As a freelance writer, things can get hectic pretty quick. Having the right resources to help you stay organized can make your life a lot easier.
There are a few tools for freelance writers that should always be accessible to build your brand, get more work, and deliver the best results. Here are some must-haves:
1. Grammar Corrector
No one’s perfect, right? From time to time, you may stumble on the correct way to write something. That’s to be expected. Grammarly can assist. It catches over 250 mistakes and provides word choice suggestions to improve readability. It’s free on the Chrome, Safari, and Firefox browsers, or you can purchase the premium version.
2. Portfolio/Website
Potential clients want to see what you have to offer. Having a writing portfolio or website that showcases the work you’ve done enhances your brand, increases your credibility, and can help you land those jobs.
3. Agreement for Services
Once you land a client, it’s time to get down to business. There should be a writing agreement in place for every client you work for to outline the scope of work, and protect you in the event they do not honor their obligations. This will also help you with timelines and scheduling.
4. Plagiarism Checker
The last thing you want to do is be accused of plagiarism. One of the ways to make sure you’re always compliant is to use a plagiarism checker. This will keep you out of hot water and protect your brand. There are a number of programs (free and paid) that are available.
5. Word Counter
It’s important to vary your word choices. Wordcounter is a quick and easy way to combat repetitive words. Just enter your text, choose your settings, and you will have a simple assessment of the words you may have overused.
These are just a few effective tips for freelance writers that can boost your productivity and keep you sane.
Oh – one last thing. If you ever get writer’s block, there’s a solution for that too.
Take these tips, grab your coffee, and write on!
Allaire W is a freelance writer for WriterAccess, specializing in business, academic, legal, literary, entertainment, social media and niche marketing content.
