Deliberate Freelancer

Today’s guest is Kelly McSweeney, a content marketing writer. Kelly works from her home office in Massachusetts with a small dog by her side. She has been a self-employed writer for nearly eight years, with clients that include research institutions, big tech companies and marketing agencies. Kelly explains cutting-edge science and emerging technology to intelligent, curious audiences. In recent years, she has added writing video scripts and moderating webinars to her services, which is today’s topic. In this episode, we talk about: Biz Bite: Use mind mapping to brainstorm. Resources: Buy Me a CoffeeDeliberate Freelancer Facebook groupKelly’s websiteKelly on LinkedInHow to Use Video to Connect with Your Audience, with Anita Kwan@MelEdits_DCConnect with Melanie on LinkedIn

Today’s guest is Annemie Tonken. Annemie lives in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. She has been a professional photographer since 2010 and is the owner of Megapixie Photography. She also teaches creative entrepreneurs how to run profitable, sustainable businesses they love, by focusing on how they can develop helpful business systems and strategies. And, she’s the host of a business podcast for photographers called This Can’t Be That Hard and the creator of the Simple Sales System, which is used by thousands of photographers worldwide to create in-person sales-level income and service in an automated way. In this episode, we talk about: Biz Bite: Conduct an audit of your business systems — with the goals of automation and outsourcing. Resources: Buy Me a CoffeeDeliberate Freelancer Facebook groupThis Can’t Be That HardThis Can’t Be That Hard Instagramphotography website@MelEdits_DCConnect with Melanie on LinkedIn

Today’s guest is Abby Nieten. Abby lives in the Indianapolis, Indiana, area, with her husband and three sons. A year ago she launched her freelance business, Shining Waters Editorial, where she is a copy editor and proofreader specializing in business content and nonfiction manuscripts. Abby also recently launched a monthly newsletter called Stream of Confidence, which is for authors, writers and other business professionals who want to create and publish content that impacts other humans. It offers a steady stream of encouragement, inspiration, connection and quality assurance tips to help you publish your work with confidence. In today’s episode, Abby and I talk about: Biz Bite: Explore the technology you’re already paying for before buying the new “shiny object.” Resources: Buy Me a CoffeeDeliberate Freelancer Facebook groupShiningWatersEditorial.comStream of ConfidenceAbby on LinkedIn@MelEdits_DCLinkedIn

Today’s guest is Brionna Ned, a former big-law lawyer and in-house counsel for tech companies. She is now a legal educator and a writer. Her company, The Everyday Lawyer, is a legal education and consulting service for small business owners that provides you with the legal knowledge you need to create solid foundations in your business. She also has a course: Contract Foundations for Freelancers. In this episode, we talk about: Biz Bite: Not all money is good money. (Trust your instincts!) Resources: Deliberate Freelancer Facebook groupThe Everyday Lawyer websiteContract Foundations for FreelancersBrionna on ThreadsBrionna on InstagramBuy Me a Coffee@MelEdits_DCConnect with Melanie on LinkedIn

On today’s show, I discuss the current state of freelancing, which includes massive layoffs and shuttered clients in the media and tech world. But even if that isn’t affecting you — maybe you’re even having your best year yet — you need to be prepared for the lean times and to set up your business to lessen the risk of feast-or-famine. That includes setting yourself apart, diversifying, always marketing, and more. Here’s what I share with you in this episode: Biz Bite: Organize your tasks into front stage and back stage. The Bookshelf: “Nightwatching” by Tracy Sierra Resources: Buy Me a CoffeeDeliberate Freelancer Facebook groupUsing a “freakout” protocol to get work now, with Austin ChurchHow to Crush Your Fear of Self-Promotion and Get Clients Now, with C.J. HaydenHow to Create Case Studies to Land New Clients, with Emma SiemaskoThe Dreaded Feast or Famine!Think Digital First and Other Ways to Make Money NowPivoting and Finding ResilienceAvoiding the Feast or Famine Trap for Your BusinessState of Independence in America 2023New Study Reveals Surge in Six-Figure Earners@MelEdits_DCLinkedIn

Today’s guest is Jenni Gritters, from Oregon. She is a business coach for freelancers and creators. She’s also a former journalist, and a current writer who runs a small content and community agency called The Riverwoods Media Group. Jenni is the former co-host of The Writer’s Co-op podcast and workshops. Be sure to check out Jenni’s group coaching program for freelancers, called SUSTAIN. In today’s episode, Jenni shares how she made a massive shift in her business, going from a freelancer; then part-time freelancer while raising two young kids, while her husband was a critical care nurse; then being the primary income earner while her husband took on the primary household and kid duties (and joined Jenni’s business). We talk about all that, but we also talk a lot about building a successful business, from Jenni’s coaching perspective, which I really appreciated and learned from. In this episode, we talk about: Biz Bite: Defining your “needle movers” every Monday Resources: Support Deliberate Freelancer at Buy Me a Coffee Deliberate Freelancer Facebook group Jenni’s group coaching program for freelancers: SUSTAIN. Jenni’s website Jenni on Instagram Jenni on Twitter Subscribe to Jenni’s “Mindset Mastery” free Substack newsletter Download Jenni’s free business planning workbook Gusto online payroll tool

In today’s episode, I am turning the microphone over to some of you, the listeners. Last fall I asked listeners to share their successful marketing tactics that landed them new clients. Today, eight listeners share their marketing wins with you. While each unique to the freelancer, there are a few themes. Often, the win originated from something simple, something that might not even have felt like marketing … and yet it paid off. Building relationships — which I talk about all the time — is also a theme here, as are staying curious and always looking for the opportunities in front of you. Here are the eight listeners sharing their success stories: Biz Bite: Do an energy audit The Bookshelf: “Northwoods” by Amy Pease Resources: Support Deliberate Freelancer at Buy Me a Coffee Episode #180 of Deliberate Freelancer: How to Crush Your Fear of Self-Promotion and Get Clients Now, with C.J. Hayden Connect with Melanie on Threads @MelEdits_DC Connect with Melanie on LinkedIn Deliberate Freelancer Facebook group

Today’s guest is business coach and author C.J. Hayden, who lives in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. C.J. Hayden is the author of seven books and hundreds of blog posts, articles, and courses on marketing, self-employment, and productivity. Her bestselling book “Get Clients Now! A 28-Day Marketing Program for Professionals, Consultants and Coaches” has become the marketing bible for thousands of self-employed professionals and freelancers. C.J. has been a business coach for several decades now, helping self-employed professionals and creatives thrive. Her newest book is “Overcoming the Fear of Self-Promotion.” Other books include “The One-Person Marketing Plan Workbook” and “50 Ways Coaches Can Change the World.” In this episode, we talk about: Biz Bite: Shut Up & Write! (a community to help you get your writing done) Resources: Buy Me a CoffeeDeliberate Freelancer Facebook grouphttps://cjhayden.comBlueprint for a Thriving Mission-Based BusinessHow to Rethink — and Land More — Anchor Clients, with Wudan YanHow to Use a “Cornerstone” Piece to Build a Content Marketing Plan, with Cassandra LeUsing a “freakout” protocol to get work now, with Austin ChurchGetting Very Specific on Who Your Perfect Clients Are, with Eman IsmailConnect with Melanie on ThreadsConnect with Melanie on LinkedIn

As we wrap up 2023, please consider donating $25 to this podcast. With more than 175 episodes and almost five years of content, I’m sure you’ve received at least one nugget of information or tactic that has helped your business. If so, please consider donating at Buy Me a Coffee. It really helps offset the costs of producing this show. In today’s episode, I’m counting down my top 10 books of the year — 8 were published in 2023. I’ll start with a few of my reading statistics, share my top 10 and a few superlatives, and give you a heads-up about a few books coming out in 2024. Please enjoy, my fellow bookworms! And join us in the Deliberate Freelancer Facebook group, where we’ll be talking about our best and worst books of 2023! I don’t want to spoil where my top 10 books fell in the list, so the following books are ones I recommended during this episode, plus superlatives and upcoming releases. Books mentioned in this episode: Nonfiction: What the Dead Know: Learning About Life as a New York City Death Investigator by Barbara Butcher The Heat Will Kill You First: Life and Death on a Scorched Planet by Jeff Goodell Fiction: The Light Pirate by Lily Brooks-Dalton Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin All the Sinners Bleed by S.A. Cosby Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver Bright Young Women by Jessica Knoll Strange Sally Diamond by Liz Nugent Wandering Souls by Cecile Pin Go as a River by Shelley Read Beyond That, the Sea by Laura Spence-Ash The Night Shift by Alex Finlay Every Last Fear by Alex Finlay Falling by T.J. Newman The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah The Great Alone by Kristin Hannah The Four Winds by Kristin Hannah Firefly Lane by Kristin Hannah Never Saw Me Coming by Vera Kurian The Sun Down Motel by Simone St. James The Book of Cold Cases by Simone St. James Superlatives: Most deserving of the hype: Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin Least deserving of the hype: Happiness Falls by Angie Kim Hyped books that didn’t work for me and that I DNFed: Wellness by Nathan Hill; Shark Heart by Emily Habeck; Upgrade by Blake Crouch; The Quiet Tenant by Clemence Michallon; and In Memoriam by Alice Winn Most disappointing books: Hello Beautiful by Ann Napolitano and What Have We Done by Alex Finlay WORST book: Silver Alert by Lee Smith Most unputdownable and tense book: Drowning by T.J. Newman Romances that made me like romances: Nora Goes Off Script by Annabelle Monaghan; The Last Love Note by Emma Grey; Three Holidays and a Wedding by Uzma Jalaluddin and Marissa Stapley A 2023 book I still want to read: The Berry Pickers by Amanda Peters My anticipated 2024 books: The Storm We Made by Vanessa Chan, publishes January 2 No One Can Know by Kate Alice Marshall, publishes January 23 (mystery/thriller) Radiant Heat by Sarah-Jane Collins, publishes January 23 (for Jane Harper fans) The Women by Kristin Hannah, publishes February 6 (about Vietnam war) A Step Past Darkness by Vera Kurian, publishes February 20 (mystery/thriller) Murder Road by Simone St. James, publishes March 5 (mystery/ghost story) Still See You Everywhere by Lisa Gardner, publishes March 12 (Book 3 in Frankie Elkin mystery series) The Husbands by Holly Gramazio, publishes April 2 (rom-com with magical realism ) Safe and Sound by Laura McHugh, publishes April 23 (mystery/thriller) If Something Happens to Me by Alex Finlay, publishes May 28 (mystery/thriller) Resources: Support Deliberate Freelancer at Buy Me a Coffee My admin status is back! Join us in the Deliberate Freelancer Facebook group Episode #151 of Deliberate Freelancer: My Best Books of 2022 Episode #122 of Deliberate Freelancer: My Best Books of 2021 (and Anticipated 2022 Releases) Episode #87 of Deliberate Freelancer: My Most Anticipated 2021 Books (and Fave 2020 Books) Connect with Melanie on Threads @MelEdits_DC Connect with Melanie on LinkedIn

It’s the end of the year! On today’s show, I give a recap of my fourth quarter (hint: things are looking up!) and then a recap of my entire 2023. What goals are you setting for yourself? Do you set an annual income goal or a word of the year? What are you most excited about for 2024 in your business? And what do you need to work on? Join me and fellow listeners in the Deliberate Freelancer Facebook group to share your plans and ideas with each other! This is the last business-focused episode of 2023. Next week will be my Top 10 books of the year for all you bookworms. I’ll also give a few superlative awards to books I read this year and list some fiction and business books coming out in 2024. Then, I’ll be on hiatus in January. I plan to return with new episodes in February. Here’s what I share with you in this episode: Biz Bite: Plan now for future you The Bookshelf: “No One Can Know” by Kate Alice Marshall Resources: Buy Me a CoffeeAlternative Language to Harmful Indemnification Clauses in ContractsDeliberate Freelancer Facebook groupWrap Up Your Year with These 5 QuestionsHow to Rethink — and Land More — Anchor Clients, with Wudan Yan@MelEdits_DCLinkedIn

On today’s show I share my thoughts and answers to commonly asked questions I hear from freelancers of all levels and in all industries. These are questions that seem to come up time and time again. There is no one right answer, and each question may have different answers depending on the service, the client and so many other variables. That said, I hope my answers to the following questions help you and allow you to make a decision that is supportive of you as a freelance business owner. In this episode, I address these seven questions: Biz Bite: Go on a field trip for office supplies. The Bookshelf: “This Is Where You Belong: Finding Home Wherever You Are” by Melody Warnick Resources: Email a voice memo about your successful marketing tactic to melanie@meledits.com to be considered for a future episode. Please include your name. Jonna Michelle Photography’s videoAlternative Language to Harmful Indemnification Clauses in ContractsDeliberate Freelancer Facebook groupBuy Me a Coffee@MelEdits_DCLinkedIn Deliberate Freelancer Episodes About Finding Clients How to Line Up January Work NowEvaluate—and Expand or Fire—Your Clients for a Strong 2023Getting Very Specific on Who Your Perfect Clients AreThe No. 1 Way I Find New ClientsHow to Rethink — and Land More — Anchor Clients, with Wudan YanSix-Figure Freelancing: The Benefits of Selling Strategy and Outcomes, with Austin ChurchUsing a “freakout” protocol to get work now, with Austin Church Deliberate Freelancer Episodes About Pricing & Getting Paid How to Get Paid on Time & Charge Late Fees, with Wudan YanAll Things Pricing: Project Rates, Day Rates, Retainers and More, with Jennifer Duann FultzMoney, Money, Money, with Finance and Pricing Mentor Susie JacksonReal Talk on Managing Your Money and Paying Taxes, with Bookkeeper Sabrina St. Peter Deliberate Freelancer Episodes About Scope Creep & Other Difficulties Spotting Red Flags and Scope CreepA Script for Tough Client Conversations, with Treasa Edmond

Listeners, I need your help! Please contribute to an upcoming episode: Email me a voice memo of you describing a specific marketing tactic you did that landed you a client. Provide your name and helpful details of what you did that might have been unique or persistent that worked in securing new work. Email it to me at melanie@meledits.com to be considered for a future episode that will include tips from other listeners. Thank you! Today’s episode is from my other podcast, Association Station, where I interview people who work at and with membership associations about a topic related to content, publishing and media. Many of the Association Station episodes may be relevant to your work too since the main focus is creating strong content. But today’s episode, in particular, is relevant for anyone who creates content — this conversation can help us both in the content we create for our freelance business and the content we create for our clients. We can also learn how to be advocates for less harmful, more aware and more conscious language. Today’s guest is Crystal Shelley, of Salt Lake City. Crystal is the owner of Rabbit with a Red Pen. She edits fiction and is an authenticity reader. Drawing on her background as a social worker, she unites her love of language and passion for social justice by pushing for writing and representation that’s more dignified, intentional, and just. Crystal is the creator of the Conscious Language Toolkits for Editors and Writers — these toolkits are fantastic resources. Crystal also serves on the board of ACES: the Society for Editing and is an instructor for the Editorial Freelancers Association. In this episode, we talk about: Resources: Conscious Language Toolkits for Editors and WritersCrystal’s websiteCrystal on TwitterCrystal on InstagramCrystal on LinkedInBuy Me a Coffee@MelEdits_DCLinkedInDeliberate Freelancer Facebook group Style Guides: Conscious Style GuideTrans Journalists Association Style GuideNative Governance Center Style GuideNational Center on Disability and Journalism Style GuideAmerican Psychosocial Association (APA) StyleLydia X. Z Brown’s Glossary of Ableist PhrasesAuthenticity reader directories:Editors of Color DatabaseEditors for HireMember DirectorySensitivity Reader Directory

Listeners, I need your help! Please contribute to an upcoming episode: Email me a voice memo of you describing a specific marketing tactic you did that landed you a client. Provide your name and helpful details of what you did that might have been unique or persistent that worked in securing new work. Email it to me at melanie@meledits.com to be considered for a future episode that will include tips from other listeners. Thank you! Today’s guest is Ericka Andersen, a freelance writer living in Indianapolis. She is the author of two books and has written for The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Wall Street Journal, USA Today, Good Housekeeping, Christianity Today, and more. Ericka coaches writers on how to make a living as freelancers and also how to improve their article pitches to land big bylines. In this episode, we talk about: Biz Bite: Find solutions to problems your current clients are having. Resources: Buy Me a CoffeeFrom Pitch to Paycheck coursePitch&Publish10 Proven Tips for Publishing Your Writing This YearPitch&Publish on InstagramWriting Opportunities newsletter@MelEdits_DCLinkedInDeliberate Freelancer Facebook group

Listeners, I would love your help! Please contribute to an upcoming episode: Email me a voice memo of you describing a specific marketing tactic you did that landed you a client. Provide your name and helpful details of what you did that might have been unique or persistent that worked in securing new work. Email it to me at melanie@meledits.com to be considered for a future episode that will include tips from other listeners. On today’s show, I share five questions to help you wrap up your year to create a “fresh start” in January. I explain the difference between these five questions and larger questions to ask yourself later in a solo business retreat to set up your year for success. The five questions are: Biz Bite: Front-load your week The Bookshelf: “Wandering Souls” by Cecile Pin Resources: Buy Me a CoffeeEvaluate—and Expand or Fire—Your Clients for a Strong 2023My 2021 Business Review and Questions to Help YouHow to Line Up January Work NowHost a Solo Business RetreatMy Solo Business Retreat Reminded Me to Always Be MarketingA Solo Biz Retreat After a Struggling Summer16 of the best virtual gifts for clients and employees 25 fun corporate gifts for clients you want to impress@MelEdits_DCLinkedInDeliberate Freelancer Facebook group

Today’s guest is Wudan Yan, a narrative writer and independent journalist from Seattle. Wudan is also host of The Writers’ Co-op, a podcast, online community and learning academy for freelance creatives. In this episode, we talk about: Biz Bite: Do a business audit now at the end of the year Resources: Buy Me a CoffeeThe Writers’ Co-opThe 2023 Business Refresh with The Writers’ Co-opLinktree landing pageWudan on InstagramHow to Get Paid on Time & Charge Late Fees, with Wudan YanImprove Client Relationships with Stellar Onboarding and Offboarding, with Kat BoogaardHow to Find the Right Anchor Clients@MelEdits_DCLinkedInDeliberate Freelancer Facebook group

It’s time for my analysis and reflection on how my third quarter of the year went. Here’s what I share with you in this episode: How was your third quarter? Have you hit your annual revenue goal? Have you started thinking about if and when you’re going to take off some days around the holidays? Biz Bite: Embrace whimsy The Bookshelf: “The Many Lives of Mama Love: A Memoir of Lying, Stealing, Writing, and Healing” by Lara Love Hardin Resources: Help out Marvel artist Thomas Tenney via GoFundMe. Laura Vanderkam’s book “Tranquility by Tuesday” Episode #168 of Deliberate Freelancer: My Q2 Audit: It Can Only Go Uphill from Here, Right? Episode #115 of Deliberate Freelancer: Time Tracking Lessons from Deliberate Freelancer Listeners Episode #5 of Deliberate Freelancer: Track Your Time for Better Efficiency Connect with Melanie on Threads @MelEdits_DC Connect with Melanie on LinkedIn Deliberate Freelancer Facebook group Melanie’s other podcast, Association Station

On today’s show I discuss how I think about freelance “dealbreakers,” which aren’t only the red flags I’ve noticed over time but also may simply be quirks of my personality or assumptions I’ve made. Here’s what I share with you in this episode: Biz Bite: Set a single goal for your day The Bookshelf: “In Light of All Darkness: Inside the Polly Klaas Kidnapping and the Search for America’s Child” by Kim Cross Resources: Marvel artist Thomas TenneySmart Advice from the Content Byte Summit@MelEdits_DCLinkedInDeliberate Freelancer Facebook groupMelanie’s other podcast, Association Station

This month, I am celebrating 10 years of full-time freelancing! I can’t quite believe it’s been that long, but I’ve loved nearly everything about it. 10 years of freedom! Here’s what I share with you in this episode: Biz Bite: Make it easy for clients to find you! The Bookshelf: “Lone Women” by Victor LaValle Resources: Buy Me a CoffeeChange Your Mindset: You Own a Freelance Business3 Big Financial Changes I Made This WeekHow to Set Higher RatesThe Money Lessons I’ve Learned the Hard Way@MelEdits_DCLinkedInDeliberate Freelancer Facebook groupMelanie’s other podcast, Association Station

Today’s guest is Brian David Hall. Brian is a fellow freelancer who lives in Alabama. He focuses on website strategy for B2B clients. Specifically, he works on conversion optimization, which basically means trying to improve the experience of potential clients going to your website. Brian is the author “Your Website Sucks, Here’s How To Fix It,” and he has run hundreds of experiments across dozens of websites, which has generated millions of dollars in incremental revenue for his clients. In this episode, we talk about: Biz Bite: Work with other people in a co-working session online. Resources: https://briandavidhall.com/deliberate-freelancerYour Website Sucks, Here’s How To Fix ItWixSquarespaceBuy Me a Coffee@MelEdits_DCLinkedInDeliberate Freelancer Facebook group

On today’s show, I analyze how the second quarter of the year went for me. It’s delayed because of my summer hiatus, but the “delay” doesn’t really mean anything to listeners — just think of it as “how these three months in a row went.” Learn how many clients I had, how much I earned, and how many hours I worked. Here’s what I share with you in this episode: Biz Bite: Use templates for everything. The Bookshelf: “Reef Road” by Deborah Goodrich Royce. Resources: Buy Me a Coffee Association StationMy Four Client Wins and One Fail in Q1The Dreaded Feast or Famine! Katy Milkman wants to leave things better than she found them@MelEdits_DCLinkedInDeliberate Freelancer Facebook group