Howdy, ‘Lancer.
This is my last “proper” email of the year, and I wanted to do something a bit different.
Instead of another how-to or breakdown, I’m sharing some of the best stuff I read, used, and learned from this year.
These are articles, tools, books, and resources that made me better at finding clients, doing the work, and running this thing sustainably.
And at the end, I’ve got a gift for you. A goal-setting planner I made specifically for you heading into 2026.
But first, the good stuff.
This article by Marijana hit different because it’s so practical. January is the perfect time to reach back out to past clients, but most of us don’t know what to say without sounding desperate or sales-y.
This article gives you the exact templates and approach to do it right.
Okay, I’m including my own newsletter here because this one got the most replies all year. If you’re not using LinkedIn DMs to connect with potential clients, you’re leaving money on the table.
But most people do it wrong. Re(read) this piece to see what works.
Blog to Win Business by Henneke Duistermaat
Most advice about blogging is focused on SEO and traffic. This one’s different. It’s about writing content that keeps readers hooked on your every word and eventually prompts them to take action.
If you’re writing your own blog or creating content for clients who want leads (not just visitors), read this.
Everybody Writes by Ann Handley
I reread this book every year, and every year I find something new. It’s one of the best books on writing for business that I’ve ever read.
It’s clear, practical, funny, and full of advice that actually makes you a better writer. If you only read one book on writing this year, make it this one.
Another one of mine, but I’m including it because this skill has made me more than “just another writer.”
If you can interview SMEs and pull out insights that Google can’t give you, you can charge more. I share my process in the article.
If you’re trying to break into B2B SaaS writing (or get better at it), this is the most comprehensive guide I’ve written. It covers positioning, pricing, what to include in your portfolio, and how to land clients in this niche.
One of my freelance friends turned this guide into an eBook. Reply to this email, and I’ll send it to you.
Endless Customers by Marcus Sheridan
This book changed how I think about inbound marketing.
While written for businesses, freelancers (hey, we’re business owners) can apply the principles in it. It can also help you understand the role content plays in generating revenue for a business.
The AI Search Manual by iPullRank
If you write SEO content and haven’t thought about how AI search is changing everything, you need to read this. Google’s not the only game in town anymore, and this manual breaks down what’s coming and how to adapt. It’s dense but worth it.
Your Gift: 2026 freelance writing goals & strategy planner
Most goal-setting advice is either too vague or too rigid.
This planner is different.
It helps you:
Set a realistic income goal and break down the math (just like we did in last week’s email)
Figure out what you need to charge and how many clients you need
Clarify your positioning so you stop sounding like every other writer
Plan your client acquisition strategy (so you’re not just hoping clients find you)
Set boundaries so you don’t burn out chasing the goal
I made two versions. The first is a Google Doc that you can copy and fill out at your own pace.
The second version is a Canva PDF. It’s not perfect, but at least it’s pretty.
You can download it here 👇🏾.
Before You Go
This newsletter started three months ago as an experiment. I wasn’t sure if anyone would care about the stuff I was learning and figuring out.
Turns out, a lot of you did.
So thank you for reading, replying, and sharing what’s working (and what’s not) in your own freelance journey. Your messages have made this whole thing way more fun than I expected.
You’ll hear from me once more next week with a quick note before the year wraps up. Then I’ll be back in January with more breakdowns, frameworks, and honest conversations about this freelance writing thing.
Until then,
Nathan.
P.S. If you found any of these resources helpful, forward this email to another freelance writer who might need it.