The Savvy Scribe

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In this value-packed episode, marketing expert Mark Newsome shares his journey from real estate note investing to becoming “Mr. Marketing,” helping small business owners and service providers grow through direct response and relationship-driven strategies.

Discover practical small business marketing strategies and learn how to grow your service-based business through relationship-driven outreach, optimized content, and low-cost visibility tactics.

About the Guest

Mark Newsome (aka) Mr. Marketing is a small business cash flow generation specialist. He specializes in helping non-franchised small business owners and service providers. Consistently generate an additional 25% in gross profits! Typically, within 90 days or less! Using low-cost, high-impact, non-traditional marketing strategies and tactics. Plus monetizing what they once considered dead or dramatically underutilized assets and or resources!

Key Takeaways

1. Lead with Service, Not Sales

2. Optimize Your Online Presence (Especially LinkedIn)

3. Leverage Small Opportunities for Big Impact

4. Use Benefit-Driven Content That Speaks to Pain Points

5. Know Your Customer’s Lifetime Value

6. Build and Own Your Email List

7. Use Upselling and Value Stacking

8. Focus on You-Oriented Messaging

9. Start Where You Are

Action Steps for New Business Owners

If you’re just starting out, Mark recommends:

1. Fix your online profile (especially on LinkedIn) to clearly communicate what you do, who you help, and the outcome you provide.
2. Create content or a lead magnet based on a common pain point in your industry—something useful, specific, and relevant.

Welcome to the Savvy Scribe Podcast, I'm so glad you're here! Before we start the show, if you're interested, we have a free Facebook group called "Savvy Nurse Writer Community"

I appreciate you following me and listening today. I would LOVE for you to subscribe: ITUNES

And if you love it, can I ask for a Savvy Nurse Writer Community on Facebook and visit savvynursewriter.com to help you get started today!

Support the show

FOLLOW & REVIEW THE SAVVY SCRIBE ON APPLE PODCASTS

I appreciate you following me and listening today. I would LOVE for you to subscribe: ITUNES

And if you love it, can I ask for a review? Select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review.”

If you’re ready to start exploring if freelance writing is your next PRN job or even full-time, I invite you to check out the Savvy Nurse Writer Community on Facebook and the Plan Produce Profit  + Writing Skills Course to help you get started today!

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If you’ve ever sent a proposal and never heard back, you’re not alone. In this episode, we break down a real (but anonymized) proposal template to help you understand what might be going wrong and how to fix it.

You’ll learn how to use your discovery calls effectively, avoid vague language, and present a clear, compelling next step that leads to signed contracts—not silence.

This episode is ideal for freelance writers, agencies, and service providers looking to improve their client proposal process.

Key Takeaways:

1. Most Ghosted Proposals Aren’t Actually Your Fault

The majority of ghosting happens because of internal client issues, not your offer. Keep pitching consistently—it’s a numbers game.

2. Make the Proposal About Them, Not You

The best proposals reflect the client’s own words and goals. Use language from your discovery calls to show you’re aligned with their needs.

3. Keep the Proposal Short and Easy to Share

Proposals are often presented in 15-minute internal meetings. Use a concise, 5-slide proposal template that highlights only what matters most.

4. What to Include in a Client Proposal Template

• Credibility Statement (e.g., “Write RN – trusted healthcare content from nurse writers”)
• Client’s Goals stated clearly using their own phrasing
• Deliverables (e.g., four 800–1,000 word SEO-optimized articles)
• Bylines and Author Credentials to improve SEO and authority
• Project Timeline and Process (e.g., 10 business days for draft delivery)
• Next Steps (contract, onboarding form, optional kickoff call)

5. The Proposal is a Follow-Up, Not a First Impression

If the discovery call went well, the proposal simply confirms what was discussed. Make the next steps easy and clear.

Welcome to the Savvy Scribe Podcast, I'm so glad you're here! Before we start the show, if you're interested, we have a free Facebook group called "Savvy Nurse Writer Community"

I appreciate you following me and listening today. I would LOVE for you to subscribe: ITUNES

And if you love it, can I ask for a Savvy Nurse Writer Community on Facebook and visit savvynursewriter.com to help you get started today!

Support the show

FOLLOW & REVIEW THE SAVVY SCRIBE ON APPLE PODCASTS

I appreciate you following me and listening today. I would LOVE for you to subscribe: ITUNES

And if you love it, can I ask for a review? Select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review.”

If you’re ready to start exploring if freelance writing is your next PRN job or even full-time, I invite you to check out the Savvy Nurse Writer Community on Facebook and the Plan Produce Profit  + Writing Skills Course to help you get started today!

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In this episode, we are joined by copywriter and messaging strategist Chrysanthi Stamou, who specializes in helping service-based businesses create conversion-focused and SEO-friendly websites.

Chrysanthi breaks down what every small business owner needs to know to turn their website into a powerful, client-generating tool. From homepage structure to SEO myths and writing calls-to-value that resonate, you’ll learn how to write website copy that reflects your personality—and gets results.

This conversation is a must-listen if you’re building or updating your SEO-friendly website and want it to actually bring in leads.

Crafting High-Converting Website Copy

Key Takeaways

• Why an SEO-friendly website still matters in 2025, despite the rise of short-form video and social media platforms.
• What makes a website conversion-focused: using customer-driven research, clear messaging, and benefit-led structure.
• Call-to-value vs. call-to-action: How to write CTAs that encourage clicks and reduce resistance.
• Homepage hero section best practices:
  • Focus on the transformation your services offer.
  • Use benefit-driven, keyword-rich headlines.
  • Include clear direction with action-oriented CTAs.
• About page that connects:
  • Move beyond listing credentials.
  • Share your story and values in a way that builds trust.
• SEO insights:
  • Why SEO is not dead—and how it fuels AI tools as well as Google rankings.
  • How to measure your site’s SEO performance with Google Search Console or Ahrefs.
• Website audit tips:
  • Replace generic page headers with value-driven messaging.
  • Spread testimonials across key decision points—not hidden in sliders.
  • Simplify your navigation (5–6 links max) to reduce choice paralysis.
  • Make sure your site is mobile-optimized and fast-loading.

Welcome to the Savvy Scribe Podcast, I'm so glad you're here! Before we start the show, if you're interested, we have a free Facebook group called "Savvy Nurse Writer Community"

I appreciate you following me and listening today. I would LOVE for you to subscribe: ITUNES

And if you love it, can I ask for a Savvy Nurse Writer Community on Facebook and visit savvynursewriter.com to help you get started today!

Support the show

FOLLOW & REVIEW THE SAVVY SCRIBE ON APPLE PODCASTS

I appreciate you following me and listening today. I would LOVE for you to subscribe: ITUNES

And if you love it, can I ask for a review? Select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review.”

If you’re ready to start exploring if freelance writing is your next PRN job or even full-time, I invite you to check out the Savvy Nurse Writer Community on Facebook and the Plan Produce Profit  + Writing Skills Course to help you get started today!

Send us Fan Mail

If you’ve ever felt confused or discouraged after sending what you thought was a strong proposal—only to be met with silence—this episode is for you. I am sharing hard-earned insight into why even skilled writers often struggle with landing clients during the proposal stage.

In this episode, you’ll learn the most common mistakes freelance writers make in their proposals and what to do instead. I emphasize the importance of clarity, relevance, and confidence—while helping you shift away from vague, bio-style proposals toward sales communication that reflects a deep understanding of the client’s goals.

Key Takeaways

• Why proposals that focus too much on you (and not enough on the client) don’t convert
• The difference between a bio and a proposal—and why many writers confuse the two
• What to listen for during a discovery call and how to use that information in your proposal
• How to communicate value clearly without fluff or vague promises
• Why including a clear next step is essential for landing clients
• The three things every client wants to see in your proposal: relevance, clarity, and confidence
• Why even new nurse writers can successfully pitch and win projects if they focus on outcomes
• The myth of “great writing is enough” and how sales communication truly closes the deal

Action Steps for Writers

• Review your last proposal: does it lead with the client’s needs or your credentials?
• Remove vague language and clearly state deliverables, process, and timelines
• Add a compelling, actionable next step (trial project, calendar link, proposed start date)
• Reflect your client’s language and goals back to them—show them you’re listening
• Make it easy to say “yes” by showing you’re prepared, professional, and ready to begin

Proposals are more than formalities—they are your sales tools. Make them specific, client-driven, and results-oriented. If you’re not landing clients, your proposal might not be the problem—it might just need a shift in structure and tone.

Welcome to the Savvy Scribe Podcast, I'm so glad you're here! Before we start the show, if you're interested, we have a free Facebook group called "Savvy Nurse Writer Community"

I appreciate you following me and listening today. I would LOVE for you to subscribe: ITUNES

And if you love it, can I ask for a Savvy Nurse Writer Community on Facebook and visit savvynursewriter.com to help you get started today!

Support the show

FOLLOW & REVIEW THE SAVVY SCRIBE ON APPLE PODCASTS

I appreciate you following me and listening today. I would LOVE for you to subscribe: ITUNES

And if you love it, can I ask for a review? Select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review.”

If you’re ready to start exploring if freelance writing is your next PRN job or even full-time, I invite you to check out the Savvy Nurse Writer Community on Facebook and the Plan Produce Profit  + Writing Skills Course to help you get started today!

Send us Fan Mail

In this episode, I dive into a game-changing topic for freelance nurse writers: how to attract and retain high-value clients. If you’ve ever said yes to low-paying gigs that left you drained, disrespected, or questioning your worth, this episode offers the clarity and confidence you need to move forward.

In this episode, I share the exact qualities that define high-value clients, why they’re essential to your long-term business success, and how to stop settling for one-off projects that don’t pay what you’re worth. With real-world examples and practical advice, you’ll learn how to step into the role of business owner, not just freelancer.

Key Takeaways

• What truly defines a high-value client beyond just high pay
• How to spot red flags in low-value clients (micromanagement, vague deadlines, poor communication)
• Mindset shifts needed to attract premium clients
• Signs you’re ready to uplevel your freelance business
• The power of niching down and leading with your nursing expertise
• Why systems and long-term client relationships lead to stability and growth
• How to go from generalist to expert in your writing niche
• Introduction to our members’ upcoming masterclass: The Art of Client Sourcing

If you’re ready to stop saying yes to burnout gigs and start building a writing business that supports your lifestyle and values your expertise, this episode is your roadmap. Let me help you move from scarcity to abundance, with a clear focus on working only with high-value clients who are aligned with your goals and worth.

Welcome to the Savvy Scribe Podcast, I'm so glad you're here! Before we start the show, if you're interested, we have a free Facebook group called "Savvy Nurse Writer Community"

I appreciate you following me and listening today. I would LOVE for you to subscribe: ITUNES

And if you love it, can I ask for a Savvy Nurse Writer Community on Facebook and visit savvynursewriter.com to help you get started today!

Support the show

FOLLOW & REVIEW THE SAVVY SCRIBE ON APPLE PODCASTS

I appreciate you following me and listening today. I would LOVE for you to subscribe: ITUNES

And if you love it, can I ask for a review? Select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review.”

If you’re ready to start exploring if freelance writing is your next PRN job or even full-time, I invite you to check out the Savvy Nurse Writer Community on Facebook and the Plan Produce Profit  + Writing Skills Course to help you get started today!

Send us Fan Mail

In this episode, Timothy Fleming Jr., author coach and entrepreneur, reveals what it really takes to write a meaningful book and generate long-term book sales. From clarifying your message and audience to marketing strategies and mindset shifts, this is a practical guide for any aspiring author ready to make an impact—and income.

Key Topics Covered:
1. Clarify Before You Write

2. Book Sales Start with the Right Structure

3. Overcoming Emotional Roadblocks

4. Book Sales Strategy: Don’t Launch and Leave

5. Think Beyond the Book

Book Sales Tips & Monetization Blueprint

• Build pre-launch buzz before the book is even written.
• Turn your book into a lead magnet: include downloads, checklists, or video content.
• Funnel readers into email lists, coaching programs, or workshops.
• Use storytelling content on social media to attract readers and clients.

About the Guest

Timothy Flemming, Jr. has spent over a decade helping hundreds of authors publish their books through his company, T&J Publishers. But what he noticed changed everything: most authors don’t struggle with writing their book — they struggle with what comes next.

Timothy’s Expertise Includes:

• Publishing Experience: 10+ years helping hundreds of authors publish their books

• Mindset & Strategy: Equipping authors to overcome fear and build scalable coaching programs

• Business Growth: Built multiple six-figure businesses with his wife

• Faith-Based Leadership: 30+ years of ministry leadership and spiritual guidance

• Creative Perspective: Award-winning writer (having won numerous international poetry competitions) and ghostwriter

Welcome to the Savvy Scribe Podcast, I'm so glad you're here! Before we start the show, if you're interested, we have a free Facebook group called "Savvy Nurse Writer Community"

I appreciate you following me and listening today. I would LOVE for you to subscribe: ITUNES

And if you love it, can I ask for a Savvy Nurse Writer Community on Facebook and visit savvynursewriter.com to help you get started today!

Support the show

FOLLOW & REVIEW THE SAVVY SCRIBE ON APPLE PODCASTS

I appreciate you following me and listening today. I would LOVE for you to subscribe: ITUNES

And if you love it, can I ask for a review? Select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review.”

If you’re ready to start exploring if freelance writing is your next PRN job or even full-time, I invite you to check out the Savvy Nurse Writer Community on Facebook and the Plan Produce Profit  + Writing Skills Course to help you get started today!

Send us Fan Mail

In this episode, I share why relying on cold pitching alone is not a sustainable way to build your freelance writing business. While cold outreach can still land clients, it often leads to burnout, frustration, and minimal returns. Instead, I offer alternative strategies that attract clients to you through trust, visibility, and value-driven outreach.

Why Cold Pitching Isn’t Enough

• Cold pitching takes time and emotional energy with no guaranteed response.
• Spam filters and ignored inboxes make results unreliable.
• It can lead to self-doubt and burnout if it’s your only strategy.

3 Alternative Ways to Find Freelance Writing Clients

1. Referrals from Your Network

2. Increase Visibility on LinkedIn

3. Share Value First Through Content

Key Takeaways

• Cold pitching still works, but it should be just one part of your client strategy.
• Building trust and visibility attracts higher-quality, long-term clients.
• You don’t need to hustle all day—choose one channel and start showing up with purpose.
• The best clients aren’t always on job boards; they’re in your network or silently watching your content.

Next Steps

1. Choose one strategy to implement this week—referrals, LinkedIn engagement, or a content lead magnet.
2. Create one trust-building piece of content.
3. Tell your network you’re taking on new clients.

You don’t need to chase every opportunity. A well-built system brings the right clients to you.

Welcome to the Savvy Scribe Podcast, I'm so glad you're here! Before we start the show, if you're interested, we have a free Facebook group called "Savvy Nurse Writer Community"

I appreciate you following me and listening today. I would LOVE for you to subscribe: ITUNES

And if you love it, can I ask for a Savvy Nurse Writer Community on Facebook and visit savvynursewriter.com to help you get started today!

Support the show

FOLLOW & REVIEW THE SAVVY SCRIBE ON APPLE PODCASTS

I appreciate you following me and listening today. I would LOVE for you to subscribe: ITUNES

And if you love it, can I ask for a review? Select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review.”

If you’re ready to start exploring if freelance writing is your next PRN job or even full-time, I invite you to check out the Savvy Nurse Writer Community on Facebook and the Plan Produce Profit  + Writing Skills Course to help you get started today!

Send us Fan Mail

In this episode, we dive deep into the transition from freelancer to business owner and how understanding marketing metrics can make that shift more empowering and less overwhelming. Our guest, Rachel, shares her journey from hesitant freelancer to confident strategist, highlighting how data can be reframed to support—not scare—freelancers and creatives.

About Rachel

Rachel Allen is a fast-thinking, deeply nerdy marketer with broad-ranging experience in for-profit and non-profit sectors. She’s written for some of the biggest (and smallest) names in business, and excels at marketing that’s equal parts data-driven and human-centered.

Having run a marketing business for 16 years with clients in 21+ countries, Rachel’s written for some of the top names in entrepreneurship, as well as influencers, brick-and-mortar businesses, and non-profits around the world. Her work has contributed directly to high-ROI launches, leaps in audience engagement, industry awards, relationships with top venture capital firms, and national-level honors.

Find out more at boltfromthebluecopywriting.com

Key Topics Covered:

• The mindset shift from freelancer to CEO
• Why marketing metrics aren’t just for “numbers people”
• Simple metrics every freelancer should track
• How to reverse-engineer your strategy using data
• The value of qualitative feedback alongside numbers
• Tracking pitching efforts and measuring effectiveness
• Why email lists matter more than vanity metrics
• Rachel’s unique “litter box” problem analogy for spotting overlooked business solutions
• How human-to-human connection is driving modern marketing trends
• Using community and peer support to avoid decision paralysis
• How to start tracking data without overwhelm
• The growing demand for authentic, high-quality writing in the age of AI

Welcome to the Savvy Scribe Podcast, I'm so glad you're here! Before we start the show, if you're interested, we have a free Facebook group called "Savvy Nurse Writer Community"

I appreciate you following me and listening today. I would LOVE for you to subscribe: ITUNES

And if you love it, can I ask for a Savvy Nurse Writer Community on Facebook and visit savvynursewriter.com to help you get started today!

Support the show

FOLLOW & REVIEW THE SAVVY SCRIBE ON APPLE PODCASTS

I appreciate you following me and listening today. I would LOVE for you to subscribe: ITUNES

And if you love it, can I ask for a review? Select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review.”

If you’re ready to start exploring if freelance writing is your next PRN job or even full-time, I invite you to check out the Savvy Nurse Writer Community on Facebook and the Plan Produce Profit  + Writing Skills Course to help you get started today!

Send us Fan Mail

In this episode of the Savvy Scribe Podcast, I’m sharing how landing high-value clients can completely change your freelance writing business. If you’ve ever felt stuck saying yes to low-paying, high-demand projects, it’s time to rethink your approach.

I walk through what makes a client truly “high-value,” how to identify red flags, and how to position yourself as a professional nurse writer who commands higher rates and long-term partnerships. This episode is your permission slip to aim higher and start building the business you deserve.

What You’ll Learn

• What defines high-value clients (and why it’s not just about the money)
• How low-value clients drain your energy and slow your growth
• Signs that you’re ready to uplevel your client base
• The mindset shift from freelancer to business owner
• Why niching down helps you attract aligned, premium clients
• How to bring clarity and confidence to your client sourcing strategy
• Strategies for breaking the feast-or-famine cycle

Key Points

• High-value clients pay well, respect your time, and want ongoing partnerships
• Low-value clients often micromanage, underpay, and cause burnout
• Feeling stuck or undervalued is a sign it’s time to shift your approach
• Narrowing your niche helps you stand out as an expert nurse writer
• Clients want partners, not just freelancers — show up like a business
• There are plenty of great clients out there — you just need the right strategy to find them

Welcome to the Savvy Scribe Podcast, I'm so glad you're here! Before we start the show, if you're interested, we have a free Facebook group called "Savvy Nurse Writer Community"

I appreciate you following me and listening today. I would LOVE for you to subscribe: ITUNES

And if you love it, can I ask for a Savvy Nurse Writer Community on Facebook and visit savvynursewriter.com to help you get started today!

Support the show

FOLLOW & REVIEW THE SAVVY SCRIBE ON APPLE PODCASTS

I appreciate you following me and listening today. I would LOVE for you to subscribe: ITUNES

And if you love it, can I ask for a review? Select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review.”

If you’re ready to start exploring if freelance writing is your next PRN job or even full-time, I invite you to check out the Savvy Nurse Writer Community on Facebook and the Plan Produce Profit  + Writing Skills Course to help you get started today!

Send us Fan Mail

What if the story you’ve been telling yourself is what’s holding you back?

In this episode of The Savvy Scribe Podcast, I had the absolute pleasure of talking with Carrie KC West, bestselling author, speaker, and narrative coach.

We talked about everything from overcoming imposter syndrome to owning your unique value, and how the stories we tell ourselves can either hold us back or launch us forward. If you’ve ever struggled with self-doubt, limiting beliefs, or not knowing how to “market” yourself authentically — this episode is for you.

Key Takeaways

• How to recognize and rewrite limiting stories that no longer serve you
• Why your voice is your superpower — and how to use it effectively
• What somatic signals like stress or burnout are really telling you
• The truth about imposter syndrome and how to quiet that inner critic
• Why it’s never too late to start over or launch something new

About Carrie KC West

Carrie KC West is a Bestselling Author, Speaker, and Narrative Coach who helps individuals and creatives rewrite the unconscious stories that shape their lives and work. With a Master of Fine Arts in Filmmaking from the American Film Institute and a background in counseling psychology, Carrie blends storytelling, psychology, and somatic tools to support deep personal and professional growth.

She’s the author of Life Rewritten (March 2025), an international bestseller exploring how story can be used as a tool for healing and clarity. Carrie has worked as a story analyst for film and publishing, and now helps writers, entrepreneurs, and leaders find their voice, reframe limiting narratives, and bring greater alignment to both life and business.

Resources & Links

• Book: Life Rewritten by Carrie KC West
• Course: Money Rewritten (available now)
• Website: https://carriekcwest.com/

Welcome to the Savvy Scribe Podcast, I'm so glad you're here! Before we start the show, if you're interested, we have a free Facebook group called "Savvy Nurse Writer Community"

I appreciate you following me and listening today. I would LOVE for you to subscribe: ITUNES

And if you love it, can I ask for a Savvy Nurse Writer Community on Facebook and visit savvynursewriter.com to help you get started today!

Support the show

FOLLOW & REVIEW THE SAVVY SCRIBE ON APPLE PODCASTS

I appreciate you following me and listening today. I would LOVE for you to subscribe: ITUNES

And if you love it, can I ask for a review? Select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review.”

If you’re ready to start exploring if freelance writing is your next PRN job or even full-time, I invite you to check out the Savvy Nurse Writer Community on Facebook and the Plan Produce Profit  + Writing Skills Course to help you get started today!