Steal everything I know about building a 6-figure freelance writing business (+ templates)
I wrote the ultimate freelance writer's playbook just for you!
👋 Hey there! I’m Alexis. I write about life, creativity, being a freelance writer, and everything in between. If you enjoy corny humor and cute cat pictures with a splash of advice (and maybe personal essays), you’ll probably fit in around here.
So, I made a thing (that I’m calling “The Freelance Writer’s Playbook”). I wasn’t planning on it, but I started writing a post about everything I’ve learned in six years of being a freelance writer and it turned into a massive (almost 5k word) guide, including templates.
So, dear readers, I guess this is my first digital product!
I’m sharing all my secrets and will update this guide regularly with new learnings. If you choose to upgrade and access this guide, you can ask me anything in the comments of each section and I will reply with tips based on my experience.
Below is a list of all the topics covered (I’ll add more regularly!). Click through one by one or bounce around — whatever works for you!
#1 Freelance writer’s playbook: creating a freelance business structure
In this section, you’ll learn about:
Starting with a niche and then expanding
The importance of focusing on quality versus quantity
When and how to outsource
💸 BONUS TEMPLATE: Freelance Writing Rate Calculator
#2 Freelance writer’s playbook: getting paid
In this section, you’ll learn about:
Invoicing best practices
Creating a pricing structure
Asking for rate increases
Basic accounting and taxes
💸 BONUS TEMPLATES:
Freelance Writing Rate Calculator
Income & Expense Tracking Spreadsheet
Sample rate increase email
#3 Freelance writer’s playbook: securing new clients and building long-term relationships
In this section, you’ll learn about:
The benefits of bylines
Handling discovery calls
Creating proposals and agreements
Paid trial pieces
Being selective, saying no, and setting boundaries
📑 BONUS TEMPLATE: Proposal and Agreement Document
#4 Freelance writer’s playbook: marketing your freelance business
In this section you’ll learn about:
Freelance website best practices
Using social media
Having a newsletter
Setting up referral relationships with other freelancers
Letting your work do the marketing for you
#5 Freelance writer’s playbook: project and time management
In this section, you’ll learn about:
Tracking projects and assignments
Managing your time
#6 Freelance writer’s playbook: self-care and taking time off
In this section, you’ll learn about:
Prioritizing yourself and taking time off
#7 Freelance writer’s playbook: all the tools I use in my freelance writing business (coming soon!)
This section includes a list of all the tools I use in my freelance writing business
What people are saying
“I feel like I have already gotten a year's worth of good advice from Alexis's posts. I aspire to her learning curve in substack alone! I enjoy the mix of storytelling and advice, and the way she builds community. Thanks Alexis!” —
"All information and experience from others is super helpful! So I really appreciate your work here!" —
Freelance writer’s playbook FAQ
💡If I haven’t covered your questions below, feel free to leave a comment on this post so I can update the FAQ. Thanks!
Can I ask you specific questions about each section via this table of contents post?
For specific, detailed questions about each topic, I would prefer if you could ask your questions via the comments of each specific post. I poured a lot of time and energy into this guide and one of the perks of upgrading to paid is that you get to access all the sections and the templates AND you can ask me anything about each topic in the comments of each post.
What about general questions about your playbook so I know what I’m getting before I upgrade?
Sure! Any general questions you have, please comment below and I’ll get back to you!
Are you planning to update this playbook regularly?
Absolutely! I will update and add new posts and templates regularly.
Why should I trust you?
That’s fair. I’m a nobody… I get it. I’ve been a freelance writer for clients like Shopify, Photoroom, startups, and scaleups for six years. I’ve learned a lot over the years about how to make money as a freelance writer and generally how to successfully run a freelance business while still having a life and not scrambling to get new clients all the time. I want to share this knowledge with other freelance writers like you! Feel free to connect with me on LinkedIn and also, if you scroll to the bottom of most pages on my website you’ll find client testimonials. My clients love me, so I’m sure you will too. 💛
Do you offer 1:1 mentoring services for freelance writers?
I have unofficially mentored other freelancers and am considering 1:1 mentoring services (if there’s demand), so if that interests you, please get in touch via email to discuss it. My hourly fee is €75.
Why did you start this Substack anyway?
Thanks for asking! I believe I’ve sufficiently answered this question here, but if you want to know anything else, leave a comment below!
Love this! Sounds great and super helpful. I wish I'd had something like this when I first started freelancing! And yay mentoring, too! Being able to talk it all out with someone in a conversation so it sinks in has so much value. Such a generous offer! 💜