Editor’s Observe: This story initially appeared on The Penny Hoarder.
Whether or not it’s a calling, a ardour, a way to make money — or some mixture of all three, writing is a reasonably rewarding solution to spend your time, not that I’m biased.
However earlier than you set out to your favourite cafe with a typewriter and a cool hat (neither of that are an precise requirement of the occupation), hear this.
There are a number of on-line instruments that may aid you get your profession as a wordsmith off the bottom — with out spending a dime.
On this record, I’ve included 10 of my absolute favourite (and utterly free) writing instruments at present in the marketplace.
Whether or not you’re on the lookout for a distraction-free writing platform, a solution to save your concepts on-the-go, or a eager modifying buddy — these freebies have one thing for each author. Preserve studying to search out your new favourite free writing software.
10 On-line Instruments for Writers
For brand spanking new writers and outdated execs alike, listed here are 10 free on-line instruments to assist.
1. Google Docs
It isn’t glamorous, however it’s free, and it actually does get the job achieved. With loads of free storage and infinite methods to prepare your work into folders, Google Docs is a must have for any critical author.
Plus, it’s simple to share paperwork with different writers and editors for seamless collaboration.
You’ll be able to entry Google Docs just by signing in (or signing up) for a Gmail account. From there, you’ll be able to create new paperwork and folders, spreadsheets (which will be tremendous useful for monitoring your taxable income), and a lot extra.
2. FocusWriter
One other nice free software for easily-distracted writers, FocusWriter solutions the decision with that good blank-page look, and no fussy settings or extra controls to get in the way in which.
Customise your background theme, set a timer or alarm after which get to work.
Since this utility is accessible by way of obtain reasonably than in an online browser, you’ll must have one in every of its supported gadgets. Happily, FocusWriter is accessible on Home windows, Mac OS, and Linux.
3. Sprinter
It doesn’t get any less complicated than Sprinter, a one-window on-line writing platform that lets you set a timer (or not) and simply “free-write.”
(Pun meant. The corporate can also be behind Freewrite — a line of sensible typewriters which can fulfill any author’s aforementioned hipster-cafe fantasies).
Drafts will be saved and accessed via the corporate’s on-line platform, or copied and pasted into any phrase processor.
In addition to the timer and old-school typeface (which is very satisfying for some cause), this free platform additionally features a real-time phrase rely and “read-time” that can assist you decide the size of your present draft.
4. Medium
If you happen to’re a brand new author simply seeking to dip your huge toe in and make a reputation for your self, you may wish to attempt utilizing Medium. This running a blog web site provides a clear, distraction-free expertise and lets you get your writing in entrance of extra individuals rather a lot sooner than you’d by beginning your personal weblog.
You’ll be able to write and publish your work totally free, and even submit it to publications inside Medium (to get extra eyes in your writing).
Each time I meet a brand new author seeking to get on the market, I at all times suggest submitting to those publications.
Not solely do they make spectacular samples to point out would-be shoppers, however additionally they train you a bit about easy methods to cater your writing for sure audiences and platforms — an vital talent if you wish to get paid to write.
5. Milanote
If you happen to’re a extremely visible form of author on the lookout for an organizational software greater than a writing interface, then you definitely may wish to attempt Milanote. It provides an effective way to compile all of your photographs, notes, and the rest into one easy-to-use visible board.
When you attempt Milanote, it’s simple to see how it will be useful for bigger tasks like longer essays or books the place you have got a number of concepts and notes to maintain observe of. It’s additionally a helpful brainstorming software if you happen to like making temper boards to your writing work.
Though Milanote has an infinite paid model, there’s additionally a free model, which incorporates 10 file uploads, limitless shared boards with different customers and 100 notes, photographs, or hyperlinks.
6. Evernote
Though it’s not strictly a software for writers, Evernote is a superb utility to find out about.
Just like Milanote (however much less mood-board-ish and extra about note-taking), Evernote lets you manage your entire notes and concepts in a single place. I particularly like Evernote for the way in which it syncs seamlessly throughout all gadgets.
Use it to make notes on the go, then open up the appliance in your laptop computer and dive again in, proper the place you left off. You should utilize the essential model of Evernote totally free, or get a number of extra perks by paying for the premium model.
7. Hemingway Editor
If you happen to’re on the lookout for a free solution to edit your work earlier than submitting it to an editor, The Hemingway App is an effective way to go.
This free on-line software lets you paste your accomplished article or essay and get prompt suggestions on grammar, formatting, and even readability.
I particularly prefer it for this final level, for the reason that app stresses the usage of easy language, brief sentences, and lively voice, all of which assist enhance your writing and make your editor’s life simpler.
8. Grammarly
For writers in want of a bit of additional assist with grammar, you may wish to attempt Grammarly, which will be downloaded onto your machine or used within the type of a browser extension.
This free software gives prompt suggestions on grammar in addition to readability, phrase selection and tone.
Some editors even require their freelance writers to make use of Grammarly when beginning out, so if you happen to’re not feeling 100% in your capacity to draft up grammatically right prose, this can be a great spot to begin.
9. yWriter
For longer our bodies of labor like novels and different books, this free downloadable phrase processor might show to be a useful useful resource.
Combining a clear, distraction-free interface with a great deal of nice group instruments — like the power to interrupt your work into scenes or chapters and discover them once more later — makes yWriter top-of-the-line free writing instruments in the marketplace.
One of the best half about yWriter is that it was created by an writer for authors.
Providing a number of the similar performance as paid instruments like Scrivener, yWriter is a superb one to get as soon as your work begins reaching lengths within the hundreds of phrases and group turns into crucial.
10. Reedsy Guide Editor
For the author who already has a big physique of labor and is seeking to edit it, take into account making an attempt Reedsy Book Editor.
This platform provides extra than simply modifying. It additionally has an enormous community of freelance editors, designers, and publicists out there that can assist you deliver your manuscript on top of things, whether or not you’re sending it off to a literary agent or self-publishing.
Whereas you’ll have to pay for superior providers, you’ll be able to entry the free formatting instruments on their web site, which let you format your manuscript as an epub or PDF, one thing you’ll must do earlier than publishing regardless of the way you select to do it.
Past these instruments, the corporate additionally gives quite a lot of free on-line mini-courses for writers together with a self-publishing course, a advertising course for printed writers, and a course to assist jumpstart your novel.
The Closing Phrase
Writing isn’t simple, however with regards to every little thing else — modifying, formatting, and even publishing — there’s a free software that may assist.
One of the best half about getting comfy utilizing these on-line instruments is that you just’ll really turn into higher at your craft through the use of them.
Platforms like Medium and Reedsy can assist you higher perceive what it takes to get printed, whereas Draft and FocusWriter might assist increase your day by day phrase rely. When you get in a groove, you might discover you want these instruments much less and fewer, which is one clear solution to measure your development as a brand new author.
