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Tag: freelancing

  • 25+ Productivity Apps That Help Freelancers Get Way More Done

    25+ Productivity Apps That Help Freelancers Get Way More Done

    When you’re a freelancer, you are every department of your business—sales, A/R, administration, IT. Not to mention, you know, the actual writing part.

    Your time is valuable, so spending time on unnecessary tasks (or doing necessary tasks in an inefficient manner) is not good for business, literally. Which is why we’ve compiled this list of apps that will help you cut back on wasted time, boost productivity and get on to the high-value work that really makes your business hum.

    So whatever your need, there is — as they say — an app for that. Here are some of our favorites. Different apps work best for different people, be sure to play around with whichever sound interesting! Some even offer a free trial so you can try them on for size.

    Time tracking

    Whether it’s keeping track of how long you’ve worked on a project or learning just how much time you’re wasting doing other things (so you can swiftly cut them out), these apps have your back.

    1. Klok

    Klok is a simple work timer at its core, but with a clever twist: it displays your work as it fills you day, as if you added in everything you actually did to Google Calendar afterwards. It can be connected to other popular productivity apps like FreshBooks and Basecamp, making it useful for team collaborations as well as solo writers. There is a limited free version, and paid licenses start at $19.99.

    2. RescueTime

    RescueTime is an invaluable (and frankly terrifying) tool, whether you’re a writer or not. It breaks down your screen time into categories and shows you exactly what percentage of those hours are spent productively, and which are spent on, you know, Netflix. RescueTime is a great way to get an overall sense of how you’re actually directing your energy, giving you both daily and weekly reports to keep you accountable. But like we said, you probably won’t always like what you see… so be prepared for that!

    3. Tick

    Tick is unique in that it allows you to access your time-tracking tools from any device, anywhere. (After all, not every aspect of your business takes place in front of your laptop. Sometimes, it’s a client meeting over coffee. Still counts!) After your 30-day free trial, you can opt into a membership starting at $19 per month. The tiers increase from there based on your desired number of projects.

    4. Toggl

    Toggl is a simple, but powerful, time-tracker, allowing you to break down your hours by project, client, and task to see exactly where they’re all going (and where they maybe should be going instead). The basic plan is — score! — free forever, but there are also paid tiers to explore, starting at an affordable $18 per year.

    Taking notes and organizing your thoughts

    Keep your brilliant gems at your fingertips and easily findable by letting these apps take the complexity out of capturing all those fleeting inspirations.

    5. Evernote

    Evernote, the self-described “best note taking app” on the market, may just be offering truth in advertising. It comes with a host of inventive features including the ability to turn voice memos into notes or to clip and tag interesting things you find on websites, as well as creating to-do lists and sharing with other users. Your notes will be accessible from any device, no matter the OS and no matter where you are. Premium and business versions are available, but the basic service is totally free, and still powerful.

    6. Google Keep

    Google Keep works similarly to Evernote, and comes installed stock on many Android and Google-based devices. You can use it as a mobile app to quickly capture those amazing one-liners, and then open the app on the desktop to more easily put them to use. It also offers a simple but powerful labeling system to help you keep your thoughts organized, as well as reminders and check-off-able lists for those times when you just need to remember to pick up some milk on the way home.

    7. MS OneNote

    MS OneNote allows you to take personal notes as well as to easily collaborate with others, and you aren’t just limited to typing out your thoughts. You can use a stylus or your finger to draw or annotate existing content, or include audio notes, online videos, and other kinds of media. OneNote comes as part of an Office 365 subscription, which starts at $69.99 per year and also includes Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and so many other classic Microsoft services.

    8. MindManager

    MindManager by Mindjet is perfect for those writers who quake at the very thought of creating outlines. Instead of staring down the scary blinking cursor, you’ll create a “mind map” — a non-linear, stream-of-consciousness diagram that might just help you see what you’re actually getting at. From there, it’s easy to sync the information with MS Word, or to pop it into an Outlook email. You don’t have to enter your credit card information to take part in the 30-day free trial, but a perpetual license will cost you between $99 and $349 depending on your operating system.

    9. Simplenote

    Simplenote is just that: simple. It’s a free service that allows you to take and sync notes on iOS, MacOS, Android, Windows and even Linux, and it even creates backups of past versions of notes you edit — which can help put writers at ease when it’s time to kill their darlings!

    Conquering your to-do lists

    Categorize, prioritize, sort and ultimately cross off your tasks with these apps.

    10. Get It Done

    Get It Done allows you to sync your to-do list between your mobile device and your web browser, which is perfect for when you remember something you meant to do the moment you close your laptop and head out the door. It also allows you to delegate tasks to team members and colleagues, as well as organizing related tasks into projects.

    11. HiTask

    HiTask is free for up to five users, and is a great simplistic to-do app — but the real power move is upgrading to the $5/month business tier, which allows you to sync your list in real time with Google Calendar or outlook. (It’ll also grant you unlimited storage.)

    12. MS To-Do

    MS To-Do is a great option for those who keep most of their work documents organized in MS Office. It’s easy to sync up with the other MS products you use on a daily basis, and it’s available to anyone with a Microsoft Account — which means you don’t even have to purchase a subscription to use it.

    13. Remember the Milk

    Remember the Milk is a to-do app that will work for your business must-do lists as well as personal ones. The basic service is free, but with the $39.99/year Pro level, you can break down individual tasks into subtasks. For instance, “write essay” might house, under its umbrella, “write outline,” “draft thesis,” “flesh out paragraphs,” etc, which may help make even overwhelming projects seem doable. (Which they totally are. You’ve got this!)

    14. Teuxdeux

    Teuxdeux describes itself as “simple” and “shiny,” so if you’re looking for a great-looking to do app that will help you, well, write to-do lists, this might be the one for you. (It can also help you set recurring tasks and custom lists, and you’ll be able to download your to-dos whenever you want to.) After your 30-day free trial, you’ll be upgraded to either the “skeptic” subscription ($3 per month) or become a “believer” ($24 per year).

    15. Todoist

    Todoist also starts out as a free service and functions similarly to the others in this list. But the $3/month Premium tier unlocks automatic reminders and customizable project templates, and there’s also a business level for company-wide team collaborations.

    16. Toodledo

    Toddledo is another free to-do list option that syncs across devices and makes it simple to share and export your to-do data. It’s available for both Apple and Android as well as being useable from a desktop browser.

    Managing team projects

    These apps help collaborate in a way that’s quick, intuitive and a lot easier than playing never-ending email tag.

    17. Asana

    Asana help you and your team not just get organized, but also stay on track. Its timeline feature makes it simple to see where projects stand at a glance, so you can more easily get ahead of those pesky deadlines. The basic tier is free, but to unlock the tool’s full potential, you’ll want to upgrade; subscriptions start at $9.99 per month per user, with a minimum charge of $11.99 monthly.

    18. Basecamp

    Basecamp is a whimsical team-managing tool, making it easy to break down projects by task, assign tasks to specific team members, and also to pow-wow around the digital campfire. Each assignment offers a functional discussion board, and it’s easy to ping other users. You can also add and organize related documents and necessary media, too! Pricing is a flat $99/month, no matter how big or small your team is, which may make it a little top-endish for freelancers — but if you’re working with a large client on a regular basis, they may enroll you in their existing Basecamp subscription free of charge!

    19. Flow

    Flow is a sleek, beautiful way to see all of your team’s projects in one place. It allows you to customize your workflow to suit your needs, including the ability to set priorities and track projects from start to finish. The basic tier starts at $5.95 per month per user, but the souped-up $11.95 version really unlocks the tool’s workflow-organization potential.

    20. Slack

    Slack is less about project management, per se, than it is about team communication, but it’s become such a darling of remote work teams that we had to include it on this list. It’s kind of like those old AOL chatrooms we all frequented in the late 90s, but with 21st-century additions like hashtags, integrated GIFs, and easily user pinging. Oh, and you’re supposed to be talking about work, not roleplaying wolves or whatever.

    21. Trello

    Trello is a flexible, user-friendly workboard that’s as handy for solo writers as it is for those working on a team. You can break down your potential (and actual) in almost any formulation you can imagine, and add tons of pertinent information under the task (i.e., has it been pitched yet? Drafted? If it has been pitched, who’s said no, and which outlet is next in line for the opportunity?) Best of all, Trello is totally free at its still-powerful basic level, and even if you upgrade, it starts at just $9.99 per user annually. 

    Concentrating, already!

    Sometimes that smartphone/tablet/computer that’s enabling us to do all these awesome things is also our worst enemy. So tap into the power of these concentration apps to block out distractions, improve your focus and get down to business.

    22. Focus

    Focus is a website and application blocker built specifically for MacOS, allowing you to set a specific amount of time — like 25 minutes — in which your browser won’t allow you to navigate to distracting sites like Facebook or Reddit. It has one-click implementation, making it easy to make the decision to do what you need to do. After your free trial, choose from three paid tiers, starting at a one-time purchase price of just $19.

    23. Focus Booster

    Focus Booster is sort of a combination app, working as both a time tracker and a distraction eliminator. It utilizes the pomodoro technique, a scientifically-backed approach to productivity cycles, to help break down your workday into digestible chunks (and help you see where the time actually did go, whatever your intentions.) Focus Booster starts at $2.99 per month or $32.98 per year at the individual tier, but a professional subscription is also available

    24. Freedom

    Freedom aims to give you the — you guessed it — freedom from the internet’s ever-present distractions to help you get down to business and do the work you need to do. It’s usable across devices and operating systems, and after your 30-day free trial, you can subscribe for as little as $2.42 per month.

    25. StayFocused

    StayFocused is a Chrome extension that allows you to block those websites you just can’t seem to help yourself from clicking back over to, when you should be staying firmly in your draft. For best results, head straight for “The Nuclear Option,” which allows you to block ALL websites except for the ones you allow (i.e., Google Docs only) for a set number of hours. Best of all, it’s free!

    26. Time Out

    Time Out helps you hack your productive hours by forcing you to take automatic, customizable breaks. At regular intervals, your screen will dim and you’ll be prompted to take a moment or ten to get up, stretch, or do anything but keep poking around the internet. There’s also an optional app usage tracker to help hold you accountable if you need a little bit of extra motivation!

    27. WriteRoom

    WriteRoom offers MacOS users a full-screen writing environment, which makes it marginally less easy to distract yourself with one of the internet’s many charms. It’s basically like a stripped-down word processor, making you focus on the stuff that actually matters: your writing.

    There are plenty of other amazing productivity apps on the market, as well as behavioral techniques to help you get your rear in gear even when you don’t feel like it.

    So, Write Life readers: what’s your favorite app for getting a lot done?

    This post contains affiliate links. That means if you purchase through our links, you’re supporting The Write Life — and we thank you for that!

    The original version of this story was written by Kelly Gurnett. We updated the post so it’s more useful for our readers.

  • Hit Send: Making the Case for Following Up as a Freelance Writer

    Hit Send: Making the Case for Following Up as a Freelance Writer

    As a freelance writer, sometimes it feels like a losing battle to get work.

    You send dozens of email pitches to prospective clients but hear nothing but crickets — or at least, that’s what often happens to me.

    Recently, though, I had a mindset shift. I’m not just a writer; I’m a business owner.

    I’m selling my services. And if you’ve ever been on a company’s email list, you probably know that they follow up with a vengeance, time after time after time. Does it work? 50% of sales happen after the fifth follow-up, so that’s a yes.

    Here’s why following up on your pitches is so important for freelance writers, and the best ways to do it with success.

    Don’t be afraid to follow up

    Too many freelance writers are afraid to follow up. They think it makes them seem pushy or annoying and they’ll never get a client from a follow-up email, so why bother?

    I used to have the same fears — that is, until I started getting clients from follow-up messages.

    Think about your inbox. It’s crowded, you’re busy and sometimes things fall through the cracks. If you delete a message without reading it (and without fully realizing what it is), would you be mad if the sender emails you again a few weeks later?

    Of course not — especially not if they’re offering something of value.

    Remember, the person on the other side of the computer is just that: a person. If you follow up after an appropriate amount of time and do it with respect and kindness, they should have no problem with your email.

    Do follow up correctly

    How long should you wait before following up on a piece of marketing? Use five business days as a bare minimum; people are busy, and they don’t have time to dig their way to the bottom of their inbox each day.

    If you’re approaching or returning from a holiday, give people even more grace. And remember, life circumstances can strike at any time, making email even less of a priority.

    There’s a little controversy about how many times to follow up with any one client. I know some writers who don’t follow up at all. I know others who keep following up for years. I fall somewhere in-between.

    I used to send two follow-up emails to each prospect — one a week after my initial point of contact via LOI (letter of introduction), and one more two to three weeks after that first follow-up.

    Eventually I realized that I was getting lots of responses to the first follow-up email, but zero responses to the second. So I decided to let prospects go after just one follow-up message. And with job applications, I rarely follow up at all.

    Experiment and figure out what works for you.

    You also may want to make sure your emails are getting opened. Use a tool such as Hubspot Sales or Streak, which is a Gmail add-on, to see if your initial email was opened. If it wasn’t, you might have the wrong email address, or your message may have landed in the recipient’s spam folder. Whatever the case, you don’t want to waste your time sending emails into a black hole.

    Finally, change your mindset about following up. You’re not just asking for work — you’re cultivating a relationship. Consider sending your point of contact an article that made you think of them or wishing them a happy holiday during the appropriate times of year.

    Craft your follow-up message carefully

    A good follow-up email has three primary components:

    • A compliment to the company
    • A reminder that you’re available
    • A timely hook to bring it all together.

    For instance:

    Subject: Congrats on ABC award!

    Hi [first name],

    Congratulations on winning ABC award for XYZ initiative. That’s pretty cool — this must be such an exciting time for you!

    I wanted to reach back out and send you an article I recently had published about [relevant topic]. With your new XYZ initiative to [do something similar], I thought you might find it interesting.

    Meanwhile, I’m looking at my calendar for the next few months and was wondering if you could use any help producing content with the holiday rush coming up? I’d love to hop on a call and discuss your needs. Are you still focusing on blogging as a big part of your content marketing strategy?

    Thanks,

    [your name]

    Yes, following up really works

    But does this method really work? Yes, absolutely!

    I keep a handwritten log of all my marketing efforts — sending LOI’s to companies, applying to jobs from job boards and pitching article ideas to magazines. My log for LOI’s (it’s very basic) has four columns: company, date sent, date of follow-up and the response.

    When I flip back through my notes, one trend stands out — often, I got a response from the company after I sent a follow-up message. Sometimes they said no, sometimes they asked for clips of my work, sometimes they said to check back in a few months. And other times, I won big.

    That’s what happened when I sent an LOI to the marketing manager of a leading digital marketing agency in my state. Over a week passed and I hadn’t heard anything, so I sent her a quick note just to make sure she’d received my message.

    She responded and said she’d been on vacation and had missed my email; she was impressed with my experience and wanted to know if I could write a blog post for the agency’s website? (I could!)

    That turned into a steady stream of work equaling $1,000 a month for the next few months.

    Thanks to that freelance position, I became very well-versed in digital marketing and gained many new clips to add to my new portfolio. In that case, following up was 100% worth it — and if you begin following up with your prospects, you could win big, too.

    Photo via Nong Mars / Shutterstock 

  • How to Write a Pitch That Will Make Editors Say YES

    How to Write a Pitch That Will Make Editors Say YES

    If you don’t ask for the work you want, you’ll never get it.

    Let’s look at how to improve the way you ask for that work.

    We’re going to focus on pitching articles, blog posts and stories. Pitching isn’t the only way freelancers get gigs — I’ve gotten jobs by submitting a resume and clips, as well as by completing a sample assignment — but it’s one of the most common.

    If a job wants you to submit a resume and clips, it’ll say so in the application guidelines. For everything else, including the majority of the blogs and online publications out there, you’re going to need to get really, really good at pitching.

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    So how do you write a good pitch?

    If you’re pitching a publication with a set of submission guidelines, start there. A lot of publications tell you exactly what they want.

    Be aware that the submission guidelines are sometimes hidden under “Contact” or “FAQ,” and it never hurts to search “[PUBLICATION] submission guidelines” if you can’t find anything on the outlet’s website.

    Sometimes editors write blog posts or tweets describing what they want in a pitch. If you’re interested in working with a specific editor, it doesn’t hurt to search their name plus words like “submission,” “submission guidelines” and “pitch me.”

    Get clear on the story you want to tell

    Once you’ve figured out what submission guidelines to follow, the next step is to get really clear on your story.

    One of the most common mistakes people make is failing to state the story they want to tell.

    What do I mean?

    Well, writers often say they want to write about something. “I want to write about Famous Person X.” “I want to write about gender in the workplace.” That’s an idea, not a story.

    By the time you pitch, you should have enough background research to be able to pull the story out of your idea, as follows:

    Hit Musical Hamilton Is Great — But Is It Addictive? Just about everyone I know is obsessed with Lin-Manuel Miranda’s new musical Hamilton, to the point that we’re listening to the 2-hour 22-minute cast recording nearly once a day. What makes music like this feel addictive, to the point where the first thing we want to do after finishing the album is start it at the beginning again? I’d reach out to a musicologist and a psychologist for their thoughts on the nature of addictive music.

    That’s a real pitch I sent to Popular Science, which they accepted. Notice how my pitch included not only the story, but also the method by which I plan to research the story?

    Writers often skip this step, but adding a sentence or two describing your methodology shows an editor that you’re serious about your idea. It also lets an editor know that you have a plan of action, and that your finished draft will be backed up with both sources and substance.

    Not all stories require research, of course. Personal essays, for example, don’t necessarily need a methodology statement. But too many writers pitch stories as if they were personal essays: “My thoughts on why Hamilton is addictive,” for example.

    No editor cares about my thoughts on Hamilton. They care about a music expert’s thoughts on Hamilton, crafted into an eye-catching story that promises a reader an answer to a question they’ve probably asked themselves: Why can’t I stop listening to this album?

    That bit about promising the reader an answer to a question they’ve probably asked themselves? That’s the pitch’s benefit. Whenever you craft a pitch, think about how it will benefit the publication’s audience.

    Will it give them the answer to a question? Will it prompt a discussion in the comments? Will it ask them to think differently about a common experience?

    You don’t need to state your benefit directly in the pitch — in fact, please don’t write “this story will prompt a discussion in the comments” — but it’s important to consider the benefit as you put your pitch together.

    After all, publications aren’t interested in what you want to write. They’re interested in what their readers want to read.

    Lastly, my Hamilton pitch was only a paragraph long because I had already built a relationship with one of Popular Science’s editors. If you’re pitching a publication for the first time, put a short bio at the end with links to a few relevant clips that — you guessed it — establish expertise in your beat.

    Here’s a sample pitch

    Here’s a sample pitch to review, so you can see exactly what a solid pitch looks like.

    Writing a sample pitch email is tricky because every publication has slightly different guidelines. With that in mind, here’s what a good pitch email might contain:

    SUBJECT LINE: Check the publication for guidelines. I often write “PITCH: [HEADLINE]” in the subject, e.g. “PITCH: Are Dogs Better Pets Than Cats?”

    SALUTATION: You can go with the formal “Dear [EDITOR]” here, although I often just start my emails with “Hi!”

    INTRO PARAGRAPH WITH HEADLINE: Introduce your relationship to the publication, if relevant, and your pitch’s suggested headline. (I got the “always add a suggested headline” advice from Carol Tice.)

    STORY AND METHODOLOGY PARAGRAPH: Briefly explain your story and the methodology by which you will tell it.

    BIO PARAGRAPH: Share a bit about yourself and link to relevant clips.

    NAME AND CONTACT INFO: Thank the editor and “sign” the email with your name and contact info.

    Hi! I’m a huge fan of Dogs and Cats Daily — I comment as DogFan27 — and I wanted to pitch a story that I haven’t seen on the site but I think your readers will appreciate: Are dogs better pets than cats?

    This story will look closely at three different families, each of whom have dogs and cats in the home. I’ll interview each family, asking them to share stories about their pets’ behavior and comment on which pets they enjoy interacting with most. I’ll also interview a veterinarian and a pet psychologist to learn more about animal behavior and discuss whether dogs or cats make better pets for certain personality types.

    I’ve previously been published in Dogs Are Great Monthly and I Love Cats Magazine. My clips include: “10 Things You Didn’t Know About Puppies,” “Cats Are Purrfect,” and “Do Dogs or Cats Save More Lives?”

    Thanks for considering my pitch!

    Goldie Retriever

    GoldieRetriever.com

    @DogFan27

    Pitching can be tricky, but it doesn’t have to be such a daunting task. Do your homework and follow this simple email pitch formula and you’ll be well on your way to getting an editor to say “yes” to your idea.

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    Photo via Rawpixel.com / Shutterstock 

  • From Self-Publishing to Blogging: 7 Solid Ways to Make Money Writing

    From Self-Publishing to Blogging: 7 Solid Ways to Make Money Writing

    Jane Friedman is a writing and publishing guru.

    Yes, the guru moniker is used with too much abandon these days, but Friedman’s laudable credentials, practical books and excellent website have earned her the title in my book.

    If you get nothing else from this article other than an introduction to Jane Friedman and her work, I’ve done my job.

    That said, the inspiration for this article stems from Friedman’s most recent release, The Business of Being a Writer, a fantastic primer for any writer looking to take their writing from a personal hobby to a possible business.

    Or maybe you’d just like to earn coffee money. That’s OK too.

    In the book, Friedman presents dozens of options for your consideration as you look at what you write and how you could turn that into some form of income.

    Your art and your commerce can, in fact, commingle.

    Writer, beware

    Before we dive into the major areas of making money from your writing, I have to relay one hard truth. Friedman brings it up, and my professional experience has borne it out.

    As she writes, “Very few people can make a living solely by writing and publishing books.”

    Now, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t write and sell your books. It means that “this one pursuit should not constitute one’s entire business model.”

    And this is why you should make yourself aware of the many different ways we as writers in the 21st century can turn a buck from turning out words.

    Write your books. Sell hundreds — millions — of copies. But don’t begin your career by banking your future on that collective dream of every first-time author.

    If you want a career in writing, think wide and think long.

    As Friedman encourages us, “It remains possible to make a decent living from writing if you’re willing to pay attention to how the business works, devise a business model tailored to your goals, and adapt as needed.”

    Think wide about your writing

    If you’re at least a year or two into taking your writing seriously, you likely have a type of writing you enjoy. Maybe it’s short stories, or poetry, or freelance writing, or fiction.

    Whatever puts fire to the kindling of your writing life, keep doing that.

    By all means, leverage your writing strengths and experience. Don’t negate your gift in the pursuit of income.

    But.

    If you want to create and maintain a financial foundation for your future as a writer, you will need to think wide. In other words, you need to think beyond what you currently do as a writer. You need to continue honing your craft, but you should open your mind to the possibilities of peripheral writing and writing-related work.

    Ask yourself, “What other writing work could I do that both encourages me to write and provides compensation?”

    If nothing immediately springs to mind, let’s consider seven ways you can monetize your writing, using Business as our guide.

    Note: Business goes into further detail about each of these paths, and Friedman’s website has even more information. I’ve also listed useful articles and books to help you get started along any of these pathways.

    1. Traditional publishing

    For many authors, traditional publishing is the pinnacle achievement, the bucket-list Mt. Everest they need to climb.

    But, as Friedman writes, “Most authors will earn little, or at least nothing close to a living wage, from their books…Industry insiders estimate that 70 percent of authors do not earn out their advance.”

    Maybe don’t try to climb this mountain first.

    But if you must:

    2. Self-publishing

    Rupi Kaur. Andy Weir. E. L. James.

    You may know these names because they have all enjoyed wild success as a result of their self-published books.

    But they are the exceptions, not the rules.

    The brutal numbers of self-publishing report the real story:

    Again, write your books. Publish them yourself through Amazon self-publishing. Work on your platform and your marketing.

    Whatever you do, don’t believe the lie that anyone will “just find” your self-published book once it’s released. You cannot “just write” your book and “just hope” it will do well.

    You must apprentice yourself to the craft of writing first, to the means of self-publishing second, and to the necessity of platform and marketing third.

    Even then, you might just recoup your investment — which is a great start to your business of being a writer.

    To enjoy a sustainable living through self-publishing, you’ll need strategy and purpose, and, honestly, a good amount of luck.

    Do self-publish. Don’t only self-publish.

    Starting points:

    3. Freelance writing

    Heed Friedman’s warning when it comes to freelance writing: “It now takes considerable experience and expertise to land paying work at a traditional print publication, and I don’t recommend it as a first line of attack. New writers will do better to look to online-only publication.”

    However, pitching articles to websites is an excellent way to bolster both your experience and your expertise. In time, you might also augment your income.

    To wit: I first pitched The Write Life in late 2014 for the article that eventually became About to Respond to a Negative Review of Your Book? Read This First. I pitched my next article a few months later. I pitched a column three years later. Now readers contact me about editing because they’ve seen these articles.

    In other words, freelance writing has cross-promotional benefits to all of your other writing.

    And just think about when someone googles you: if you’ve written for dozens of known websites, you just might own the front page for your name — a definite boon for any author.

    Start here:

    4. Blogging

    Friedman writes, “It may take a very long time before you see a direct connection between your blogging and your monthly or annual income.”

    If you’re not consistently and strategically producing quality content, your blogging may not be earning the results you’re hoping for, whether that’s newsletter signups, page views, or affiliate income.

    But, if you think long and ensure there’s a method to your online madness, your blog can become a significant contributor to your bottom line.

    It’s worked for Jane Friedman, as it has for many other known entities you likely follow. After you’re introduced to their work in some way and you see how consistently they produce worthwhile content, you involuntarily begin to expect their regular content.

    In other words, you become a fan.

    And in the writing world, you need fans.

    Start here:

    5. Editing and related writing services

    As a freelance editor, I wanted to place this choice first — but I know that editors are wired differently.

    If you find yourself more engaged in your critique group when discussing what works and what doesn’t about someone else’s story, you might be a developmental editor in waiting.

    If you have a negative physical reaction to an improper your instead of you’re, you might be a copy editor.

    If you’re good at pretending to write in someone else’s voice, you might be a ghostwriter.

    All of these writing-related services are valuable and needed today, but — as seems to be the case with every point on this list — establishing yourself in any of these areas requires patience, education, and, yes, learning how to sell yourself.

    For what it’s worth, a majority of my income as a freelancer has stemmed from copyediting, developmental editing, and ghostwriting.

    Start here:

    6. Teaching

    If you have a few years of experience and the capability to form coherent sentences out loud and in public, your knowledge and insight can help other writers.

    As an introvert, I challenged myself in 2017 to increase my freelance profile by seeking speaking engagements and teaching opportunities. It was one of the best things I did for my job that year.

    Disclosure: my speaking engagements and teaching opportunities did not directly lead to increased income. But the relationships I formed with other area writers were worth far more than income. Plus, they can now refer me to people in their circles, and I can refer them.

    When you overcome your fears, you might be amazed at what kinds of doors open to you, either in the immediate future or years down the road.

    For what it’s worth: speaking and teaching seldom pay well — or at all. This is one area where I would encourage you to pursue them for the benefit of exposure.

    However, in time, as you accrue experience as a speaker or teacher, you will be able to ask for payment. Or you can channel your newfound confidence into an online class or podcast.

    Start here:

    7. Publishing career

    If you really want to go all-in and you live in or near a town or city with a publisher, literary agency, or other writing-related business, apply for a job there.

    What better way to understand the business than to be in the business.

    Jessica Strawser, the erstwhile editorial director of Writer’s Digest, comes to mind. After leaving her full-time post with the magazine after a decade, she released her first novel to critical acclaim. She’s since released two more.

    Which makes me think she probably learned a thing or two during her tenure with the magazine.

    That magazine, by the way, once employed another writer who’s now making her living from everything we’ve just discussed.

    Jane Friedman was once the publisher and editorial director of Writer’s Digest.

    I’d say she’s learned a thing or two as well — and we are all the beneficiaries.  

    This post contains affiliate links. That means if you purchase through our links, you’re supporting The Write Life — and we thank you for that!

    Photo via GaudiLab / Shutterstock
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  • The 100 Best Websites for Writers in 2019

    The 100 Best Websites for Writers in 2019

    Editor’s note: Looking for our most updated list of best writing websites? Here’s our list for 2021.

    Endless definitions of “writer” exist in the world. And they’re only growing with the proliferation of blogging and digital publishing.

    Whether you’re a novelist, journalist, Ph.D. candidate, entrepreneurial blogger, self-help guru writing a book or some combination of creativity at the intersection of multiple ambitions, you call yourself “a writer.” Whatever kind of writer you are, a blog or online community probably exists to help you succeed.

    Each year, The Write Life celebrates these vast resources available by releasing a list of the 100 Best Websites for Writers, and we’re excited to do it for the sixth year in a row.

    Curating our list of go-to writing websites

    Thanks to your suggestions over the years, we’ve been able to curate hundreds of websites to bring you the best of the best. Many are tried-and-true favorites featured in our previous lists, and this year we’re thrilled to feature several newcomers you recommended, along with two new categories: writing tools and inspiration.

    Each website featured in this list meets the following criteria:

    • It was recommended by readers of The Write Life. More than 400 of you nominated sites this year — thank you!
    • It publishes content helpful to writers.
    • It has been updated recently and regularly.

    We’ve broken our 2019 list into 10 categories: freelancing, inspiration, writing tools, blogging, creativity and craft, editing, podcasts, marketing and platform building, writing communities and publishing. All sites are listed in alphabetical order within their categories, with numbers for ease of reading (not ranking).

    And if you want to start your own website or blog, here’s our step-by-step guide on how to start a blog. Your website could be next on our list!

    Here’s our list of best writing websites in 2019.

    1. A Selfish Poet

    For poets and creative writers seeking publication, writer Trish Hopkinson shares writing tips and no-fee calls for submissions. Articles from Hopkinson and guest bloggers will help you become a savvier submitter and keep you abreast of the latest opportunities for writing contests, journals and other publications that pay.

    Post you’ll like: Just Keep Writing: 3 Forms to Re-energize Your Poetry

    2. Creative Revolt

    At Creative Revolt, Jorden Roper is leading a revolution to help freelance writers and bloggers make serious money. Don’t miss her free class on how to make your first $1,000 freelance writing in 45 days.

    Post you’ll like: How to Become a Freelance Writer with No Experience, Degree or Money

    3. Elna Cain

    Elna Cain has helped thousands of writers find their first freelance writing job and go on to make a living from writing. On her blog, she shares tips and strategies to help new freelance writers succeed.

    Post you’ll like: How to Write an About Page as a Brand New Freelance Writer

    4. Freelance to Freedom

    You love to write. But to be a successful freelancer, you need to work those business muscles. That’s where Freelance to Freedom comes in. Founder Leah Kalamakis offers articles, newsletters and a free Freelancer’s Toolkit to teach everything from client management to setting up your business website.

    Post you’ll like: How to Build a Side Hustle While Still Working a Full-Time Job

    5. Freelance to Win

    At Freelance to Win, Danny Margulies believes you should get to do work you actually enjoy doing — rather than just working for a paycheck and waiting for the weekend to arrive. Danny is an expert at landing gigs on Upwork, and his blog shares all the latest tips on how to use this platform for ultimate success.

    Post you’ll like: Can Attitude Beat Skills in Freelancing?

    6. Freelancer FAQs

    You have questions, they have answers. Team members and guest contributors at Freelancer FAQs address all the things you’ve ever wanted to know about freelance life, including writing, marketing, running your business, money management and more.

    Post you’ll like: How Can I Find Profitable Niches to Make More Money as a Freelancer?

    7. FundsforWriters

    Where other websites provide guidance on how to write, FundsforWriters offers direction on funding streams, focusing on markets, competitions, awards, grants, publishers, agents, and jobs. Her free weekly newsletter reaches more than 35,000 writers, and includes semi-pro or higher paying markets and contests as well as grants, crowdfunding, contests, publishers, agents and employers.

    Post you’ll like: Beyond The Writer’s Market: Seven Ways to Find New Magazines

    8. LittleZotz Writing

    Lauren Tharp has found a way to write as a freelancer full time and is dedicated to helping other writers do the same. In 2018, she opened the site up to guest submissions, so if you have knowledge to share about writing, you’ll want to send Lauren a pitch!

    Post you’ll like: What to Do When You Lose Your Best Client

    9. Make a Living Writing

    At Make a Living Writing, Carol Tice helps writers move up from low-paying markets and earn more from their work. Whether you’re a new writer, mid-career writer or just thinking about becoming a writer, her blog, ebooks and paid community offer solid advice, support and resources to grow in your career.

    Post you’ll like: How to Become a Freelance Writer: The Ultimate Answer Sheet

    10. Pen & Pro$per

    You’re in the “write” place when you visit Pen & Pro$per where Jennifer Brown Bank shares more than 15 years of professional writing experience to help others reach financial success with their writing. The site is devoted to supporting and advancing its community along their creative journey.

    Post you’ll like: How to Onboard New Clients (And Why You Should)

    11. Sagan Morrow

    Recommended by readers, romance novelist and business-book author Sagan Morrow teaches solopreneurs how to build businesses. Her articles offer practical tips and step-by-step guidance for anyone who wants to make a living as a writer.

    Post you’ll love: Identifying Your Ideal Client: Step-by-Step Guide

    12. The Freelancer’s Year

    In 2016, Lindy Alexander took on the challenge of taking her freelance writing career full time. The Freelancer’s Year documents the lessons she’s learned and features interviews with seasoned freelancers.

    Post you’ll like: Are You Ready to Become a Full-Time Freelance Writer?

    13. Goins, Writer

    Best-selling author of five books, Jeff Goins believes you don’t have to starve to share your best work. He created his site to inspire others to awaken to their creative gifts and develop their true voices. Through his blog posts, podcasts and newsletters you’ll get an inside peek into the life of a successful creative professional, as well as practical advice for pursuing your own art.

    Post you’ll like: Why the Story of the Starving Artist Needs to Die

    14. Positive Writer

    Bryan Hutchinson overcame writer’s doubt, and he knows you can too. In the pursuit of creating work that matters, all writers get stuck from time to time. Positive Writer offers motivating blog posts to help you move beyond writing paralysis and finish the work you set out to create.

    Post you’ll like: Keep Writing Even When You Absolutely Hate It

    15. The Write Practice

    Here’s a little secret about writing: It takes practice! At The Write Practice, Joe Bunting and his team help you develop your writing rhythm and grow into your voice and identity as a writer through prompts, exercises and more.

    Post you’ll like: Writing Deadlines: The Unlikely Secret to Creative Freedom

    16. Write or Die

    Writers can’t do it alone! Community is everything over at Write or Die. Wallace’s blog documents the writing lessons she’s learned and offers practical guides and tools for upgrading your own writing.

    Post you’ll like: So What Exactly Is MBTI? The 5-Minute Breakdown for Writers

    17. Writers Helping Writers

    Authors Angela Ackerman and Becca Puglisi are dedicated to empowering writers everywhere. Their books and blog posts focus on helping writers, editors and teachers become better storytellers.

    Post you’ll like: Beginnings and Backstory

    18. Duotrope

    This resource for writers helps you find agents and publishers for your work. Browse up-to-date market listings, track your submissions and deadlines, and get valuable insight into the publications you’re pitching. Duotrope costs $5 per month or $50 per year, and you’ll start with a seven-day free trial. Users say the cost is worth it.

    “You get pretty amazing statistics,” literary magazine editor Jerrod Schwarz told The Penny Hoarder, “that are as specific as percentage of people they publish, percentage of people they reject, how many people they publish per issue. Sometimes contact information.”

    Try out the tool here

    19. Journalist’s Resource

    Run by the Harvard Kennedy School’s Shorenstein Center, Journalist’s Resource offers write-ups on the latest scholarly studies, reports and data. This is a great place to find reliable research as well as inspiration for your next freelance article.

    Browse the latest research here

    20. One Stop for WritersIt’s here! Did your favorite site make The Write Life’s list of best writing websites?

    One Stop for Writers by Writers Helping Writers is a “storehouse of creative information.” Grab free resources to help you write and plan your story or upgrade to to one of their subscription offerings for even more support.

    Browse the resources here

    21. ProWritingAid

    Tons of our readers recommended this site last year! ProWritingAid offers manuscript editing software to help you analyze and self-edit your writing. You can sign up with an email address to use the free tool to analyze 500 words of text for style, grammar, overused words, readability and more. You can pay for a membership to get desktop software and eliminate the word-count limit.

    Try the editing tool here

    22. Where to Pitch

    Created by freelance writer Susan Shain, this awesome resource helps you decide where to pitch your articles, based on a topic or publication. The free Where to Pitch newsletter offers monthly freelance writing tips and resources.

    Try out the tool here

    23. Who Pays Writers?

    “Who Pays Writers?” is a crowd-sourced list of publications that pay freelance writers and how much they pay. Just search for a publication in the tool, and you’ll see an average pay per word, a list of assignment descriptions and how long writers waited to be paid.

    Try out the tool here

    24. Writers Boon

    A one-stop destination for everything a writer needs, Writers Boon is a book publishing and marketing directory where you can connect with other authors, publishing and marketing experts and resources for authors. Membership is $89/year, but you can follow the Writers Boon Blog for ongoing free advice and news.

    Sign up here

    25. Be a Better Blogger

    Blogger Kevin Duncan created Be a Better Blogger in 2014 to help you — you guessed it — become a better blogger. His articles show bloggers how to get better engagement, increase traffic and choose the best tools to run your blog.

    Post you’ll like: 6 Simple Steps for Creating Remarkable Content

    26. Be a Freelance Blogger

    Sophie Lizard and her team at Be a Freelance Blogger shows you how to increase your income, build an expert reputation, and regain your freedom by blogging for hire. Through her blog posts, job board and Facebook group, you’ll increase your blogging income and become an expert in your niche.

    Post you’ll like: 6 Get-It-Done Tips for a Fairytale Freelance Blogging Career

    27. Copyblogger

    Since 2006, Copyblogger has been teaching people how to create killer online content. They’ve been around the block a time or two! Take your content marketing and copywriting skills to the next level with Copyblogger’s free membership, including an online-marketing e-course, free ebooks, forums and more. It’s a leading resource for professional blogging and digital marketing.

    Post you’ll like: A 10-Minute “Hack” That Makes You a More Confident and Effective Writer

    28. Craft Your Content

    This editorial agency founded by Elisa Doucette offers proofreading, editing and coaching services for entrepreneurial writers. Its free email course and articles motivate and educate writers to create better content.

    The Write Life readers say, “Elisa and Craft Your Content are one of the best kept secrets on the internet.”

    Post you’ll like: Responding to Edits as a Professional Writer

    29. How to Blog a Book

    In 2010, author Nina Amir developed the challenge to “write a blog post a day and a book a year” by blogging your nonfiction book from beginning to end. Now her site shares tips for blogging in general, including “booking blogs” — repurposing your blog content into books.

    Post you’ll like: How to Become a Prolific Author by Blogging Books

    30. ProBlogger

    Founder Darren Rowse and the ProBlogger team bring you the latest news and tips to build a better blog. This site, which has been around since 2004 (!), offers extensive resources on how to monetize your blog, as well as a robust job board constantly updated with new blogging opportunities.

    Post you’ll like: 3 Ways to Give Your Readers a Fresh Take on a Well-Worn Idea

    31. See Jane Write

    A website and community for women who write, See Jane Write, founder Javacia Harris Bowser seeks to empower women to be “authors of their own lives” and “live a life worth writing about.” Consistently recommended by many of our readers, See Jane Write is a great place for women who want to dive into the worlds of writing, blogging and entrepreneurship.

    Post you’ll like: Rediscovering the Joy of Blogging

    32. The Blogsmith

    Sales and marketing pro Maddy Osman shares SEO writing advice and content marketing expertise to help writers get more eyeballs on their sites.

    The Write Life readers say, “I always go to The Blogsmith when I need the most up to date information on industry changes that impacts writers.”

    Post you’ll like: How to Get Backlinks (Without Being Annoying)

    33. Aliventures

    Master the art, craft and business of writing with Ali Luke. Her blog provides practical and motivational advice on writing books, blogging and building a business around your writing. Check out her Writer’s Huddle Self-Study Packs to learn more about time management, self-publishing, freelancing and more.

    Post you’ll like: Three Things to Do Before You Start Freelance Writing… and Three Things Not to Bother With

    34. Almost an Author

    Almost an Author offers a deep archive of useful content focused on helping writers at any level. Blog posts, interviews and resources help writers learn the craft and launch their careers.

    Post you’ll like: Microblogging for Authors and Writers

    35. Ann Kroeker

    Ann Kroeker, an author and writing coach, helps established and emerging writers be more curious, creative and productive so they can overcome hurdles and reach their writing goals.Her website is home to numerous blog posts, podcasts and resources for writers.

    Podcast episode you’ll like: 4 Simple Ways to Put Your Own Writing First

    36. Bang2Write

    Calling all screenwriters (and novelists)! Bang2Write is for you. This site offers tons of advice on how to develop great stories and pitch your scripts, along with best practices for writing research.

    Post you’ll like: 22 Industry Pros Share Their Advice On What They DON’T Want

    37. C.S. Lakin’s Live Write Thrive

    Novelist, copyeditor and writing coach C.S. Lakin loves writing, teaching and helping writers. At Live Write Thrive, she writes about proper scene structure, character development, editing and crafting a fantastic story.

    Post you’ll like: How Writers Can Spot Those Pesky Flaws in Their Fiction

    38. DIY MFA

    According to the folks at DIY MFA, the typical MFA (Master of Fine Arts) boils down to one simple formula: Writing + Reading + Community. And you can do that yourself, accessing the benefits of a Master of Fine Arts degree without having to go the traditional (expensive) route.

    Post you’ll like: Using Fiction Writing Techniques to Enhance Your Creative Nonfiction

    39. Elizabeth Spann Craig

    Mystery author Elizabeth Spann Craig blogs about all things relevant to a writer’s life, including public speaking, productivity, gaining visibility and connecting with the wider author community. Her weekly “Twitterific” roundup of writing articles is a reader favorite.

    Post you’ll like: Pushing Ourselves in 2019

    40. Eva Deverell

    Eva Deverell offers tons of resources for readers, writers, poets and people who just love learning. With worksheets, blog posts, writing prompts and ebooks, this site offers practical ways to deepen your craft. Don’t forget to grab your free novel outline!

    Post you’ll like: How to Write Fast

    41. Fiction University

    There’s no “right” way to write. So instead of giving advice on what writers should do, Janice Hardy explains how to make industry rules work for you. Take your writing to the next level with new articles and guest columns published regularly on Fiction University. You’ll gain valuable insight into the book-writing and publishing process.

    Post you’ll like: An Easy Tip for Tightening Your Novel’s Plot

    42. How to Write a Book Now

    Author Glen C. Strathy shares tips on everything about the writing and book publishing process, from where to start, to story model analysis, to creating compelling characters. At How to Write a Book Now, readers can also submit their questions about writing.

    Post you’ll like: Plotters vs. Pantsers: How to Make Sure Writer’s Block Doesn’t Kill Your Dream

    43. Inky Girl

    Inky Girl is the place for children’s book writers and illustrators. Debbie Ridpath Ohi shares original comics, interviews with industry experts, and advice on telling unique stories.

    Post you’ll like: My Biggest Piece of Creativity Advice for Writers & Illustrators (All Ages): Make Time to PLAY

    44. Lauren Carter

    A writer and creativity coach, Lauren Carter offers one-on-one coaching and online courses to help writers focus and build a writing practice. Her blog posts turn life lessons into writing inspiration and motivation.

    Post you’ll like: Doubt

    45. Nicole Bianchi

    Writer, editor and web designer Nicole Bianchi shares practical and personal advice about writing, copywriting, and marketing strategies Her tips help writers boost their productivity, improve their writing skills and build their online presence.

    Post You’ll Like: Use this Strategy to Craft Captivating Blog Post Introductions

    46. PsychWriter

    Pyschology and writing have a lot in common. Over at PsychWriter, Tamar Sloan explores the intersection of psychology and writing, specifically as it pertains to character development and reader engagement. This blog covers the art of making your characters and story believable.

    Post you’ll like: 5 Free Motivational Posters for Writers

    47. Re:Fiction

    Re:Fiction believes the great writers of tomorrow are out there even now, honing their skills and polishing their yet untold stories. This online magazine, filled with useful resources, is devoted to helping fiction writers thrive.

    Post you’ll like: How to Start Writing When You’re Stuck

    48. The Craft of Writing

    Creative writer Anne Skyvington blogs on the craft of writing and her life as a writer in Sydney, Australia. Her articles distill the research she does for her own creative writing and explore the fundamentals of writing and publishing.

    Post you’ll love: To Plot or Not to Plot?

    49. Tweetspeak Poetry

    The team behind Tweetspeak Poetry are committed to helping people become who they really are. Here, readers and writers alike can indulge in beautiful poetry, writing workshops, book clubs and more. This is also a great place to find resources for teaching poetry.

    Post you’ll like: What Hemingway Can Teach You About Professional Loneliness

    50. Write to Done

    Write to Done is all about learning to write better. Founder and chief editor Mary Jaksch brings the age-old advice to keep writing to a whole new level, noting that it’s not practice that makes you a better writer — it’s practice directed in a positive way.

    The Write Life readers say, “It’s practical and covers all topics.”

    Post you’ll like: How to Create an Easy Habit of Daily Writing Without Willpower

    51. Writer Unboxed

    Writer Unboxed is dedicated to publishing empowering, positive, and provocative ideas about the craft and business of fiction. Founded in 2006 by Kathleen Bolton and current editorial director Therese Walsh, the site featured many guest voices and is well known robust comment section, where the conversation further evolves with the input of community members.

    Post you’ll like: The Different Types of Editing Explained

    52. Writerology

    At Writerology, Faye Kirwin combines her expertise in writing and psychology to help you hone your craft, understand people and write amazing stories. She believes that to write a spellbinding book, you need a handle on more than just storytelling technique. You need to understand something that saturates every part of the writing process: people.

    Post you’ll like: How to Get Into ‘The Zone’ (When The Words Aren’t Flowing)

    53. Writers Write

    The motto at Writers Write is ‘Write to communicate.’ This site offers a vast archive of informational and inspirational articles on creative writing, blogging and business writing.

    Post you’ll like: 7 Really Good Reasons to Write a Memoir

    It’s here! Did your favorite site make The Write Life’s list of best writing websites?

    54. Grammar Girl

    The English language can be quite a mystery. Grammar Girl is the go-to guide for all things “grammar, punctuation, usage and fun developments in the English language.” She has a popular podcast, too.

    Post you’ll like: How ‘Trolloping’ Became a Word

    55. Kathy Steinemann

    If anyone loves words, it’s author Kathy Steinemann. On her blog, she shares master lists of adjectives and offers tips for avoiding overused words and being more descriptive and original in your writing.  

    Post you’ll like: 600+ Ways to Describe Breath & Breathing: A Word List for Writers

    56. Scribendi

    Scribendi is focused on the art of editing and proofreading. Their resources for writers cover everything from grammar to finding inspiration to the mechanics of writing.

    Post you’ll like: How to Use Social Media to Improve Your English

    57. Writership

    Allow your writing to shine. The Writership “Captain’s Blog” is run by a team of editors with Executive Editor Leslie Watts at the helm. Through the blog and podcast of the same name, they offer self-editing tips for fiction writers.

    Post you’ll like: Figuring Out Why Your Scene Doesn’t Work: Scene Values

    58. Create If Writing

    Want to build an online platform without feeling smarmy? That’s where the Create If Writing podcast comes in. Host Kirsten Oliphant shares tips and tools on how to build an authentic platform for your creative brand.

    Episode you’ll like: How to Brand Your Writing Voice

    59. Self Publishing Formula

    Featuring interviews with million-selling indie authors, breakout stars from traditional publishing, industry insiders and tech geniuses, author Mark Dawson and James Blatch hosts this weekly podcast. Listen for tips on writing, publishing, marketing and more.

    Episode you’ll like: Hitting the Right Notes With Non-Fiction

    60. Story Grid

    On the Story Grid podcast, author Shawn Coyne and “struggling” writer Tim Grahl discuss the ins and outs of what makes a story great. There’s a blueprint for great novels — and these co-hosts seek to crack the code.

    Episode you’ll like: How to Spreadsheet Your Novel

    61. Writing Class Radio

    It’s all about stories on Writing Class Radio. Writing Class Radio is for people who love stories, who get inspired by hearing other people tell their stories and who wants to learn a little bit about how to write their own stories.

    Episode you’ll like: From Writing Prompt to Published Story

    62. Writing Excuses

    Writing Excuses is a fast-paced, educational podcast for writers, by writers. With weekly episodes, usually less than 20 minutes long, get quick tips and advice from experts who want to help you write better.

    Episode you’ll like: What Writers Get Wrong

    63. Bakerview Consulting

    Helping authors, one at at a time. That’s consultant and book blogger Barb Drozdowich’s motto! On her blog, she tutors authors in the technology they need to build a platform through social media.

    Post you’ll like: The Perfect Guide for Effective Social Media Automation

    64. Enchanting Marketing

    Want to become a more confident business writer? You’re in the right place. In 2012, writer Henneke left the corporate world and grew a freelance copywriting business. Don’t miss her free 16-part writing course!

    Post you’ll like: How to Start (and Finish) Your Dream Writing Project: 5 Battle-Tested Tips

    65. Kikolani

    If it’s something the modern day entrepreneur might need to know, chances are, it’s on the popular Kikolani blog. Best of all? You can contribute!

    Post you’ll like: What is a Blog?

    66. Shelley Hitz

    Everyone has a message. At least that’s what Shelley Hitz believes, and she’s on a mission to help you reach your target audience and build your author platform. With her blog posts, podcast and Author Audience Academy, you’ll find tons of content on book writing, publishing and marketing.

    Post you’ll like: Is Your Book Launch the End or Just the Beginning?

    67. Terribleminds

    New York Times–bestselling author Chuck Wendig shares writing craft tips, inspiration, motivation, and just plain rambling entertainment for readers and writers at his popular blog.

    The Write Life readers say, “Chuck Wendig is the perfect blend of write-craft mastery and rabid fruitbat.”

    Post you’ll love: 25 Reasons to Keep Making Stuff

    68. The Creative Penn

    Bestselling author, publisher, speaker, entrepreneur. Joanna Penn wears many hats! Her site, The Creative Penn, offers information and inspiration on writing, self-publishing, book marketing and how to make a living with your writing through articles, podcast episodes, video, books and courses.

    Post you’ll like: Trends for Authors and Creative Goal Setting

    69. A Writer’s Path

    Author Ryan Lanz started this writing community to help authors find book reviewers and publishing services, and offer free resources, critiques and coaching. For $1 a month, you’ll get access, plus exclusive discounts on services and other freebies.

    Join the Writer’s Path community

    70. Alessandra Torre Ink

    Writers touted this community by New York Times-bestselling author Alessandra Torre. She teaches courses in writing and publishing and offers a space for you to connect with more than 6,000 fellow novelists.

    Join the community of Alessandra Torre Inkers

    71. Chronicles

    Chronicles is a thriving community and forum for science fiction and fantasy writers. Community members gather to discuss favorite books, authors and common themes in science fiction and fantasy writing.

    Join the Chronicles community

    72. Critique Circle

    Want to get your work critiqued? You’re in the right place. Members of the Critique Circle community have given more than 600,000 critiques since the site’s founding. Getting critiqued isn’t always easy though, so be prepared for constructive feedback. As one member of The Write Life’s Facebook community suggests, “Get your armor on.”

    Join the Critique Circle community

    73. Fiction Writing

    With more than 82,000 members, the Fiction Writing Facebook group allows writers to post their work for critique or reviews. This robust group has regular threads for sharing social media accounts, poetry and more, too.

    Join the Fiction Writing community

    74. Inked Voices

    Want to get feedback on your WIP? Inked Voices is a platform for small workshopping groups. Connect with other writers in your genre, share work in a private workspace and exchange feedback and critiques. Cost is $32/quarter or $85 annually.

    Join the Inked Voices community

    75. Insecure Writer’s Support Group

    From unpublished aspiring authors to bestsellers, the Insecure Writer’s Support Group is for writers at every stage of the game. The robust community is designed to help you overcome whatever doubts and insecurities might keep you from creating your best work.

    Join Insecure Writer’s Support Group

    76. NaNoWriMo

    Yes, this is the annual event all the writers you know participate in every November — National Novel Writing Month. You can visit the NaNoWriMo site for tons of resources to help you win, along with finding other writers taking on the challenge.

    Join the NaNoWriMo community

    77. Now Novel

    Endorsed by Oprah Magazine, the Now Novel program offers a structured, straightforward way to get your book done. With a step-by-step process that takes the guessing out of what to do next, personalized mentorship and community groups for even more support, you’ll be an author in no time.

    Join the Now Novel community

    78. Scribophile

    Looking for a beta reader or feedback on your latest work? A respectful online writing workshop and writer’s community, Scribophile invites writers of all skill levels to join to improve each other’s work with thoughtful critiques and by sharing their writing experience.

    Join the Scribophile community

    79. She Writes

    More than 30,000 writers of all levels of expertise have joined this buzzing community, founded by author Kamy Wicoff. At She Writes, you can create your own profile, build your network and join any of the more than 300 groups with topics spanning from women who write about trauma to location-based groups to get to know writers in your area.

    Join the She Writes community

    80. Storywrite

    This community for short-story writers has more than 50,000 active members. Share your writing with the whole community, or in private forums to connect with smaller critique groups.

    Join the Storywrite community

    81. The Masters Review

    The Masters Review is an online and in print publication celebrating new and emerging writers. They publish works from writers who don’t have published novels and haven’t been featured on larger platforms yet.

    Join the Masters Review community

    82. The Writing Cooperative

    The Writing Cooperative is a community of writers helping each other write better. You can reader (and contribute!) free articles through Medium or reader paywalled articles as a Medium member; paid articles let contributing writers get paid for their contributions.

    You can also join the community through Slack or Patreon and join frequent writing challenges for prizes.

    Join The Writing Cooperative

    83. Two Drops of Ink

    The team behind Two Drops of Ink believe strongly in the power of collaboration. This literary blog accepts submissions from writers of almost any genre. The editors also post book reviews and blog posts about writing and the publishing industry.

    Join the Two Drops of Ink community

    84. WritersCafe.org

    This writing community lets you post your work for feedback and reviews, and connect with other writers by joining a group or even starting your own. If you find writing you enjoy, you can save it to build your own library of up-and-coming authors!

    Join the WritersCafe.org community

    85. Writing.com

    This social network for writers has been around since 2000, and it’s free to join. Join for peer-to-peer reviews or just to make writerly friends. You can even create a portfolio of your work, sharing up to 10 pieces of writing.

    Join the Writing.com community

    86. YeahWrite

    YeahWrite started in 2011 as a community for “writers who blog and bloggers who write.” It offers free weekly writing challenges for fiction and nonfiction writers, plus resources, writing contests and workshops to help writers connect and work on their craft.

    The Write Life readers say: “Free content, fun challenges, amazing editors, and a great writing community, with paid options for classes and editing at reasonable prices.”

    Join the YeahWrite community

    87. Anne R. Allen

    Publishing veterans Anne R. Allen and Ruth Harris want to help writers avoid the pitfalls of the ever-more complex publishing world. Whether you’re an indie author or looking to land a traditional publishing deal, check out their archives and resources.

    Post you’ll like: Stupid Writing Rules: Why to Avoid One-Size-Fits-All Writing Advice

    88. Authorstech

    Bestselling self-publishing author Brian Berni created Authorstech to share news, advice and resources for writers at all steps in the author’s journey.

    Post you’ll like: Types of Editing: Which Is Best for Your Masterpiece?

    89. Cooks & Books

    Cookbook literary agent Maria writes this blog about books, food, life and writing. Cooks & Books is a community of book lovers, writers, and creatives who can’t stop stop talking about what they’re reading, what they’re working on, and where they want to go next.

    Post you’ll like: Introverted? Here’s How to Promote Your Book

    90. Helping Writers Become Authors

    Consider award-winning author K.M. Weiland your writing and publishing mentor. With hundreds of blog posts, instructional ebooks, vlogs and a podcast, her website is the perfect place to find the answers to all your questions.

    Post you’ll like: 4 Steps for How to Turn an Idea Into a Story That Rocks

    91. Inkitt

    Inkitt’s mission is to discover talented writers and turn them into globally successful authors. They’re the world’s first reader-powered book publisher, offering an online community for talented authors and book lovers. Plus, you can enter cool contests and win money!

    Post you’ll like: Marketing Your Book in 2019

    92. Jane Friedman

    Jane Friedman knows a thing or two about the business of being a writer — she even wrote a book about it! With 20 years in the publishing industry, Friedman knows her stuff — and her blog is a wealth of information on how to embrace the ever-evolving industry.

    The Write Life readers say: “Comprehensive, all encompassing, information, guidance and help for authors at all stages of their career.”

    Post you’ll like: 10 Ways to Build Traffic to Your Author Website or Blog

    93. Nail Your Novel

    At Nail Your Novel, bestselling author and editor Roz Morris shares her best traditional and self-publishing tips as well as musings on the writing process.

    Post you’ll like: I’ve Finished my Manuscript! What Now? 16 Ultimate Resources to Make Good Decisions About Your Book

    94. Novel Publicity

    The team at Novel Publicity believes every story deserves to be told, and every story deserves its very own base of readers who will love and cherish it. With that core belief in mind, the growing team, led by president Melissa Storm, it provides guidance on writing, marketing and publishing.

    Post you’ll like: Classic Novelists vs. Modern Novelists: What Can We Learn from the Greats?

    95. Publish a Profitable Book

    Writer and coach Elizabeth Lyons is a bestselling self-published author who shares her secrets with aspiring authors through her blog and flagship course of the same name. Her blog offers motivation and education in writing, publishing and self-promotion.

    Post you’ll like: Email Templates for Authors

    96. Self-Publishing School

    Self-Publishing School is an online education company geared toward aspiring authors, and those that are already self-published. They help you save 100’s of hours in the process, save $1,000s of dollars on key investments for success, publish a book you’re proud of, and sell 1,000+ more copies in the first year. All while allowing you to maintain control of your book–and its royalties.

    Post you’ll like: How to Finish Writing a Book: 8 Actionable Steps to Finish Your First Draft

    97. Standout Books

    You’ve written your book. Now what? This dynamic, family-run company prides itself in providing exceptional services to ambitious authors and publishing companies worldwide. Check out their tons of articles, templates, tools and resource recommendations for getting your book published and marketed to the max.

    Post you’ll like: What You Need to Know About Publishing With a Small Press

    98. The Book Designer

    At The Book Designer, Joel Friedlander uses his background in book design, advertising, graphic design to create an impressive collection of over 700 articles meant to help guide you through the publishing process. Along with his extensive blog archive, check out his book design templates and Book Launch Toolkit.

    Post you’ll like: 12 SEO Tips to Drive Traffic and Sell Books

    99. Well-Storied

    It took Kristen Kieffer two and a half years to finish her first draft — then she realized she had made every mistake in the book. With free resources, workbooks, tutorials and a podcast, Kieffer’s site wants to help you avoid those mistakes — and make your writing dreams a reality.

    Post you’ll like: How to Work Through Writing Doubts

    100. Writer’s Relief

    Helping authors reach their publishing goals since 1994, Writer’s Relief has helped creatives successfully submit their writing to literary journals, book publishers, agents and more. The staff’s blog is full of publishing tips, and a paid-subscriber-only classifieds section lists contests, conferences and residences.

    Post you’ll like: 19 Ways To Discover Your Hidden Talent And Strength As A Writer

    Congratulations to the 100 websites on this year’s list! Which writing sites, communities and podcasts would you add to this list? Let us know on Twitter. 

    This post contains affiliate links. That means if you purchase through our links, you’re supporting The Write Life — and we thank you for that!

    Photo via Pexels

  • Eek! Don’t Be Afraid of These 13 Freelance Writing Challenges

    Eek! Don’t Be Afraid of These 13 Freelance Writing Challenges

    Just in case the abundance of pumpkin-shaped decor in every storefront didn’t tell you, Halloween is on its way.

    But for writers, the scariest situations have nothing to do with masked monsters or creepy, remote cabins. (Actually, a lot of us would probably like to spend some time out in the woods.)

    So we put together this list of some common freelance writing challenges — and our best tips on how to crush them. Whether you’re a beginner yet to publish a single blog post or a full-time freelance vet, here are 13 writing-related conundrums you don’t have to be afraid of.

    1. You want to become a freelance writer, but you don’t know where to start

    There’s nothing more disheartening than compulsively putting words down…only to have them languish in your notebook or hard drive. (Though honestly, that’s how most of us got started.)

    Although writing for yourself can be cathartic, writing for an audience is next-level fulfilling. And, bonus: it can get you paid.

    While there’s no tried and true path to gainful freelance glory, there are some steps you can take to increase your chances of getting those words of yours in front of some eyeballs — and turning them into cold, hard cash in the bargain.

    Here’s our step-by-step guide to becoming a freelance writer, and a foolproof way to make your first $100.

    2. You can’t find work — or at least, work you’re paid for

    Whether you’re looking for a full-time writing job or you’re a freelancer trying to fill out your client roster, finding paid writing work can be notoriously tricky.

    (Most writers are probably familiar with a very particular type of hobgoblin: the client who asks you to work for free, thinking you’ll do it “for the exposure.”)

    Luckily, we’ve got tons of resources to help you find paying gigs. Here are a few posts to start with:

    3. You’ve got clients… but they won’t pay up!

    With pretty much every other job, you can expect to be paid for your efforts — usually on a fairly regular basis.

    Not so, unfortunately, with freelance writing, the career where it’s apparently totally acceptable for a client to pay you literally months after you’ve performed your service.

    There are some effective ways to confront these belated boogeymen, however. Here are seven tips for handling a freelance client who won’t pay up by author and blogger Ali Luke.

    4. You’ve got a hard drive full of essays and stories, but don’t know where to send them

    Everyone talks about writer’s block, but the opposite problem can be just as daunting: having way too many good ideas, and no idea where to put them.

    Whether you write fiction or nonfiction, though, there are plenty of magazines clamoring for your work. Here are 19 websites and magazines that want to publish your personal essays, and 23 that want your short fiction.

    5. You know where your latest piece should live, but you have no idea who or how to pitch it

    So you’ve got a story that’s just perfect for Salon. Or Harper’s. Or… wherever.

    Awesome.

    But how exactly does one go about giving Salon (or Harper’s, or wherever) that intel?

    As difficult and time-consuming as writing the piece itself can be, figuring out how to pitch it — and to whom — is just as important. And it’s complicated enough that it’s definitely its own separate art form.

    So if you’ve yet to pick up your pitching paintbrush, check out this post by veteran freelancer Susan Shain, who’s got all the details on getting your great idea into the right hands.

    Think Freddy Krueger is scary? Try freelance clients who never pay on time.

    6. You have a killer project in mind, but you just can’t make time for it

    Name me a writer — nay, a human being — for whom this scary scenario isn’t a reality.

    Finding the time to follow our passions is difficult, to be sure, but it’s also worth it. And if you’ve got a great story simmering on the back burner, a writer’s residency could be exactly what you need to get it down on paper.

    If you’re unfamiliar with the idea of a writer’s residency, it might sound too good to be true. Basically, an artsy organization puts a roof over your head — and sometimes even feeds you — for a while, specifically so you can take the time you need to work on your creative project.

    Specific expectations about community involvement and monetary contribution vary by program, but most of them are low-cost and many are actually free.

    As in, yes, you could get free room and board — and most importantly, time — to do absolutely nothing but writing. Here are 27 such programs to check out.

    7. You’ve got a great blog idea, but zero technical know-how

    A blog is an amazing way to boost your online presence as a writer, and it can even be a viable business unto itself.

    But even if you have the most amazing blog idea in the world, it’s not going to do squat for you until you turn it into a real, live website.

    If you don’t know WordPress from Word and think a hosting package has something to do with dinner parties, you’re in for a learning curve… but with this step-by-step guide on how to start a blog of your own, it’ll be shallower rather than steeper.

    (Psst: we also have tips for choosing a domain name, if you’re stumped for ideas.)

    If you want to see whether a specific domain is available, try this domain checker:

    8. You’re doing okay as a freelancer, but the money could definitely be better

    Hey, let’s face it. There’s a stereotype about English majors working in coffee shops for a reason.

    But there are plenty of writers who earn a living doing their craft. In fact, some of them earn a darn good one.

    If you’re just scraping by on your freelance income, or if you’re looking to turn your side-hustle full time, check out these six tips. They’ll help you earn more for the work you’re already doing — and find some higher-paying clients to boot. You could also try pitching these outlets, which pay $500 or more.

    We’re not saying you should rush out and put those Louboutins on credit… but you might be able to upgrade to two-ply toilet paper. (Kidding. Kind of.)

    9. You went full-time freelance, and now you don’t even own a pair of non-yoga pants

    This might not sound scary on its surface, but trust us: After a few months of working from home, you’re going to miss wearing real clothes. (And, you know, eating meals at actual meal times.)

    And your wardrobe isn’t all you have to worry about. If you don’t maintain some sort of structure, you may find yourself answering work emails at midnight…or procrastinating until just hours before your deadline.

    But don’t despair! All you need to do to combat this particular beast is to set some non-negotiable rules about your daily routine. Here are a few ideas from freelance writer and novelist Nicole Dieker to serve as a guide.

    10. You’ve got an assignment…but you honestly know nothing about the topic

    As a writer, you’re not expected to be an expert in everything you cover. But you are expected to know how to do the research to cover it well.

    If your go-to research move is simply to Google… well, honestly, that’s part of it. But there’s a lot more to it, too.

    Here are some insider research techniques to help you do (and ace) your writing homework.

    11. You want to write a book, but you have no idea where to start

    Even non-writers often put “writing a book” on their bucket lists.

    But even if you’ve got an amazing idea, getting started can be insanely overwhelming. I mean, we’re talking about a book, here. It’s hard enough just to write a blog post!

    But as our crowded shelves can attest, books do indeed get written — lots of them, in fact. And if you put your mind to it, you can write one, too. Here’s how to get started. (And if you’re extra brave, here’s how to do the whole darn thing in just three weeks.)

    12. Your editor returns your manuscript, and it’s a sea of red

    If you’re like most writers, your words are your babies, so it can be downright painful to see your manuscript covered over with so-called “corrections.”

    But even if your editor has a heavy hand, you can get through the editing process without having a panic attack — we promise. Try these seven stress-free ways to handle notes from your book editor. (And remember: she’s only trying to help. Honest!)

    13. You wrote a book (congrats!)…but no one’s actually buying it

    Writing a book involves jumping so, so many hurdles. Just coming up with a viable idea can take a lifetime, and then there’s the actual writing (and rewriting, and rewriting again). And then you have to find a willing publisher.

    How scary would it be to come through all of that… only to have a finished product that’s just sitting in your basement, collecting dust in cardboard boxes?

    Unfortunately, that fate is a reality for a huge number of authors. But with a little bit of marketing know-how, you can get those books out of the boxes into the hands of new readers.

    Here are some email marketing tips to get your list on board to purchase, as well as nine common marketing mistakes to avoid. If you’re extra tech-savvy and comfortable with the internet, you can also learn how to use social media to your advantage.

    And if all that techno-schmoozing isn’t your bag, no worries. One great way to sell books is to actually get off the computer and go meet your readers in real life.

    See? All those inky nightmares aren’t so scary after all.

    Happy Halloween, writers!

    This post contains affiliate links. That means if you purchase through our links, you’re supporting The Write Life — and we thank you for that!

  • The 100 Best Websites for Writers in 2018

    The 100 Best Websites for Writers in 2018

    Editor’s note: Looking for our most updated list of best writing websites? Here’s our list for 2021.

    The world offers a lot of ways to become a writer.

    You can go to school for journalism or creative writing, get a Ph.D. and publish in journals, start a blog and turn it into a business, write a book and become famous…The paths are innumerable.

    Whatever kind of writer you want to be, you can probably find a blog or online community to help you get there.

    Each year, The Write Life celebrates these vast resources available to us online by releasing a list of the 100 Best Websites for Writers, and we’re excited to do it for the fifth year in a row.

    Thanks to your suggestions, you’ve helped us curate hundreds of websites to bring you the best of the best.

    Many are tried-and-true favorites previously featured in our 2014, 2015, 2016 and 2017 lists, and this year we’re thrilled to feature 25 newcomers, including 10 new writing communities you recommended.

    Each website featured in this list meets the following criteria:

    • It was recommended by readers of The Write Life
    • It publishes content helpful to writers
    • It has been updated recently and regularly

    We’ve broken our 2018 list into nine categories: Blogging, creativity and craft, editing, freelancing, marketing and platform building, podcasts, publishing, writing communities and teens and kids. All sites are listed in alphabetical order within their categories, with numbers for ease of reading (not ranking).

    And if you want to start your own website or blog, here’s our step-by-step guide. Your website could be next on our list!

    1. Be a Freelance Blogger

    Sophie Lizard teaches you how to take your freelance blogging skills to pro level. Through her blog posts, free community and job board, you’ll increase your blogging income and become an expert in your niche.

    Post you’ll like: Plans B, C, D, and Beyond to Keep Sane and Prolific as a Freelance Blogger

    2. Copyblogger

    Take your content marketing, SEO and community-building skills to the next level with Copyblogger’s library of free ebooks, blog posts, forums and more. It’s a leading resource for professional blogging from the creators of the Rainmaker Platform for digital marketing.

    Post you’ll like: Marketing Doesn’t Have to Be Sleazy: 5 Real-World Examples

    3. ProBlogger

    Founder Darren Rowse and the ProBlogger team bring you the latest news and tips to build a better blog. This site offers extensive resources on how to monetize your blog, as well as a job board constantly updated with new blogging opportunities.

    Post you’ll like: Why You’re Not in the Content Business (and Why That’s a Good Thing)

    4. See Jane Write

    At See Jane Write, founder Javacia Harris Bowser seeks to empower women to be “authors of their own lives” and “live a life worth writing about.” Consistently recommended by many of our readers, See Jane Write is a great place for bloggers who are looking to grow their platforms and turn their blogs into businesses.

    Post you’ll like: How to Blog Consistently Even When Life Sucks

    5. Aliventures

    Ali Luke provides both practical and motivational advice on writing books, blogging and building a business around your writing. Check out her Writer’s Huddle community and ebooks on blogging.

    Post you’ll like: Is Your Writing Just an Expensive Hobby (and So What if It Is?)

    6. Almost an Author

    Almost an Author offers a deep archive of content focused on helping writers at any level. Blog posts, interviews and resources help writers learn the craft and launch their careers.

    Post you’ll like: I Almost Quit Yesterday — Again

    7. Ann Kroeker

    Author and writing coach Ann Kroeker is on a mission to help writers reach their goals by maximizing curiosity, creativity and productivity. Her website is home to numerous blog posts, podcasts and resources for writers.

    Post you’ll like: Your Writing Platform – Do People Expect Writers to Be Speakers?

    8. Australian Writers’ Centre

    No matter what type of writing you enjoy, the Australian Writers’ Centre has a course for you. Along with a full blog archive, this site offers dozens of online and in-person courses on freelance writing, creativity, novel writing, business writing, blogging and more. Courses start at $97.

    Post you’ll like: Why You Should Write Your Memoir Now, From Patti Miller

    9. Bang2Write

    If you’re a screenwriter, Bang2Write is for you. This site offers tons of advice on how to develop great stories and pitch your scripts, along with best practices for writing research.

    Post you’ll like: Everything You Need to Know About Character Archetypes

    10. C.S. Lakin’s Live Write Thrive

    Author, editor and writing coach C.S. Lakin loves helping writers get their manuscripts ready for publication. At Live Write Thrive, she writes about proper scene structure, character development, editing and crafting a fantastic story.

    Post you’ll like: 3 Keys to Writing Effective Action Scenes

    11. DIY MFA

    The folks at DIY MFA believe you can access the benefits of a Master in Fine Arts without having to go the traditional (expensive) route. It all comes down to a simple but powerful combination: Writing with focus, reading with purpose and building your community.

    Post you’ll like: Writing Friends and Where to Find Them

    12. Elizabeth Spann Craig

    Prolific mystery author Elizabeth Spann Craig blogs about all things relevant to a writer’s life, including public speaking, productivity, gaining visibility and connecting with the wider author community. Her weekly roundup of writing articles is a reader favorite.

    Post you’ll like: Tracking Our Recurring Storylines

    13. Eva Deverell

    A passionate writer and creative writing teacher, Eva Deverell offers tons of resources for readers, writers, poets and people who just love learning. With worksheets, blog posts, writing prompts and ebooks, this site offers practical ways to deepen your craft.

    Post you’ll like: How to Write a Novella

    14. Fiction University

    Janice Hardy understands there’s no “right” way to write. So instead of giving advice on what writers should do, she explains how to make industry rules work for you. With new articles and guest columns every day, you’ll gain valuable insight into the book-writing and publishing process.

    Post you’ll like: Raising the Stakes: Revising to Keep Readers Reading

    15. How to Write a Book Now

    At How to Write a Book Now, author Glen C. Strathy shares tips on everything about the writing and book publishing process, from where to start, to story model analysis, to creating compelling characters. Readers can also submit their questions about writing.

    Post you’ll like: Novel Writing Ideas: How to Get Them

    16. Goins, Writer

    Best-selling author Jeff Goins created his site to inspire others to awaken to their creative gifts and develop their true voices. Through his blog posts, podcasts and newsletters you’ll get an inside peek into the life of a successful creative professional, as well as practical advice for pursuing your own art.

    Post you’ll like: The Secret to Effortless Writing

    17. Inky Girl

    Inky Girl is the place for children’s book writers and illustrators. Debbie Ridpath Ohi shares original comics, interviews with industry experts, and advice on telling unique stories. Her series on writing picture books is a reader favorite.

    Post you’ll like: What Are 10 Ways That Twitter Can Help Writers?

    18. Journalist’s Resource

    Run by the Harvard Kennedy School’s Shorenstein Center, Journalist’s Resource offers write-ups on the latest scholarly studies, reports and data. This is a great place to find reliable research as well as inspiration for your next freelance article.

    Browse the latest research here.

    19. Lauren Carter

    Lauren Carter is a writer and creativity coach who offers one-on-one coaching and online courses to help writers focus and build a writing practice. Her blog posts turn life lessons into writing inspiration and motivation.

    Post you’ll like: Lucky

    best websites for writers20. Nicole Bianchi

    Writer, editor and web designer Nicole Bianchi shares practical and personal advice for writers at all stages of their careers. Her tips help writers boost their productivity, improve their writing skills and build their online presence.

    Post You’ll Like: How to Start Building Your Email List: 3 of the Best Email Marketing Services for Writers

    21. One Stop for Writers

    One Stop for Writers by Writers Helping Writers is a “storehouse of creative information.” Grab free resources to help you write and plan your story, from an Emotion Thesaurus to a variety of Story Maps.

    Browse the resources here.

    22. Positive Writer

    In the pursuit of creating work that matters, all writers get stuck from time to time. Doubts can creep in, and it’s sometimes hard to get back on track. Bryan Hutchinson offers motivating blog posts to help you move beyond writing paralysis and finish the work you set out to create.

    Post you’ll like: The Audacity to Be a Writer

    23. Pro Writing Aid

    Tons of our readers recommended this site this year! ProWritingAid offers manuscript editing software to help you analyze and self-edit your writing. You can sign up with an email address to use the free tool to analyze 500 words of text for style, grammar, overused words, readability and more. You can pay for a membership to get desktop software and eliminate the word-count limit.

    Try the free editing tool here.

    24. PsychWriter

    At PsychWriter, Tamar Sloan explores the intersection of psychology and writing, specifically as it pertains to character development and reader engagement. This blog covers the art of making your characters and story believable.

    Post you’ll like: Why Readers Read: What every writer needs to know

    25. Re:Fiction

    No matter what kind of fiction you write, Re:Fiction welcomes you. This site offers resources to help you at all stages, from getting better at writing to publishing to marketing and building your platform. It also offers multiple scholarships for professional editing and critiques each month on manuscripts of up to 5,000 words.

    Post you’ll like: 6 Tricks to Make You Better at Self-Editing

    26. The Write Practice

    What do all successful writers have in common? Practice. At The Write Practice, Joe Bunting and his team help you develop your writing rhythm and grow into your voice and identity as a writer.

    Post you’ll like: 10 Secrets to Write Better Stories

    27. Tweetspeak Poetry

    Tweetspeak Poetry is the go-to site for “the best in poetry and poetic things.” Here, readers and writers alike can indulge in beautiful poetry, writing workshops, book clubs and more. This is also a great place to find resources for teaching poetry.

    Post you’ll like: What Hemingway Can Teach You About Professional Loneliness

    28. Write or Die

    Writer Mandy Wallace believes you can’t wait to become inspired or for luck to strike. Just “Show up, shut up and write,” and sooner or later it will all come together. Wallace’s blog documents the writing lessons she’s learned and offers practical guides for upgrading your own writing.

    Post you’ll like: How to Survive Blogger Paralysis

    29. Writerology

    The one constant when it comes to writing? It all comes down to the people: You as a writer, your characters and their development and the audience you seek to connect with. At Writerology, Faye Kirwin combines her expertise in writing and psychology to help you hone your craft, understand people and write amazing stories.

    Post you’ll like: False Memories In Fiction: How Emotional Scenes Can Create Unreliable Narrators

    30. Writers Helping Writers

    Authors Angela Ackerman and Becca Puglisi are dedicated to creating one-of-a-kind resources that writers will actually use. Their books and blog posts focus on helping writers become better storytellers.

    Post you’ll like: 3 Tips to Creating A Time Bomb Plot Device

    31. Writers In The Storm

    Just like their characters during perilous times, writers must weather the storm of their profession — and shifting industry tides. Run by a group of authors, the Writers In The Storm blog provides inspiration and tips for writers during all stages of the process.

    Post you’ll like: Honey, I Broke the Writing Process

    32. Writer Unboxed

    Frustrated their analytical articles about books and movies were rejected, founders Therese Walsh and Kathleen Bolton decided to create Writer Unboxed in 2006 so they could freely publish their observations. It has since grown into a thriving community where writers of all levels can contribute their thoughts on the craft of writing.

    Post you’ll like: The Sell-Out or the Purist?

    33. Writers Write

    This site offers a vast archive of informational and inspirational articles on creative writing, blogging and business writing.

    Post you’ll like: 7 Completely Mad Plot Methods You Never Thought Of Before

    34. Write to Done

    Write to Done is all about learning to write well. Founder Mary Jaksch brings the age-old advice to keep writing to a whole new level, noting that it’s not practice that makes you a better writer — it’s practice directed in a positive way.

    Post you’ll like: 201 Ways to Arouse Your Creativity  

    35. Grammar Girl

    You may speak English fluently, but the language can still be quite a mystery. Grammar Girl is the go-to guide for all things “grammar, punctuation, usage and fun developments in the English language.” She has a popular podcast, too.

    Post you’ll like: 9 Books to Give Your Favorite Language Lover

    36. Kathy Steinemann

    Kathy Steinemann loves words. On her blog, she shares master lists of adjectives and offers tips for avoiding overused words and being more descriptive and original in your writing.  

    Post you’ll like: Over 400 Redundant Words to Avoid In Writing

    37. Writership

    The Writership “Captain’s Blog” is run by a team of editors with Executive Editor Leslie Watts at the helm. Through the blog and podcast of the same name, they offer self-editing tips for fiction writers.

    Post you’ll like: The Trouble With Self-Editing

    38. Scribendi

    Scribendi is focused on the art of editing and proofreading. Their resources for writers cover everything from grammar to finding inspiration to the mechanics of writing.

    Post you’ll like: How to Use Social Media to Improve Your English

    39. Comps & Calls

    On the first of each month, Cathy Bryant posts an extensive list of competitions, contests and calls for submission. She notes whether they’re paid or not, for quick skimming. This site is a great one-stop shop for all recent writing opportunities.

    Post you’ll like: Comps and Calls for December 2017

    40. Elna Cain

    Elna Cain believes you don’t need experience to be a successful freelance writer — you just need a passion for writing. On her blog, she shares tips and strategies to help new freelance writers succeed.

    Post you’ll like: How to Be a Freelance Writer (Without Leveraging Your Experience or Contacts)

    41. Freelancer FAQs

    You have questions, they have answers. Team members and guest contributors at Freelancer FAQs address all the things you’ve ever wanted to know about freelance life, including marketing, getting started, recommended resources, money management and more.

    Post you’ll like: How Do You Become a Six-Figure Freelance Writer?

    42. Freelance to Freedom

    You love to write. But to be a successful freelancer, you need to work those business muscles. That’s where Freelance to Freedom comes in. Founder Leah Kalamakis offers articles and ebooks that teach everything from client management to setting up your business website.

    Post you’ll like: 6 Reasons your Website is Costing you your Freelance Writing Clients (and how to fix it)

    43. Freelance to Win

    At Freelance to Win, Danny Margulies wants you to stop compromising and start living a life of freedom — all by building a freelance career. Danny is an expert at landing gigs on Upwork, and his blog shares all the latest tips on how to use this platform for ultimate success.

    Post you’ll like: 7 Surprising Upwork Proposal Mistakes I See Every Day

    44. Freelance Writing

    It’s been around since 1997 and is still going strong: Freelance Writing has an extensive archive of articles, tutorials, media and resources all geared to helping you build a successful career. Its jobs listings are updated daily, so you’re always in the know about new opportunities.

    Post you’ll like: 6 Freelance Writing Niches That Are Often Overlooked

    45. The Freelancer’s Year

    In 2016, Lindy Alexander took on the challenge of taking her freelance writing career full time. The Freelancer’s Year documents the lessons she’s learned and features interviews with seasoned freelancers.

    Post you’ll like: Are You Ready to Become a Full-Time Freelance Writer?

    46. FundsforWriters

    C. Hope Clark believes writing can be a realistic career for all writers. Her weekly newsletter lists the best competitions, grants and other well-paying markets, and her platform has grown to include a blog and a bi-weekly paid newsletter with even more high-paying opportunities per issue.

    Post you’ll like: Raise Money to Publish Your Books

    47. LittleZotz Writing

    Lauren Tharp has found a way to write as a freelancer full time and is dedicated to helping other writers do the same. With bi-monthly newsletters, a blog and a podcast, LittleZotz is a great source of practical tips for your freelance life.

    Post you’ll like: What to Do When You Lose Your Best Client

    48. Make a Living Writing

    At Make a Living Writing, Carol Tice helps writers move up from low-paying markets and earn more from their work. With her blog, e-books and paid community, you’ll find awesome advice, support and resources to grow as a freelance writer.

    Post you’ll like: The Journey From Bottom-Feeder Content Mills to Six-Figure Freelancing

    49. Pen & Pro$per

    At Pen & Pro$per, Jennifer Brown Bank shares more than 15 years of professional writing experience to help others reach financial success with their writing. As one The Write Life reader said, “With an outstanding array of diverse topics, tips and tricks of the writing profession, this is a blog well worth bookmarking!”

    Post you’ll like: How to Become More Savvy About Client Selection

    50. Writers Weekly

    Around since 1997, Writers Weekly is a tried-and-true resource for freelance writers. It offers regular updates on paying markets, as well as expert interviews and success stories.

    Post you’ll like: How To Be A Paid Freelance Writer While Attending School

    51. Writing Revolt

    At Writing Revolt, Jorden Roper is leading a revolution to help freelance writers and bloggers make serious money. Her site is filled with actionable articles, courses and resources that will help you become better at writing, pitching and landing great clients.

    Post you’ll like: 7 Reasons Why No One Reads or Shares Your Blog Posts (+How to Fix It!)

    52. Where to Pitch

    This simple tool, created by freelance writer Susan Shain, helps you decide (you guessed it) where to pitch your articles, based on a topic or publication. The Where to Pitch newsletter offers monthly freelance writing tips and resources.

    Try out the tool here.

    53. Bakerview Consulting

    Consultant and book blogger Barb Drozdowich tutors authors in the technology they need to build a platform through social media.

    Post you’ll like: A Beginner’s Guide to SEO (Infographic)

    54. Enchanting Marketing

    In 2012, writer Henneke left the corporate world and grew a freelance copywriting business. Now she writes this blog and coaches other writers full-time, helping them market themselves through engaging copy and a fun blog.

    Post you’ll like: 9 Simple Tips for Writing Persuasive Web Copy

    55. HubSpot

    For business, sales and marketing-focused writers, HubSpot is a great place to stay on top of the latest research, insights and strategies for connecting with your audience and making them fall in love with your brand.

    Post you’ll like: How to Validate Your Blog Post Topics: A 3-Step Process

    56. Kikolani

    Founder Kristi Hines brings you the latest strategies, trends and how-tos in digital marketing. Kikolani is a must-have resource for business and professional bloggers who want to make their brands stand out.

    Post you’ll like: How to Develop Your Blog While Stealing Content From Others

    57. Seth Godin

    Seth Godin’s blog might not be specifically about writing, but his daily bits of wisdom on business, marketing and life will help you approach your work in new ways. His posts never fail to inspire an energy to “Go, make something happen.”

    Post you’ll like: Pumpkin Seeds

    58. Shelley Hitz

    Shelley Hitz believes everyone has a message, and she’s on a mission to help you reach your target audience and build your author platform. With her blog posts, podcast and Author Audience Academy, you’ll find tons of content on book writing, publishing and marketing.

    Post you’ll like: How to Set Up Your Goodreads Author Profile (And Why You Should!)

    59. The Creative Penn

    Author Joanna Penn has built a best-selling writing career, and she wants to help you do it, too. Her site offers a wealth of resources on self-publishing and platform-building — from her articles and ebooks to her popular podcast library of author interviews.

    Post you’ll like: How To Leverage The Power of LinkedIn To Market Your Non-Fiction Book

    60. Writers Boon

    Writers Boon is a book publishing and marketing directory where you can connect with other authors, publishing and marketing experts and resources for authors. Sign up is free, and you can follow the Writers Boon Blog for ongoing advice and news.

    Sign up here.

    61. Create If Writing

    We all love writing, but sometimes platform building and promotion don’t feel as natural. That’s where Create If Writing comes in. Host Kirsten Oliphant shares tips and tools on how to build an authentic platform for your creative brand.

    Episode you’ll like: How to Increase Your Sales Rank on Amazon

    62. Self Publishing Formula

    Author Mark Dawson hosts this podcast, which features interviews with some of the biggest names in the self-publishing game. Listen for tips on writing, publishing, marketing and more.

    Episode you’ll like: Dealing With Criticism from Editors and Readers with Dr. Debra Holland

    63. Story Grid

    On the Story Grid podcast, author Shawn Coyne and “struggling” writer Tim Grahl discuss the art and science of writing a story that resonates. There’s a blueprint for great novels — and these co-hosts seek to crack the code.

    Episode you’ll like: How to Write a Great Love Story

    64. Writing Class Radio

    This show brings you inside an actual writing class, where you can hear other people tell their stories, witness breakthroughs and hear the ins and outs of learning to write well.

    Episode you’ll like: How to Hit Your Editors in the Heart

    65. Writing Excuses

    In these weekly 15-minute episodes, writers Brandon Sanderson, Mary Robinette Kowal, Howard Tayler and Dan Wells talk about all things writing. They often have season-long themes — check out season 12 for a masterclass in story structure.

    Episode you’ll like: Structuring a Series

    66. Anne R. Allen

    Publishing veterans Anne R. Allen and Ruth Harris created this online space to offer wisdom and tips for navigating the increasingly complex (and sometimes predatory) publishing world. Whether you’re an indie author or looking to land a traditional publishing deal, check out their archives and resources.

    Post you’ll like: Dreaming of a Writing Career? 6 Things New Writers Can do NOW

    67. Cooks & Books

    Literary agent Maria writes this blog about books, food, life and writing. You can sign up for free with an email for access to articles on writing and blogging, but recipes and articles for book lovers are public.

    Post you’ll like: 4 Common Mistakes Bloggers Make That Hurt Traffic and Engagement

    68. Helping Writers Become Authors

    Consider K.M. Weiland your writing and publishing mentor. With hundreds of blog posts, instructional ebooks and an exclusive e-letter, her website is the perfect place to find the answers to all your questions. She also responds to every email she receives (really!) about writing, publishing and marketing fiction.

    Post you’ll like: My Writing Process: How I Use Scrivener to Outline My Novels

    69. Jane Friedman

    Former publisher Jane Friedman explores the intersection of publishing, authorship and the digital age. With more than 15 years in the industry, Friedman knows her stuff — and her blog is a wealth of information on how to embrace “the future of authorship.”

    Post you’ll like: 5 Things I’m Not Doing to Launch My Book — Plus, What I’m Doing Instead

    70. Janet Reid, Literary Agent

    New York literary agent Janet Reid shares tons of insight into the life of a literary agent and — what every writer craves — what she loves and hates to see in a query. Her advice is fun to read and helpful whether you want to query her or any other agent.

    Post you’ll like: For the love of all things holymoly, please send me what I ask for

    71. My Story Doctor

    At My Story Doctor, author David Farland offers tips and workshops on how to write your story and get it published. He offers strategic advice on the business of writing, covering topics like how to get great deals and make the most of your publishing opportunities.

    Post you’ll like: Make the Bookstores Your Partners

    72. Nail Your Novel

    At Nail Your Novel, bestselling ghostwriter and book doctor Roz Morris shares her best traditional and self-publishing tips as well as musings on the writing process. Be sure to check out her radio show “So You Want to Be a Writer?”

    Post you’ll like: The real schedule of a self-published book

    73. Novel Publicity

    The team at Novel Publicity believes every story should be told, and have its own platform and loyal fans. With that core belief in mind, it provides guidance on writing, marketing and publishing. Posts cover everything from social media strategy and book design to finances and author blogging.

    Post you’ll like: Money, Money, Money: The Finances of Publishing

    74. Publish a Profitable Book

    Writer and coach Elizabeth Lyons self-published her first bestseller in 2003, all about her first year raising twins. Her second book garnered attention from literary agents, so she decided to share her secrets through a series of online courses and programs. Her blog shares tips on everything from overcoming writer’s block to launching and marketing.

    Post you’ll like: Necessary Book Marketing Tools

    75. Well-Storied

    It took Kristen Kieffer two and a half years to finish her first draft — then she realized she had made every mistake in the book. She vowed not to let these personal lessons go to waste, so she created Well-Storied (formerly She’s Novel), a blog and resource hub that helps writers more-easily navigate the journey of crafting brilliant novels.

    Post you’ll like: How to Find Your Character’s Motivation

    76. Standout Books

    You’ve written your book. Now what? Standoutbooks has tons of articles, templates, tools and resource recommendations for getting your book published and marketed to the max. While you’re there, grab your free Book Marketing Plan and Press Release templates.

    Post you’ll like: Understanding Cultural Trends Can Help You Write a Bestseller

    77. The Book Designer

    At The Book Designer, Joel Friedlander uses his experience in book design, advertising and graphic design to help writers “build better books” and get published. Along with his extensive blog archive, check out his book design templates and Book Launch Toolkit.

    Post you’ll like: 5 Favorite Free Fonts for Interior Book Design

    78. The Steve Laube Agency

    What better way to get book publishing advice than from an agent himself? From resource recommendations to nearly a decade’s worth of blog archives, The Steve Laube Agency website is full of advice for writers who are taking their first steps into the world of publishing.

    Post you’ll like: Who Decides to Publish Your Book?

    79. Writer’s Digest Editor Blogs

    Writer’s Digest is home to many resources, competitions, and communities. The Guide to Literary Agents and There Are No Rules blogs give you an inside look into the publishing industry, Robert Lee Brewer’s Poetic Asides is for poet’s, and Jess Zafarris’ The Writer’s Dig covers all things writing.

    Post you’ll like: How I Got My Agent: Julia Walton

    80. Writer’s Relief

    For more than 20 years, Writer’s Relief has helped creatives successfully submit their writing to literary journals, book publishers, agents and more. The staff’s blog is full of publishing tips, and a paid-subscriber-only classifieds section lists contests, conferences and residences.

    Post you’ll like: 11 Questions to Ask Before Submitting Your Writing to Literary Journals

    81. A Writer’s Path

    Author Ryan Lanz started this writing community to help authors find book reviewers and publishing services, and offer free resources, critiques and coaching. For $8,95 a year, you’ll get access, plus exclusive discounts on services and other freebies.

    Join the Writer’s Path community

    82. Alessandra Torre Ink

    Writers touted this community by New York Times-bestselling author Alessandra Torre. She teaches courses in writing and publishing and offers a space for you to connect with nearly 3,000 other writers.

    Join the community of Alessandra Torre Inkers

    83. Booksie

    Booksie lets you publish your writing — from articles to novels — for readers to review or just enjoy for free. You can also read and comment on others’ work to support them. The community is for writers 13 years or older, so it doesn’t allow adult content.

    Join the Booksie community

    84. Chronicles

    Chronicles is a thriving community for science fiction and fantasy writers. Community members gather to discuss favorite books, authors and common themes in science fiction and fantasy writing.

    Join the Chronicles community

    85. Fiction Writing

    The Fiction Writing Facebook group is a community of nearly 10,000 writers. Here, you can post your writing for critique or reviews, and veteran members can announce details about upcoming book releases and published pieces.

    Join the Fiction Writing community

    86. Free Writing Events

    This site is a rich resource of scholarships and writing contests, plus Twitter chats to help you connect with other writers in almost any genre.

    Join the online writing community

    87. Inked Voices

    Inked Voices is a platform for small workshopping groups. Connect with other writers in your genre, share work in a private workspace and exchange feedback and critiques. Cost is $10 a month or $75 a year.

    Join the Inked Voices community

    88. Insecure Writer’s Support Group

    Whether you’re just beginning to write or a best-selling pro, the Insecure Writer’s Support Group is here to help you overcome whatever doubts and insecurities might keep you from being your best.

    Join Insecure Writer’s Support Group

    89. Literature and Poetry

    This community is for writers and readers “who believe in good, old-fashioned family values.” You can post your writing for community feedback and offer feedback to other writers.

    Join the Literature and Poetry community

    90. NaNoWriMo

    Yes, this is the event all the writers you know participate in every November — National Novel Writing Month. Did you know you can visit the NaNoWriMo site for tons of resources to help you win? You can also chat with other writers through the online forum and find NaNo groups in your area.

    Join the NaNoWriMo community

    91. Now Novel

    The Now Novel program offers a structured, straightforward way to get your book done. With a step-by-step process that takes the guessing out of what to do next, personalized mentorship and community groups for even more support, you’ll be an author in no time.

    Join the Now Novel community

    92. She Writes

    More than 30,000 writers of all levels of expertise have joined this buzzing community, founded by author Kamy Wicoff. At She Writes, you can create your own profile, build your network, share your work, get expert advice and feedback and discuss all types of topics in the forum.

    Join the She Writes community

    93. Storywrite

    This community for short-story writers has more than 50,000 active members. Share your writing with the whole community, or in private forums to connect with smaller critique groups.

    Join the Storywrite community

    94. Talentville

    Talentville is the online destination for screenwriters and storytellers. This community focuses on bringing together people across the industry — from novice script writers to top agents and producers — so high-quality work can be easily discovered.

    Join the Talentville community

    95. The Masters Review

    This community is focused on supporting emerging writers. They publish works from writers who don’t have published novels and haven’t been featured on larger platforms yet. Be on the lookout for their annual anthology, which features the 10 best emerging writers in the country.

    Join the Masters Review community

    96. Two Drops of Ink

    Two Drops of ink is a literary blog accepting submissions from writers of almost any genre. The editors also post book reviews and blog posts about writing and the publishing industry.

    Join the Two Drops of Ink community

    97. WritersCafe.org

    This writing community lets you post your work for feedback and reviews, and connect with other writers. If you find writing you enjoy, you can save it to build your own library of up-and-coming authors!

    Join the WritersCafe.org community

    98. Writing.com

    This social network for writers has been around since 2000, and it’s free to join. Join for peer-to-peer reviews or just to make writerly friends. Users have the option to use pseudonyms and remain anonymous.

    Join the Writing.com community

    99. Barely Hare Books

    Rae Elliott of Barely Hare Books believes teens can write fandom-worthy fiction. Blog posts, a podcast and several ebooks offer advice for anyone who wants to embark on self-publishing adventure, but the site is geared mainly towards writerly teens.

    Post you’ll like: Podcasting: The Affordable Way to Boost Your Book’s Discoverability

    100. Go Teen Writers

    Stephanie Morrill knows a love of writing often starts at a young age. That’s why she created Go Teen Writers: to provide encouragement, community and wisdom to aspiring teen writers who want to learn more about how to finish a novel and get it published.

    Post you’ll like: What Teen Writers Should Know About Pitching Their Book

    Which writing sites, communities and podcasts would you add to this list? Let us know in the comments below!

    This post contains affiliate links. That means if you purchase through our links, you’re supporting The Write Life — and we thank you for that!

  • 8 Side Hustle Ideas That Could Make You a Better Writer

    8 Side Hustle Ideas That Could Make You a Better Writer

    As writers, we often think we have to devote ourselves fully to our writing in order to make any progress — or any money.

    And while being able to write full-time is a dream for just about all of us, it may not always be the best case scenario. The writing life can be a bit lonely, and we writers often need to get out of our heads. There are a lot of ways writers find inspiration online or in their own environments, but nothing really replaces getting out into the world and learning from actual people.

    For many of us, writing starts out as a side job and eventually becomes a full-time job. We don’t always let the side job go, either, and our full-time writing career becomes full-time and then some. Which isn’t healthy for anyone.

    If you find yourself writing day and night — or even need some motivation to put on some clothes at five o’clock and get out of the house with the rest of world, finding a side job that isn’t writing-focused might be your new survival tactic.

    Here are eight side jobs that would be perfect for a writer who wants to expand their horizons and make some relatively easy cash.

    1. Teach a fitness class

    You can earn extra money, of course, but maybe even more advantageous is that you are forced to exercise regularly — and get paid to do it.

    And let’s face it: most of us writers need a little incentive to make it to the gym.

    The third benefit here? You can learn so much about people when watching them at their best and at their worst — and an exercise class is about as close as you can get without eavesdropping at a coffee shop.

    Plus, if you’re interested in writing for a fitness-focused publication, taking new classes may provide some needed inspiration.

    2. Become a barista

    Speaking of coffee shops…there are few places that humans are more fully themselves than when ordering coffee just the way they like it.

    Whether it’s a tall decaf cappuccino or a skinny soy latte with an extra shot, a coffee order says a lot about a person, like what they value and how cranky they are before they get it. Being able to observe people making decisions before they’ve had their first cup can be a priceless look into what they pay attention to, and consequently, how to write to grab that attention.

    3. Work retail

    Is there something you’ve always wanted to learn more about, but never got the chance to invest the time and money to try it out? Or maybe there’s something you need to learn more about in order to write about it in your latest work in progress. The perfect option might be to work at a store that specializes in it.

    This will give you the chance to try something out without spending a lot of money or to learn something from real people with firsthand experience that will help you write about it — all while getting paid.

    That’s what I did last year: I got a part-time job at a local wine store. Not only did I get to learn about a topic I’d always wanted to, but I also got to see how companies describe their own wine. The ways in which people name vineyards and individual varietals is fascinating, and a first-hand look at how things sell off a shelf meant I got to see human nature at work.

    Pretty labels? Check. Funky name? Absolutely going to sell. The exemplary bottle of wine that has a plain, boring label? Not so much.

    It taught me a lot about what people’s expectations are, something that writers need to know when brainstorming story ideas, article titles and more.

    side hustle ideas4. Bartend

    The cliché of people talking to their bartenders is a cliché for a reason.

    If you want to learn more about how people respond to the best (weddings, job promotions) and worst (breakups, getting fired) situations, it might be a good idea to step around the counter and start serving.

    Learning what people order in different settings may be helpful if you’re trying to help your fictional characters navigate their own bar-hopping lives, and you might even get to hear a few stories that you’d never have been able to otherwise.

    Gaining empathy while getting paid? Definitely a writer-worthy pursuit.

    5. Take tickets at a movie theater

    If we’re honest, most of our evening hours are spent on the couch anyway, too tired to summon more words of our own. Working the front counter at a movie theater might be a perfect solution to making a little cash on the side, and keep you from falling into the evening Netflix binge over and over again.

    The hours are likely opposite your most productive writing times, and a lot of theaters give employees the chance to see new movies free as they come out. Having access to free entertainment is never a bad thing for a writer that consumes a lot of content in order to stay current, plus think of all the stories you are going to get to soak up that you may have passed over if you had to pay for them!

    6. Dogsit

    For Kelly Gurnett, dogsitting has provided her with the opportunity to create mini writing retreats for herself while earning some extra cash — all while getting to dote on a furry friend or two.

    “Most of my dog sitting gigs are several nights long, which gives me a chance to recharge, refresh, and focus on my writing in a way I never could at home,” says Gurnett. “I recently finished a book I was under contract for, the biggest writing project I’ve had to date, and I’d say 85% of the research and drafting was done while at a sitting stay.”

    Gurnett says that the majority of her gigs are at really nice houses, too, which is kind of like staying in a fancy hotel and getting paid for it.

    If you have a passion for animals and find writing at home to be a struggle amidst your own family’s chaos, maybe give dog- or cat-sitting a try.

    7. Wait tables

    Yes, it can be exhausting, underpaid and rob you of your weekends, but waiting tables gives you a chance to see real people interacting in real life.

    One of the ways we connect with others most is through sharing meals, and waiting tables gives you a front row seat to everyone from families with small children to retired couples as they engage with one of their most basic human needs.

    If you write romance, look for a fancier restaurant where people get engaged and celebrate milestones. If you’re a marketer, search out a restaurant where your demographic hangs, whether it’s college students or moms with small children. It can be a valuable learning tool to see what your target audience gravitates to in real life.

    8. Work at a bookstore

    This is almost too obvious to put on the list, but working at a bookstore might be the best part-time job for a writer out there. The best writers are great readers, and being in the know of what is coming out and what sells—fiction or nonfiction—is a perk any writer would be happy to have.

    We’re guessing there’s a healthy employee discount, too, which makes doing your own reading and research just a little easier on the wallet.

    There’s a lot to be said for getting out of your own element and learning from new people and places. As writers, we are expected to constantly hone our skills and be able to understand concepts that reach beyond our current situation. What better way is there to do that than while making a little extra money on the side.

    What side job have you held that helped you be a better writer?

  • 3 Real-World Examples of Freelance Writing Pitches That Sold

    3 Real-World Examples of Freelance Writing Pitches That Sold

    What does it take to land an article in one of your favorite publications?

    Luck and personal connections may help, but here at The Write Life we believe that doing the work — and doing it over and over again – helps you achieve expert level.

    But crafting the perfect pitch can be tricky, even for experienced writers.

    Here, we’ll dive into three real examples from writers with various industry experience. While each takes a different approach in their pitching style, all three got hired to write the story they pitched. And each has lessons you can take back to your own pitches.

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    Example 1: Expert sources seal the deal

    The article: America’s Obsession With Social Media Is Undermining The Democratic Process by Lisa Rabasca Roepe, appearing on Quartz

    The pitch:

    Hi [redacted for privacy],

    I saw your post in [private Facebook group] a while back asking for pitches for the Ideas Section of Quartz.

    Here’s a pitch for you to consider.

    Voters are creating an election echo chamber 

    Voters today are embracing presidential candidates who appeal to their specific passions and ideals much like they only trust news sources that align with their ideological views.

    Our ability to self-select our newsfeed via Facebook, Twitter and even whether our main source of news is MSNBC or Fox News is creating an echo chamber for voters. As a result, the only news voters get about their candidate is favorable and the news about the candidates they don’t like is always negative. 

    This piece would focus on how voters are no longer receiving balanced (and, in some cases, accurate) news about election candidates. This is not because the media is biased but because voters have an unprecedented ability to self-select the news they receive.

    This article that would include interviews with:

    • Tom Rosenstiel, executive director of API and former director of the Project for Excellence in Journalism at the Pew Research Center in Washington, D.C.
    • Carroll Doherty, director of political research at Pew Research Center

    My articles have appeared in Fast Company, Men’s Journal and Daily Worth. 

    Please let me know if I can provide you any additional information or clips, or if you have any feedback for me.

    Thanks.

    Why the pitch worked

    Rabasca Roepe was ready with backup info when her potential editor had questions. After being asked how she would prove that voters were self-selecting their news, she crafted “a response full of facts and figures, demonstrating my knowledge on the topic,” she explained.

    She was able to think fast and back up her argument to give the editor confidence in her ability to write a convincing piece.   

    Here’s what she wrote back:

    There is a fair bit of data available through Pew Research Center about consumers self-selecting their news channels and who and what they follow on social media. Plus, for many people Facebook and Twitter has become their main source of news.

    For instance, a study conducted by Pew Research Center in association with the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, finds that clear majorities of Twitter (63%) and Facebook users (63%) now say each platform serves as a source for news about events and issues outside the realm of friends and family.

    Pew has also done research on which news channels a majority of liberals and conservatives trust. No surprise here. Most liberals favor MSNBC, The New York Times and NPR, while most conservatives trust Fox News.

    I can tell you that I’m guilty of this myself. I never watch Fox News. My three favorite news sources are, in fact, The New York Times, MSNBC and NPR.

    Some added background about me: I’m the former managing editor of Presstime magazine, the monthly magazine of the Newspaper Association of America. I worked at NAA for about 10 years and I also worked at the American Press Institute for two year, right around the time that news websites first started to allow readers to “customize” their new feeds.

    I think the key to this article will be interviewing experts at Pew and API about the growing trend of consumers self-selecting their news.

    Lisa

    The experience

    An hour after sending her response, Rabasca Roepe’s pitch was assigned.

    “This editor was great to work with and we ended up working on several stories after this initial piece,” Rabasca Roepe says. “She even bumped up my rate.”

    Example 2: Personal essay personality

    The article: I Work in PR But I Hate Statement Necklaces by Lauren Sieben, appearing on Racked

    The pitch

    Hi there,

    [Name redacted] pointed me in this direction for a pitch about the collection of statement necklaces I’ve amassed but that I admittedly don’t like all that much.

    A few years ago, statement necklaces became a professional crutch for me. When I made the switch from journalism to PR, I felt like the shlubby and out-of-place little sister who walked in on a party of much cooler, older, prettier high school girls. I moved from my job at a local newspaper in Iowa to a PR job in a bigger city, and overnight I became hyper-aware of my dress pants that were too uptight and my Target basics that were too, well, basic. Every woman working at an agency in town seemed to own the same variation of that chunky J. Crew statement necklace, so I went out and bought one of my own (a much cheaper version at Charming Charlie’s, but it was the gateway necklace). Years later, I’m still working in PR, but I’ve settled into my own style and I don’t feel the need to cling to costume jewelry to fit in. And now I’ve got all these damn statement necklaces that aren’t my style at all.

    I’d love to explore this topic as an essay for Racked. About me: I’m a Milwaukee-based writer and a reader of Racked. For a look at some of my past work, you can find my most recent essays for The Billfold and for A Practical Wedding. My complete portfolio is here.

    Thank you so much for your time and consideration. I hope to hear back from you and hopefully we can collaborate soon on this piece.

    Best,
    Lauren

    Why the pitch worked

    Sieben focuses her pitch on how one type of jewelry has impacted her personal style, rather than trying to fit her entire jewelry box into her essay.

    She admitted to The Write Life that her pitches can be too wordy, but in this case the finished essay delivers exactly what she proposed —  something editors always appreciate.

    The experience

    Sieben was asked to add a small section to her essay, but “It went up pretty much as I had submitted it,” she says. “The only downside is that piece went up months ago and I’m still waiting on payment because of some payroll glitch.”

    Sieben returned to the editor who picked up her first piece and has another in the works.Example 3: Adaptability and a new angle

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    The article: A Wine Drinker’s Guide to Climate Change Winners and Losers by Jamie Cattanach, appearing on Vinepair

    The pitch

    Hi [redacted for privacy],

    Pleased to meet you! I saw your call in [private Facebook group], and I’ve got a story I think might be a fit for VinePair.

    I’d like to write a piece explaining how climate change could completely wreck winemaking as we know it, and even render certain varietals and blends impossible to create should temperatures rise too far. I would briefly explain how varietal characteristics depend on terroir — which, in turn, is defined in part by climate — before imagining how certain varietals’ expressions might change should temperatures reliably increase by even just a few degrees.

    Long story short: if we don’t take action, our children might not be drinking the same elegant, cool-weather pinots or slatey Chablis we enjoy today.

    I spent more than a year on-staff at The Penny Hoarder as their head food writer, and I’ve also worked with the Purple Carrot subscription box, Ms. Magazine, BUST, Roads & Kingdoms, RVshare, Santander Bank, Barclaycard and others. I have a piece forthcoming on SELF magazine’s website, as well. Here are a few relevant clips, and you can also take a peek at my website and full digital portfolio.

    Thanks for your consideration; I’m looking forward to hearing what you think!

    Thanks again,

    Jamie Cattanach

    Why the pitch worked

    Without getting too deep in the weeds about the science of this piece or her potential sources, Cattanach sets the scene for a piece that has wide interest even for a niche publication.

    The experience

    Cattanach’s initial contact at Vinepair left the site between the assignment date and due date, which caused some confusion. She had to adjust her angle in the midst of researching her piece, as a similar article was published on Vinepair about a week before Cattanach’s.

    “I had to change my angle from ‘What will happen to terrior?’ to ‘Where will the new fancy wine regions be and also, by the way, some wine growers are totally thinking about switching to pot, isn’t that funny?’

    Despite the challenges, she was paid promptly and was proud to get her first clip in a wine-focused publication.

    The common thread: Networking

    All three of our pitching examples included mention of a personal reference or Facebook group for writers. That doesn’t mean that these three writers have endless connections in the industry. It just means that they’re paying attention and taking advantage of opportunities as they appear.

    As a colleague reminded Cattanach: Your story idea definitely won’t get picked up if you never pitch it anywhere.

    You learn by taking the chance, and doing so with confidence. Good luck, writers!

    Note: We’ve removed some of these contributor’s clips that they shared in their pitches, but the text of their pitches otherwise remains as emailed.

  • The 15 Worst (And Best) Parts About Becoming a Freelance Writer

    The 15 Worst (And Best) Parts About Becoming a Freelance Writer

    Money isn’t everything. So goes the old adage, and a recent survey suggests many freelancers agree.

    AND CO, creator of a productivity app for independent workers, recently surveyed hundreds of freelancers for their study “The Slash Workers.” Only seven percent of respondents said their main reason for going off on their own was financial. Much more prevalent were the desire for personal growth (40 percent of respondents) and greater flexibility (27 percent).

    Financial stability is hardly a guarantee when you’re a freelancer writer. The vast majority of study respondents said things had not gotten much better for them money-wise since going solo: 34 percent had seen no significant change, while 43 percent were actually worse off.

    That said, freelancers, for the most part, seem happy with their situations: 68 percent reported an increase in “quality of life” since going independent. Clearly there are factors beyond the financial that fulfill freelancers.

    If you’re wondering whether freelancing is right for you, here are some of the biggest trade-offs you can expect to make.

    Say goodbye to:

    1. Stability

    Long-time clients can cut and run without warning. Promising opportunities can peter into nothing. You may have more work than you can handle one month, and next to nothing the following month.

    Getting comfortable with a feast-or-famine cycle is essential, at least until you build up a more reliable client base.

    2. A steady paycheck

    One positive of working for someone else is the ability to collect a regular paycheck every week (or every other week). You know exactly what your monthly income will be, so you can budget, plan ahead and have the security of knowing your hard work will pay off in a predictable fashion.

    When you’re a freelancer, timely payment isn’t a given. Some clients drag their feet after you’ve turned in a project; others need to be chased down.

    It’s critical to build up a savings buffer before going full-time so you can cover the lean months.

    3. Benefits

    Working as an independent contractor means you’re responsible for your own health insurance, 401K plan and other benefits.

    If you don’t factor these extra costs in when determining how much money you’ll need to bring in, you could find yourself facing other unpleasant trade-offs — like whether to save for retirement or buy groceries.

    4. Working on someone else’s schedule

    No set hours means you can work whenever, and wherever, you like.  

    If you’re a night owl, you can plug away until the wee hours of the morning and then sleep in till noon. If you’re sick, you can take a day off or schedule a last-minute doctor’s appointment without anyone tallying up your away time. You can also enjoy activities normally unavailable to 9-to-5 employees, like going to your kid’s afternoon recital or taking a mid-morning yoga class on a whim.

    5. Having a boss

    Your clients are, in a way, your “bosses,” but they don’t get involved in the minutiae of your daily routine. (At least, not if they’re good clients.) You’ll have specific deliverables to meet by a certain deadline, but no one will be peering over your shoulder telling you how to make it happen.

    6. That awful commute

    Never again will you be forced to endure gridlock as half your town’s population heads to and from work at the same arbitrary time. You can also say goodbye to added fuel costs, parking expenses and transit passes.

    7. Being around people on a daily basis

    Freelancing can be a lonely career. Sixty-one percent of survey respondents said they miss “the feeling of community that a traditional workplace offers.” You may not be a huge fan of water cooler chitchat or forced birthday lunches, but spending day after day alone in your PJs isn’t always fun, either.

    8. Clocking out

    The downside of having no set schedule is that the lines between work and home can easily become blurred. When you could be doing work at any time, it can be hard to take time for yourself without feeling guilty about wasting a billable opportunity.

    Say hello to:

    1. Freedom

    Want to take a week’s vacation? As long as you make sure your deadlines are met, that’s your prerogative. Not feeling the new project you’ve been sent? You have every right to only choose the ones you love.

    As your own boss, you make the rules — which can be simultaneously thrilling and paralyzing.

    2. Higher earning potential

    Unlike a regular job, which is capped at a certain salary per year, freelancing offers the possibility to earn as much as your talent and marketing skills allow. That’s not to say freelancers are rolling in the dough; according to AND CO’s study, 43 percent of freelancers interviewed make $24,999 a year or under.

    3. Location independence

    You can travel without worrying about falling behind in your work. You can pick up and move to a whole new city if the spirit grabs you. You can also work from different locations, like a cafe or a park, to keep the inspiration fresh.

    4. Being the boss

    From marketing to tax prep to crisis management, everything is on your shoulders when you’re a business of one. You’ll need to learn to be an entrepreneur — or explore other ways to put your talents to use.

    5. Creative outlet

    From pitching new ideas to covering a wide range of topics, freelancing gives you plenty of scope for the imagination. If creating is essential to your happiness, freelancing is a great way to turn that drive into income.

    6. Work/life balance

    If you’re smart, organized and disciplined enough, freelancing can be a great way to pay the bills and still enjoy the life you have outside of work. With no set schedule to adhere to, you can work with your natural rhythms and make time for the things that are a priority to you.

    7. Variety

    As the name of the study indicates, many freelancers are “slash workers” — taking on a variety of projects in different areas to get the most buck for their bang. With 95 percent of respondents working as slashers, you can look forward to work that continually challenges and interests you.

    As with any career, freelancing has its pros and cons. What’s important is being aware of those pros and cons and determining whether they’ll be the right fit for your personality and personal goals.

    Freelancers: What other tradeoffs have you found you’ve had to make for your career, and do you think they’ve been “worth it”?

    Kelly Gurnett is a freelance blogger, writer and editor; follow her on Twitter @CordeliaCallsIt.