Our writing instructors give you that extra leg up in the complicated, ever-evolving world of journalism and publishing. The Write Like A Honey Badger (WHLB) team is available for private career coaching, individualized classes, pitch-coaching, and developmental editing. Whether you want a one-on-one crash course on compelling travel pitches or to take your work from local papers to the big time, our team has been there and knows the ropes.

We customize independent study programs to help you achieve your goals (and will help you set those goals, too, if need be). Students can choose their coach or simply send a note about their needs. Our team will offer suggestions about which instructor is best positioned to walk you through the process.

Through the independent study program, students can select what they’re looking to know more about and how they’d like to learn it. Options for individualized learning include:

• • Independent study — take any Write Like a Honey Badger class that our founder Amanda Castleman teaches with one-on-one instruction. $140/week consecutive, $175/week at your own pace
  • Developmental line-edit — 12 cents a word for the first draft and 8 cents a word for additional edits (discounts available for longer, on-going projects). The feedback includes copyediting and fact checking suggestions, and can be done in Word or Google Docs. Please reserve a date in advance or expect a turnaround in five business days. This service includes one email exchange of follow-up questions.
  • Condensing documents — $2 for each percent of trimming
  • Portfolio review — A critique of your biography and website. Advice on tactics and your authorial persona. This includes two rounds of questions by email or a half-hour call, $200
  • Phone or teleconference coaching — $270 for 90 continuous minutes

  
  Potential topics for individual sessions include:

  • Help identifying story ideas and angles
  • Goal setting for the short and long term
  • Pep talks in the face of tough rejections
  • Managing a successful freelance business
  • Reporting and interview tactics — and overcoming any yips
  • Perfecting pitches (up to three max. Together they should be less than 1,000 words)
  • How to choose the best outlets for your beats or specific pieces (and guidance on finding submission guidelines and editorial contacts)

We will generate PayPal invoices for any services that don’t have enrollment links above.

Please reach out to our founder Amanda with any questions: amanda@writelikeahoneybadger.com.

 Praise for Write Like A Honey Badger’s private coaching

“Amanda Castleman looked over a 6,000-word piece I was doing for National Geographic Traveler. Plain and simple, her comments and suggestions were the best I have ever seen from any editor, anywhere. Amanda’s a genius.”  — Edward Readicker-Henderson, Winner of multiple Lowell Thomas Awards

“A fine-toothed-comb edit like [Amanda’s] is hard to find. I can’t wait to get started revising: it’s like being told the cheat to a Sonic the Hedgehog game at school and rushing home to test it out!” — Simon Willis

“I’ve always admired Amanda’s work and so when I reached out to her to be my editor, I was beyond honored when she accepted. And I’m so glad I did because I’ve learned so much and am a much stronger writer for it.” — Lola Akinmade

“Naomi’s coaching has been essential in moving my writing career in the direction I’ve hoped after only a few months. She understands the nuances of dealing with different editors in the food and travel realm, is very responsive and open about her knowledge, and knows how to write an engaging pitch that will sell.”

“It’s always so invigorating spending time with [Naomi Tomky] and I love her straightforward, honest feedback.”