Freelance Writers: Writing and Grammar Resources to Get You Started Off Right In 2017

Want to avoid common writing "mistakes" and really improve your credibility as a quality freelance writer in 2017? 

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​Did you know that it is possible to chop drown a tree with a dull axe? However, the time it would take do such a thing is just absurd. If chopping down a tree was on your to-do list you would want to get it done as soon as possible. 

Well, the only way you could achieve such a feat would be to sharpen your axe. Being a quality freelance writer is no different. If you really want to make 2017 your best year ever, as a freelance writer. Or perhaps you want to finally be able to quit your 9 to 5 and start going full-time doing what you love (writing).  Then you need to take the time to sharpen your axe. 

Here are some resources to keep your writing skills as sharp as they can be: 

​Free Online Resources 

1. Grammarly: This is by-far, the best grammar tool/site that I have ever found. It is an app and works in the background of just about every thing you use to write (Google Chrome, Firefox, Social Media post areas, and so much more). You can set up a FREE account or you can set up a paid account (In order to get Grammarly to work within a Microsoft Word document, you will need to set up a paid account). 
   
2. Freelance Writing Gigs: In addition to providing you with access to writing clients that are just waiting to hear from you, this website also offers writing tips that will truly sharpen your writing chops and get you moving in the direction of your ultimate goal of becoming a full-time freelance writer. 
3. The Purdue OWL: Ok... so may be you haven't been in a classroom environment for several years now and you are dreading not being able to have access to a personal writing coach and/or tutor that can really give it to you straight. Well, halt! And freight no more! Purdue offers Online Writing Labs with equipped with hundreds of free writing resources and courses. And, yes, you even have access to real live English teachers and writing tutors that can help you in so many different ways. 
   
4. Hemingway App: Have you ever wanted to write like Hemingway? Well, stop fantasizing. Run your essays and writing text through this free online app to ensure that it's bold, clear, and concise. The app will take your writing and put it into the writing style that made Hemingway famous. 
5. Word Counter: Do you feel like you may have a problem with writing in such a way that comes off as redundant? Believe it or not, this kind of thing can really become irritating to readers, and especially clients and editors that you are trying to write full-time for. This resources is another writing app that catches and replaces every overused word as you insert it into its provided text box. Eventually, the owner of this site/app is going to make a way to allow you to upload full documents to the app, but until then, you are only able to upload small chunks of your writing (paragraphs) to it. use this before submitting to articles to clients.
6. Pro Writing Aid: Take eliminating errors and redundancy one step further with this easy online writing aid tool. Trust me, you'll be glad you did. There are 3 packages to choose from, and, of course, one is FREE. But if you choose to sign up for any of the paid packages you will be amazed at how much writing aid and help this site offers for pennies a year. 

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Writing Books 

1. The Elements of Style: If you claim to be writer and haven't got a copy of this book yet, then I don't know what you are doing. This sound bit of wisdom deserves a space on every writer’s bookshelf.
2. On Writing Well: This is a classic go-to for non-fiction writers, and who better to learn from than William Zinsser? Mr. Zinsser is the go-to authority and expert in all things non-fiction writing. Are you a magazine article writer? How about a college scholar writing essays and even doctoral thesis? If any that resonates with you, then you need this book. 
   
3. The Renegade Writer: If you have ever wanted to become a freelance writer then there is no one better to learn from then Carol Tice and Dianna Burrell. Each of these ladies have been writing full-time for over 40+ years (and I am talking about magazine article writing). They are consider to be the go-to authority in all things freelance writing. 
4. The Classic Guide to Better Writing: It is has been said, "If less effort is required to read something then much effort has gone into writing of that piece." The key to becoming a successful writer is all about developing the skill of being able to articulate your thoughts in such a way that allow your readers to be able to read with ease and understand with full clarity, the ideas and notions that you are trying get across. That what this book will help you do. 
5. Line by Line: This book offers tips on editing your own writing. Imagine writing a piece for an editor/client that requires no changes or edits. How would that make you feel? How do you think that would make your client/editor feel? I wouldn't doubt that if you were able to achieve such a skill, you would have a client for life.
6. Word Up: How do you get people to want to read what you write? How do you get them interested in the subject matter that you are most knowledgeable about? First, you must know you audience better than they know themselves. Second, you need to learn to write powerful sentences and paragraphs that your target reader can't help but be drawn to. This book helps you develop that coveted skill set. 

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William Ballard is an entrepreneur, international best-selling author, speaker, leader, and direct-response marketing expert. William is a respected, highly regarded master copywriter whose passion is to help self-published authors get more for their hard-work and contributions to the world regardless of economic climate. His books, audio packages, membership programs, and seminars provide aspiring writers with the practical tools necessary to build their own writing businesses and help propel them towards their path to true freedom. To get started: Check Out the Writer's Round Table Club

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