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Web Resources for Freelance Writers by Bernard M. (Contest Finalist Submission)
The development of the internet and its world wide use has greatly revolutinalized freelance writing.
The web has come out with many benefits which have made freelance writing easy and open to any one interested. It has opened up the space to a bigger audience world wide. Infact one one can target an exclusive audience group which was uphill task in the past.
The web has many resources which can not only greatly enhance freelance writing but also help prospective would be freelance writers gain the necessary skills and expertise.
This essay will thus focus on the various web resources available and how they are important to freelance writers.
Free online courses
Freelance writers can gain valuable writing skills through free online courses on grammar and writing. These courses are found in websites which are easy to access. For example the Lousy Writer is a free online resource with tips for improving writers’ writing, communicating better, and information about various writing styles. Other examples include the Open University Grammar Course and the MIT Writing Courses.
Writing add-ons
The web contains many writing add-ons which are very important to freelance writers as they make their work easier.
QuoteUrlText is an add-on that allows writers to copy sources automatically, marking sources and links, so that they can give proper credit in case they use them in writing. Example of such is the Zotero. This helps for reference purposes and also helps the reader to follow up if he/she needs to know more on the subject.
Online Dictionaries are an important web resource because they are quick to access and easy to use. They offer a quick resource for vocabulary check. They develop ones understanding of the English language and thus help in maintaining the quality of the English language. There are very many versions of dictionaries in the web today.
Where there is a word limit, web resources such as the Word Count Plus allow writers to count words automatically and keep the word count under control. This helps one plan and know what approach to take when writing so as to be within the acceptable margins.
Networking (Writing Communities, Forums, and Groups)
Through the web, freelance writers’ can meet, learn and share important experiences on writing. The following is an elaboration of networking forums which act as important web resources for freelance writing.
Backspace is an online community for writers and one of WritersDigest.com’s 101 Best Sites for writers. This is well illustrated by the fact that more than a third of the members of Backspace have been published and some are even on the New York Times Best Sellers List
WritersDigest.com is a very important site for writers. Writers learn to write better from their many articles and tips, participate in their discussion groups and forums and learn from other writers.
AbsoluteWrite.com is a site that provides forums for writers to discuss issues around them. The forums are a good place to meet other freelance writers, bloggers, screenwriters and novelists
Writers FM is an online radio station for writers and mainly targets writers. This is important as freelance writers may gain access to the airwaves and air their jobs to other writers and in the process learn and share with other writers wherever they may be listening.
Writeboard is a web resource that can help freelance writers share experiences. It is an online tool that makes it easy to collaborate with other writers online and thus exposes the writers and their work to a wider audience.
Other resources
Other web resources such as the iStock Photo help in the access of copyright free images. Bloggers and online writers are asked to include copyright free images with their work. You can purchase images from istockphoto.com inexpensively and ensure you are using copyright-free images on all of your work.
A resource like Copyscape is important to a freelance writer as it enables him/her to avoid plagiarized materials. Copyscape is an online tool that checks for plagiarism.
Mozy is an important web resource which ensures that your hard work goes to waste. It backs up your writing regularly and thus protecting your files from accidental deletion or disaster. This is an affordable online backup service with plans for individuals or multi-users.
Conclusion
The web is a eureka of sought to many freelance writers. It has made work easier and enabled learning and networking to be easy irrespective of the distance and culture of the writers. It is therefore important for freelance writers to be fully conversant with the web so as to enjoy the benefit it brings.
About the author:
Bernard M. – Is currently a 4th year student of Political Science with IT. He likes writing and reading especially on topics covering history, world politics, current events, IT and the development of the “Third World”. His hobbies are reading, writing, listening to music, watching movies, socializing and browsing.
This essay was written as a submission for the Research & Writing Contest, held by the ResearchWritingCenter.com. If you want to stay updated and read other contest submissions, which became the contest finalists check back here in 1 week, when we’ll be posting another contest finalist submission!
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