VANESSA CHIASSON - FREELANCE WRITER & COACH
  • Home
  • Meet Vanessa
  • Portfolio
  • Coaching
  • Book a Call
Vanessa sits at a desk, smiling, and wearing a lavender blouse and a sage green cardigan. In one hand she holds a beige ceramic mug while in the other she holds a pen and a journal is open. A decorative owl sits on the table.
I spent years building a freelance writing career that looked sustainable from the outside—but didn’t always feel steady on the inside.

I was working consistently, meeting deadlines, and finding opportunities. But behind the scenes, there was a constant undercurrent of uncertainty: what to focus on next, how to handle rejection, how to move forward with more intention instead of simply reacting to what came my way. Over time, I began to approach my work differently. I built structures that supported my creative process, clarified my direction, and made the day-to-day realities of freelancing feel more manageable. 

That shift is what shapes my coaching today.

I work with freelance writers and creative professionals who want to feel more grounded in their careers, refining their direction, strengthening their pitching approach, and building a more sustainable way of working. 

Not sure where to start? Most people begin with a single session or a pitch review, and move into deeper support from there. 
​I also offer free 15-minute discovery calls.​
Book Your FREE 15 minute Discovery Call

Fix My Pitch!

Have a story you’re excited about—but your pitch isn’t quite landing?

A strong idea can easily get lost in an unclear or underdeveloped pitch. Sometimes, a thoughtful second set of eyes makes all the difference. I'll review your pitch with clarity, care, and candour, offering specific, practical feedback you can act on right away. ​Whether you’re targeting a specific publication or keeping your options open, I’ll help you shape a pitch that is focused, compelling, and adaptable.

You’ll receive:
  • a detailed review of your pitch
  • at least five clear, actionable suggestions for improvement
  • written examples to show exactly how to strengthen your approach

This service is designed to be simple and flexible:
  • no live call required
  • we connect via email
  • I work directly in Google Docs
  • typical turnaround is a few days (we’ll confirm timing in advance)

Investment: $50 (+HST)

Rush option (24-hour turnaround, when available): $100
Email Vanessa!

The Focused Feedback Session

Picture
Need clarity — fast?

This one-hour session is designed to help you get unstuck, make decisions, and move forward with confidence. Whether you’re working on a story, shaping a pitch, or sorting through a long list of questions, we’ll use our time to focus on what matters most.

What we can tackle together
Writers use these sessions for things like:
  • developing or pressure-testing a story idea
  • refining a pitch before sending it out
  • figuring out where (and whether) to pitch
  • working through structure, sourcing, or next steps
  • getting quick, honest answers to pressing questions
Including:
  • Is this a viable story?
  • Where could this land?
  • Should I pursue this—or pivot?
  • What’s the smartest next move here?
You’re also welcome to bring a “pick my brain” list—we’ll move through as much as we can in our time together.

Why this session works
  • You get immediate clarity
          We focus on what’s most important right now—no overwhelm, no overthinking.
  • You make real progress in a short time
          This isn’t a vague conversation. We’ll dig in, problem-solve, and move things forward.
  • You leave with direction

This is a great fit if:
  • you’re feeling stuck or unsure what to do next
  • you want expert input before pitching or moving forward
  • you have specific questions and want clear, thoughtful answers
  • you’re curious about working together but not ready to commit to a package

Investment: $179 (+HST) for a 60-minute session
Book Now

The Focus and Flourish Package

Picture
If you’re working on a story, a pitch, or a direction in your writing career—and you don’t want to figure it all out alone—this is for you.

These three 60-minute sessions give us the time and space to dig into your ideas, refine your pitches, and build momentum together. Instead of a one-off conversation, we get to follow your work as it evolves, strengthening it step by step. This is where a lot of writers see real progress.

What we can work on
Most clients use these sessions for:
  • developing and refining story ideas
  • shaping and strengthening pitches
  • figuring out where (and whether) to pitch
  • getting unstuck on structure, sourcing, or direction
  • asking the “in-between” questions that don’t have easy answers
Questions like:
  • Is this a story?
  • Is it too late to pitch this?
  • Where could this land?
  • How do I find the right source?

We’ll work through those together—with clarity and momentum.

Why this package works
  • You build momentum
          We’re not starting from scratch each time. I get to know your work, your voice, and your goals, so each session builds on the last.
  • You stay accountable
          You’ll leave each session with clear next steps, so your ideas don’t stall between calls.
  • You get thoughtful, ongoing feedback
         After each session, I’ll follow up with notes, suggestions, and optional exercises via email to keep things moving.

Flexible by design
While many writers use this package for story and pitch development, we can also use our time for:
  • bigger-picture career direction
  • business and workflow strategy
  • navigating relationships with editors
  • or anything else that supports your writing life

Investment: $449 (+HST) for three 60-minute sessions
Book Now
Read More Testimonials From Past Clients

Lean In To LinkedIn 

LinkedIn doesn’t have to feel performative, awkward, or overly corporate.

If you’ve ever thought:
  • I know I should be on LinkedIn, but I don’t know what to say
  • I don’t want to sound like everyone else
  • How do I show what I do—without feeling like I’m selling all the time?
This session is for you!

In our 60-minute session, we’ll create a LinkedIn presence that feels natural, intentional, and aligned with how you actually want to show up, whether you’re a writer, a creative, or working in a more traditional role.

I'll help you to
  • Clarify your purpose
           Why LinkedIn? Who do you want to reach and what do you want to be known for?
  • Shape your positioning
          We’ll refine how you present your experience, skills, and perspective so your profile feels clear, cohesive, and credible.
  • Create a realistic content approach
          No content treadmill, no “thought leader” pressure. Just a simple, sustainable plan for what to share (and how often).
  • Build an engagement strategy
          What to say, where to show up, and how to interact in a way that feels genuine.
​
What you’ll leave with
  • a clearer, more confident sense of how to show up on LinkedIn
  • practical, low-lift ideas you can implement right away
  • a short, manageable list of profile updates and next steps
This is a great fit if:
  • you want a stronger LinkedIn presence but don’t want to feel “sales-y”
  • your profile doesn’t reflect where you’re at now (or where you’re going)
  • you’re curious how LinkedIn could support your work—but need clarity
  • you want thoughtful guidance without corporate jargon or pressure

Investment: $179 (+HST) for a 60-minute session
YES! I need LinkedIn help!

Mini Social Media Audit

CA$9.00
Buy Now

Privacy Policy DIY Template

CA$49.00
Buy Now

On Sale

On Sale

Travel Budget List

CA$9.00 CA$0.00
Buy Now
Picture
GDPR Compliance
For Canadian Small Business and Bloggers
Get on Amazon

Powered by Create your own unique website with customizable templates.
  • Home
  • Meet Vanessa
  • Portfolio
  • Coaching
  • Book a Call