Working as a freelance writer has significant benefits. You get to create your own schedule and you can work from anywhere in the world.
There are endless job opportunities available in today’s market. But being a freelance writer also requires a lot of self-discipline and organization.
To get the job done easier, here are several technologies that can help.
1. Accounting Software
As a freelance writer, you’re no longer a 9 to 5 employee. You’re an independent contractor who will have to file a 1099 form every year come April. This means you’ll need to also take on the role of accounting.
Managing your finances throughout the year doesn’t need to be as complicated as people make it out to be. There is plenty of accounting software available that allows you to keep track of your expenses. Then, all of your tax write-offs can be all in one place.
So next time you travel for business and have to hire a car service in Tampa, you can easily put your expense into the app when you need it during tax season.
Quickbooks is a popular option and well known in the freelance sector. But if you make less than $50,000 a year, you may want to consider trying out a more affordable software. Zoho Books is perfect for U.S. citizens who make an average income and don’t have a lot of expenses to keep track of.
2. Project Management Software
Working in the freelance writing industry means you may be getting jobs from multiple sources. Because of this, you’ll need to find a way to manage a handful of projects at once.
Instead of overwhelming yourself with to-do lists on your phone, you may want to consider using project management software.
Asana, Trello, and Monday are the top contenders for writers. Mostly because they offer a free version that’s available depending on how many projects you have going at once.
If you need to opt-in for a premium package because your workload has increased, each of these platforms has competitive pricing options that could work with your budget.
3. Note Taking Apps
Some of the best writers are constantly seeking inspiration or gathering informative details while they’re on the go. Interviews or even creative musings can take place at a moment’s notice. It’s important to have a note-taking app that’s available on your phone.
One of the best apps for writers is Evernote. It allows you to add text, audio clips, and even videos for your note-taking experience.
The best part is that it’s a platform that allows you to organize your notes after you’re done taking them. This way, you can return back to it and create a cohesively flowing article, blog post, or next chapter of your book.
4. Grammar Correction Software
We wouldn’t be doing this article justice if we didn’t mention Grammarly. At the end of the day, writers aren’t always great editors.
It’s great to have software that tracks your grammar and notifies you when you need to make a correction. It is essential for tone, clarity, and general spelling corrections. The free version of Grammarly is really effective.
It’ll send you emails to inform you of your writing habits and progress compared to other users. The premium version gives you even more in-depth options to help you improve your writing.
5. Image Platforms
Most freelance writers are creating content for websites and blogs. These types of articles may require you to have images within the context of your writing.
But most writers don’t have experience in photography or InDesign. Thankfully, there is a great platform that has changed the way creators make content online.
Canva is a free platform that provides templates for various types of image creation. There is a paid version that gives you more access to additional templates and graphics, but it’s at a very competitive price of $12.99 per month, or $199.00 for the year.
Conclusion
When you decide to become a freelance writer, you need to take into consideration the other responsibilities involved.
You’re becoming your own boss which means you need to think with a business mindset. Having the right tech for writers at your disposal will make the job easier, no matter how many clients you may have.
