Five Tools Every Freelance Writer Needs

We are taught from a young age to think of writing talent as something you either have or you don't.  While there are certain skills you need to succeed as a writer, most people making a living writing also rely on many tools to help them.  Below are 5 tools I suggest every freelance writer use.

1. Stay Focused Chrome Extension

With this extension, time wasters are are blocked when you need them to be, forcing you to get back to work.  This is especially helpful for writers who need to research but often get sucked down the rabbit hole when they do.

2. Grammarly

We all make silly mistakes when writing--even those of us who are also editors.  Editing your own work is incredibly difficult, although there are some tricks you can use to make it work.  With Grammarly on your side, you will make significantly fewer mistakes.  Even if you work with an editor, I suggest you use this tool to help you learn more about grammar rules--and to help your editor out a bit.

3. Hemingway App

Is your writing a bit too wordy or complicated?  This app will help.  It points out sentences that are too difficult to follow as well as words that are too technical or abstract, allowing you to condense your copy while communicating effectively.

4. A Professional Website

No matter where you are finding work at the moment, having a professional website is key.  It makes you appear more established to your potential clients and it allows them to hire you directly rather than through a platform.  Not to mention that it gives you the chance to sell yourself in ways a simple profile will not.

5. A Planner

And for this, I am not going to recommend a specific app.  I have tried many and found them all to have their good points and their bad points.  Now, I design and print my own planning sheets so I get exactly what I need.  No matter what solution you choose, a planner is a must for any freelance writer.