Are you tired of feast-and-famine freelance cycles and clients who treat you like an order taker?

In this episode of The Talk Freelance To Me® Podcast, host Ashley Cisneros Mejia sits down with powerhouse freelance coach and writer Mandy Ellis for a truth-packed conversation about what it really takes to grow a sustainable freelance writing business. 

We didn’t sugarcoat anything.

We covered what most creative freelancers wrestle with behind the scenes: boundary-setting, bad-fit clients, burnout, pricing confusion, feast-or-famine cycles, the pressure to be “always on,” and the shame that creeps in when you’re secretly ready to burn it all down and start fresh. Mandy gets it. And she brings real strategies and mindset shifts that can help you find your footing again.

THIS is the episode to help you reset and move forward with clarity. Don’t miss it. 

ABOUT MANDY ELLIS

Mandy Ellis is an award-winning, six-figure freelance writer and coach who, over the last 12 years, has called Fortune 500 companies, scrappy start-ups, and national newsstand magazines her clients. She's helped thousands of writers quickly build high-earning businesses they adore over the last decade. Connect with Mandy on YouTube, LinkedIn, and Instagram. 

Visit her website to learn about her free, live masterclass for freelancers on Sept. 16th, 17th, and 23rd: https://www.mandyellis.com/masterclass

Full show notes here.

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Talk Freelance To Me - Where Self-Employed Women Writers, Freelancers, and Solopreneurs Meet to Master the 1099 Contractor Lifestyle

FREE GIFT JUST FOR YOU
We released our “Niches Get Riches” Brainstorming Worksheet – and it’s absolutely free! This worksheet will help you identify the most profitable niches for your freelance writing business.
Download yours!

BIG MONEY FREELANCE WRITING GUIDE
This 27-page directory contains over 100 places to find high-paying freelance writing gigs. Buy yours here!

1:1 BUSINESS COACHING
Click here!

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As a freelancer, how can you make more money from work you’ve already created?

In this episode, host Ashley Cisneros Mejia sits down with award-winning publicist-turned-book-marketing-coach Sandra Beckwith to explore how writers can monetize what they already know. With decades of experience in PR, publishing, and content creation, Sandy shares how she transitioned from freelance client work to building a business that earns half its income through passive revenue streams.

ABOUT SANDRA BECKWITH

Sandra Beckwith is an author, book marketing coach, freelance writer, and national award-winning former publicist who teaches authors how to save thousands of dollars by doing their own book marketing and promotion. Her Build Book Buzz book marketing blog is ranked 7th among thousands of book marketing blogs globally and has been honored as a top website for authors and writers seven times.

START MAKING MONEY FROM YOUR EXISTING CONTENT

Sandra has released an invaluable new digital product, "Repurpose for Cash: How to Turn Your Existing Content Into New Products That Sell." This 87-page downloadable playbook provides a step-by-step system, complete with 14 exercises and 45 pages of worksheets, to help writers, podcasters, bloggers, and content creators identify, document, and transform their existing content into new, profitable digital products. Learn how to refresh older products, discover new product ideas, find your pricing sweet spot, and leverage tools you already use to generate passive income. Sandy's proven process has helped her add thousands to her income by repurposing her own vast content library. Ready to make your content work harder for you? Get 25% off "Repurpose for Cash" with code TFTM at checkout. Click here to get your copy!

(The above link is an affiliate link. Clicking the link and making a purchase may result in a small commission for me at NO extra cost to you. This supports the podcast and allows for continued content. Thank you!)

 Full show notes here. 

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Support the show

Talk Freelance To Me - Where Self-Employed Women Writers, Freelancers, and Solopreneurs Meet to Master the 1099 Contractor Lifestyle

FREE GIFT JUST FOR YOU
We released our “Niches Get Riches” Brainstorming Worksheet – and it’s absolutely free! This worksheet will help you identify the most profitable niches for your freelance writing business.
Download yours!

BIG MONEY FREELANCE WRITING GUIDE
This 27-page directory contains over 100 places to find high-paying freelance writing gigs. Buy yours here!

1:1 BUSINESS COACHING
Click here!

LET'S BE SOCIAL!
Instagram
LinkedIn
TikTok
Facebook
Twitter
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Website

BUY ME A COFFEE...

How do you protect your freelance writing business from uncertainty, burnout, and AI disruption?

In this solo episode, host Ashley Cisneros Mejia shares the exact framework she presented at the Growth Without Burnout Summit, a virtual conference for freelancers. She also shares new insights and tools designed to help freelance writers diversify their services without tossing out everything they’ve built.

Ashley introduces her signature 3L Framework – Look Back, Lean Forward, and Launch Lightly – to help freelancers rediscover past wins, uncover hidden income opportunities, and test new offers with clarity and confidence.

You’ll also get the inside scoop on her new small group mentorship experience, The Expansion Circle, where freelancers walk through her Freelance Expansion Starter Kit workbook together to map new income streams and expand with purpose.

If you're feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or simply ready for more, this episode is your creative reset.

The Expansion Circle kicks off on Tuesday, June 17, 2025 at 7 p.m. EST on Zoom.
Register here by June 13.

Watch the full Growth Without Burnout Summit replay here.

Download my free guide “If You Do This, Try That” here.

About The Expansion Circle:

The Expansion Circle is a free 5-week group mentorship experience designed for freelance writers who are ready to grow with purpose. Led by Ashley Cisneros Mejia, this intimate program walks you through the Freelance Expansion Starter Kit—a 52-page workbook packed with prompts, templates, and tools to help you uncover hidden services, test new ideas, and build a more resilient freelance business. We’ll meet weekly on Zoom to brainstorm, strategize, and support each other through what’s next. Space is limited by design, so if you’re craving clarity and community, this is your invitation to join. Click here to reserve your spot. 

Full show notes

Send us a text

Support the show

Talk Freelance To Me - Where Self-Employed Women Writers, Freelancers, and Solopreneurs Meet to Master the 1099 Contractor Lifestyle

FREE GIFT JUST FOR YOU
We released our “Niches Get Riches” Brainstorming Worksheet – and it’s absolutely free! This worksheet will help you identify the most profitable niches for your freelance writing business.
Download yours!

BIG MONEY FREELANCE WRITING GUIDE
This 27-page directory contains over 100 places to find high-paying freelance writing gigs. Buy yours here!

1:1 BUSINESS COACHING
Click here!

LET'S BE SOCIAL!
Instagram
LinkedIn
TikTok
Facebook
Twitter
Pinterest
YouTube
Website

BUY ME A COFFEE...

How do you raise your freelance writing rates—and your confidence—at the same time?

In this powerful episode of The Talk Freelance To Me Podcast, host Ashley Cisneros Mejia welcomes writer, coach, and creator of Freelance Cake, Austin Church, to talk about his popular book Free Money — a guide for freelancers who want to stop undercharging and start building profitable, sustainable businesses.

Ashley and Austin get real about the emotional baggage many freelancers carry around pricing, how to stop treating your business like a side hustle, and why raising your rates is an act of self-respect. 

Also ...

Grab your FREE ticket to Austin's Growth Without Burnout Summit!

You’ll love the Growth Without Burnout Summit, happening May 6–9, 2025! 

It’s a free 4-day virtual event designed for advanced freelance writers who want to grow their income without maxing out their hours. (I’m speaking on diversifying your income!)

Want even more value? Upgrade to the VIP Pass and unlock over $3,700 in bonuses—courses, templates, coaching, and more.

Use my special affiliate link to grab your FREE ticket and find out about saving some cash on that VIP Pass! 

Heads up: the link above is an affiliate link, which means I may earn a small commission if you choose to upgrade—at no extra cost to you!

Click here for full show notes.

Send us a text

Support the show

Talk Freelance To Me - Where Self-Employed Women Writers, Freelancers, and Solopreneurs Meet to Master the 1099 Contractor Lifestyle

FREE GIFT JUST FOR YOU
We released our “Niches Get Riches” Brainstorming Worksheet – and it’s absolutely free! This worksheet will help you identify the most profitable niches for your freelance writing business.
Download yours!

BIG MONEY FREELANCE WRITING GUIDE
This 27-page directory contains over 100 places to find high-paying freelance writing gigs. Buy yours here!

1:1 BUSINESS COACHING
Click here!

LET'S BE SOCIAL!
Instagram
LinkedIn
TikTok
Facebook
Twitter
Pinterest
YouTube
Website

BUY ME A COFFEE...

How can you build a thriving freelance writing career in today’s competitive market?

In this solo episode of The Talk Freelance To Me Podcast, host Ashley Cisneros Mejia takes you behind the scenes of her experience at the ASJA Writers Conference in New York City. From networking with top editors to learning about the changes in the freelance marketplace, Ashley shares key takeaways, industry trends, and powerful insights from industry leaders like Teen Vogue’s Editor-in-Chief Versha Sharma.

She also discusses the importance of differentiating yourself as a freelancer, developing new skills, and crafting a seamless client experience—plus, she dishes on her experience speaking on a podcasting panel at Fashion Institute of Technology and attending a Broadway show with fellow writers.

Visit https://talkfreelancetome.com/episode-37/ to read the recap blog and see resource links.

IN THIS EPISODE, YOU’LL LEARN:

• How to stand out in an increasingly competitive freelance market
• Why niche expertise and skill expansion are more important than ever
• The top takeaways from ASJA’s Client Connections event for pitching top-tier editors
• Insights from Versha Sharma on resilience, diversity in media, and choosing aligned clients
• Why podcasting can amplify your freelance brand (and the best tools to get started!)
• The behind-the-scenes process of Broadway production and storytelling lessons from "Buena Vista Social Club"

Send us a text

Support the show

Talk Freelance To Me - Where Self-Employed Women Writers, Freelancers, and Solopreneurs Meet to Master the 1099 Contractor Lifestyle

FREE GIFT JUST FOR YOU
We released our “Niches Get Riches” Brainstorming Worksheet – and it’s absolutely free! This worksheet will help you identify the most profitable niches for your freelance writing business.
Download yours!

BIG MONEY FREELANCE WRITING GUIDE
This 27-page directory contains over 100 places to find high-paying freelance writing gigs. Buy yours here!

1:1 BUSINESS COACHING
Click here!

LET'S BE SOCIAL!
Instagram
LinkedIn
TikTok
Facebook
Twitter
Pinterest
YouTube
Website

BUY ME A COFFEE...

 How can you take control of your freelance career like a CEO?

In this episode of The Talk Freelance To Me Podcast, host Ashley Cisneros Mejia reconnects with her longtime mentor, Rod Colon, to explore the transformative "CEO of Me" mindset. With over 30 years of experience in career coaching, networking, and leadership, Rod shares how to treat your freelance career like a business and make empowered decisions that benefit your “board of directors”—your family.

About Rod Colon

With over 30 years of expertise in Human Resources, recruitment, networking, and career strategy, Rodrigo “Rod” Colón offers a unique and insightful approach to navigating the complexities of the global job market. Supported by a vast professional network of over 1 million connections, Rod empowers individuals at every stage of their journey—students, professionals, and executives alike—to achieve meaningful career success. 

As a highly sought-after Executive Coach and speaker, Rod draws on his extensive career management experience to share actionable insights and wisdom. He redefines networking as a process of giving and collaboration, encouraging professionals to develop their networking skills and approach career management with the same dedication and strategy as running a business: the "ME, Inc." mindset.

A published author, Rod underscores the critical role of networking and relationship-building in career advancement through his book Win the Race for 21st Century Jobs. For over a decade, he has hosted the Own Your Career Workshop, an interactive weekly webinar designed to guide participants in taking control of their professional paths. You can connect with Rod on LinkedIn. 

Full show notes here.

Send us a text

Support the show

Talk Freelance To Me - Where Self-Employed Women Writers, Freelancers, and Solopreneurs Meet to Master the 1099 Contractor Lifestyle

FREE GIFT JUST FOR YOU
We released our “Niches Get Riches” Brainstorming Worksheet – and it’s absolutely free! This worksheet will help you identify the most profitable niches for your freelance writing business.
Download yours!

BIG MONEY FREELANCE WRITING GUIDE
This 27-page directory contains over 100 places to find high-paying freelance writing gigs. Buy yours here!

1:1 BUSINESS COACHING
Click here!

LET'S BE SOCIAL!
Instagram
LinkedIn
TikTok
Facebook
Twitter
Pinterest
YouTube
Website

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How can you turn your creative passion into a thriving freelance business and still give back?

In this episode host Ashley Cisneros Mejia sits down with long-time friend and expert consultant Mara Shorr to explore the intersection of journalism, business, and advocacy. Mara shares tactical tips for freelancers ready to expand their business, including how to hire your first virtual assistant or contractor and why documenting systems is key to scaling.

But it’s not all business—Mara opens up about her inspiring advocacy work as a foster mom, guardian ad litem, and foster dog caretaker. Learn how her journalism roots shaped her success and discover actionable strategies to grow your freelance career while staying true to your values.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• How to create systems to streamline your freelance business.
• The first steps to take when hiring your first team member or virtual assistant.
• Why documenting your processes can make or break your business growth.
• How to use writing and communication skills to create impactful client content.
• Insights into incorporating your professional skills into meaningful advocacy work.

ABOUT MARA SHORR
Mara Shorr is an expert consultant and international speaker with nearly 15 years of experience helping businesses in the aesthetic and healthcare industries achieve operational and financial success. A passionate advocate for people and animals, Mara combines her background in journalism, communications, and systems management with her dedication to fostering, mentoring, and driving meaningful change. Follow Mara on Instagram at @MaraShorr and @MaraAdvocates.

TOOLS MARA MENTIONS

ChatGPT 

Loom 

Calendly 

Canva

Full Show Notes Here

Send us a text

Support the show

Talk Freelance To Me - Where Self-Employed Women Writers, Freelancers, and Solopreneurs Meet to Master the 1099 Contractor Lifestyle

FREE GIFT JUST FOR YOU
We released our “Niches Get Riches” Brainstorming Worksheet – and it’s absolutely free! This worksheet will help you identify the most profitable niches for your freelance writing business.
Download yours!

BIG MONEY FREELANCE WRITING GUIDE
This 27-page directory contains over 100 places to find high-paying freelance writing gigs. Buy yours here!

1:1 BUSINESS COACHING
Click here!

LET'S BE SOCIAL!
Instagram
LinkedIn
TikTok
Facebook
Twitter
Pinterest
YouTube
Website

BUY ME A COFFEE...

How can staying true to your story unlock your biggest creative breakthrough?

In this episode Ashley Cisneros Mejia chats with award-winning author and illustrator Jerry Craft, creator of New Kid—the first graphic novel to ever win the prestigious Newbery Medal. Jerry opens up about his inspiring journey from a reluctant reader to a New York Times bestselling author, sharing how his personal experiences of feeling like an outsider became the foundation for a story that resonates with readers of all ages and backgrounds.

Tune in to hear Jerry's candid insights on the power of perseverance, navigating countless rejections, and staying true to your creative vision even when the odds are stacked against you. Whether you're a freelance writer seeking to get published or a creative professional in search of inspiration, this episode offers invaluable wisdom on storytelling, tenacity, and building a successful career as a writer.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• The challenges Jerry overcame before breaking through with a traditional publisher.
• How to transform personal experiences into universal stories that resonate with diverse audiences.
• The importance of perseverance and resilience in pursuing a creative career, even after facing repeated rejection.
• Why staying true to your vision and avoiding limiting labels can be key to long-term creative success.

ABOUT JERRY CRAFT

Jerry Craft is the New York Times bestselling author and illustrator of the graphic novels New Kid, Class Act, and School Trip. New Kid is the only book in history to win the John Newbery Medal for the most outstanding contribution to children’s literature (2020); the Kirkus Prize for Young Readers’ Literature (2019), and the Coretta Scott King Author Award for the most outstanding work by an African American writer (2020). Jerry was born in Harlem and grew up in the Washington Heights section of New York City and now travels the world telling kids and their families about the importance of reading. Buy the books at: https://jerrycraft.com/

Send us a text

Support the show

Talk Freelance To Me - Where Self-Employed Women Writers, Freelancers, and Solopreneurs Meet to Master the 1099 Contractor Lifestyle

FREE GIFT JUST FOR YOU
We released our “Niches Get Riches” Brainstorming Worksheet – and it’s absolutely free! This worksheet will help you identify the most profitable niches for your freelance writing business.
Download yours!

BIG MONEY FREELANCE WRITING GUIDE
This 27-page directory contains over 100 places to find high-paying freelance writing gigs. Buy yours here!

1:1 BUSINESS COACHING
Click here!

LET'S BE SOCIAL!
Instagram
LinkedIn
TikTok
Facebook
Twitter
Pinterest
YouTube
Website

BUY ME A COFFEE...

How can Medium’s unique platform help you reach new audiences and maximize your freelance potential?

In this episode we sit down with Tony Stubblebine, CEO of Medium, to explore how the platform is impacting the world of writing.

With over 1 million paid subscribers and recent profitability, Medium is becoming a powerful space where writers can thrive without the hustle and connect with new audiences.

Tune in to hear Tony’s take on how to maximize earnings through Medium’s partner program and the unique opportunities it presents to freelance writers.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

How Medium’s new focus on authenticity is helping writers stand out in a crowded digital market

• What profitability at Medium means for writers using the platform
• Key changes in Medium’s Partner Program and how they affect writer compensation
• Strategies for freelance writers to maximize their success and earnings on Medium
• Why community and connection with readers are more important than views or clicks
• How Medium’s distribution engine gives writers an edge 

ABOUT TONY STUBBLEBINE

Tony Stubblebine is the CEO of Medium. Previously, he was the owner of some of Medium’s largest publications, including Better Humans, and is the co-founder and former CEO of Coach.me. He lives in New York.

Read Tony’s writing.

ABOUT MEDIUM

Medium is an online publishing platform where writers from all backgrounds can share their stories, insights, and ideas with a global audience. Known for its clean design and user-friendly interface, Medium offers a space for thoughtful, high-quality writing on a wide range of topics. With a unique focus on authenticity, Medium connects readers to content that prioritizes depth and meaning over clickbait, while offering writers the opportunity to get paid for their work through its membership model.

Learn about Medium’s Partner Program.

Full show notes here.

Send us a text

Support the show

Talk Freelance To Me - Where Self-Employed Women Writers, Freelancers, and Solopreneurs Meet to Master the 1099 Contractor Lifestyle

FREE GIFT JUST FOR YOU
We released our “Niches Get Riches” Brainstorming Worksheet – and it’s absolutely free! This worksheet will help you identify the most profitable niches for your freelance writing business.
Download yours!

BIG MONEY FREELANCE WRITING GUIDE
This 27-page directory contains over 100 places to find high-paying freelance writing gigs. Buy yours here!

1:1 BUSINESS COACHING
Click here!

LET'S BE SOCIAL!
Instagram
LinkedIn
TikTok
Facebook
Twitter
Pinterest
YouTube
Website

BUY ME A COFFEE...

What lessons can a two-decade freelancer in science and health communication offer to the next generation of freelancers?

In this episode we chat with Priya Joi, a distinguished science journalist and global health communications expert, about changes in the freelance marketplace worldwide.

Explore Priya's insights on adapting to changes like automation and AI in publishing, and discover her strategies for maintaining relevance and creativity by diversifying skills and exploring new media. 

We also discuss some of the deeply personal aspects of her work, from her memoir M(other)land'—which explores themes of motherhood, race, and identity—to her transformative experiences reporting from places like Algeria and Cuba, which shaped her views on healthcare and social structures. Listen now!

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• How to navigate the challenges and opportunities of freelancing in science journalism
• Strategies for adapting to technological changes, including the impact of AI on content creation
• Insights into balancing professional pursuits with personal responsibilities, such as caregiving
• And more!

About Priya Joi
Priya Joi is a well-respected science journalist with a career spanning 20 years and has worked for organisations including the World Health Organisation (WHO), The Lancet and New Scientist. She reported on the Ebola outbreak in West Africa, the COVID-19 pandemic and has reported from the field on malaria, HIV, and TB. She has freelanced for The Guardian, BBC and Médecins Sans Frontières, and has chaired and spoken at science conferences. Joi has worked to shine a light on issues of race, sexism and discrimination her entire career. 

Connect with Priya on LinkedIn and visit her website.

Full episode show notes here.

Send us a text

Support the show

Talk Freelance To Me - Where Self-Employed Women Writers, Freelancers, and Solopreneurs Meet to Master the 1099 Contractor Lifestyle

FREE GIFT JUST FOR YOU
We released our “Niches Get Riches” Brainstorming Worksheet – and it’s absolutely free! This worksheet will help you identify the most profitable niches for your freelance writing business.
Download yours!

BIG MONEY FREELANCE WRITING GUIDE
This 27-page directory contains over 100 places to find high-paying freelance writing gigs. Buy yours here!

1:1 BUSINESS COACHING
Click here!

LET'S BE SOCIAL!
Instagram
LinkedIn
TikTok
Facebook
Twitter
Pinterest
YouTube
Website

BUY ME A COFFEE...