The Savvy Scribe
The Savvy Scribe, a podcast for savvy nurse writers and creatives who want to grow a profitable freelance writing business. Hear some stories about life and entrepreneurship from your host, Janine Kelbach RNC-OB, and her guests. Each episode is jam-packed with actionable tips in growing your business, goal planning, freelancing, productivity, life tools, and many more!
EP332: Why High-Value Clients Are the Game Changer for Nurse Writers
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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...
EP331: How to Monetize Your Book Beyond Book Sales with Timothy Flemming, Jr.
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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. Thin...
EP330: How to Find Writing Clients Without Cold Pitching All Day
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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
EP329: The CEO Shift: How to Use Marketing Metrics to Drive Freelance Growth with Rachel Allen
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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 market...
EP328: Why High-Value Clients Are the Game Changer for Nurse Writers
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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.<...
EP327: Uncovering Your Unique Value: How to Identify and Market Your Superpower with Carrie KC West
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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.
...EP326: Money Moves: How CEOs Think About Income and Profit
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In this episode of The Savvy Scribe Podcast, we’re tackling a topic that’s too often overlooked in the freelance world: money. If you’re a Nurse Writer navigating inconsistent payments, unclear financial goals, and burnout from treating your business like a side hustle, this episode will help you make the shift toward thinking about income and profit—and acting—like a CEO.
How CEOs Think About Income and Profit
Here’s what we cover:
Why revenue ≠profitLearn the difference bet...
EP325: From Chaos to Clarity: Building Smart Systems in Your Nurse-Owned Business with Teresa Sanderson
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In this high-impact episode, nurse entrepreneur Teresa Sanderson joins us to unpack how implementing systems and processes can take your freelance writing or nurse-owned business from chaotic to streamlined. From building a strong sales funnel to developing a CEO mindset, Teresa shares battle-tested strategies and powerful insights that can help any nurse entrepreneur create a scalable, sustainable business.
About Teresa Sanderson
Teresa Sanderson is a serial nurse entrepreneur, champion for nurses, speaker, and marketing expert. She is the founder of Business & Marketing Made Easy For Nurse...
EP324: From Freelancer to Founder: 3 Growth Levers to Scale Your Writing Business
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Are you tired of writing one-off blog posts and constantly hunting for the next client? In this episode of The Savvy Scribe Podcast, we’re talking about what it really takes to grow your writing business beyond freelancing.
You’ll learn how to shift from being “just” a freelance writer to building a sustainable, scalable writing business. From bundling services to exploring digital products and refining your niche, this episode is full of practical ideas you can use right away.
Top Takeaways to Elevate Your Writing Business
How to p...EP323: How to Find Work-Life Balance by Finding a Job to Fit Your Life
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Leaving bedside nursing doesn’t mean leaving your calling—it might just mean rediscovering it in a way that better fits your life. In this episode, Sarah shares how burnout and long shifts pushed her to reimagine her career and create a path that supports her values, passions, and most importantly, her work-life balance.
About Sara Fung
Sara has been a registered nurse since 2007. Her expertise is in maternal child health, with clinical experience in obstetrics and the NICU. She has worked in academic and community hospitals and home heal...
EP322: Freelancer or Founder? How to Know Which Hat You’re Wearing
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In this episode, we dive into the critical mindset shift that separates successful nurse writers from those stuck in the gig-to-gig grind. Are you reacting like a freelancer or planning like a founder? Learn the difference—and why it matters for your income, confidence, and long-term success.
Are You A Freelancer or Founder?
Key Takeaways:
Freelancer vs. Founder: The Core DifferenceFreelancers trade time for money. Founders build systems and set strategic goals.Stop Chasing Gigs
A founder creates pipelines, set income go...
EP321: Booked and Burnt Out? How to Scale Without Burning Out
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Are you a nurse-turned-writer who’s fully booked but constantly feeling burnt out? This episode dives into how to grow your writing business without sacrificing your well-being. Learn smart, actionable strategies to increase your income, streamline your systems, and avoid burnout while doing what you love.
Booked and burnt out?
Discover practical ways to scale your writing business without sacrificing your sanity, creativity, or well-being.
Key Takeaways:
Burnt Out? Here’s What It Means:Saying no to clie...EP320: Job Market Pulse: How Freelance Writers Can Thrive This Summer
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In this episode, we dive into the realities of the 2025 job market, where white-collar layoffs and mass job applications are making it harder than ever to land work. Guest Todd Raphael joins to unpack practical strategies for breaking through—whether you’re a freelancer, job seeker, or simply navigating a slow season.
We explore how AI is reshaping hiring, why networking advice often misses the mark, and how to build meaningful connections in both virtual and real-world spaces. Todd offers real talk and useful tactics for professionals who want to s...
EP319: Your Summer Survival Plan: How I Keep My Writing Biz Moving
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Welcome to The Savvy Scribe Podcast! In this episode, Janine Kelbach shares her top strategies for summer survival as a freelance writer. Discover how to navigate chaotic schedules, manage shifting energy, and keep your business moving forward—without burning out. This episode is your go-to guide for maintaining momentum and creativity all summer long.
Key Takeaways: Summer Survival Tips for Freelancers
1. Summer Survival Then vs. Now
EP318: Data-Driven Branding: How to Build a Personal Brand That Gets Clients with Danielle Smyth
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In this episode of The Savvy Scribe Podcast, host Janine Kelbach welcomes Danielle Smyth, founder of Wordsmyth Creative Content Marketing, to explore the power of data-driven branding. They dive into strategies for building a compelling personal brand that attracts clients.
How to Build a Personal Brand That Gets Clients
Key Topics Covered:
Building with Strategy, Not Just Style:Danielle shares how her company leverages data to guide marketing efforts that focus on client acquisition, not just social media metrics....
EP317: When Clients Go Quiet: 5 Summer Strategies to Stay Booked
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In this high-energy episode, Janine shares five smart summer strategies to help freelance writers stay productive and motivated when client work slows down. From relationship-building to content creation, these tips will help you make the most of the season and set your business up for a strong fall rebound.
5 Summer Strategies to Stay Booked
Reach out to past clients with a warm check-in and availability update.Back to Basics Cold Pitching
Pick 2–3 brands you admire and pitch th...
EP316: Brand YOU: Build a Freelance Biz That Feels Like Home
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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 de...EP315: From Passion to Personal Brand: A Writer + Yogi’s Approach to Standing Out With Ray Slater Berry
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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:
EP314: Say What You Do (Without the Nurse Resume Talk)
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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.
Ho...
EP313: Communication is Everything. The Rest is All Details.
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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...EP312: ABC Tips to Help with Your Mental Health as a Freelancer with Matthew Knight
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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 r...
EP311: Time-Blocking for Writers: The Secret to a Sane Schedule
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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 Nurs...
EP310: Tips to Manage Your Freelance Business with ADHD with Shelby Dennis
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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 peaceWhy perfectionism is a myth and how to break free from itSmart ways to use ti...EP309: ClickUp Secrets for Nurse Writers: Save Time, Stress Less
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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 stic...
EP308: Why You Should Move Away From Time-Based Billing with Megan Hopper
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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 spou...
EP307: How to Confidently Set Your Freelance Writing Rates
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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 you...
EP306: AI vs. Expertise: Future-Proofing Your Freelance Writing
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Welcome to the Savvy Scribe Podcast! In today’s episode, we’re diving into a hot topic that’s shaking up the freelance world—AI-generated content. With tools like ChatGPT and Gemini making content creation more accessible, many writers, including healthcare professionals, are wondering: Are we becoming obsolete? The answer is absolutely not. In fact, this shift presents exciting opportunities for writers who are ready to adapt. Tune in to learn how you can future-proof your freelance business and stay relevant in this changing landscape.
AI vs. Expertis...
EP305: Writing for the Future: Predicting Trends in Health and Wellness with Jack Meeker
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In this episode, we dive into how nurse writers can stay ahead of the curve by predicting trends in health and wellness. Our guest, Jack Meeker from Healthy, shares expert insights on leveraging industry knowledge, research skills, and networking to create compelling content.
About Jack Meeker
Jack Meeker is the Content Marketing Team Manager at Healthee, where he leads the Content team in creating impactful, multichannel content that drives engagement and supports business goals. With expertise in content strategy, SEO, blog and...
EP304: How to Write About Emerging Healthcare Trends with Venus Brady
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Staying ahead in healthcare content marketing means keeping up with ever-changing healthcare trends and AI advancements. In this episode, we explore the evolving landscape of digital content and what it takes to stay visible online while maintaining a strong, empathetic voice in healthcare writing.
How to Write About Emerging Trends in Healthcare
Today on the Savvy Scribe Podcast
The impact of AI on SEO and how it affects content rankingWhy interlinking and strategic partnerships still matterHow to leverage Answer the Public...EP303: Developing Content for B2B SaaS in Healthcare with Maxwell Pollock
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In this episode, I sit down with Maxwell C. Pollock, a B2B content strategist and writer specializing in healthcare SaaS. We dive into the world of B2B SaaS and explore how to create high-impact content that resonates with decision-makers, drives engagement, and ultimately converts. Maxwell shares his expert insights on the most effective content formats for B2B — like case studies, testimonials, and webinars — and discusses the importance of smart content distribution, the evolving role of SEO and AI-driven search, and how freelancers can stand out in a competitive landscape. Whether you’...
EP302: How Nurses Can Use Content to Stand Out in the Healthcare Industry
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If you’re a nurse stepping into the world of writing, you might feel like a beginner — but guess what? You’re already an expert. Nurses have an incredible depth of knowledge and real-world experience that the healthcare industry needs, and today we’re diving into how you can use content to showcase that expertise and grow your writing career. Whether you’re just starting or looking to stand out, this episode is packed with advice on creating the kind of content that gets noticed.
So how exactly can your content open doors...
EP301: How to Publish Thought-Provoking Content That Stands Out with Ted Neill
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Writing is more than just putting words on a page—it’s a process that involves both structured effort and creative downtime. In this episode, Ted Neill shares valuable insights on developing a writing practice, refining your craft, and overcoming common challenges. Whether you’re an aspiring author, a healthcare writer, or simply looking to improve your storytelling, this conversation is packed with wisdom to help you grow and publish content more effectively.
How to Publish Content That Stands Out
Today on the Savvy Scribe Podcast:
...EP300: Turning Your Expertise Into a Business: A Step-by-Step Guide for Nurses
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Have you ever wondered how to turn your nursing expertise into a business? It can feel overwhelming, especially if you don’t have a business background. But guess what? You don’t need an MBA to make it happen! In this episode, we’re breaking down how you can confidently transform your expertise into a business that works for you.
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Today, I’m sharing actionable strategies to help nurse writers and healthcare professionals step up, pitch with purpose, and build a business using their knowledge. Whether you’re starting with small...
EP299: Using Public Speaking and Guest Blogging to Boost Your Credibility with Kimberly Crowe
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If you’re looking to expand your reach, build authority, and attract new opportunities, leveraging guest blogging and public speaking might be your golden ticket. These strategies allow you to step onto “other people’s stages,” whether through written content or live speaking engagements, helping you get in front of the right audience without solely relying on growing your own from scratch.
In this episode, our guest shares how both public speaking and guest blogging can work together to amplify your credibility, engage new audiences, and position you as an exper...
EP298: Turning Your Experience into Authority in Health Writing
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Thought leadership is key to building authority in health writing, and this month we are diving deep into this topic. Your nursing experience—not just your writing skills—is your greatest asset in standing out as a freelance nurse writer. In today’s episode, I’ll share how you can leverage your expertise to establish credibility and authority in your niche. Whether you’re working with patients or writing for clients, this episode is full of practical insights to help you take actionable steps forward.
Developing authority in health writing involves identifyin...
EP297: Becoming a Thought Leader as a Nurse Writer: How to Leverage Your Expertise
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In this episode, I’m diving into how you can become a thought leader as a freelance nurse writer. Thought leadership doesn’t happen overnight, but when done right, it helps you establish trust, credibility, and opens doors to premium clients. Whether you’re just starting out or already writing, this episode is designed to guide you on how to leverage your unique nursing experience to stand out in the content writing world.
Being a thought leader involves recognizing your strengths, understanding your weaknesses, and identifying opportunities within your niche. Today, I’ll w...
EP296: How to Track and Measure Freelance Success in the New Year with Alyssa Wolff
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In this episode of The Savvy Scribe Podcast, Janine sits down with Alyssa, a work-life balance coach, busy mom of five, and part-time business owner, to uncover the secrets of building freelance success. Alyssa shares how she manages her household and homeschools while running a six-figure business, offering practical advice to freelancers striving to achieve their goals.
From setting boundaries to tracking key metrics, Alyssa’s strategies are perfect for freelancers and solopreneurs looking to grow their businesses while maintaining balance in their personal lives. Whether you’re just starting your free...
Your 2025 Freelance Health Writing Blueprint
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Welcome to 2025 and the sixth year of The Savvy Scribe Podcast! As we kick off the new year, it’s the perfect time to refresh, refocus, and set our sights on success. In this episode, we’ll explore how to create a health writing blueprint to guide your freelance writing career toward achievable, impactful goals.
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With distractions everywhere, having a clear plan is essential for achieving your freelance writing goals. Today, we’ll discuss why 2025 is a pivotal year for freelance health writers, the shifting dynamics in the industry, and how...
EP294: 5 Key Questions to Empower Your Goal-Setting Journey with Melissa Mora
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Welcome to the first episode of 2025 on The Savvy Scribe Podcast! This week, we’re diving into an inspiring conversation with Melissa Mora, a labor and delivery nurse turned coach and entrepreneur. Melissa shares her transformative goal-setting journey, insights into overcoming fears, and how reflection and mindfulness can lead to a more fulfilling life and career.
In this episode, her journey will resonate with anyone balancing the challenges of nursing while chasing their dreams beyond the bedside. Whether you’re a nurse writer, an entrepreneur, or someone considering a new path, this...
EP293: Intentional Planning: Using Micro Goals to Achieve Big Win
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Welcome back to The Savvy Scribe Podcast! As we start 2025, this episode is all about harnessing the energy of January to renew your motivation and tackle your freelance writing goals. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to level up, we’ll explore how breaking big aspirations into micro goals can make even the most daunting dreams achievable.
Goal-setting can feel overwhelming, especially when aiming for significant milestones like building a portfolio or reaching an ambitious income goal. In today’s episode, we’re discussing how to transform those big objectiv...
