“Maya's seminars and coaching sessions take a clear-headed, organized and positive approach to the business of freelancing. As a speaker, she sets out her agenda and keeps the session moving at a good pace, making sure her listeners are with her every step of the way. Her talk was chock-full of tips, both in the form of advice gleaned from her personal experience, and in the wealth of organization names, website addresses and book titles which she shared as sources for further learning.
I was impressed with her positive attitude, particularly her conviction that each of us could make a living from freelancing if we only channel our talents and our efforts in the right direction. Maya speaks from experience - so when she says it can be done, I know this is not idle pep talk. I left not only informed but inspired to go out there and show editors what I can do for them.”
~ Tamar Wilner, freelance journalist specializing in energy, environment and urban development
"Maya's class is an eye-opener for novice writers and those who are just getting their feet wet in the freelance business. She teaches you what it takes to create more freelance writing opportunities, and how to convert them into paying jobs and long lasting relationships. I couldn't give the course higher marks; it's fantastic."
~Craig Grella, writer/author
"After two-plus years of freelancing, I felt I had a good grip on the elements of successful freelancing--but Maya's seminar showed me how much more I could improve. I realize now that I can increase my salary, improve my marketing tactics and fine-tune relationships with editors, whom I should actually be treating like business 'clients.' Maya provides clear guidance on how to make it all happen. Just what I needed for 2010: a push to truly professionalize my work, and evolve it into a lucrative business."
~Manuela Zoninsein, a China-based freelancer
"I've been looking for ways to reinvent the freelancing business I've had for 25 years. Subject areas and strategies have grown stale even as the publishing industry (both magazine and books for me) has contracted or publications have disappeared. Maya Smart's information was superbly organized and cheerfully and confidently delivered. Maya's underpinnings have helped me design an 'action plan' for a better business plan."
~Maxine Cass, Maxine Cass Writing & Photography, San Francisco
"Before taking the class my approach to freelance assignments was more or less haphazard. Your webinar provided me with practical tools/advice on how to clearly define my business objectives and, most of all, change my old journalist's mindset - I now plan to have a more entrepreneurial approach to growing my business. Thanks Maya for this outstanding class. I strongly encourage others to invest in themselves and enroll for Maya's next webinar!"
~ Sanjiva Reddy
"I didn't know the many options available for journalists who want to start their own businesses until taking Maya Smart's class. Because of Maya's excellent teaching and presentation skills and the individualized attention she gave to each participant's questions and comments, I have a better understanding of the steps needed to start and sustain an independent journalism business."
~Leila Gray
"Maya's extensive experience as a freelancer is a perfect complement to her being a writing coach. She's gone through many experiences, bad and good, and generously shares hard-won insights in the hopes that her students won't have to experience the bad first hand."
~Mimi Larsen