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Written by Monica Shaw
If you’ve been thinking about building your writing portfolio for months—or years—but keep getting stuck, you’re not alone. Most writers hit the same wall: analysis paralysis . We overthink everything. Which samples to include. How the homepage should look. Before you know it, an entire year has...
Written by Monica Shaw
If you’re an author trying to sell books, pitch agents, or build a readership, you’ve probably been told you “need a website” or “need a portfolio.” But what should an author portfolio actually look like? How many pages do you need? Where do your books go? What about your newsletter, events, or...
Written by Monica Shaw
I’ve seen so many talented writers lose out on opportunities not because their writing was bad, but because their writing samples looked messy and hard to read. Cluttered PDFs, broken links, inconsistent fonts, screenshots that look like they were taken on a flip phone… it all sends the wrong...
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Written by Monica Shaw
If the thought of working a crowded networking event makes your stomach turn, you're not alone. Around 40% of Americans identify as mostly or entirely introverted , yet the freelance writing world keeps pushing the same advice: "Just network more!" Here's the frustrating part—I've been there. I'...
Written by Monica Shaw
Choosing the right writing samples can make or break your chances of landing clients or writing jobs. In a market crowded with over 130,000 professional writers in the US alone, how you showcase your expertise matters more than ever. In this guide, I’ll walk you—step-by-step—through how to selec...
Written by Monica Shaw
You've poured hours into curating your best clips, writing a thoughtful bio , and polishing your layout. But when you Google your name or niche, your portfolio is buried—or doesn’t appear at all. I’ve been there, and I’ve watched countless talented writers face the same problem. Here’s the harsh...
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Written by Monica Shaw
Every writer—whether just starting or already established—needs an organized writing portfolio to thrive professionally. In this guide, I’ll show you actionable ways to choose, structure, and present your best work (even if you’re starting from scratch). Let’s make your portfolio clear, compelli...
Written by Monica Shaw
Your home page is the front door of your writing portfolio. It’s the first page clients see, the page they skim most quickly, and—if you structure it well—the page that convinces them to stay, explore, and ultimately get in touch. After helping thousands of writers build portfolios through Write...
Written by Monica Shaw
Your “About Me” page has one job: help clients quickly understand who you are, what you do, and why you’re the right writer for their project. Yet it’s often the hardest page for writers to write. If you’ve searched for writing portfolio about me examples that actually convert readers into clie...
Written by Monica Shaw
I built my first online writing portfolio over 15 years ago, long before I founded Writer’s Residence. Back then, I spent far too many weekends wrestling with Wordpress themes, broken plugins, and design decisions I wasn’t qualified to make. What I actually wanted to do was simple: show editors...
Written by Monica Shaw
Getting Things Done for Writers : How to Use GTD for Writers Without Killing Your Creativity As a freelance writer and the founder of Writer’s Residence, I’ve lived through every flavor of chaos: half-finished drafts, forgotten pitches, missed deadlines, and a brain that never really switches o...
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Written by Monica Shaw
Every productivity article seems to start the same way: wake at 5 AM, meditate, journal, then write 2,000 words before breakfast. If you're a freelance writer who's tried this and felt like a failure by 6:15 AM, you're not alone. Most of us don't live in productivity utopia—we live in the real wo...
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Written by Monica Shaw
You're staring at a blank screen. Again. The deadline is looming, but your brain feels like it's wrapped in cotton wool. You used to love writing—now you can barely string a sentence together. If you've been pushing through exhaustion for weeks (or months), constantly refreshing your inbox for cl...
Written by Monica Shaw
If you're a writer with ADHD, you've probably heard all the generic productivity advice: "Just make a schedule!" or "Eliminate distractions!" But here's the thing— ADHD brains don't work like neurotypical brains , and cookie-cutter systems rarely stick. I've spent years figuring out what actually...
Written by Monica Shaw
You want to start freelance writing, but you’re stuck on the basics. How do you get clients when you have no experience? How do you build a portfolio when you haven’t been published? And how on earth do you set your rates without underselling yourself? I’ve been there. I spent years building my f...
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Written by Monica Shaw
You're a technical writer who can transform complex software documentation into clear, user-friendly guides. But when it comes to building your own portfolio? That's a different challenge entirely. You need a technical writing portfolio template that showcases your documentation skills without ...
Written by Monica Shaw
A stylish header image is an easy way to add a dose of professionalism to your online writing portfolio, and you don't need to be a graphic designer to create one. Canva is an awesome (and free) tool for making custom headers without need for design skills. To inspire you to improve your person...
Written by Monica Shaw
Building your first journalism portfolio can feel like a catch-22. You need clips to get work, but you need work to get clips. And once you finally have those clips, you're stuck figuring out where the hell to put them. I've been freelance writing for over 15 years, and I still remember the paral...
Written by Monica Shaw
Let's be honest — when you're just starting out as a copywriter, the phrase "send me your portfolio" can feel like someone asking you to show them your unicorn. You know you can write. You've got ideas. Maybe you've even got a few Word docs buried somewhere on your laptop. But a professional cop...
Written by Monica Shaw
Content writing is an increasingly competitive field where you literally have to sell yourself in seconds. The best way to achieve this is with a content writer portfolio. In this guide, I’ll show you examples of content writer portfolios that win clients. Along the way practical structure for yo...
Written by Monica Shaw
Discover the best place to build your online writing portfolio so you can effectively market yourself as a freelance writer. Every freelance writer needs a professional online presence, but the endless options for building a writing portfolio can feel overwhelming. Should you sign up for a spec...
Written by Monica Shaw
When I dreamed up the idea of turning our Highland holiday cottage into a creative retreat space , I knew I wanted to host writers during the quietest months of the year. That’s why our Scotland writing retreats run from October through February—months when the Highlands are at their most pe...
Written by Monica Shaw
The short answer to how to build an online marketing portfolio: sign up with our easy marketing portfolio builder and get started immediately. Here's the longer answer! ... When I first started freelancing, the question I got most often from potential clients was: “Can you send me some samples?...
Written by Monica Shaw
As a freelance writer and the founder of Writer’s Residence, I’ve seen firsthand how a professional marketing portfolio can open doors. For marketers—whether you’re in content marketing, SEO, social media, or brand strategy—a portfolio isn’t just a “nice-to-have.” It’s how you prove your result...
Written by Monica Shaw
Everywhere you turn, someone is saying, “AI is coming for your job.” If you’re a writer—freelance, content, business, ghostwriting, author, or journalism—the fear feels personal. But here’s what I’ve learned after years of working with writers (and building a platform to showcase their work): AI ...
Written by Monica Shaw
Short answer: Yes. Clients want proof. A crisp portfolio shows your best samples, niche expertise, and a clear way to contact you—so it directly increases your odds of getting hired. If you’ve ever wondered, “Do freelance writers need a portfolio?” the answer is an emphatic yes . Without one,...
Written by Monica Shaw
When I started my freelance writing career in 2008, remote jobs were rare. I was living in London at the time and found most of my work in the city or for local publications. Flash forward almost twenty years later, remote working is standard, which I love . The downside is that there is mount...
Written by Monica Shaw
When I first began freelancing, I had no idea where it would lead. I only knew that I loved writing and wanted to make a living from it. Over the years, I discovered that the freelance writer career path isn’t a straight line. It’s a winding road full of lessons, opportunities, and sometimes se...
Written by Monica Shaw
LinkedIn makes me cringe—but I can’t deny it’s become one of the most powerful places for freelancers to land steady, high-paying work. If you’ve been wondering how to get freelance writing clients on LinkedIn, you’re definitely not alone. Here’s my no-nonsense advice on turning LinkedIn into a r...
Written by Monica Shaw
Starting your career as a copywriter can feel intimidating, especially when you’re asked to provide a portfolio. If you’re new, you might think: “How can I build a portfolio without clients?” The good news? Every copywriter begins in the same place (read more about how I scored my first writi...
Written by Monica Shaw
Freelance writers, fear not! AI won't replace you. In fact, it can make you a power house. In this guide I'll show you how to use AI to work faster, polish drafts, and keep your portfolio client‑ready—without losing your voice. Table of Contents Why Freelance Writers Should Embrace AI 10 of the ...
Written by Monica Shaw
When was the last time you truly stepped away from distractions and gave your writing the focus it deserves? For many writers, everyday life—emails, client work, and endless notifications—makes it nearly impossible to sink into deep creative flow. That’s where our Scotland winter writing retreat...
Written by Monica Shaw
As ghostwriters, we often navigate a delicate balance between showcasing our skills and maintaining confidentiality. Clients trust us to give voice to their ideas, but that very trust can make it challenging to present a comprehensive portfolio. We’re left wondering: how do we show our potential ...
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Written by Monica Shaw
Ironically, as a writer, I often find it hard to write about myself, particularly when it comes to self-promotion. I’ve noticed many writers encountering this roadblock while building their online writing portfolios . It’s easy enough to assemble and upload your writing samples, but there’s more...
Written by Monica Shaw
We recently issued a call for pitches here at Writer’s Residence and received a lot of submissions! I wanted to share one that worked, and why some others didn’t. I’m also sharing a few great tips from another hiring professional about what they look for in a pitch. Hopefully, this will help yo...
Written by Monica Shaw
As a copywriter, your skill with words is your greatest asset. But in a digital-first world, having an online writing portfolio is just as essential as your ability to craft compelling copy. It’s your personal showcase, the space where your talent, creativity, and expertise converge, making it ea...
Written by Monica Shaw
We all know that "branding" is a really important aspect of marketing yourself as a writer. This can be a challenge with writing portfolios, as many are based on pre-built templates that look a bit, well, generic. One great way to add extra personality to your portfolio is with a custom header. T...
Written by Monica Shaw
When ChatGPT first launched in November 2022 there was a huge backlash from the writing community in the face of fears that ChatGPT could replace human writers (and their jobs). But as ChatGPT has evolved, human writers are finding that this AI counterpart is an enormously useful tool for produ...
Written by Monica Shaw
Meet our new Writing Portfolio Clinic , a hands-on service designed to help you elevate your writing portfolio to new levels of gig-getting professionalism. This add-on service is delivered by me, Monica Shaw, founder of Writer’s Residence and a professional writer with almost twenty years of ex...
Written by Jacquelyn Van Sant
One of the most common things that freelance writers overlook in their writing portfolio website is client testimonials. Your writing samples are spectacular and you’ve got a sound pitch, but nothing speaks more powerfully to your skills than social proof. 95% of people say that reviews influ...
Written by Monica Shaw
This first in a series of FREE webinars will introduce you to the basics of ChatGPT. ☄️ Learn what ChatGPT is, how it works, and why it's a game-changer for writers. 🚀 Get your no-fear guide to getting started, including setting up an account, understanding the interface, and creating your first ...
Written by Monica Shaw
In this post I am delighted to introduce you to the inspiring and generous freelance writer, Blair Sharp. Blair is a serious pro when it comes to the freelance world. And like of all of us, she has a story. Blair found her freelance success through her relatable, clear content that speaks directl...
Written by Jane Kenney
Let’s face the big, ugly truth here… freelancing in 2024 is hard. It’s an oversaturated field now, especially as more and more people find themselves working from home post-COVID and wanting a lot more freedom and control over their time. In fact, about 76.4 million people are freelancing now in...
Written by Monica Shaw
As a professional in the business of online writing portfolios , I've encountered hundreds of freelance writer portfolio examples—the good, the bad, and the ugly, along with some that truly stand out! To assist you in turning your portfolio into an asset that genuinely reflects your best profess...
Written by Monica Shaw
The Letter of Introduction (LOI) is a hot topic for freelance writers. In today's digital world, it's how you get your foot in the door. They also happen to be one of the main reasons for having an online writing portfolio . Share your best work, get attention, get gigs! But it's not that easy. ...
Written by Monica Shaw
I've been a freelancer writer since 2008 and the ride has never been more exhilarating. So much has changed in the freelance world since I first started... The rise of blogging and its myriad potential for generating income... The ever increasing importance of SEO fuelling a need for keyword-dri...
Written by Monica Shaw
This is great opportunity to write about a craft you love: writing! We are a Software As A Service (SaaS) that allows writers to create a writing portfolio to market their work. As part of our growth strategy, we are amping up the content we deliver through our blog. The aim is twofold: (1) to ...
Written by Monica Shaw
When writers create an online writing portfolio with us, one of the things we say they should do first is update their home page. This is a natural place for a writer to share a short bio of themselves and their work. This should capture the attention of the reader, and compel them to learn mor...
Written by Monica Shaw
Discover the best place to build an online writing portfolio so you can effectively market yourself as a professional writer. If you’re a writer searching for the best place to create an online portfolio website, you’re in the right place. Back in 2008, when we launched our own online writing po...
Written by Monica Shaw
I'm eager to grow our community of writers and excited to announce that we've launched an affiliate program with a very generous 40% commission and potential for recurring income. Writer's Residence is the easiest way to create a professional online writing portfolio, used by freelance writers...
Written by Monica Shaw
I created my first online writing portfolio over 15 years ago using Wordpress, a great tool if you’re a techie but let’s face it, most writers would rather be writing than messing around with a website. That's why I created this five-step framework for writers who want to create an online writi...
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Written by Monica Shaw
If you're pursuing a writing job, whether freelance or more permanent, chances are the person hiring will want to see some writing samples. But what makes for a truly great writing sample that will impress potential clients, editors, and hiring managers? To help you along the way, I've put togeth...
Written by Monica Shaw
My mission since launching Writer’s Residence in 2008 has always been to provide a service that enables writers to show off their work and market themselves professionally. Last year I recognized that the platform was starting to show its age. That’s why, for the last six months, I’ve been workin...
Written by Monica Shaw
So you’ve decided to have a go at writing professionally, be it as a copywriter, journalist, content writer, ghost writer, or any other writing niche you can think of. You know you need a writing portfolio of your work to show off your abilities and get hired. Herein lies the ultimate new writer’...
Written by Monica Shaw
One of the quickest, easiest ways to elevate your writing career is to register your own domain name. It takes minutes, costs very little, and instantly makes your writing portfolio look more polished and professional. Why Should Your Writing Portfolio Have a Custom Domain Name? Take a look at th...
Written by Monica Shaw
I just had an email from one of our users with a very good question: Do you have any advice or blog posts about using a writing portfolio to apply to multiple types of writing jobs? How should my portfolio reflect this, especially when it comes to the Writing Samples and Home sections? I know thi...
Written by Monica Shaw
One of our users recently wrote in with a question about SEO, which basically boiled down to this: How does Google find my website? Moreover, how does Google find my website if the website is created by a third party (like Writer's Residence )? SEO is something that every writer should think abo...
Written by Monica Shaw
If you've just create an online writing portfolio website to market yourself and your work, then you're probably eager to get it up to snuff as quickly as possible so you can start using it to land some gigs. To that end, I put together this list of bare minimums to get done before you start se...
Written by Monica Shaw
The story of how I got my first freelance writing job with absolutely no prior experience in publishing is integral to the founding of Writer's Residence. Today, I'm sharing this story with you in hopes that it will be useful to those just starting a writing career. Here's a overview, with time e...
Written by Monica Shaw
I've been looking through our users' writer websites in order to get a feel for how they use their online writing portfolios. It's always nice to stumble upon a use case that hadn't occurred to me before. Recently I spotted this on one of our user's portfolios: This site is to showcase my writing...
Written by Monica Shaw
Back in the day before the widespread adoption of digital platforms, writing portfolios were a physical (potentially cumbersome!) collection of a writer's work presented in a tangible format. With the advent of digital technologies, particularly websites and blogs, the shift to online portfolios ...