The Art & Business of Writing Podcast with Nicolas Cole

In this episode of Coffee With Cole, Cole breaks down one of the biggest myths in writing: that great writers are “born” instead of built. After publishing fiction, non-fiction, and thousands of thought-leadership pieces, he explains why strong writing comes from simple, repeatable techniques—not talent.

Cole walks through a set of small, practical sentence-level habits that dramatically improve clarity, persuasion, and impact. From choosing stronger last words to defining terms before using contractions, this episode is a tactical deep dive into how tiny edits can change how your writing feels, flows, and converts.

If you’ve ever felt like your ideas are good but your sentences fall flat, this one gives you tools you can apply immediately.

(00:00) Intro & My Writing Credentials
(00:26) Tip 1: Strong Sentence Endings
(01:11) Tip 2: Using Contractions Wisely
(02:23) Tip 3: Write Economically
(03:30) Free Masterclass Plug
(04:08) Tip 4 & 5: Avoid & Vary Repetition
(05:16) Tip 6 & 7: Word Choice & Comma Rule
(06:43) Tip 8: Hemingway's Adverb Rule & Wrap Up
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✍️ Want to start writing online? Download this free Ultimate Guide to get started: [https://yt.startwritingonline.com](https://yt.startwritingonline.com/)

🚢 Ready to build your daily writing habit and accelerate your trajectory as a Digital Writer? Join Ship 30 for 30: [https://www.ship30for30.com](https://www.ship30for30.com/)

👻 Want to enter the lucrative world of ghostwriting? Here’s a free guide to get you started: https://yt.premiumghostwritingbluepri...

🤖 Need some help learning how to leverage AI as a writer? Come subscribe to our newsletter (100,000+ readers!) on how to Write With AI: https://writewithai.substack.com/

💻 Want an endless supply of proven, viral-worthy digital writing templates? Check out our software platform, Typeshare: [https://typeshare.co](https://typeshare.co/)

📈 Want to write/ghostwrite just like me? Check out Ghostbase, which is trained on all my writing & ghostwriting frameworks: https://www.ghostbase.com/

🧙‍♂️Are you a fiction writer? Do you want to watch me build my 7-figure fiction writing vertical? Come check out Commercial Fiction Club: https://nicolascolefiction.substack.com/

📕 For more information on my books, businesses, and other writings, visit my website: [https://www.nicolascole.com](https://www.nicolascole.com/)

📚 To shop my library of print, eBooks, and audiobooks, visit my bookstore: https://www.differentpublishing.press/

In this episode of Coffee With Cole, Cole breaks down one of the most misunderstood parts of becoming a better writer: how to practice.

Instead of treating writing as a vague, intuitive skill, he explains why mastery comes from isolating specific sub-skills—and how practicing those skills manually becomes the foundation for using AI effectively later.

(00:00) Why “becoming a better writer” is the wrong goal
(01:45) Unbundling writing into trainable sub-skills
(03:28) Why repetition alone doesn’t create mastery
(07:18) Story seeds and shortening the feedback loop
(10:49) Frameworks, constraints, and deliberate practice
(14:26) The 5-part story seed formula (with Star Wars example)
(18:20) How practice turns into AI prompts and training data
(26:42) Creating compounding leverage as a writer

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✍️ Want to start writing online? Download this free Ultimate Guide to get started: [https://yt.startwritingonline.com](https://yt.startwritingonline.com/)

🚢 Ready to build your daily writing habit and accelerate your trajectory as a Digital Writer? Join Ship 30 for 30: [https://www.ship30for30.com](https://www.ship30for30.com/)

👻 Want to enter the lucrative world of ghostwriting? Here’s a free guide to get you started: https://yt.premiumghostwritingbluepri...

🤖 Need some help learning how to leverage AI as a writer? Come subscribe to our newsletter (100,000+ readers!) on how to Write With AI: https://writewithai.substack.com/

💻 Want an endless supply of proven, viral-worthy digital writing templates? Check out our software platform, Typeshare: [https://typeshare.co](https://typeshare.co/)

📈 Want to write/ghostwrite just like me? Check out Ghostbase, which is trained on all my writing & ghostwriting frameworks: https://www.ghostbase.com/

🧙‍♂️Are you a fiction writer? Do you want to watch me build my 7-figure fiction writing vertical? Come check out Commercial Fiction Club: https://nicolascolefiction.substack.com/

📕 For more information on my books, businesses, and other writings, visit my website: [https://www.nicolascole.com](https://www.nicolascole.com/)

📚 To shop my library of print, eBooks, and audiobooks, visit my bookstore: https://www.differentpublishing.press/

This is how I went from charging $200 per article to ghostwriting thought-leadership articles for founders and executives for $2,000.

So, in this podcast, I explain:

• The 3 core benefits of specialization

• How to niche down (Service vs. Industry)

• Why niching down doesn’t limit opportunity

• Services I recommend writers should specialize in

• How to find your Information Advantage & niche down

And tons more!

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✍️ Want to start writing online? Download this free Ultimate Guide to get started: [https://yt.startwritingonline.com](https://yt.startwritingonline.com/)

🚢 Ready to build your daily writing habit and accelerate your trajectory as a Digital Writer? Join Ship 30 for 30: [https://www.ship30for30.com](https://www.ship30for30.com/)

👻 Want to enter the lucrative world of ghostwriting? Here’s a free guide to get you started: https://yt.premiumghostwritingbluepri...

🤖 Need some help learning how to leverage AI as a writer? Come subscribe to our newsletter (100,000+ readers!) on how to Write With AI: https://writewithai.substack.com/

💻 Want an endless supply of proven, viral-worthy digital writing templates? Check out our software platform, Typeshare: [https://typeshare.co](https://typeshare.co/)

📈 Want to write/ghostwrite just like me? Check out Ghostbase, which is trained on all my writing & ghostwriting frameworks: https://www.ghostbase.com/

🧙‍♂️Are you a fiction writer? Do you want to watch me build my 7-figure fiction writing vertical? Come check out Commercial Fiction Club: https://nicolascolefiction.substack.com/

📕 For more information on my books, businesses, and other writings, visit my website: [https://www.nicolascole.com](https://www.nicolascole.com/)

📚 To shop my library of print, eBooks, and audiobooks, visit my bookstore: https://www.differentpublishing.press/

Start writing online: http://startwritingonline.com/
Start ghostwriting: https://yt.premiumghostwritingbluepri...

In this episode, I explain why digital writing is essential for anyone looking to make money online, launch products, or build an audience. I break down key writing tips and skills crucial for today's digital landscape. This approach is vital for any entrepreneur aiming to succeed with an online business through effective content creation and digital marketing.

(00:00) Why Digital Writing Matters Now
(01:51) Legacy vs Digital Writing
(04:47) Practicing in Public: New Writing Mindset
(06:53) Lean Writing: Testing and Expanding Ideas
(09:26) Real Examples of Lean Writing Success
(12:22) Everyone Starts at Zero: Playing the Lottery Game
(13:35) The True Power: Scaling Yourself Online
(17:10) Never Done: The Enduring Value of Writing Online

✍️ Want to start writing online? Download this free Ultimate Guide to get started: [https://yt.startwritingonline.com](https://yt.startwritingonline.com/)

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If you’re new to my podcast… hey there! 

My name is Nicolas Cole and I’ve been writing online since 2007. 

Since then, I’ve generated over a billion views on my writing, written 10+ books, and built multiple 7+ figure writing-related businesses, including two of the largest writing programs on the Internet: Ship 30 for 30 & Premium Ghostwriting Academy. 

I have made millions of dollars writing online, so I fundamentally reject this narrative (pun intended) “nobody makes a living as a writer.”

Yes, you absolutely can make a living as a writer. In fact, you can make more than just a living. You can make tons of money as a writer… IF… you’re a digital writer, and embrace learning the new skills required to thrive in a digital world. 

Which is why I started this YouTube channel.

Consider me your Digital Writing Mentor!

On this podcast I talk about:

• Digital Writing
• Ghostwriting
• Writing With AI
• Self-Publishing
• Writing Services & Business Models

So if you have any questions, drop me a comment on any video and I’ll answer them in a future video!

Keep writing,

Cole

~

✍️ Want to start writing online? Download this free Ultimate Guide to get started: [https://yt.startwritingonline.com](https://yt.startwritingonline.com/)

🚢 Ready to build your daily writing habit and accelerate your trajectory as a Digital Writer? Join Ship 30 for 30: [https://www.ship30for30.com](https://www.ship30for30.com/)

👻 Want to enter the lucrative world of ghostwriting? Here’s a free guide to get you started: https://yt.premiumghostwritingbluepri...

🤖 Need some help learning how to leverage AI as a writer? Come subscribe to our newsletter (100,000+ readers!) on how to Write With AI: https://writewithai.substack.com/

💻 Want an endless supply of proven, viral-worthy digital writing templates? Check out our software platform, Typeshare: [https://typeshare.co](https://typeshare.co/)

📈 Want to write/ghostwrite just like me? Check out Ghostbase, which is trained on all my writing & ghostwriting frameworks:

🧙‍♂️ Watch me build a 7-figure fiction writing business, starting at $0: https://nicolascolefiction.substack.com/

~

If you’re new to my channel… hey there! 

My name is Nicolas Cole and I’ve been writing online since 2007. 

Since then, I’ve generated over a billion views on my writing, written 10+ books, and built multiple 7+ figure writing-related businesses, including two of the largest writing programs on the Internet: Ship 30 for 30 & Premium Ghostwriting Academy. 

I have made millions of dollars writing online, so I fundamentally reject this narrative (pun intended) “nobody makes a living as a writer.”

Yes, you absolutely can make a living as a writer. In fact, you can make more than just a living. You can make tons of money as a writer… IF… you’re a digital writer, and embrace learning the new skills required to thrive in a digital world. 

Which is why I started this YouTube channel.

Consider me your Digital Writing Mentor!

On this channel I talk about:

- Digital Writing
- Ghostwriting
- Writing With AI
- Self-Publishing
- Writing Services & Business Models

So if you have any questions, drop me a comment on any video and I’ll answer them in a future video!

Keep writing,

Cole

~

🔗 Other fiction writing videos I think you'll enjoy:

How To Write Fiction That Makes You Money (7 Steps): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZxhFXvmt_2Q

Self-Publishing Fiction on Amazon (5 Tools to Success): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Cek3_Iyxwc

The Ultimate Guide to Self Publishing Your First Book: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5qXRe9qvN24&t=163s

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✍️ Want to start writing online? Download this free Ultimate Guide to get started: [https://yt.startwritingonline.com](https://yt.startwritingonline.com/)

🚢 Ready to build your daily writing habit and accelerate your trajectory as a Digital Writer? Join Ship 30 for 30: [https://www.ship30for30.com](https://www.ship30for30.com/)

👻 Want to enter the lucrative world of ghostwriting? Here’s a free guide to get you started: https://yt.premiumghostwritingblueprint.com

🤖 Need some help learning how to leverage AI as a writer? Come subscribe to our newsletter (100,000+ readers!) on how to Write With AI: https://writewithai.substack.com/

In this Hot Seat with Cole, we unpack how to grow your ghostwriting business without burning out—by treating outreach like a data-driven game, focusing on one offer or niche to scale faster, and remembering that long-term success comes from consistency, not constant reinvention.

(00:00) Intro & Welcoming Newcomers
(02:00) How Hot Seats Work & Setting the Stage
(05:00) Client Metrics Deep Dive: Measuring Success
(15:00) Understanding Funnel Performance and Bottleneck Analysis
(22:00) Outreach Metrics & Handling Volume
(32:00) Networking & Conferences: In-Person vs Digital Growth
(41:00) Specializing, Selling Services, and Playing to Your Strengths
(52:00) Time Management, Free Work, and Mindset for Success
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✍️ Want to start writing online? Download this free Ultimate Guide to get started: https://startwritingonline.com

🚢 Ready to build your daily writing habit and accelerate your trajectory as a Digital Writer? Join Ship 30 for 30: https://www.ship30for30.com

👻 Want me to be your ghostwriting mentor? Apply to join our Premium Ghostwriting Academy: https://join.premiumghostwritingacademy.com/

🤖 Need some help learning how to leverage AI as a writer? Check out our favorite ChatGPT prompts for writers: https://startwritingwithai.com

💻 Want an endless supply of proven, viral-worthy digital writing templates? Check out our software platform, Typeshare: https://typeshare.co

🧙‍♂️Are you a fiction writer? Here's a crash course on how to turn timeless storytelling frameworks into game-changing ChatGPT prompts: https://startfictionwritingwithai.com/

📚 For more information on my books, businesses, and other writings, visit my website: https://www.nicolascole.com

In today’s Hot Seat Live Session with Cole, we did some live workshopping and talked about batching your work effectively by grouping outreach, writing, and calls. When to protect your time through boundaries and scheduling (especially while balancing a 9–5 or client load) so you stay consistent without burnout, and why every habit compounds because mastery comes from volume and consistency, not intensity.

(00:00) Monday Kickoff & Wins
(02:08) Ghostwriting Struggles & Poll
(03:20) Lead Qualification Mindset
(07:02) Productivity: Volume and Skill
(12:09) Batching Work for Maximum Efficiency
(21:21) Time Management & Making Tradeoffs
(28:04) Optimal Routines, Habits & Focus
(56:52) Lessons, Q&A, and Takeaways

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✍️ Want to start writing online? Download this free Ultimate Guide to get started: https://startwritingonline.com

🚢 Ready to build your daily writing habit and accelerate your trajectory as a Digital Writer? Join Ship 30 for 30: https://www.ship30for30.com

👻 Want me to be your ghostwriting mentor? Apply to join our Premium Ghostwriting Academy: https://join.premiumghostwritingacademy.com/

🤖 Need some help learning how to leverage AI as a writer? Check out our favorite ChatGPT prompts for writers: https://startwritingwithai.com

💻 Want an endless supply of proven, viral-worthy digital writing templates? Check out our software platform, Typeshare: https://typeshare.co

🧙‍♂️Are you a fiction writer? Here's a crash course on how to turn timeless storytelling frameworks into game-changing ChatGPT prompts: https://startfictionwritingwithai.com/

📚 For more information on my books, businesses, and other writings, visit my website: https://www.nicolascole.com

In today’s Hot Seat Live Session (09/15/25), Cole does some live workshopping and dives into the strategies that separate average ghostwriters from those building lasting businesses. We explore how to shift from a numbers game to building meaningful trust, when LinkedIn ghostwriting is the right offer (and how to position Loom videos or audits as Trojan horses), and why long-term commitment beats hopping between shiny new tactics.

(0:00) Kickoff, Community, and Mindset
(6:00) Moving Conversations to Sales
(15:00) Deepening Prospect Engagement
(22:30) Quality vs Quantity: Outreach Strategy
(30:00) Scaling & Client Management Q&A
(41:00) Offer Refinement and Branding
(54:00) Finding Fulfillment and Focus
(01:01:00) Handling Team Dynamics & Final Takeaways

------

✍️ Want to start writing online? Download this free Ultimate Guide to get started: https://startwritingonline.com

🚢 Ready to build your daily writing habit and accelerate your trajectory as a Digital Writer? Join Ship 30 for 30: https://www.ship30for30.com

👻 Want me to be your ghostwriting mentor? Apply to join our Premium Ghostwriting Academy: https://join.premiumghostwritingacademy.com/

🤖 Need some help learning how to leverage AI as a writer? Check out our favorite ChatGPT prompts for writers: https://startwritingwithai.com

💻 Want an endless supply of proven, viral-worthy digital writing templates? Check out our software platform, Typeshare: https://typeshare.co

🧙‍♂️Are you a fiction writer? Here's a crash course on how to turn timeless storytelling frameworks into game-changing ChatGPT prompts: https://startfictionwritingwithai.com/

📚 For more information on my books, businesses, and other writings, visit my website: https://www.nicolascole.com

🤖 Want to learn how to Write With AI? Click here: https://yt.startwritingwithai.com/

In this video, I break down 9 advanced AI writing tips for using ChatGPT and Claude to get insanely high-quality outputs—without spending hours staring at a blank page. I walk you through the 3 core prompt types, and show you exactly how I use each one to write newsletters, ad scripts, video content, and even fiction. If you’ve ever felt like your AI outputs are bland, generic, or just “meh,” it’s not the tool — it’s your prompt clarity. After spending 2,000+ hours inside AI tools and building prompts that automate 50% of my writing work, I’m giving you the frameworks I personally use to write faster, better, and with more leverage. Whether you’re a copywriter, ghostwriter, digital creator, or building your own AI workflow—this is your complete deep-dive guide.

(00:00)  How I Use AI To Automate 50% Of My Work
(01:01)  1. 3 Ways To Prompt AI
(21:07)  2. Claude Projects
(27:24)  3. Singular vs. Modular
(34:00)  4. Name Your Formats
(36:32)  5. Always Use Objective Language
(39:25)  6. Reinforce With Positive Attributes
(42:16)  7. Use Exact Examples
(45:05)  8. Don't Forget The Delivery Instructions
(46:55)  9. Ask AI To Iterate On Your Prompts
(51:13)  One Final Thought

🔗 Other videos I think you'll enjoy:

The AI Writing Trend No One Is Talking About: https://youtu.be/VSawL8YRSlg

What Is Social Media Ghostwriting?: https://youtu.be/WpK36bydVK0

8 Services To Make $10k/Mo As A Writer (FREE Masterclass): https://youtu.be/dqiQO7pLg94

---

✍️ Want to start writing online? Download this free Ultimate Guide to get started: https://startwritingonline.com

🚢 Ready to build your daily writing habit and accelerate your trajectory as a Digital Writer? Join Ship 30 for 30: https://www.ship30for30.com

👻 Want me to be your ghostwriting mentor? Apply to join our Premium Ghostwriting Academy: https://join.premiumghostwritingacademy.com/

🤖 Need some help learning how to leverage AI as a writer? Check out our favorite ChatGPT prompts for writers: https://startwritingwithai.com

💻 Want an endless supply of proven, viral-worthy digital writing templates? Check out our software platform, Typeshare: https://typeshare.co

🧙‍♂️Are you a fiction writer? Here's a crash course on how to turn timeless storytelling frameworks into game-changing ChatGPT prompts: https://startfictionwritingwithai.com/

📚 For more information on my books, businesses, and other writings, visit my website: https://www.nicolascole.com

👻 Looking to START ghostwriting? Click here: https://premiumghostwritingblueprint.com/?el=FictionWritingMasterclassPD&htrafficsource=podcast_organic

In this Fiction Writing Masterclass, I discuss how to differentiate your story and build a successful writing career. I share my journey from creative writing to building a ghostwriting agency, co-founding Ship 30 for 30, and creating a paid newsletter. I dive into the power of category thinking and its application in both non-fiction and fiction writing, explaining how differentiating your genre with modifiers can set you apart in a crowded market. We also explore the integration of AI in writing, emphasizing it’s potential to enhance (not replace) your writing process. This masterclass is for writers looking to monetize their talents, differentiate their work, and use modern tools to excel in the competitive world of writing.

(00:00)  Cole's Journey into Online Writing and Ghostwriting Agency
(06:08)  Embracing AI in Writing
(11:55)  The Future of Teaching Writing in an AI World

(17:39)  The Art of Editing vs. Traditional Writing
(25:30)  Navigating the Writing Spectrum
(29:35)  Overcoming Barriers in the Writing Industry

(35:42)  Strategies for Selling and Marketing LitRPG Books
(42:08)  The Power of Novellas in Fiction Writing
(47:43)  Strategies for Writing to Market and Niching Down
(53:42)  Enthusiasm for the Emerging Industry

🔗 Other videos I think you'll enjoy:

The AI Writing Trend No One Is Talking About: https://youtu.be/VSawL8YRSlg

8 Services To Make $10k/Mo As A Writer (FREE Masterclass): https://youtu.be/dqiQO7pLg94

Differentiate yourself & the Internet will make you RICH: https://youtu.be/5LAUf_bvCvM

------

✍️ Want to start writing online? Download this free Ultimate Guide to get started: https://startwritingonline.com

🚢 Ready to build your daily writing habit and accelerate your trajectory as a Digital Writer? Join Ship 30 for 30: https://www.ship30for30.com

👻 Want me to be your ghostwriting mentor? Apply to join our Premium Ghostwriting Academy: https://join.premiumghostwritingacademy.com/

🤖 Need some help learning how to leverage AI as a writer? Check out our favorite ChatGPT prompts for writers: https://startwritingwithai.com

💻 Want an endless supply of proven, viral-worthy digital writing templates? Check out our software platform, Typeshare: https://typeshare.co

🧙‍♂️Are you a fiction writer? Here's a crash course on how to turn timeless storytelling frameworks into game-changing ChatGPT prompts: https://startfictionwritingwithai.com/

📚 For more information on my books, businesses, and other writings, visit my website: https://www.nicolascole.com