Freelance Writing Resources Every Writer Needs

The freelance writing space is quite competitive, and every writer must stay on their toes to survive and thrive.

However, many writers hit a dead end often because they don’t have enough freelance writing resources or don’t know the right tools to use in their freelancing business.

In this blog post, I highlight some of the best freelance writing resources every writer needs to build a thriving freelance writing career. From writing and editing tools to productivity tools and job marketplaces, I’ve got you covered.

Whether you’re a seasoned or a new freelance writer, these invaluable tools will empower you to take your craft to the next level.

Essential Freelance Writing Resources for Writers

As a writer, you often find yourself juggling between multiple clients, handling multiple projects, and chasing deadlines. Without the right resources and top-notch management skills, you can easily lose your mind.

This first set of resources is what I call “Essential writing resources” since every serious writer must have them in their toolkit. 

They fall under three main categories:

1. Writing and Editing Tools

These are the tools you use for the actual writing process to deliver content to your clients.

Whether you’re a copywriter, a blog articles writer, or write social media content, you need at least one writing tool and one editing tool to submit quality work.

Examples of writing and editing tools you can use include:

• Microsoft Word: A word processing software for writing, editing, and formatting content. I love Microsoft 365!
• Google Docs: A cloud-based content editor (many clients prefer this)
• Grammarly: Helps you edit your work to eliminate spelling, punctuation, and grammatical errors.
• Hemingway App: Analyzes readability of your content and suggests areas for improvement.
• ProWritingAid: Analyzes your content for errors in grammar, spelling, punctuation, and writing style.
• AI writing tool: To help you get content ideas, create outlines faster and speed up your research process. There are several AI writing tools you can use on the internet. Some of them include ChatGPT, Jasper, Surfer AI, and Copy.ai, among others.

2. Time Management and Productivity Tools

Effective time management is a skill that every writer who wants to stay in business for the long run must have. 

This is because your clients will always expect you to deliver work on time. Unnecessary delays will get you fired and replaced faster than you can imagine.

Fortunately, there are resources that can help you effectively manage time and boost your productivity. They include:

• Trello: This is a project management software that helps you organize your writing tasks, set deadlines, and track progress efficiently. 
• Asana: Another versatile project management platform that allows you to collaborate with clients, set timelines, and maintain a clear oversight of your projects.
• Clickup: You can use this tool to create daily to-do lists, set priorities, and get reminders so you can stay on top of your work.

3. Communication and Collaboration Tools

Effective communication and collaboration are also essential for a successful freelance writing business.

These tools help you update your clients about a project, ask questions, and share ideas if you work with a team.

Some of the best communication and collaboration tools for freelance writers include:

• Slack: A team communication platform that enables real-time messaging, file sharing, and group discussions.
• Zoom: A popular video conferencing tool you can use for virtual meetings, interviews, and client consultations.
• Google Workspace: A group of cloud-based productivity and collaboration tools, including Gmail, Google Drive, Google Calendar, Google Meet, and more.

Resources for Writing Inspiration and Creativity

Writer’s block hits from time to time.

It’s not strange to find yourself staring at a blank page, not knowing what to write or how to start writing.

That’s why, as a freelance writer, it’s essential to have a set of tools to inspire your creativity and help you maintain a constant flow of ideas.

Thankfully, there is a plethora of freelance writing resources on the internet you can use to spark your imagination and fuel your creativity. 

Here are some of the best:

1. Websites and Tools for Generating Content Ideas

Some websites you can refer to for engaging and interesting content ideas include:

• BuzzSumo: This is a powerful content research tool that allows you to explore trending topics and viral content. You can refer to this platform to discover relevant and shareable ideas to use in your writing projects.

• Answer the Public: Another unique platform that generates content ideas by analyzing search queries and presenting them as visually engaging mind maps. The tool can give you insights into what questions your target audience is asking about a topic. You can then create content that comprehensively answers these questions.

• Quora: This is an interactive platform where users ask and answer questions on various topics. It’s a goldmine that can provide great inspiration for your writing.

• Pinterest: This image-based social media platform can serve as a treasure trove of creative inspiration. From this platform, you can get great ideas for blog posts, visual content, and creative storytelling.

2. Writing Prompts and Exercises

Apart from content ideas, you also need resources that can help you get thoughtful writing prompts, contests, and exercises to sharpen your writing skills, especially if you’re a creative writer.

Some of them include:

• Writing Prompts Subreddit: A Subreddit with engaging discussions where you can get diverse and thought-provoking prompts for your creative writing projects.
• 750 Words: If you want to develop a consistent writing habit, this website has timed writing exercises you can take as your daily writing practice.
• The Writer’s Digest creative writing prompts: Writer’s Digest also offers a range of creative writing prompts that span across various genres, styles, and themes. 

You can always use the platform to take engaging writing exercises and ignite your creativity.

Freelance Writing Resources for Improving Writing Skills

Continuous improvement is a vital concept in the world of freelance writing.

Whether you’re an amateur or a veteran in the writing industry, it’s always essential to learn new skills and update and improve your existing skills.

Fortunately, there is also a wide range of resources that can help you with growth, development, and self-improvement.

Here are some of them:

1. Writing Courses and Workshops

For you to keep thriving as a freelance writer, I always recommend taking at least one writing course every three months.

There are several free and paid writing courses you can find on learning platforms like Udemy, Coursera, and MasterClass.

Finding the right course can make all the difference when it comes to developing your writing skills, finding clients, and earning a decent income writing online.

From my years of experience, I share the secrets that have worked for me through my journey as a newbie and now an expert writer in my Exclusive Freelance Writing Course.

So far, writers say it’s the best in the market, with some practical tips on how to succeed in the freelance writing industry.

2. Grammar and Style Guides

To deliver high-quality content, you need a firm grasp of grammar rules and a consistent writing style.

Otherwise, you’ll keep delivering lousy and fluffy content that clients won’t love.

Examples of resources you can refer to for authoritative guidance on grammar rules and writing conventions include:

• The Elements of Style by Strunk and White (This book is so cheap it’s almost free)
• The AP Stylebook

 These guides will help you write content that’s clear, precise, and free of fluff.

3. Writing Communities and Feedback Platforms

Joining writing communities can be a transformative experience for any writer.

Apart from communities on social platforms like Facebook, you can also find highly engaging groups and workshops on platforms like Scribophile and Wattpad.

They offer supportive environments where you can share your work, receive constructive feedback from fellow writers, and engage in insightful critiques.

You can use the feedback you get from these platforms to hone your writing skills, discover your strengths, and identify areas for improvement.

4. Books on Writing

Books are invaluable resources that contain evergreen advice.

If you love reading (and every writer should!), there’s a wide range of books dedicated to the craft of writing. Each of these books offers unique insights and practical advice from accomplished writers.

Some of the most popular books that inspire writers of all levels include:

• The Elements of Style by Strunk and White (So cheap but very useful)
• On Writing Well by William Zinser
• Bird by Bird by Anne Lamott
• The Freelance Content Marketing Writer by Jennifer Goforth Gregory
• The War of Art by Steven Pressfield

Freelance Writing Resources for Business Needs

If you’re not employed anywhere, and freelance writing is your full-time job, then you need to treat it like a business.

That means you have to put as much effort into the business side of things.

Since you run a one-person business, you need efficient tools and platforms that simplify administrative tasks, establish your professional brand, and effectively market your services. 

Here are the resources that can help you handle these tasks with ease:

1. Invoicing and Payment Platforms

We all write to earn money, right? 

That’s why you have to establish well-streamlined ways of receiving payment from your clients after delivering satisfying work.

Some of the best invoicing and payment tools you need, especially when dealing with international clients, include:

• Wise (formerly TransferWise): This is the best cross-border payment platform so far! It offers cost-effective international transactions, making it ideal if you work with clients worldwide.
• PayPal: Another user-friendly payment platform that allows you to send invoices and receive international payments securely.
• Payoneer: This payment platform offers better transfer rates than PayPal and is also more secure.
• Zoho Invoice: This is a feature-rich invoicing software that enables you to create professional invoices and accept various payment methods with ease.
• FreshBooks: Another comprehensive invoicing and accounting software that can help you streamline invoicing and manage client billing.

2. Personal Branding and Marketing Resources

As mentioned, personal branding and marketing are critical parts of managing your freelance writing business.

Here are some essential tools you need for these tasks:

A Website

A personal website is one of the most valuable assets for a writer. It enables you to showcase your writing samples, services, testimonials, and contact information for clients to find you easily.

You can easily build your writer’s website on user-friendly platforms like WordPress, Wix, and Squarespace.

Portfolio

Even without a website, you can create an impressive portfolio that showcases your best work and highlights your expertise to capture potential clients’ attention.

Some amazing platforms for hosting your portfolio include Contently, Behance, Journo Portfolio,  Carbonmade, and Portfoliobox.

Social Media

Use social media platforms like LinkedIn, X, and Instagram to network, engage with potential clients, and share your writing expertise.

Canva

This is a versatile graphic design tool that allows you to create professional-looking visuals, attractive social media posts, and marketing materials to promote your personal brand.

AWeber

If you market your freelance business through email, AWeber is an effective email marketing platform you can use. 

This software helps you send newsletters and email copy to nurture client relationships and generate leads for your freelance writing business.

Resources for Networking and Finding Jobs

Networking and looking out for new freelance writing job opportunities are essential for growing your client base as a writer.

Luckily, there are various job platforms and networking events dedicated to helping writers find gigs and grow.

Let’s explore some of them:

1. Freelance Job Boards and Marketplaces

The internet is full of websites, job boards, and marketplaces where you can find well-paying freelance writing jobs.

Some of the best platforms you can explore include:

• Upwork: This is the leading freelance marketplace with a vast array of writing opportunities across different niches. Once you create a compelling profile, you can start bidding on projects and make good money on Upwork.
• Fiverr: Another freelance marketplace that allows freelancers to offer their writing services as “gigs,”. Once you create your gig, you can start attracting clients looking for writers with specialized skills and sell your services to them.
• ProBlogger Job Board: This is a  dedicated job board for writers, bloggers, and content creators. It features a curated list of well-paying writing opportunities from reputable clients. There are many more places where you can find paid freelance writing jobs and make money online.

2. Professional Associations and Networking Events

Professional associations and networking events are good for growing your network.

You get to connect with other writers, potential clients, and industry professionals who can offer you referrals from time to time.

• Writers’ Conferences: Conferences like the Writer’s Digest Conference and the Association of Writers & Writing Programs (AWP) Conference offer valuable networking opportunities for writers.
• LinkedIn Groups: You can also join relevant LinkedIn groups for writers and freelance professionals, like LinkEds & Writers, Writers & Authors, and The Content Writers Connection.

Self-Care and Wellness Resources for Freelancers

Many freelance writers work in solitude and stay indoors a lot! They may also work for long hours, sometimes late into the night, which can take a toll on one’s health and well-being.

Therefore, as a freelance writer, you need to be intentional and spare enough time for self-care.

Here are some self-care and wellness resources you need to have in your toolkit to stay healthy and sane always:

• Physical Exercise Apps: You can stay physically active and boost your well-being with exercise apps like Samsung Health, Google Fit, or Nike Training Club.
• Time Management Tools: Use time-tracking apps like Toggle, Hubstaff (my favorite), or RescueTime to manage your routine and achieve a healthy work-life balance.

FAQs

What do freelance writers need?

Freelance writers need a laptop/computer, a working internet connection, and a strong command of the English language. They also need to have good writing skills. Additionally, freelance writers need some essential freelance writing resources like a website, a professional portfolio, marketing and networking resources, and job management tools.

How do I practice freelance writing?

You can practice freelance writing by starting a blog or a personal journal where you can write down your thoughts daily and polish your writing skills as you go. You can also volunteer to contribute guest posts to blogs or websites that accept guest posts to gain exposure and build credibility.

How do I become a freelance writer with no experience?

Every freelance started with no experience. Start by writing a few samples for your personal blog or a guest post that you can showcase to potential clients. You can also start by volunteering or charging a low rate to gain initial experience. Take a writing course, read articles online, and network with other writers to gain more information about the writing industry.

What’s the most valuable resource for writers?

The most valuable resource for writers is their brain. The ability to observe, learn from experiences, and translate that into words is an invaluable skill that fuels the writing process. Besides creativity, writers need a supportive writing community, writing tools, and constant learning to succeed in this competitive field. 

Conclusion

The freelance writing industry is teeming with opportunities as well as challenges. However, armed with the right resources, any writer can confidently navigate these dynamics and thrive.

From project management tools to collaboration tools and self-care resources, you can access everything you need to run a successful business.

For new freelance writers, the best way to start is by taking a freelance writing course that can equip you with fundamental writing skills and knowledge. 

Remember, online writing is not a get-rich-quick scheme. So, learn the skills, amass the necessary freelance writing resources, reach out to clients, and watch your freelance writing career soar.