I Don't Work for Free (aka How to Avoid Scams)

I Don't Work for Free (aka How to Avoid Scams)

Author: Ashley Gainer May 20, 2019 Duration: 19:28
Exposure doesn't put food on the table. Don't work for free. Plain and simple.  One of the most frustrating and heartbreaking stories I hear is of the earnest writer who's trying to figure out how to get ahead, only to fall for scam after scam. Don't let that be you!  Visit www.copychatter.com to get your free copy of the Freelance Writing Starter Pack!  Want me to cover something specific on the podcast? Send me an email at ashley@ashleygainer.com and, odds are, I'll do an episode for you :)

Ashley Gainer hosts Copy Chatter for Freelance Writers, a space dedicated to the practical realities of building a writing business from the ground up. This isn't about vague inspiration; it's a straightforward conversation focused on the mechanics of making it work. You'll hear honest discussions about finding clients, setting sustainable rates, and navigating the unpredictable workflow that comes with being your own boss. Ashley digs into the specifics-like how to structure your day when working from home, which tools actually save time, and strategies for turning a side hustle into a reliable income. Each episode feels like getting advice from a colleague who's been there, cutting through the noise to focus on what moves the needle for your business. Tune into this podcast for a no-fluff perspective on creating a writing career that fits your life, offering actionable ideas you can use immediately to shape your own path. It’s a resource for anyone who wants to translate their skill with words into a viable, self-directed profession, all delivered in a direct, conversational style that defines the podcast.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Copy Chatter for Freelance Writers with Ashley Gainer
Podcast Episodes
Get more traction by dropping the employee mindset [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 18:33
I've seen it pop up a lot recently... questions about things like "work history" and "qualifications" and freelance writing resumes. These are all symptoms of employee mindset, and they will keep you STUCK. So let's talk…
How to follow up with cold emails [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 18:57
If the fortune is in the follow-up... then how do you follow up? If you're using any kind of email strategy to find writing clients, there are a few different follow-up approaches you can take. I'll go over the spectrum…
Websites That Pay Better Than Upwork [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 23:24
I want you to get off Upwork and Fiverr and all those other race-to-the-bottom, pennies-per-word sites. There are websites with a similar setup that will actually pay you what your writing services are worth. I scoured t…
How to find writing work on FB [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 20:59
Maybe you've heard the rumors... you can find writing clients on Facebook. I'm here to tell you once and for all... that it's TRUE. And in this episode, I'm laying it out for you. What types of groups do you join? What d…
How and why to make a freelance writing rate sheet [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 28:19
Your writing rates are possibly one of the biggest decisions you'll have to make as a freelance writer. This decision alone can set the course for your business, good or bad. One of the best tools I know of to help you s…
Setting your business up right for the new year [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 23:10
The new year is a great time to look back and look ahead (though I say you can do that ANY time of the year). In this episode, we're talking about specific things you can do to set your business up right for the new year…
Basic Goal-Setting (No Matter What Month It Is) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 26:23
Goal setting and quarterly planning are basically fancy ways of saying "figure out where you want to go and then figure out how you're gonna get there." In this episode, I break down my annual planning and quarterly plan…
The huge mistake I made and how I fixed it. [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 17:40
This episode is unlike most of the other ones. I talk about the HUGE mistake I've been making over the past few months, what the fallout was, how I figured it out, and how I fixed it. Plus I invite you to my favorite pla…
Asking for work without being a weirdo [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 18:28
Ever stared at your calendar with dread, knowing you had some gaps to fill and no work to fill it? One of the best ways I've found is to ASK for work... and I don't mean pitching. In this episode, I'll share what I do...…
Marketing when business is slow [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 12:19
When you hit a slow period in your business, it's time to crank up the marketing machine. These are a few things you can do to build some momentum when client work has slowed down for you.