74 - 20 Lessons from Earning $20,000 in 30 Days (Pt. I)

74 - 20 Lessons from Earning $20,000 in 30 Days (Pt. I)

Author: Michael Leonard: Copywriter & Freelance Writing Coach April 1, 2020 Duration: 23:21

In this Writing Wednesday episode, I am starting a new 4 part series based off my recent episode How I Made $20,050 in 30 days of Writing. In this series, I will talk about the 20 lessons I learned from that month. I recently wrote about this on Medium but wanted to dive deeper into each lesson on the podcast!

In September of 2019, I made $20,050 as a freelance writer. That was an insane income month! Let's dive into the first five significant takeaways from that month.

1. Figure out your Hourly Rate.
As you start to get clients and earn money writing, make sure to calculate your hourly rate and then anything that doesn't meet that hourly rate, outsource. This led me to outsourcing some items to a virtual assistant (VA).

2. Outline Before You Write.
One of the biggest mistakes I have made over the years was not outlining my work ahead of time. Instead, I would try to research, write, and edit at the same time, which led to a lot of wasted time. I talk about having set days for writing tasks in this episode here.

3. Buy Grammarly Pro.
Not editing can cost you your biggest client! 

4. Eliminate Distractions
On writing days, put the phone away! It's a huge productivity killer. Also, get rid of clutter on your desk.

5. Write and Edit Separately
While outlining before writing helps, the same goes for editing and writing separately. If possible, I recommend writing one day and editing the next day or at least a few hour-long breaks in between the two sessions.

Stay tuned for the next 5 tips and if you implement these tips I would love to know!

Get started with Freelance to 5K and use the exact strategy I used to earn over $100,000+ writing today and get a FREE 1:1 call: freelanceto5k.com 


Michael Leonard was a professional copywriter earning a solid salary before he walked away from that career in 2017. With no safety net, he built a thriving online writing business from the ground up. In his Inspire Your Success podcast, he gets into the real work behind that transition, moving beyond simple inspiration to offer a practical roadmap. Each conversation is grounded in his experience as a freelance writing coach, focusing on the actionable steps needed to build a sustainable independent career. You’ll hear honest discussions about the mental shifts required to leave a traditional job, the systems that actually generate income, and how to navigate the common pitfalls of entrepreneurship. This isn't about vague motivational talk; it's a detailed look at creating a business that affords more freedom, whether that means paying off debt, traveling, or simply designing a life with more flexibility. Tune in for a blend of strategic business advice and personal development insights, all drawn from Michael’s own journey from a structured 9-5 to successful self-employment. The podcast serves as a direct mentorship for anyone feeling stuck, providing the tangible tools and mindset needed to turn professional aspirations into a working reality.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Inspire Your Success
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