17 Must Have Resources for Freelance Writers

If you’re a freelance writer, you know that finding good resources can be a challenge. That’s why we’ve compiled this list of resources for you, to help make your job a little bit easier.

We’ve included websites, books, and other resources that will help you find work, manage your business, and improve your writing skills. Happy freelancing!

The best online resources for freelance writers

Looking to get started as a freelance writer? Or maybe you’re already a seasoned pro and just need a few helpful resources to manage your business better?

In either case, we’ve got you covered. Here are some of the best writing-related websites out there, whether you’re just getting started or you’re looking to take your career to the next level.

The Freelance Writers’ Den

This is a private membership community for freelance writers, created by Carol Tice. It’s a great place to find writing jobs, get advice from other freelancers, and learn more about the business of freelancing.

All Freelance Writing

This website is a directory of paying markets for writers, as well as a blog with articles on freelance writing.

Problogger

This website is a must-read for any freelance writer who wants to make money blogging. It’s full of tips and advice on how to grow your blog and turn it into a profitable business. It also features a great job board.

The Write Life

This website is dedicated to helping writers find the resources they need to succeed. They have articles on everything from how to start a freelance writing business to how to market your work.

Elna Cain

Elna Cain is a freelance writer and blogger who offers helpful tips and advice on her website. She also has a great course on how to become a successful freelance writer.

Helpful tools and websites for finding writing jobs

There are a number of helpful tools and websites for finding freelance writing jobs. The most popular job board is Indeed, which has an extensive list of freelance writing jobs in a variety of industries.

Other helpful places to look for freelance writing jobs include:

Contena

Contena is a website that helps freelance writers find writing jobs. The site has an extensive list of jobs in a variety of industries, and it is updated frequently. Contena also offers a number of resources to help freelance writers succeed, including a blog with tips and advice, a forum for networking and collaboration, and a job board.

BloggingPro

Blogging Pro is another popular resource for freelance writers. This website offers an extensive job board for those looking for blogging related freelance work.

WriterAccess

Writer Access is a website that connects clients with freelance writers. Clients post their project details on the site and then search through freelancers’ portfolios to choose one. 

How to make the most of your time as a freelancer

Time management is crucial for any freelancer, so tools and resources to help you be productive and efficient can be lifesavers.

Here are our favorite tools to help you stay organized, efficient, and productive:

Clickup

Clickup is a project management tool that can be extremely helpful for freelance writers. The app helps you keep track of your tasks, deadlines, and progress so you can stay on top of your work and meet your deadlines.

It integrates with time tracking apps if you charge by time or just want to know your overall hourly rate.

Clickup also offers features such as collaboration tools, file sharing, and comments so you can work with clients and editors easily.

Grammarly

Grammarly is a free online grammar checker that will save you hours of editing each document. You simply paste in your text and Grammarly checks it for errors. If there are any mistakes, you can correct them directly within the app.

As a freelance writer, it’s worth getting the premium version of Grammarly for the extra features it provides. 

Auto Text Expander

If you write long emails or other documents often, AutoTextExpander makes it easy to insert phrases into your text automatically. For example, you could use this feature to add “Hi!” at the beginning of every email you send.

The best part? It works across all devices, so you don’t have to worry about losing your place when you switch between computers. While it might not help much in writing articles it can be a huge time saver for frequent client communications

Jasper.ai

Jasper.ai is an artificial intelligence service that allows you to create content fast. While AI can help to write more content faster, it’s important to remember what it writes may not be factual and it can’t replace the necessary research for your article.

Tips for staying organized and productive while working from home

Working from home can be great, but it can also be challenging to stay productive. Here are some tips for staying organized and productive while working from home:

• Set up a designated workspace in your home that is free from distractions.
• Create a schedule and stick to it as closely as possible.
• Take breaks regularly, but make sure they are short and don’t interrupt your workflow.
• Stay organized by keeping track of what you need to do with a planner or task list app.

Strategies and Resources for dealing with writer’s block

Writer’s block is a common problem for freelance writers. Luckily, there are a number of strategies you can use to deal with writer’s block and get back to writing.

• Take a break: Sometimes the best way to deal with writer’s block is to take a break from writing. Go for a walk, watch a movie, or read a book.
• Think about why you’re writing: When you’re feeling stuck, it can be helpful to remind yourself of the reason you’re writing in the first place. What are you trying to achieve with your writing?
• Brainstorm: Brainstorming can help you generate new ideas and get unstuck. Try brainstorming with a friend or colleague, or use a mind mapping tool.
• Free write: Free writing is a writing exercise where you write without stopping for a set amount of time. The goal is to keep writing and not worry about whether what you’re writing is good or not. This can help you get your ideas out and get past writer’s block.
• Read other writers: Reading other writers can help you find inspiration and new ideas. It can also show you that everyone struggles with writer’s block from time to time.

Recommended reading materials and tools for freelance writers

There are a number of great books and tools that offer helpful advice for freelance writers. Here are a few of our favorites:

• Strunk and White’s The Elements of Style: This classic book on writing offers advice on grammar, style, and clarity.
• On Writing Well by William Zinsser: Another great book on writing, this one focuses on nonfiction writing.
• The Editors Companion by Steve Dunham: A guide to editing your own work and others’ work.

Quickbooks Online

Quickbooks is a great resource for keeping track of your finances and invoices as a freelance writer. The Quickbooks Online website offers a free trial and will save you tons of time down the road

By utilizing these resources, you can become a successful freelance writer.

Scrivener (software)

Scrivener is a great tool for writers, offering features such as file management, research tools, and a distraction-free writing environment. It’s ideal for those writing books or other extremely long pieces of content.

The Bottom Line

There are a number of great resources and tools available to freelance writers. By utilizing these resources, you can find success as a freelancer. What resources have you found helpful in your writing career? Share in the comments below.

Frequently Asked Questions

Still have questions about the best tools and resources for freelance writers? We’ve answered the most common questions below.

What supplies do you need to be a freelance writer?

All you really need to be a freelance writer is a computer and an internet connection. However, there are a few other supplies that can make your life as a freelancer easier. A good spelling and grammar checker to polish your work. A comfortable chair and desk will help you stay focused and productive while working. And a noise-canceling headset can be a lifesaver if you work in a noisy environment.

Do I need a degree to be a freelance writer?

No, you do not need a degree to be a freelance writer. However, having a degree may make it easier to find work, as some clients prefer to hire writers with degrees. Additionally, many employers require at least a bachelor’s degree to be considered for certain positions.

How much does it cost to start a freelance business?

Starting a freelance business doesn’t necessarily mean starting a full-time job. You can start small and grow your business over time. Many people choose to take advantage of their current day jobs to supplement their income as they build up their freelance businesses.

How do I break into freelance writing?

There are a few different ways to break into freelance writing. One way is to start a blog and offer your services as a guest writer. Another way is to submit articles to online publications. Finally, you can sign up for a freelancing platform like Upwork or Fiverr and start bidding on writing jobs.

Related: Freelance Writer Courses (and how they can help you skyrocket your freelance career)

What are some good websites for freelance writers?

There are a number of great websites for freelance writers, including The Write Life, Contena, and Problogger. These websites offer advice on everything from how to get started to where to find work. Additionally, Quickbooks Online and Scrivener are great resources for managing your freelance finances and writing projects

How much do freelance writers make?

How much freelance writers make depends on a number of factors, including their experience, skills, and the type of work they do. Generally speaking, freelance writers can expect to earn $0.10-$1.00 per word. However, some writers may earn more or less depending on the nature of their work.

What are some good tips for becoming a successful freelance writer?

There are a few key things you can do to become a successful freelance writer. First, it’s important to build a strong portfolio that showcases your best work. Secondly, networking is key in the writing world, so be sure to connect with other writers and industry professionals. Finally, don’t forget to charge what you’re worth!

How do freelance writers find work?

There are a number of ways to find work as a freelance writer. One way is to search for writing jobs on job boards or freelancing platforms. Another way is to contact companies directly and inquire about writing opportunities. Additionally, you can connect with other writers, content managers, and industry professionals to get referrals for writing gigs.

What are some good questions to ask a potential client before taking on a project?

Before taking on a new writing project, it’s important to ask the client a few key questions. This will help you determine if the project is a good fit for your skills and interests. Additionally, asking questions up front can help avoid any misunderstandings later on. Some questions you may want to ask include:

• What is the nature of the project?
• What are the deadlines?
• What is the budget?
• Who will be the point of contact?
• What kind of feedback will I receive?
• Do you have any additional requirements?
• Are there any special considerations?

What are some common mistakes freelance writers make?

Freelance writers often make common mistakes when trying to land clients. For example, many writers fail to properly research their clients. They also tend to overestimate their abilities and underestimate the amount of time needed to complete a particular task. Finally, many writers neglect to follow up after accepting a project.

How hard is it to be a freelance writer?

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question. Some freelance writers find the work to be challenging, while others find it relatively easy. The difficulty of being a freelance writer largely depends on your experience, skills, and the type of work you do.

How much does a beginner freelance writer make?

How much a beginner freelance writer earns, depends on several factors Generally speaking, beginner freelance writers can expect to earn $0.10-$1.00 per word.