Best Black Friday Deals for Writers - 2023
By all means, shop wherever you like this holiday season. But if you want something for the writers in your life (or yourself, it’s okay if you’re only looking at this post for yourself), here are some lovely courses, memberships, and resources for scribes of all kinds.
These items come from Freelance Writing for Creatives, Pitching Hour, and Start & Grow Your newsletter students. Plus, writers/business owners that I love!
The order here is madness. I apologize to anyone who requires alphabetization.
Courses & Coaching
Copy Caboose by Tarzan Kay
$200 Off with the code NOV202340. Sale ends 11/30/2023
"Copy Caboose is a copywriting course for people who want to write words that sell…without sounding like everything else you’ve already seen on the internet.”
Tarzan Kay is one of the best copywriters on all of the internet. Though I haven’t taken this exact course, I’ve taken other courses from Tarzan and they’re fantastic. If you’re new to copywriting and want to learn the ropes at a VERY reasonable price ($300 with the coupon code), I can’t recommend this course enough.
90 Day Business Launch by Hello Business aka Michelle Ward
20%-50% Off, Exact Details on Black Friday!
“Come in with an idea, walk out with a business.”
I wouldn’t have a business without Michelle Ward. She’s a kind, generous, and absolute expert in online business. Over 144 businesses were launched under Michelle’s tutelage and if you’re dying to launch your own, check out this course!
Michelle will reveal all the details of the discounts on Black Friday, but you’ll get anywhere from 20%-50% off all her items (a few more will be highlighted later on).
All Courses & Books from Amie McNee
40% Off Everything! Sale ends 11/27 at 10pm GMT.
Amie’s done the impossible: Creating Instagram posts I regularly want to read. She’s an author, podcaster, coach, and all around delightful presence online. Lucky for readers, Amie put her delightfulness into a variety of books and courses and they’re all on sale.
I recommend the Write Your F*cking Book Course. It doesn’t go into the details of publishing but walks you through all the mind trash that will keep you from starting. It’s calm, reassuring, and like having a friend at your side whenever you’re about to have writing meltdown.
Book Marketing Kit by Get It Done
50% Off! Sale ends Tuesday November 28th
Get It Done, a company by Alexandra Franzen and Lindsey Smith, always offers great courses and advice for writers. Their tone is light, but practical and you always end inspired to do more. I’m getting this book marketing kit and if you’ve got a book (or future book) to sell, this looks like a steal.
Copywriting, Money, Mindset, & Marketing Courses from Kelly Diels
50% Off ALL Courses with code NOV2023 Sale ends 11/30/2023
The term “thought leader” isn’t my favorite, but Kelly Diels is truly leading people in business and marketing in a new direction. Her courses show you how to have influence, visibility, and money without becoming a marketing douche.
Her work is centered on ethics, so all the material on selling, money, and mindset are as far from sleaze as can be. If you want to think of social media in a new way, try Social Media for Culture Makers. Or if you have a business and are stuck in the “I don’t want to charge anyone money for my work, but also I want all the money, but I feel like a jerk for charging, but I feel like a bigger jerk being constantly broke” cycle, try the Good Money course.
First Draft with Writing Class Radio
If you’re interested in personal essay or memoir, I can’t recommend the classes from Writing Class Radio enough. Allison and Andrea expert essayists and incredible teachers.
This isn’t a specific Black Friday sale, but it’s so affordable I have to include it. For First Draft, you can come to a class for free, then it’s $10 a class or $35 for the month. This includes workshopping your pieces and getting feedback, so it’s a wonderful way to sharpen your memoir writing.
Upwards & Onwards: The Career Breakthrough with Patricia Gestoso
Brand New Offer for Black Friday!
Patricia Gestoso knows how to help your career. She’s been on all the corporate ladders (in countries all over the globe) and is here to help women get the jobs, promotions, and raises they deserve.
Upwards & Onwards is her new 3 month coaching program. You get resources, live coaching, and accountability to move forward (even faster) in your career.
Heal Your Nervous System, Heal Your Life with Alice Kerby
Dr. Alice Kerby is offering an extremely helpful tool to ease your anxiety and calm your nervous system. She says it all better than I can, so:
“If you've tried 1001 times to:
reduce your stress
change old habits
feel centered and calm in your body
and STILL feel like you're missing something, you probably are!
Welcome to Heal your Nervous System, Heal your life. A 30 minute course that shows you the missing piece of the puzzle, and gives you practical ways to shift stress and un-ease.
Donations welcome! If you loved the course, venmo is appreciated @Alice-Kerby”
Write & Revise Poetry for Picture Books by Louanne Piccolo
As Louanne says,
“If you want to write in rhyme but you don't know your dactyl from your pterodactyl, this short rhyming course for beginners is for you. Learn to write stand-alone poetry for children or poetry for a rhyming picture book in three short modules covering meter, rhyme and rhyme crimes you don't want to commit. Pens up, poets!”
Start Your Newsletter in a Day: Self-Study
Live version was $1200. This is $599. No coupon code required.
It’s one of my courses! Hooray! The live version of Start Your Newsletter in a Day was a huge success, but not everybody can meet on one single day in PST to get their newsletters going. So, I made a self-study version.
The course is broken down into hours. So, you really can do it all in a day. Or do an hour every day for 5 days. All you do is press play on the video and you get all the guidance and writing time you need to get your newsletter off the ground.
The live course was $1200. The self-study is $600 (and you keep all the videos forever, including bonuses to keep your newsletter going strong). On sale on Black Friday!
Double Your Subscribers: Self-Study
“If only I could just do the marketing and not have to do the newsletter part!” If that’s you, don’t buy my class. Also, you’re a beautiful marketing unicorn and don’t let anyone tell you otherwise.
However, if you love your newsletter but aren’t sure how to grow your audience, Double Your Subscribers will…double your subscribers. This self-study course guides you through making a freebie to attract readers and 5 marketing tools you can use over and over to build your following. Fun Fact: Social media isn’t one of the ways. Okay, I mention social media, but truly it’s the tiniest part of the class and many people didn’t do a thing on Instgram or TikTok and still doubled their numbers.
There will be a live version of this class in the Spring (with live calls, feedback on your work, and accountability group) for $1500. But if you want to grow your audience now, get the self-study. Especially because it’s only $600 (or 3 payments of $200) from Black Friday - Cyber Monday only. The price goes up to $800 on November 28th.
Events
Pajama Planning Day by Michelle Ward
20%-50% off. Details released on Black Friday
Business planning and fun don’t typically go hand in hand, but Michelle makes it a blast. Join Michelle and other super nice people on Zoom for time to focus on your plans for 2024. This is perfect if you have your own business, but it also works well for writing goals or other big yearly plans.
The Virtual Pajama Party is from 12pm-5pm EST on December 9th.
Subscriptions & Memberships
Changing Lives Newsletter with Wendi Gordon
Annual Subscription Only $35. On sale through November.
“A newsletter for people who want to change lives, starting with their own.”
Advice, essays, and poetry about our ever changing lives, struggles, and ways we all try to improve. Join Wendi’s newsletter for her beautiful writing. Normally, an annual subscription is $50, but it’s only $35 through November.
Inner Circle Membership from Liz Medford
Liz writes Liz Explores, a Substack about mental health, infertility, and adventure. Then, the most special people get access to the Inner Circle, a membership where Liz shares her most personal stories, like her current series on adopting her son from foster care (I read one paragraph of it and needed to see the rest, so warning: it’s addictive. In a good way).
This is a pretty amazing deal, because Liz is giving you 30 days free. Just sign up for her Substack in November and you’ll automatically get premium access for a month.
The Middle Finger Project by Ash Ambirge
The Middle Finger Project book is a must read for anyone starting (or wanting to start) a creative career. Now, Ash is keeping us all up-to-date with her new Substack.
Ash is a master copywriter, online entrepreneur, and generally ridiculous person (meant as the highest form of compliment) and she shares it all in this weekly (sometimes more than weekly) newsletter. You’ll hear about her home renovation adventures in the middle of Pennsylvania and get extremely great business/creative advice.
I don’t know Ash personally (sad face for me), but I’m a fervent reader of her work/fan of her golden business advice. She’s not doing a specific Black Friday sale on her Substack, but you can get 2 months free if you sign up for the annual plan.
Giveaways for Kalen Williamson Patreon
Sign up for any tier for a chance to win free edits and other prizes
Kalen Williamson has a lot going on for the holidays on her Patreon and for as little as $4 a month, you can enjoy it all! You can win free edits, free stories, and everyone gets an invite to her Discord Christmas Party if you sign up in November.
Planners
Books & Planners by Sara Judith
20% Off Books. 50% Off upcoming digital planners. Use Code BOOKS20 and DIGITAL50 at checkout
Paper journals are great. I always buy about 14 more than I need. But a digital journal can be a perfect way to get into a new habit. And if there’s one habit to form in the new year, it’s gratitude.
The 13-year-old version of myself would roll my eyes so hard at that statement, I’d probably be partially paralyzed. But the 38-year-old version of me knows that gratitude and intention can change how you see the world. Sure, you’ll still acknowledge the parade of garbage that comes every news cycle. But there’s a lot of good too and focusing on it helps immensely.
Sara’s making it easy for us with 50% off her digital planners. Those will be available and on sale by Black Friday. In the meantime, you can check out her other books and trackers.
Yay! Business Planner by Michelle Ward
20%-50% off. Details revealed on Black Friday.
Michelle wore the Yay! crown long before I started my newsletter. Now, she’s put her enthusiasm and amazing tracking abilities in one lovely planner. It helps you look at your numbers and metrics without getting scared. Plus, you get to see your business grow throughout the year.
Card Decks
52 Seeds: A Year of Writing Growth by Priscilla Thomas
Priscilla is an amazing writer who’s helping other creatives write more through this beautiful prompt deck. In Priscilla’s words:
“This deck offers 52 invitations to nurture your words. Whether you’re feeling stuck, or you need a shape to rein in your creative output, or you’re looking for inspiration for your students or clients, take some of the work of getting started off your plate. Grab one for yourself, your classroom, and the creative people in your life.”
Mugs, Merch, & Such
Sharon Spell’s Official Merchandise Store
15% Off Anything with the code YDGTHANKS23
You need a “You’re Doing Great” mug. I have one. My husband uses it all the time. It’s lovely. And that’s just one of many delightful items in Sharon Spell’s Merchandise store.
I also have the long sleeved shirt and am very tempted to get the sweatshirt. Anyway, I love Sharon’s stuff and you should absolutely check it out. Be sure to use the code YDGTHANKS23 at checkout for 15% off.
Art Project LA by Christina Birdsall
10% Off Everything. Coupon automatically applied!
Christina Birdsall runs Art Project LA, home of adorable shirts. Yes, even her female reproductive organ t-shirt are adorable. Where else are you going to find a shirt that has a cartoon uterus with “Keep Out” written on it? Nowhere. You get 10% off the entire store and you don’t even need a coupon code, it’s automatically applied at checkout.
Non-Fiction Books
Not all of these books are on sale, but books are great and I’ll take any chance to promote some lovely titles. Also, the Amazon links are affiliate links. I wholeheartedly recommend the titles and I get to take money from Bezos. Wins all around!
A Gift That Keeps Giving: Me Power by LaNysha Adams, PhD
20% Off Author Signed Books with the code POD23
“Empower yourself and others with ME POWER! Dive into this empowering journey, unlock your potential, and gift the power of positive change to someone special.”
With this deal, you get a signed copy of the paperback (limited quantities), a bookmark, and an e-book for $25. LaNysha is an inspiration and this book is ideal to set you up for a great new year.
Permission to Kick Ass by Angie Colee
Only $1.99 when you preorder on Kindle
Angie Colee is not going to give you boring business advice. In fact, she's so sick of hearing the same basic, boring rules that she wrote to help you truly kick ass in your current or future business. Angie's legit as can be, she's worked with huge companies and started her own 6-figure business while traveling cross country and living in her car. This is a presale, so you'll get the book on November 27th.
Tarot for Writers eBook by Chelsey Pippin
Chelsey Pippin is a tarot expert, coach, and author and her latest book is devoted to helping writers. In Tarot for Writers, you get 30 days of tarot inspired prompts, plus spreads, tarot info, and other delights.
The Dominion Archive Series by Amy Tector
Research and murder! In the Dominion Archive series, it’s a beautiful match. Amy has 2 of 3 books of the series out now with the final edition coming soon. So, it’s a great time to catch up with the first 2 novels and be ready for the final mystery when it’s released in April.
Unfollow Your Passion by Terri Trespicio
This book should be taught in schools! “Follow your passion” is generic, harmful advice and Terri debunks it all (and shows you how to make your life better now) in Unfollow Your Passion.
Terri’s writing is imeditately relatable, trustworthy, and you know she knows more than you. In the best way. Her writing is vivid and the exercises in the book will help you get away from the “live your dreams!” advice that’s keeps you stuck.
Tough Titties by Laura Belgray
This isn’t a “holiday read” but it’s perfect for the holidays. Meaning, you’ll love Laura’s essays on growing up in New York City and finding a very circuitous path to success. If you feel like a late bloomer or wonder if you should have a better “plan,” Laura is proof that isn’t necessary.
It’s great for the holidays because it’s a quick read and perfect for when you need to hide from your family for a few minutes and get your mind off of Uncle Rick’s glowing opinion of Ron DeSantis.
Have Yourself a Movie Little Christmas by Alonso Duralde
This is as Christmas-y as you can get. If you’re tired of watching Elf over and over, let film critic Alonso Duralde guide you through a huge array of holiday movies. Even though this originally came out a few years ago, it’s still incredibly comprehensive (and if you want more info on the Hallmark Christmas movies, get I’ll Be Home For Christmas Movies).
Novels
This is a very random selection of books I loved this year.
Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt
My favorite novel of the year! One of the characters is an octopus. It’s not annoying or cutesy, just a fascinating character from under the sea. There are humans too, don’t worry. It all comes together for a moving, sweet tale. Though there’s some melancholy in the beginning, it’s ends sweetly (in case you’re not in the mood for moodiness).
Regrettably, I am About to Cause Trouble by Amie McNee
Mentioned above for you wonderful courses, Amie McNee is also a terrific novelist. First of all, the title can’t be beat. Second of all, this is a lovely tale of history, witchiness, and humor that makes you wish the book were 200 pages longer.
Montpelier Parade by Karl Geary
This is sad as hell! Don’t read this if you don’t want to be sad. But, it’s beautiful. This book stayed with me, I often think about it, and sometimes think “hey what happened to that guy, oh right he was a fictional character.”
Written in second person, set in Ireland, and covering a doomed relationship, Montpelier Parade is a haunting look at a brief time in a 16-year-olds life.
Murder in an Irish Village by Carlene O’Connor
Do I love this series just because I wish I lived in a small Irish town and made great brown bread while solving murders? Perhaps. But anyone in the mood for a cozy mystery that’s not too cutesy will adore this series. Murder in an Irish Village is the first book, but I started with the Christmas murder novel and loved it, so pick the title that interests you and take a trip to Eire.