What students are saying about Freelance Writing for Creatives
It is no exaggeration that this class changed my life! Thanks to this class, I successfully pitched and published a humor piece in McSweeney’s, one of my favorite publications. This class took my lifelong dream of becoming a writer and gave me the tools, accountability, feedback, and encouragement I needed to make my dream come true.
The class community was amazing and the Slack channel was a welcome way to connect, share our work, and celebrate each other’s progress.
As a newbie, it can be hard to find community that is at your level without feeling like you are collectively spinning your wheels. With Amber leading these sessions, we were always able to stay focused and learn something from every meeting.
— Risa Harms
“I received self-esteem boosting feedback and tools to make successful outcomes. I feel like I was able to step a little out of my own way. The class gave me accountability, friends, and a framework for a life as a working writer. ”
Writing can feel very solitary. Through this class I not only had deadlines and feedback, but gained a sense of community. I met some really kind people who also happen to be writers.
This class stretched the boundaries of what I think I can write.
This class not only focused on the quality of the writing, but on the business end of pitching, promoting yourself, and getting paid. The marketing tools set me up for success after the class ended.
— Sharon Spell
“It’s a great class, really helpful, upbeat, encouraging, and different from most (all?) other writing classes.”
“I moved from not knowing shit about writing for well-known publications to understanding the process and realizing that it's not that difficult to get my work published.”
— Jasmine Minty
“Prior to taking this class, I did a lot of thinking about writing. I read tons of books about it, I dreamed about it - I did everything but actually write. Perfectionism kept me from even trying. Amber created a safe space for us, an environment free of shame or judgment. For the first time in years, I found I was able to start writing.
Amber’s class was like therapy but way better. Writing the assignments was always a cathartic process, and the class as a whole was incredibly supportive and positive.
This class is the best gift you can give yourself! It will change your life. I’m totally serious.”
“When the only voice of feedback you hear is the one in your head, writing can become paralyzing. And that's exactly where I was before this class. But thanks to the format of the class and the way everyone can communicate with each other so regularly, I received feedback that's made me silence my imposter syndrome with much greater strength.
Part therapy. Part summer camp. And a whole lot of writing.
The class inspired me to follow my path and return to writing about things I care about — music and the arts. With the confidence I gained in this class, I sent out a few pitches and inquiries to organizations I would want to write for, and within one month had work on the calendar with three symphony orchestras.”
— Michael Cirigliano
“The potential for the class changing my life is huge. I needed that puzzle piece of how things are done on the internet, and Amber provided it with detailed instructions. You also gave us terrific contacts (Jess Novak reached out to ME) and so many ideas. So before I was an old timey former print reporter who is tech savvy but confused about how it’s done now, and now I feel much more confident about making it happen.”
This class teaches you how to get your shit published.
Amber is an exceptional teacher. I loved the little meditations and the Jean Val Jean exercise was amazing. I have a great deal of self doubt and after the class I have less. I realize editors are just regular humans and we aren’t curing cancer so I needn’t take myself or the process so seriously.
— Danielle Huggins
“This class completely changed my life. Ten weeks ago, I just left a job (actually, a career!) and needed to force myself onto another path to avoid falling into a depression. I knew I wanted to write, but didn’t know how to get started. I’m so thankful to Amber. Now, I’m writing every day and pitching several articles a week. I got my first “yes” today! Yay, $300!”
The class made the idea of writing more concrete to me, which was very empowering. Writing stopped being something that was only open to other people. It’s fantastic combination of writing feedback and practical guidance on the freelance writing industry. The perfect mix of theory and practice.
— Kathryn Finch
“Oh man, this class is chock full of valuable things. Outside of the class videos: the resume template (which I’ve already used to re-make my resume and have sent out twice this week after the class), the cover letter examples, the satire workshop with Caitlin Kunkel (this was a highlight!!), the hour conversation with Jess Novak, the list of publications that pay, the twice-a-week pitches from Sonia Weiser’s email, and of course, the video feedback! It’s very refreshing to take a class that helps you develop a skill, and simultaneously teaches you how to utilize it.”
I was bowled away by Amber's warmth, generosity and commitment to the class. Feedback on pitches and stories happened usually within 24 hours and she always had thoughtful and useful critique delivered in a kind and helpful way.
I was hesitant about the price, but I justified it by thinking that I would begin pitching almost immediately, and if I managed to sell a few of the stories that I wrote in the class, it would pay for itself.
— Amy Tector
“I feel more motivated to write than ever before.
The class was extremely well-organized, and covered most of the real-life nuts and bolts of working as a freelance writer. The private feedback on our writing was absolutely essential and worth every penny– I didn’t get that in other freelance writing courses. I also especially loved that the course continually addressed the psychological and emotional woes of being a writer. Those are the things that have held me back the most, and this course helped me make progress on them with simple, down-to-earth advice (and humor!). I also found the curse words valuable as it’s the language of my people 😊.”
This was by far the most helpful writing class I have ever taken. I didn't think I was a "professional writer.” What's crazy is that I realized I had been using the idea of a "professional writer" to stop me from actually writing for years. This class cured me of this illusion.
The course opens up the potential for you to make money as a writer. The dream you have of turning your ideas into profit CAN materialize. This class is like playing "Writing: the RPG," and you will feel like a word wizard in the end.
The class has a series of helpful videos that express, in a clear and concise way, how you can approach obtaining freelance jobs in the industry. Amber also proposes a series of writing challenges that will shake you out of apathy and self-doubt. Her feedback is impeccable, and you don't have to worry about writing to her proclivities. She is objective, fair, constructive and positive. Her criticism really helped me be MORE of the writer I already was, as opposed to molding me into something I'm not. I wrote about butts, blue-ringed octopuses, and other weird subjects. You know what? I was never judged for considering any of them. The live zooms are a safe space and hearing the collective journeys of your fellow classmates makes writing goals seem all the more attainable. In this course, you're truly not alone.
— Collin Miller
“This class helps bridge the gap between “I have ideas and feel confident in my writing” and “how to I actually...do this. And get paid!” ”
The feedback was spot-on every time- Amber knew exactly how to tighten and refine work- and it was particularly valuable in the context of what sells and what works vs just “improvement”- I love that! I’m an experienced writer with a two college degrees in writing- it’s easy to brush off the opportunity for feedback and assume you know plenty, but in this class I had constant access to someone who was able to see what might make my piece the most successful and marketable and now I’m able to apply those changes on my own.
— Bonnie Sludikoff
“I actually started writing! No, I didn’t sell any articles during the class but I now have a solid arsenal of samples and the tools needed to know who and how to pitch.
The class provided sample articles, knowledge and - I cannot stress this enough - CONFIDENCE to pitch my ideas.
It was far more interactive and it was obvious that Amber was actually reading the assignments I was turning in vs. just giving generic feedback. ”
"First I was afraid, I was petrified..." LOL. Seriously though, I've wanted to look into freelancing for a while but didn't feel like I could figure out the process or gather resources. This class has changed the way I think about my writing. Amber’s valuable down to earth advice, editing notes, and assignments were easy to understand and gave me the chance to test what methods worked for me. To be honest, this was the only writing class I've had where I didn't feel judged. Being in a class where there was no judgment meant that I really kept myself accountable and felt compelled to push myself.
— Krystle Hawkins
“I write about sad things a lot, personal heart-wrenching stories that I NEED to write to process things that have happened in my life. This class reminded me that I have other smaller, simple, silly stories too. The class showed me that I don’t have to bleed on the page to write a good story.
I learned a LOT about pitching and and the business of freelance.
If you want to be less precious about your writing and you are serious about getting published, Amber’s class is for you. She is funny and kind and knows her shit. She won’t brow beat you into publishing, but she knows how the world works. I didn’t get a chance to do all the assignments, only because a piece I wrote for the class got picked up, so I was busy editing. It’s my first time getting paid and it was for Huffington Post!”
This class transformed my life entirely. I studied writing in college and always loved it. This class pushed me to actually become a writer, which is a small dream I’ve always had. I already have 3 published articles and that's just what I got during class.
— Cathy Stephens
“This class gave me the space to discover what I like to write and the topics I care most about. It showed me that I have an outlet and audience for all my thoughts, passions, and dumb ideas. Amber constantly validated how real our inner critic is, while giving us endless tools to overcome it and let our creativity flow. Needless to say, my mind and body are healthier after this class. Amber is a bright guide for writers who feel lost in the dark.
My ability to write and pitch my screenplays improved even though that isn’t at all part of the class. My writing partner and I wrote an original pilot plus a pitch deck. I feel like this class directly improved my ability to write the pitch deck in a unique voice and have fun with it. In all aspects of life I feel more prepared to put myself out there and not overthink it so much.
Okay, don’t tell my MFA screenwriting program (or do? idk) but this class felt sooooo much BETTER. Amber is so in tune to what the writers need. She is encouraging enough to get you writing and provides the most constructive feedback. Most importantly, she helps you understand how to actually make money off your writing. Honestly, I was most impressed with how efficient this class is. There is no time wasted. You complete the lesson and assignment in your own time, then have a quick meeting for helpful discussion with peers. I bet there are a lot of people out there in official online school right now wishing it was as efficient and informative as this class. ”
“The hybrid between it being online and having live classes made it feel like more of a 'real' class than a purely online one--there was accountability but it also wasn't overwhelming.
It's the best alternative to journalism school I could have found.”
— Julia Rittenberg
“I was worried that my ideas weren’t ‘good’ enough for paid work. But they are! The internet is full of crap! ”
This is the first class I’ve taken that somehow manages to be packed with useful info and constructive assignments while also intentionally reducing the pressure I felt around writing. While Amber modeled wonderful expectation setting at the start of the class about what her turn around time might be for notes and when she may or may not be online to answer questions, it honestly felt like she was available 24/7. I was so impressed and so grateful for the speedy feedback on my assignments and knowing I’d get a reply quickly helped keep me motivated and engaged throughout the class.
— Molly Cahen
“ If you invest in a class looking to make the money back, this is the one. Also, in no other writing class will the instructor look at EVERYTHING you give them and give helpful and thought out feedback. Of all the classes I’ve taken during the last few months, which were many, Amber’s made me feel I was getting the most for my money. The one on one feedback, the timeliness, and the inclusion of HOW TO MAKE MONEY made her class one of my best investments.”
Better than a USC MFA. Seriously.
I felt isolated and defeated and as though all the cards were stacked against me in grad school, and in Amber's class, there was a warmth, and tangible evidence that we can all "make it." Again, I realize I'm comparing apples and oranges, but ... I mean, this class was the best.
— Joan Kubicek
“I’ve done more writing in the last two months from this class than I have in the last two years.”
I now have a *process* to follow from 'wanting' to get a byline, to coming up with ideas easily, to pitching, to knowing how to follow up, and knowing how to write different kinds of pieces. I feel certain about what step to take next... and that feeling of certainty means a LOT when there's plenty of uncertainty out there (i.e 'will they like my pitch?').
Also, I can now see how my ridiculous ideas can actually be *worthwhile* to pitch. That's HUGE for me.
The class has all the elements of support you need to make that happen, and build the muscles and habits to make pitching feel as 'not a big deal' to your nervous system as...showering.
Also, Amber is fucking hilarious and SO good at what she does...this class is worth price of entry ALONE for access to her brilliance for those weeks.
— Miish Grixti
“I was super hesitant to enroll in the class because I’d planned a lot of travel during that eight weeks of classes. Amber was really flexible about turning in assignments while encouraging us to reach deadlines and complete assignments. The classes, live discussions and workshops were always posted online for students to take/refer to whenever we had time. That was beyond helpful and took away so much of the stress with learning a new skill! ”
I got 3 articles picked up which makes me feel like I can really do this. Even if I didn’t, I’m so happy to have done the class for so many reasons. I’ve taken so many writing classes but Amber has a way of telling me things that feel new. The meditation tracks were awesome. Also the class was just super productive for me yet I didn’t have a complete breakdown. How did Amber do that?
— Julie Hoang
“I used to be so intimidated by the black box that is freelancing! Now, after taking Amber’s class, I feel like I have so much support, knowledge, and confidence to put my stories out there.
Also, her meditations are fucking amazing.”
Amber’s writing course was life-changing for me in more than one way. Not only did it teach me the ins and outs of freelance writing, but in 6 months I've managed to actually become a published writer, have no fear or trepidation about sending out pitches, have entered myself into worldwide writing competitions, and even started taking on clients and doing their social media. Now I'm working as a professional writer in a topic that I'm knowledgeable at! Never in a thousand years did I really think anything like this could happen to me, so thank you.
— Robyn Hunt
“The class truly made me feel less like a sack of rotting, untalented feces, so I can’t thank you enough!”