If you want to continue to earn more freelance work, it’s important that you take the necessary steps to become a better freelancer. Luckily, there are plenty of online tools available that can help you improve your craft and keep you as an important aspect to the writing industry. The following are four free and two paid online tools to help you become a better freelancer.
FREE
Dictionary.com
Whether you want to learn the definition of a new word or even want to look for a word with a similar meaning, Dictionary.com can be a great asset. Not only can you learn valuable definitions to improve your writing vocabulary, but Dictionary.com also gives you access to Thesaurus.com, which can help you add more colorful words to your writing. You also have access to Word Dynamo, Quotes, Reference as well as Translators.
World Wide Words
World Wide Words is a website dedicated to helping writers stay on top of the new words and phrases that appear. Every day, this site is updated with new words and phrases as well as definitions and examples on how to use them. This is a great way for freelancers to increase their vocabulary and ensure that they know which words are in and which words are no longer popular to use.
Google Docs
Google Docs is a great platform for freelancers. Not only can you create any type of document (Word, spreadsheet, presentation, etc.), but also you can save them automatically to your Google Drive, which means you can access them anywhere. Plus, with Google Docs, you can share documents with other people, so you can freelance without ever having to leave your home. And since sharing is done over the cloud, you don’t have to worry about wasting time compressing and uploading attachments to emails.
The Purdue Online Writing Lab (OWL)
If you’re looking to brush up on your grammar rules, look no further than The Purdue Online Writing Lab. This online tool comes from Purdue University in Indiana, but it’s extremely comprehensive that students and professionals can gain a great deal of knowledge and insight from it. Along with basic information, you can also take tutorials to strengthen your writing.
PAID
Grammarly
If you really want to be the best freelance writer, you need to ensure your writing is free from grammar and spelling mistakes. Yes, you can rely on your word processor’s grammar and spelling checker, or you can pay for and use Grammarly grammar check tool, one of the most trusted grammar checkers ever made. Not only will it find and correct your grammar and spelling errors, but it will also suggest changes that could improve your writing and check for plagiarism.
AP Stylebook
Most writers prefer to use Associated Press Style writing, otherwise known as AP. But with all the rules for grammar, it’s hard to remember AP style’s rules compared to Chicago style or MLA style. Instead of guessing, sign up for and use the AP Stylebook online. With your membership, you will have access to the stylebook to ensure your writing is AP style approved.
Caroline Jones is a freelance writer and grammar guru from Boston.