Freelance Writer Bootcamp

AS A FREELANCE WRITER, YOU CAN CHOOSE TWO DIFFERENT PATHS ...

You can:

Sell your stories for mere crumbs.
Get radio silence from editors. Did I use the wrong email? Is my email on the fritz? Better send myself another test.
Keep swirling in self-doubt and overwhelm. What should I include in my pitch? Have I had my last good idea? My last assignment?
Flounder in insecurity--that nagging feeling that becoming a successful, paid writer is just a dream--and resign yourself to sucking it up at your day job or applying to grad school.

-OR-

You can:

Generate nonstop ideas and know exactly where to pitch them.
Start breaking into more and more prestigious publications. (Hello, sweet bylines!)
Become irresistible to editors.

... And get on the road straight to a time-flexible, location independent, passion-fueled, and lifelong (if you choose) dream career.

Which will it be?

MANY PEOPLE ARE CALLED TO THE WRITING LIFE, AND MANY TRY TO FREELANCE.

But without a strategy in place, it can quickly become overwhelming.

Where do writers get their best ideas?
Where are the good markets?
What are the formats used for queries and what info should be there in the first place?
What’s a fair rate?
How do you become an editor’s go-to freelancer?
How do you keep track of everything?
How do you handle mindset issues and imposter syndrome?

By the end of Bootcamp, you won't be asking these kinds of questions anymore.

After six weeks, you'll walk away knowing how to:

Put together story ideas that stand out and get assigned at top rates.
Become the go-to writer for an editor who has lots of stories to assign.
Transform your minor obsessions and casual conversations into material that the world will read.

... Even if you didn't go to journalism school, don't know the "right" people, or aren't quite sure yet what you want to write about.

Bootcampers have sold queries to local newspapers, national magazines, and international websites (check out the testimonials below). They pitch every possible topic, including health, travel, and religion.

Step-by-step, we cover how to find the best publications for you, what to include in a query that editors can’t say no to, and how to parlay a single assignment into an ongoing gig.

In Bootcamp, you’ll gain the know-how and confidence to:

+ Break into your dream publications and the next level in your writing career (wherever you are now).

+ Build your portfolio, enjoy bragging rights, and reach a wider audience.

+ Cultivate relationships to become an editor’s go-to freelancer.

+ Write stories that matter to you and your readers. Do meaningful work that engages your creativity and intellect.

+ Negotiate better rates and terms so that you get paid well while living the writer’s life.

+ Generate nonstop ideas and know where to pitch them so that you’re able to increase income and achieve financial independence.

+ Get enough freelance work to experience location and schedule independence, and work and live on your own terms.

"I think differently now. When I have an idea for a story, I think about market placement first. I used to be consumed by my grand idea, now it's tempered with "how can I sell it?" I am more confident in pitching. Joy! I'm thrilled to feel so empowered and hopeful for a more profitable and exciting writing career. I gained confidence and clarity. I learned a thoughtful process that I didn't know existed.

I will always ask for more money and I know my rights better than ever! Your system is simple, easy and invaluable. The course is brilliant!”

-- Marta Lane

"I was eager to pitch and started setting up tools for myself but was very nervous about taking the leap. I work better when there's a process and I did not have one.

I got better at follow up as well as quality of pitches and have received several assignments as result.

I loved that the feedback given and the space created for that was done in a way that honored each other's work but also kept us focused on successful pitching.

[The live calls] were my favorite! Super useful and now I quite miss them as part of my week. It's a perfect mix of learn on your own, interactive group learning and critique. It's a supportive environment that keeps you honest about your goals and providing the best output."

-- Stephanie Gravalese

"Through my coaching session (one of the bonuses), Rebecca helped me to fire my least favourite client, which freed up time in my schedule to pitch to publications I want to write for.

I also gained the confidence to go ahead and pitch even when I'm feeling like an imposter, because it became obvious that a) everyone has similar fears and b) if you don't try, you can't succeed. So lovely to realise (when one works alone most of the time) that one's struggles are not unique and there is support available.

I also found the content very practical and there was numerous useful tools supplied that I intend to keep using.”

-- Tamara Oberholster

"I loved the live calls! They were really well-structured, on point and wasted no time. I loved how we could all listen in and learn from each other’s questions or struggles (whether that’s for a specific pitch or a mind problem).

The pitching sessions were incredibly helpful because Rebecca asked the right questions to prompt feedback from the group. With those constructive inputs it made me feel much more confident and prepared when sending out pitches.

The coaching sessions were also incredible. I loved how Rebecca did not give direct answers but brought people to analyze the problems ourselves. Of course it felt vulnerable having to open your thought process and difficult feelings to everyone. But for me, they not only changed my outlook on those particular issues, but also gave my a tool to figure out how to approach other issues that will arise in my freelancing career and *life*!"

-- Ye Charlotte Ming

“I felt really uncertain about how to get started, what the unspoken rules were of the freelancing game, and what editors were looking for in a pitch. I now feel confident to give pitching a red hot go! I loved that you delved into the specifics and practicalities of freelancing. I learnt so much! I loved getting feedback on my pitches.

I did an online course last year which I really laboured to get through and contact with tutors was minimal. This was a completely different experience. It exceeded my expectations. I feel so much more confident and motivated now.”

-- Cath Johnsen

It was humbling to see how much work needed to be done to even begin to get them close to what they'll need to be to break into these bigger pubs. Through Bootcamp I have started to invest a lot more time (though I am hopeful that as I practice more I will get faster :) in the pitch writing phase, conducting more preliminary research and interviews. Not only has it made my pitches stronger but should the story be assigned, I'll already be well on my way instead of scrambling for an angle or POV.

And it's been important, too, for me to not to get so caught up in the prep of the pitch that I don't actually ever write it or SEND IT. I probably sent more pitches in the last six weeks than I did in the last year.

The twice-weekly video conference calls were awesome for accountability. I didn't miss a single one because I wanted to stay accountable to myself, the assignments for each call, and the group. It's much easier to stay in the momentum of completing work when you'll be reconnecting with the same people every couple of days to discuss it.

I have shared with many people over the last six weeks what a unique coaching experience this has been for me. I've done many continuing education-type classes, MFA classes, mentorship relationships, etc., and this is a pretty unique format. The mix of 1-on-1, group learning, and encouragement to connect with others from the cohort, meant feeling supported all the way through (but because it's also a get-out-what-you-put-in sort of deal, I also got to maintain a lot of my independence in the process, too).

There is something so endearing and inspiring about Rebecca's approach. I never felt as if I was being talked down to or even overly directed by someone with way more knowledge and experience than me. There was nothing show off-y about her style and that was so, so nice. It gave everyone else the freedom to do the same.

I cannot say thank you enough. You have no idea how meaningful it's been to me, especially at this exact moment in my life, to be a part of this process and to learn so many new things."

-- Kate Parrish

After a workshop session where I brought a pitch for SHAPE Magazine, I made the edits then sent it to the editor. The piece was accepted that very day! It was one of the most exciting moments in my writing career (so far!). I had finally broken through to a national magazine, a name people recognize. Now I continue to write for them and have a working relationship with the editor.

I've broken into writing for The Washington Post and SHAPE Magazine. Her course fundamentally changed my life, my confidence as a writer, and the trajectory of what I will do as a writer."

-- Jenna Jonaitis

"I had submitted successful pitches in the past, but I needed a real push to get moving on writing new pitches for new publications that would call for deeper/longform stories, bring more exposure, and pay more money.

I was in a rut, writing regularly for a paper that I know well but pays abysmally.

I now have much greater resolve to seek more pay from existing and new clients. Though not pitch-related, last week I negotiated higher pay for a proofreading gig with an existing client."

-- Sandra Larson

I know your biggest freelance issues aren’t talent or work ethic.

Not enough editors contact you with assignments. Or when you pitch ideas, you face so much rejection it feels like a waste of time. Or you get offered such low rates, that the whole experience eats at your self-confidence and even your self-worth.

It seems easier to stick with work that isn’t satisfying or that doesn’t pay enough … even though you know that this isn’t enough to sustain you long-term.

This step-by-step process of how to pitch isn’t theory. It’s hard-earned knowledge from pitching and selling hundreds of stories to publications in the US, UK, South Africa, Australia, and elsewhere.

I didn’t go to j-school. Instead, I earned a master’s degree in education from Columbia University. I have years of experience teaching writing to adults and coaching writers one-on-one. I’m responsive to feedback and passionate about figuring out the very best ways to engage different kinds of learners.

Back in the day ...

My last day job was what you'd call a velvet-lined coffin.

There was no daylight in the office. I had to wear little outfits (jeans weren't an option), and no one knew what to do with me.

It was a magazine, which should've been great for what I wanted to do: write articles. But the magazine commissioned established journalists and couldn't see past my inexperience as a writer. (So much for "it's who you know.")

So I decided to start pitching to places that didn't know I had zero experience. Even though I bumbled, fumbled, and took eons to write that first query, and almost talked myself out of sending it, my first newspaper pitch sold.

Once I saw my name in print and earned a few hundred dollars, I was hooked.

I continued to get assignments. After I turned in one good article, an editor asked me if I wanted to take on an idea of hers. Then a different editor asked if I'd like a regular column.

An early goal was to get enough work to be able to leave my day job and freelance full-time. More than a dozen years later, I haven’t looked back.

I’ve broken into CNN, the New York Times, Dwell, USA Today, Ebony.com, the Washington Post, Discover, and Marie Claire, as well as many regional and niche publications, all via cold pitches to editors who’d never heard of me.

The truth is, there was a real perk to the job I felt so stuck in. I'd gotten to watch exactly what successful freelancers did to land assignments, and what kind of pitches made editors light and leap up to say, "I'll take it!"

That knowledge has allowed me to have a career and lifestyle that more talented writers drool over, because they don't know how completely within reach it is.

And it's in reach for you, too.

I've worked with scores of writers, and once they know what to do right now and going forward, and how to generate ideas and pitch them to the right places, they get the kind of career momentum they'd only dreamed of before.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

When do I get access to the materials? You will get early access to a minicourse on mindset when you complete your registration. The first modules will release to you in January. More materials will be available each week for six weeks. You will have lifetime access to all the digital materials, so you can start later or go at your own pace if you prefer.

What if I can’t make it to the live calls? If you have questions related to the week’s content, you can email them ahead of time. We’ll record the calls and make the replays available within 48 hours.

How much time does the Bootcamp take? It depends on much time you have, how much new work you want, and how much appetite you have for pitching. If you want more assignments, you’ll need to write more pitches. To make the most of Bootcamp, plan to spend between three and five hours per week. Many of the most successful Bootcampers report spending five or more hours per week to see big changes. Remember, you have ongoing, lifetime access to the modules, so you can always catch up or review the content at your own speed.

What results can I expect? Results vary from person to person, based on a variety of factors. Many writers who do the work and put the methods into place receive paid assignments within weeks of starting the program. That said, bigger impacts happen beyond the six weeks of our live workshops. An improved pitch acceptance rate and negotiation skills really pay off when you consider their impact over 6 months, a year, or longer.

I don’t have any story ideas. What will I pitch? The bonus module on Idea Generation (“How Did You Come Up With That?”) in the second week is just for you.

I don't have a journalism background or much experience writing. Will the level be appropriate for me? You don’t need to have had formal journalism training, but it will be a big advantage if you love to write (or at least love having written). Bootcampers have some professional writing experience, either as staff or freelance, and/or J-school training to draw on. Many successful Bootcampers use this program to introduce journalism pieces into an existing freelance workload of content marketing writing, copywriting, scriptwriting, etc.

Will I get personalized feedback? Rebecca leads a weekly group coaching call where you can request coaching about your situation, in addition to a weekly pitch workshop, where you can get feedback on your pitches. In addition, there's a private Facebook Group where you can post questions. All questions and answers are answered within the group to maximize learning for everyone.

When does registration close? When does Bootcamp begin? Bootcamp uses a rolling admission process, and will remain open until the available spots are filled. The session is often full well in advance of the start date. The next session starts in September 2023.

Logistics: When are the days and times for the live calls? And how much does Bootcamp cost? These details for the next session can be found in the Bootcamp application.

Can I make real money as a freelance writer? In the US, many websites pay several hundred dollars per piece, and many print magazines pay $1 per word; the most competitive ones pay more than $2 per word. Many outlets pay far less. As a general rule, the more a market pays, the more competition there is. We’ll discuss strategies for increasing your rates overall.

I want to pitch a novel, a poetry chapbook, a short story, or a screenplay. The Bootcamp focuses on pitching nonfiction pieces to newspapers, magazines, and websites. This program does not cover pitching fiction, poetry, books, or other forms of writing.

How do the live calls work? You’ll receive a private link to click and join each video call, which last one hour. We do some writing together, discuss the module content, and workshop your pitches in progress. Each week you have a chance to ask questions and get live coaching. The calls are recorded for those students who want to watch later on. While the live calls are optional, the overwhelming feedback is that they are very helpful–even if your query isn’t being discussed, and even if you watch them after the fact. As one student put it, the “pitch parties were the playground for the modules.”

I have another question that wasn’t answered here. How can I contact you? If you are offered a spot in the next session, you'll also be invited to have a short call with Rebecca to ask any questions.

Here's what you'll be getting ...

One new module with videos and workbook arrives each week.

Week 1

Week 2

Week 3

Week 4

Week 5

Week 6

AND CHECK OUT THE JUICY BONUSES ...

WEEKLY WORKSHOPS

PRIVATE FACEBOOK GROUP

TRAVEL WRITERS BONUS MODULE

EDITING YOUR OWN WORK BONUS MODULE

IDEA GENERATION BONUS MODULE

WRITE LOCALLY, PUBLISH GLOBALLY BONUS

ESSAYS AND STORYTELLING WITH LISA FUGARD

EARLY ACCESS: MINDSET MINICOURSE