Essential Writing Tools for Freelancers
It's the 21st century, and as freelance writers we have a wealth of new writing tools and technology available that will help us to do our jobs more effectively. Here are some of the tools I find most useful as a freelance writer.
Digital recorder
Remember the old days? You'd go to an interview with a tape recorder. It might or might not work and even if it did, you could ruin the tape getting it out of the machine. Those days are behind us, thanks to digital technology. Whether you have a tiny recorder that attaches to your belt loop or recording facilities on your PDA, you can now record your interview, transfer it to your computer and take excerpts to use as podcasts. As always, make sure your device is fully charged before setting off to do an interview, and take a power cable or charger just in case.
VRS
Voice-recognition software is the writer's friend. It's no longer a case of hoping that the software gets most of what you say. Many of the voice-recognition software packages work out of the box, which means that you can dictate your articles and save your wrists. This could be a lifesaver for writers who are prone to tendonitis. It also allows you to think aloud and still capture your best ideas.
Laptop
Desktop PCs were a great invention, making computer power available to everyone. But since writers often have to go out to work, having a portable model is even easier. I couldn't do without my laptop, as I can work anywhere. Most freelance writers take their laptop on vacation so that they can check their e-mail and respond to any urgent requests.
WiFi
Where would we be without wireless Internet access? Whether you can find a free access point or have to pay for a connection, having WiFi on your laptop or PDA means that you can connect anytime and anywhere. There are more and more access points all the time, in locations all over the world. That means that your location is no longer a barrier to making a living as a writer.
VOIP phone
Voice over IP (VOIP) lets you make phone calls over the internet. The calls are much cheaper and, since the advent of truly fast Internet, clear and comprehensible. For the writer on the go, there's no better way to be sure of not missing a call or being able to make one. A VOIP phone and an account puts you in control of communication with clients.
Writing Markets Articles, Videos & HowTos
The key to finding and capitalizing on freelance writing opportunities starts with knowing what you write best and who has a need for it.
Here are five freelance writing lessons that will help you to make your freelance writing business a success.
The modern freelance writer has to be able to write Web content, and that means making sure that your writing for the Web skills are up to par. Luckily, there's an easy way to do this. As a bonus, you can get your name in print, get paid to write and build a following. All you have to do is write reviews.
If you are a freelancer, it's essential that you are setting writing goals for yourself. Here are three writing goals that will help you find the time you need to get your freelancing career off the ground.
Here are the basics of copyright law for freelance writers.
The key to finding and capitalizing on freelance writin...read more
Mindspark™ properties: 