Freelance writers’ hands are their livelihood. Now that the notebook and pen have given way to the keyboard and mouse, it is all too easy for writers to damage the essential tools of their trade. Wrist tendonitis can strike at any time. One day you’re putting the finishing touches on a written masterpiece, the next you can barely move your hand. It’s an inflammation of the tendons brought on by repetitive motion, and you can’t get much more repetitive than typing. So how can freelance writers cope with their work if it strikes?

Reschedule your deadlines
If you’ve been writing for a while, you’ve probably got a good relationship with several repeat clients. If you have always delivered great work in the past and have met all your deadlines, then your clients will be understanding if illness puts you out of commission for a while. Tell your clients why their writing job is being delayed. In most cases you’ll find them sympathetic.

Pass it on
If a client really can’t wait, then it’s time to call in reinforcements. This is where networking with other writers through groups, forums, chats and meetings will really pay off. It’s essential for writers to have a supportive network of writing friends. One of these will be glad to help you if you have an urgent deadline that you just can’t meet. This means that you can keep your client happy and still have a chance of getting future work. When you outsource work make sure that you give a clear brief as you are ultimately responsible for delivering a job that meets your client’s needs.

Go virtual
If you’ve hurt your hand, then a computer program may be your new best friend. With voice-recognition software you can dictate your article and save your wrists. Think of it as a virtual secretary, but don’t expect it to get everything right on the first day on the job. The more time you spend training your voice-recognition software, the more accurate it will be; however, you will need to proofread, because errors can creep in. Keep your eyes peeled and don’t rely on the spell checker. Of course, you could also record your words and hire an assistant to transcribe the recording.

Looking after your hands
These three strategies will enable you to keep your writing career going even if you can’t do all the typing yourself. However, it would be even better if you manage to avoid tendonitis in the first place. There are a couple of things that you can do to avoid putting undue strain on your hands and wrists.

First of all, get an ergonomic keyboard. The keys are spaced slightly differently to reduce the strain on your hands and wrists. Make sure that the keyboard is at the right height. You should be able to type comfortably without holding your hands too high or leaning on the keyboard shelf. Getting the right kind of chair and desk will help you to achieve this.

Second, take regular breaks. Getting up for five to ten minutes every couple of hours is also recommended. Both of these actions might save you a lot of pain later.