The Savvy Scribe

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This episode dives into the essentials of branding for nurse writers. Discover how your tone, personality, and voice shape your business and help you connect with the right clients. This is a quick intro to our monthly masterclass on branding—available to members at Savvy Nurse Writer.

Discover Your Voice with Personal Branding

Key Takeaways:

• Branding Begins with Tone: Think about how you speak to patients—your natural tone is your brand foundation.
• Why Writers Sound Robotic: Lack of a defined voice makes content feel generic.
• Voice = Connection: Your authentic voice builds trust and attracts your ideal clients.
• Try This Branding Exercise: Pick 3 words to describe your desired tone (e.g., calm, bold, professional). Write a LinkedIn-style bio using them.

Resources Mentioned:

• Masterclass & Membership
• Free Community: Savvy Nurse Writer Community on Facebook

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 insightful episode, Ray, founder of the content agency DSLX, shares how she built a thriving business by leveraging her personal brand, combining creativity with authenticity, and staying ahead in a rapidly changing content landscape. From agency beginnings to launching her own team, Ray offers actionable strategies on how personal passions and thoughtful outreach can set you apart in today’s saturated freelance market.

Key Topics Covered:

• Why your LinkedIn page should be treated like your business homepage.
• How hobbies like yoga, reading, and volleyball naturally attract aligned clients.
• Using personal branding to authentically connect and build long-term relationships.
• Gained broad experience and niche clarity through agency work.
• Transitioned into freelancing and then launched DSLX, a content marketing agency.
• What DSLX looks for in freelancers: authentic writing voice, willingness to learn, and strong personal brand presence.
• How a well-written intro email can make or break your application.
• The new age of backlinking: how to drive traffic to your LinkedIn with podcasts, newsletters, and even Instagram.
• Emphasizing credibility and consistency across platforms to boost your personal brand visibility.
• Ray advocates for more kindness and understanding, especially in conversations around AI, automation, and job shifts.
• Encourages creatives to stay flexible, informed, and connected.

About the Guest:

Ray Slater Berry is the founder and director of DSLX, a creator-first digital marketing agency for SaaS brands and their C-Suite. Ray’s been in content marketing for 10+ years, and has worked in-house for various large brands before building his own agency. dslx is on a mission to empower all minority creators to do what they love and embrace who they are along the way. Follow Ray on LinkedIn!

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’re cutting the fluff and getting straight to the point—how to define what you do as a nurse writer or entrepreneur without defaulting to your nurse resume. Learn how to craft a clear, confident, and client-focused one-liner that actually tells potential clients who you help, how you help them, and why it matters.

Whether you’re a nurse transitioning into writing or launching your own health-focused brand, this episode helps you replace vague intros with purposeful taglines that attract the right clients and opportunities.

How to Ditch Your Nurse Resume and Say What You Really Do

What You’ll Learn:

• Why your traditional nurse resume isn’t enough to win clients
• The formula for a compelling one-liner: I help [who] with [what] so that they can [result]
• Real-life examples of effective one-liners for nurse writers and healthcare entrepreneurs
• How to refine your message for platforms like LinkedIn and your website
• The power of clarity and connection in pitching yourself

Key Takeaway:

Ditch the generic “I’m a nurse” and develop a one-line intro that makes your value instantly clear to your ideal client. It’s about leading with impact—not just experience.

Join the Conversation:

Need help creating your one-liner? Head over to the free Savvy Nurse Writer Community on Facebook to brainstorm and get feedback.

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 solo episode, Janine dives deep into a foundational skill that separates good freelancers from great ones—communication. Drawing inspiration from nostalgic t-shirt slogans like “Gymnastics is life, the rest is all details,” Janine drives home the message that while writing skills get your foot in the door, clear, kind, and consistent communication is what keeps it open.

Key Takeaways:

Why Communication Matters More Than Writing Alone:

• Even exceptional writing won’t make up for poor communication.
• Clients value transparency and ease of working with you over polished prose alone.

Cold Outreach Best Practices:

• Be concise, respectful of time, and personalized.
• Include a simple and kind message that shows you’ve done your research.

Discovery Calls Aren’t Sales Pitches:

• They’re conversations—come prepared, calm, and confident.
• Explain your process, timelines, deliverables, and revision policy clearly.

Contracting for Clarity:

• Contracts protect both parties and prevent scope creep.
• Include revision terms, timelines (use business days), and a plan for changes.

Follow-Up Strategy:

• Don’t vanish after delivering work.
• Confirm receipt, ask for feedback, and clarify invoicing and next steps.

The Core Message:
Transparent, proactive communication builds trust and lasting client relationships.

• Long-term success is rooted in being kind, clear, and consistent.

So remember, Savvy Scribes: communication is your superpower.

• Be clear.
• Be kind.
• Be consistent.

That’s what turns one-time projects into long-term relationships. That’s what grows your business.

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 powerful episode, we sit down with Matthew Knight, founder of Leapers.co, a global community supporting the mental health of the self-employed. We dig deep into the realities of freelancing—beyond the myths of freedom and flexibility—to explore the emotional toll, hidden stressors, and the urgent need for systemic support.

Matthew shares insights from six years of annual research with 700–800 freelancers, uncovering what really affects mental health in self-employment—from client ghosting to financial instability. He offers a compelling case for why clients must play a role in improving freelancers’ wellbeing—and how failing to do so leads to real business consequences.

Whether you’re a freelancer, thinking of becoming one, or work with independent professionals, this episode will give you eye-opening perspectives and practical steps for creating a healthier, more sustainable freelance experience.

ABC Tips to Help with Your Mental Health as a Freelancer

What We Cover:

• The emotional and structural challenges freelancers face
• Why 70% of freelancers report mental health impacts from work
• How Leapers gathers data from hundreds of freelancers each year
• What clients must do to support freelancers—and why it matters
• Why self-employed people fall off their own to-do lists
• The rise of “forced freelancing” and who’s most affected
• How AI and job instability may shift more people into freelance work
• Building your own support system when one isn’t provided for you
• The ABCs of freelancer wellbeing: Awareness, Boundaries, Community

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

Feeling overwhelmed by your calendar? You’re not alone. In this episode, we’re diving deep into how to stop letting your schedule run your life—and start using it to create freedom instead.

Whether you’re juggling a freelance writing business, a day job, travel, or parenting (or all of the above), the way you manage your time matters. That’s why we’re focusing on time-blocking—a simple but powerful system that helps you get more done while feeling less stressed.

Time-Blocking Tips for Freelance Nurse Writers

I’ll walk you through:

• How I use time-blocking to stay productive even during busy travel weeks
• My weekly “CEO Hour” ritual for strategic business planning
• The essential calendar blocks every freelance writer should have
• How to adjust your schedule during the chaos of summer and family life
• Why batching meetings and setting digital boundaries matter

You’ll also hear real-life examples of how I handle calendar chaos as a business owner, consultant, and mom—and how this method brings clarity and calm.

Time is your most valuable asset. Learn how to protect it, prioritize it, and use it to build a business that fits your life—not the other way around.

Tune in now and don’t forget to try your CEO Hour this week!

Resources Mentioned:

• Tomato Timer – Use the Pomodoro technique for deep work
• ClickUp – For task and project tracking
• Your favorite calendar app (Google Calendar, Outlook, etc.) – for setting time blocks

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 explore practical ADHD-friendly productivity strategies to help nurse writers and freelance creatives better manage their time, energy, and emotions. From combating perfectionism to task batching and managing rejection sensitivity, this discussion is packed with actionable tips to support sustainable and stress-free workflows.

Managing A Freelance Business with ADHD

What You’ll Learn:

• How to build in buffer time for mistakes, last-minute tasks, and mental peace
• Why perfectionism is a myth and how to break free from it
• Smart ways to use time blocking and task batching—and when to use which
• How rejection sensitivity shows up in client emails (and how to stop over-apologizing)
• Why “sleeping on it” before hitting send can preserve your confidence and client relationships
• How building in downtime on Fridays can create a clean slate for the week ahead

ADHD Takeaways:

• Give yourself grace and structure: Set realistic expectations and build recovery time into your schedule.
• Don’t let research rabbit holes steal your day—batch and limit those phases.
• Keep an eye on your inner critic, especially in client communications—you’re not your own heckler.
• Time batching helps your energy go further and reduces context switching fatigue.

Pro Tip: Create a “catch-up window” in your weekly schedule—whether it’s Friday afternoon or scattered across the week—to give yourself breathing room. If you don’t use it, you’ve just earned a bonus break!

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

Is your freelance to-do list running wild in your head—and taking up valuable brain space?

If you’ve ever found yourself juggling client work, personal life, and never-ending business tasks without a system to support you, you’re not alone. In this episode, I’m pulling back the curtain on how I use ClickUp, my favorite sanity-saving tool, to streamline my freelance writing business. Think of it as a digital brain that helps keep your projects organized and your mind at peace.

Whether you’re buried under sticky notes or juggling multiple project management apps, this episode will show you how ClickUp can bring clarity and calm to your day. From tracking recurring tasks to collaborating with your team and staying on top of deadlines, I’m sharing exactly how I use this powerful platform to run my business with less stress and more structure.

Using ClickUp Effectively

Today on the Savvy Scribe Podcast:

• How my chaotic notebook system led me to search for a digital solution
• Why ClickUp hit the sweet spot after trying Google Keep, Trello, and Notion
• The importance of recurring tasks and how ClickUp automates my weekly and daily workflow
• How I use ClickUp to manage client folders, deadlines, and revisions
• Our editorial calendar process and how every blog post starts in ClickUp
• Custom templates that simplify onboarding and writing assignments for clients
• How color coding helps keep our entire system visually organized
• The power of syncing ClickUp with Google Calendar—and why I prefer it over cluttering my actual calendar
• Recent improvements to the ClickUp mobile app and how I use it on the go
• A real-life story of how ClickUp saved me from missing a client invoice
• Tips for getting started if you want to make ClickUp your digital brain too

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’re welcoming back Megan from Numbers Wellness Co. to break down the benefits of project-based pricing. She shares practical advice for transitioning current clients to a package model, setting boundaries with confidence, and creating more predictable income—all while improving the client experience.

About Megan Hopper

Megan Hopper is the CEO behind Numbers Wellness Co. She supports service-based business owners to have clarity in their profits without sacrificing the stress of knowing their numbers with bookkeeping. She is a military spouse, homeschooling momma of 3, beach lover, and loves a good weight lifting session.

Time-Based Billing: The Pros and Cons

Today on the Savvy Scribe Podcast:

• Why time-based billing can create tension and income unpredictability
• How to start transitioning existing clients from time-based billing to packages or project-based pricing
• The mindset shift nurses need when moving into entrepreneurship
• Structuring payment plans to protect your time and cash flow
• The importance of contracts and clearly defined scopes of work
• How packaging your services helps both you and your clients budget more easily
• What to do when clients underestimate the time something takes
• Using average past invoices to set package rates
• How upfront pricing improves communication and expectations
• Embracing fear and letting go of “what ifs” when changing your pricing
• Why clarity and transparency are key to building trust with your clients

Connect with Megan:
📸 Instagram: @numberswellnessco
🌐 Website: numberswellnessco.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!

Send us Fan Mail

Are you still charging by the word for your freelance writing?

If so, it might be time to rethink your pricing model. In this episode, we’re diving into the concept of value-based pricing—why it matters, how it benefits both you and your clients, and what it takes to position yourself as more than “just a writer.” Pricing your services isn’t just about effort; it’s about impact.

This episode will walk you through why per-word pricing is outdated, how to shift toward value-driven packages, and what your clients really care about when hiring a writer. Whether you’re just starting out or ready to level up, you’ll leave with actionable steps to charge with confidence and clarity.

Setting Your Freelance Writing Rates

Today on the Savvy Scribe Podcast:

• Why charging per word limits your earning potential
• How clients think about value (and why word count isn’t on their radar)
• A real-world analogy to help reframe your pricing mindset
• A 3-tier pricing model to offer writing services based on value
• What to include in a basic vs. optimized vs. premium writing package
• How SEO fits into value-based pricing—and why it’s often expected
• Tips on conducting keyword research and using content briefs
• Adding strategy and interviews to boost perceived value
• How to raise your current rates by bundling services
• Why outcomes matter more than hours
• Specific advice for pricing within the healthcare writing niche
• Encouragement to own your worth and set your own value

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!