If you’re feeling like your freelance business is shifting beneath your feet—but you can’t quite name what’s changed—you’re not alone. Most writers sense something is different… but they don’t know how to respond strategically.
In this solo episode, I dive into what I believe is the real driver behind the changes we’re seeing in the freelance writing space. Yes, the economy has cooled, and that’s still a big factor, since marketing is one of the first areas to get cut when business is slow. But AI is now playing a much bigger role than most writers realize. And the pace of disruption is happening much faster than we’re used to.
I break down the data, the two dominant schools of thought about where AI is taking us, and the five predictions I’m making about the next 18 months. More importantly, I share what I believe you can do right now to adapt and thrive, no matter where you stand on the AI debate.
Whether you’ve been avoiding AI, tinkering with tools randomly, or wondering how to respond to market shifts… this episode will help you make sense of it all and chart a path forward with confidence.
What You’ll Learn
- What’s really behind the shrinking pool of freelance writing work, and how AI factors in
- The “two schools of thought” on AI’s long-term impact (and which side I lean toward)
- Why capability gaps (not talent) are quietly holding writers back
- What makes this wave of disruption different from anything we’ve ever faced before
- Five bold predictions about AI and the freelance market between now and the end of 2026.
Key Insights and Takeaways
The Economy Isn’t the Whole Story
Yes, budgets are tighter. But the shift we’re seeing in client behavior and referral flow can’t be explained by economics alone. AI is already changing how content is created and reshaping client expectations behind the scenes.
You’re Not Just Competing with Other Writers
You’re competing with writers plus AI, and clients don’t always realize that’s what’s happening. But they do notice faster turnaround times, deeper insights, and stronger strategy. That’s the new baseline.
The Problem Isn’t Tools, It’s Random Tool Use
Most writers are reacting to AI passively or using it without a clear strategy. That only leads to frustration and overwhelm. The ones who are thriving are using AI to systematically identify and close capability gaps—areas they previously avoided due to a lack of experience or confidence.
Exponential Change Is Hard to See… Until It Isn’t
We’ve moved from the “gradually” phase to the “suddenly” phase of change. Each new model is doubling the power of the last. If you’re still measuring AI by what it could do six months ago, you’re behind.
The 18-Month Window
We’re entering a short window where positioning yourself strategically—through capability expansion, not random experimentation—can lead to exponential growth. But that window is closing fast. Writers who miss it may find themselves permanently behind.
Action Steps You Can Take This Week
- Identify Your Competitive Blind Spot
Is there a type of project, industry, or strategic conversation you avoid because you feel underqualified? That’s your gap. Write it down.
- Use AI to Explore That Gap
Leverage tools like ChatGPT or Claude to research the format, reverse-engineer a successful project, or role-play a strategic conversation you’d normally avoid.
- Reframe How You Think About Your Capabilities
Instead of saying “That’s not what I do,” ask, “If I had the right support, could I deliver excellent results here?”
- Pick One Gap to Work on Systematically
You don’t have to fix everything overnight. But momentum starts with a single capability. Choose one, and take the first step.
Memorable Soundbites
- “The disruption is happening faster than most writers can process because our brains aren’t wired for exponential change.”
- We’re not at the beginning of the chessboard anymore. We’re nearly halfway there.”
- “You’re competing with writers plus AI, not just with other writers.”
- “The tools stay invisible, but the performance gap becomes obvious.”
- “This isn’t about learning tools randomly. It’s about using AI systematically to close your biggest capability gaps.”
- “Six months from now, you’ll either be expanding your capabilities or watching the gap between you and your competitors widen.”
- “You don’t have to become an AI cheerleader to respond strategically. You just have to be honest about what the market is telling you.”
- “Hope is not a strategy. Especially when the ground is shifting this fast.”
If this episode struck a chord, I’d be honored if you shared it with a fellow writer or freelancer. Until next time, keep writing, keep adapting, and keep building the business you actually want—not just the one you think you’re stuck with.
Sources Mentioned & Quoted
Microsoft Study: Jobs Most Vulnerable to AI Include Teaching, Writing, Sales
Silicon Valley investor Vinod Khosla predicts AI will replace 80% of jobs by 2030
‘White-Collar Bloodbath’: Anthropic Warns of AI Job Losses
Tech Industry Faces Another Wave of Layoffs in 2025: AI and Economic Pressures Drive the Change
GenAI’s unexpected impact: Disrupting high-skilled tech jobs, too
How artificial intelligence can help American workers
Complement or substitute? How AI increases the demand for human skills
Inside the ‘Winning the AI Race’ Summit
Silicon Valley stifled the AI doom movement in 2024
2025: the year companies prepare to disrupt how work gets done
Superagency in the workplace: Empowering people to unlock AI’s full potential
By the way… whenever you’re ready, here are 4 ways I can help you grow your freelance business:
1. Claim your free book:
Discover the secrets to a thriving writing career in Earn More in Less Time: The Proven Mindset, Strategies and Actions to Prosper as a Freelance Writer. — Download your FREE copy
2. Stop losing projects to better-equipped writers
My AI Advantage Hub gives you new and proven capabilities every month that make you more confident and competitive — better research skills, stronger writing, smarter client conversations, creative problem-solving, and the confidence to say yes to opportunities you’d normally decline. It’s your monthly system for expanding what’s possible in your business. — Learn More
3. Work with me for 90 days
Need a trusted “sparring” partner to tackle your most pressing business challenges? I occasionally offer an intensive 90-day coaching program for freelancers at all income levels. We work together 1-on-1 to identify your most critical business obstacles, come up with innovative solutions and develop a customized, actionable plan. Email me at ed@b2blauncher.com with “90-Day Accelerator” in the subject line to learn more.
4. Banish 6-figure burnout
One of my core specialties is helping 6-figure freelancers earn more in less time with less stress. If you’re at that income level but you’re burning out and want to create a business that actually serves you, let’s connect. Email me at ed@b2blauncher.com and put “Boardroom” in the subject line and I’ll get back to you with more details.
