Akshata Shanbhag
Editorial Strategist + Writer
Editorial strategy and writing about the world of work
"Productivity" feels repulsive to many because it focuses on doing more rather than working better, and readers are tired of the usual work and productivity content that passes itself off as helpful.For editorial teams, the challenge is figuring out what’s actually worth saying when so much has already been said, and how to turn that into stories people remember and share.That's where I come in — as an editorial strategist shaping those stories, or as a writer executing them when the direction is already clear.I focus on small teams, solopreneurs, and digital nomads rather than large enterprises and corporate environments.
Services
Editorial strategy:
Ideal if your team needs editorial clarity before content productionI help you figure out what to publish and why it matters, before anything gets written.This includes:- identifying content gaps, untapped angles, and fresh themes
- developing editorial direction and story clusters
- turning broad topics into clear, publishable story ideas
- planning a content roadmap for streamlined execution
- creating briefs and outlines for writers or internal teams
Writing
Ideal if your team already knows what it wants, and needs strong executionI write feature articles and essays that explore how people actually work, and how they can work better, based on original, experience-led perspectives, including my own.
Testimonials
"I’ve worked with Akshata for a better part of a decade and I can whole-heartedly vouch for her. She’s talented, dedicated, meticulous, savvy, and efficient. Over the years, we’ve implemented several workflows together and Akshata played a huge role in ensuring success. She’s a very driven person, and as a writer, editor, analyst or coordinator. Akshata can execute any role seamlessly. I’ve worked with her in every capacity and again, I fully vouch for her."
~ Jackson Chung, CEO at MakeUseOf | CTO at Time+Tide Watches
"It was always always a pleasure to see one of Akshata’s articles land in my editing queue. Editing her work was a breeze, thanks to her attention to detail, knowledge of Apple platforms, and clear writing style.As an editor, I could have confidence that any article Akshata authored would do the topic justice. She’s excellent at what she does, which makes the editor’s job straightforward."
~ Ben Stegner, Deputy Editor & Onboarding Manager at MakeUseOf
"I had the pleasure of working with Akshata during her time as a freelance writer at MUO, where she contributed to the Productivity section.Akshata is a quick learner with a keen eye for detail. She consistently delivered high-quality work, always meeting deadlines with minimal edits required. Her positive attitude and responsiveness to feedback made collaboration a seamless experience.Later at Make Tech Easier, Akshata showcased her skills in keyword research and handled tasks with reliability and ease. I highly recommend Akshata for her dedication, professionalism, and strong work ethic."
~ Christina Sieber Windows and Productivity Editor at MakeUseOf
"Akshata was a keyword researcher at Make Tech Easier, and she is the most target-driven and motivated person I have ever worked with. She is a quick learner and is always keen to take on new jobs and tasks. Akshata can work without supervision and her quality of work often exceeds what is expected of her. I highly recommend Akshata for her professionalism and positive work attitude."
Damien Oh, Owner at Make Tech Easier
About
Hi, I’m Akshata. I've spent the past decade in online publishing, writing for sites like MakeUseOf and Lifewire, and helping shape content strategy at MakeTechEasier and Time and Tide Watches.Over time, I’ve built an instinct for spotting strong story opportunities, refining editorial direction, and developing articles that work for both readers and publishers. My focus is on editorial strategy and story-led writing rather than keyword-driven content production.Through my work I explore:- Productivity systems and workflows
- Tools, habits, and digital work culture
- Knowledge work and deep workWhen I’m not working, I'm usually going down an internet rabbit hole, browsing a market, or taking a nap. My party trick? Reciting the alphabet backwards.
Writing Portfolio
- Find the Perfect Note-Taking App With This Checklist
- What Happens When You Quit Social Media? I Found Out
- The Irresistible Appeal of Old Technology: Why We Struggle to Let Go
- How to Use a Bullet Journal in Trello to Plan Your Day
- What Happened When I Went Completely Offline for a Week
- How to Use Your Journal App as the Perfect Productivity Planner
- 4 Ways To Take The Stress Out Of Productivity
Hire Me for Editorial Strategy or Writing
I’m currently open to a small number of ongoing clients. Click the button below to send an email to [email protected]. I'd love to hear from you.