave a review and/or rating on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Let other writers know why you listen. 🔥 Work with me 1:1 in private writer coaching 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 ✏️ Join the group coaching waitlist Break into your dream publications and get paid well while covering stories that matter. Alumni have used the proven Freelance Writer 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. Join the waitlist and you’ll be the first to hear when applications open, plus get access to an early bird bonus: www.FreelanceWriterBootcamp.com 📝 More info and complete show notes: www.rebeccalweber.com/podcast181 | |||