What We Do
Writing Coach is the business resource for freelance writers, providing all the news, tips and advice that they need to succeed and profit. We offer accessible, affordable assistance in all aspects of launching, developing, and managing a professional freelance writing business.
We recognize that freelance writers are a special kind of entrepreneur
with a unique set of needs. We also know that freelance writers come from all walks of life and have a range of abilities, interests, and goals. Guided by this knowledge, we have developed professional-development programs with you in mind.
Writing Coach services are:
- Convenient. All of the information you need, when and where you need it.
- Comprehensive. Valuable group coaching sessions, in-depth product reviews, editing services, informative newsletters
and databases chock full of useful resources and new opportunities
- Practical. Simple, effective skills and techniques that you can apply to your business and your life
- Ready-to-use. Reliable resources that you can put to work right away
- Affordable. "Business school for freelancers" at a fraction of the price, including free teleseminars.
- Empowering. Tools and information
to help you advance your career, achieve your goals, and enjoy your success
Writing Coach is designed by freelancers for freelancers. We use the business skills and techniques that we teach.
Check out our blog and sign up for our free newsletter today. (We promise to never send you any annoying spam mail or high-pressure sales pitches — just information, proven techniques, and important skills to help you succeed as a freelance writer.)
Who We Are
Maya Payne Smart, editor and publisher,
is a freelance writer 
and the owner of Ralston Payne Enterprises LLC. She has written hundreds of articles and how-to guides for newspapers, magazines and websites, including Black Enterprise, CNNMoney.com, Edutopia, Heart & Soul. Smart represents independent journalists on the board of the Society of American Business Editors and Writers, and she hosts freelance seminars for the Society of Professional Journalists and the Donald W. Reynolds National Center for Business Journalism. She earned a bachelor's degree in social studies from Harvard University in 2002 and a master's degree in editorial journalism from the Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern University in 2005. Smart founded Writing Coach in 2009.
Rebecca Smith Hurd, editorial director, is a freelance editor 
whose clients include print and online media organizations, nonprofit groups and design consultancies. Her full-time job experience includes a six-year stint (2000-2006) as assistant managing editor of Wired, which during her tenure won a National Magazine Award for general excellence. Prior to joining Condé Nast, she worked as a reporter and editor for CMP Media, Cox News, and Metro Newspapers, among others. Hurd holds a bachelor's degree in journalism from San Jose State University.
Jane Cere, community manager, is a freelance marketing, advertising and social-networking consultant who supports entrepreneurs in growing their businesses. Her background includes editing an online magazine, and she now writes web content and produces both print and electronic newsletters. Cere also has worked as a literary assistant, helping writers prepare manuscripts and book proposals. She received a bachelor's degree in classics from the University of Waterloo and did postgraduate work in classical philosophy at the University of Western Ontario.
Margaret Ralston Payne, client services director, is director 
emerita of Summa Health System. Her professional experience includes an impressive list of achievements, such as serving as director of corporate and foundation relations and dean for developmental services at Kent State University, where she completed doctoral coursework in cognitive psychology. Payne also serves on the Education Committees of the Akron Branch NAACP and the Women's Endowment Fund of the Akron Community Foundation. For her community and professional involvement, she has received several honors, including the NAACP National Education Service Award and the Joseph D. Lewis Trailblazer Award.