Five Helpful Websites for Would-be Writers

So, you’re thinking about starting out as a freelance writer or an author. Your fingers are poised over the keyboard, you have tons of ideas, but how do you actually get started? Finding some trustworthy, easy to understand resources sounds sensible. But, how do you know what’s good and what’s rubbish? Which of the bounty of resources and ‘sign up now and get a free e-book!’ offers are actually worth your time? Chances are, you’ll spend a lot of time looking only to find a handful worth bookmarking. So, to save you time here’s a list of five reputable websites to help get your freelance writing career underway.

1.     Make a living writing

Make a living writing is one of the web’s most popular websites for freelance writers and bloggers. Carol Tice is a successful writer and blogger who offers practical advice for established and would-be writers and bloggers. Tice is also a ‘den mother’ at the Freelance Writers’ Den, along with fellow writer and blogger Linda Formicelli.

2.     https://www.louiseharnbyproofreader.com/indie-authors.html

Louise Harnby’s website and blog are jam-packed with useful goodies for both writers and editors. Independent authors will find information on everything from how to write dialogue tags to how to get an agent. Louise co-hosts The Editing Podcast, which is a fantastic resource for anyone looking to publish independently.  

3.      Writer’s Digest

A self-described ‘one-stop shop for information, resources and writing community’, this site provides writers of all genres with writing help, exercises and tips for getting published. Part of their stable is the Writer’s Market, a respected online and hardcopy guide to getting published. 

4.     Write to Done

Write to Done is a general writing website, but it has a good freelancing section and offers advice and articles from well-respected writers. Mary Jaksh, Chief Editor, is an experienced writer with both a traditionally published book and an e-book under her belt. She is also a Zen master. Yes, really.

5.     Freelancewriting.com

The scope of this site is enormous. They have articles, contests, forums, tutorials – you name it, it’s there. The advice runs the gamut from writing query letters to getting published to dealing with the business side of freelancing. Do beware of the job listings, though. While they do advertise legitimate jobs, there are tons of dodgy and/or ridiculously low-paid jobs there too.

 

Want more? Well, off you go then. But while searching, try and keep these tips in mind to make sure you get the cream of the crop.

1.     Good writing websites don’t offer any ‘magic formulas’. 

You know when you see a website that seems too good to be true? “The keys to the magic kingdom can be yours for just $2.99….enter your credit card details here!” While the above websites do sell resources, a lot of the content is free.

2.     The sites’ authors are easily traceable.

Generally, if you can’t easily find who runs the website, or if their credentials are hard to verify, give it a miss. If you’re unsure, try searching the website’s name and adding a keyword such as ‘legitimate’ or ‘scam’.

3.     And finally…

Get writing! Send out that first query letter… and maybe the next success story on one of these websites will be yours.