5 Benefits of Using Book Writing Software

In the ever-evolving landscape of digital technology, the art of writing is not left behind. Book writing software has emerged as a beacon for authors navigating the complex waters of crafting a manuscript. Gone are the days when writers solely relied on traditional word processors. Today, specialized software has revolutionized how stories are brought to life, offering tools and features that go beyond mere text editing. This evolution is not just a trend but a transformative shift in the writing process, making it more efficient, organized, and creative. In this post, we will delve into the myriad benefits of using book writing software. From streamlining the writing process to enhancing creativity, managing research, and easing the path to publication, these digital tools offer a comprehensive suite of features tailored for the modern author. Join us as we explore how book writing software is redefining the art of crafting a book, one chapter at a time.

  1. Streamlining the Writing Process

The journey of writing a book is often as complex as its plot, filled with intricate details and elaborate plans. This is where book writing software becomes indispensable, transforming chaos into a streamlined process. Unlike standard word processors, these specialized tools are designed with an author’s needs in mind. They offer chapter management systems, allowing writers to effortlessly organize and rearrange their work. Imagine the ease of dragging and dropping chapters into place, rather than sifting through hundreds of pages.

Moreover, book writing software often includes timeline features. These tools help authors keep track of their story’s chronology, ensuring consistency and coherence in complex narratives. For writers juggling multiple storylines or time periods, this is a game-changer.

Additionally, integrated note-taking capabilities allow for the seamless collection and organization of ideas and research. No more flipping through notebooks or scrolling through endless document pages. These notes are accessible right where you need them, within the software.

The true power of book writing software lies in its editing and revising functionalities. It’s not just about getting words on a page; it’s about refining them. Tools like version control, track changes, and comments make the editing process more efficient and collaborative. They allow writers to focus on crafting their story, knowing that the structural elements are taken care of. In essence, book writing software doesn’t just store words; it nurtures and molds them into the story you envision.

  1. Enhancing Creativity and Focus

Book writing software does more than just organize text; it acts as a catalyst for creativity and focus, two vital ingredients in the recipe for a successful book. These software tools come equipped with features that spark creativity, offering writers a digital space where ideas can flourish. From brainstorming modules to visual mind maps, they provide unique ways to explore and expand creative concepts, ensuring that a writer’s imagination is never boxed in.

Distraction-free modes are another significant aspect of these software tools. In a world where digital distractions are just a click away, the ability to focus solely on writing is priceless. These modes minimize distractions by offering a clean, uncluttered interface, allowing writers to immerse themselves in their narrative world fully. This focused environment encourages a deeper connection with the work, fostering a flow state where words seem to pour effortlessly onto the page.

Customization is also key. Every writer has their unique process and preferences, and book writing software adapts to these. Whether it’s choosing a preferred font and background color or setting up writing goals and reminders, these tools can be tailored to fit individual writing styles and needs. This personalization not only makes the writing process more enjoyable but also more effective, as writers can create an environment that best suits their creative flow. In essence, book writing software is more than a tool; it’s a creative partner that adapts, inspires, and focuses, propelling writers towards the completion of their literary masterpiece.

  1. Research and Reference Management

One of the less heralded yet equally vital aspects of book writing software is its capability to manage research and references efficiently. For writers who delve deep into the realms of historical fiction, science, or any genre requiring extensive background work, this feature is a godsend. Book writing software often includes integrated systems for storing and categorizing research materials. This means authors can keep all their background information, be it historical timelines, scientific data, or character backstories, in one centralized location.

The ability to quickly reference this material while writing is invaluable. It streamlines the writing process, ensuring that facts are accurate and narratives are consistent. Furthermore, some software even offers integration with online databases and resources, broadening the scope of research with ease. This integration ensures that writers have a wealth of information at their fingertips, ready to be woven into their narratives. In essence, the research and reference management capabilities of book writing software make it an indispensable tool for authors who value depth and authenticity in their storytelling.

  1. Collaboration and Feedback Integration

In today’s interconnected world, writing a book is often not a solitary endeavor. Book writing software addresses this by incorporating robust collaboration features. These tools allow authors to share their manuscripts with editors, co-authors, or beta readers directly within the platform. This integration streamlines the collaborative process, making it seamless to incorporate diverse perspectives and expertise into the writing.

The feedback process is significantly enhanced by these collaborative functionalities. Editors and peers can leave comments and suggestions directly on the manuscript. This integrated approach to feedback means that revisions can be made efficiently, with clear communication between all parties involved. The software often includes version control, ensuring that no suggestion or edit is lost in the shuffle.

Moreover, this collaborative environment fosters a sense of community and support. Writing a book becomes a shared journey, with valuable input and encouragement coming from trusted colleagues and friends. This aspect of book writing software not only improves the quality of the work but also enriches the writing experience, making it more inclusive and dynamic.

  1. Publishing and Format Compatibility

A crucial advantage of book writing software is its compatibility with various publishing formats, simplifying the transition from manuscript to published book. Writers can easily export their work into formats required by publishers, including ePub for ebooks or PDF for print. This functionality removes technical barriers, allowing authors to focus on the creative aspect of their work. Additionally, the software often includes formatting tools tailored for different publishing standards, ensuring that the manuscript meets industry requirements. This compatibility feature not only streamlines the publishing process but also opens up a world of opportunities for writers to share their stories across diverse platforms.

In conclusion, book writing software is a transformative tool for authors, streamlining the writing process, sparking creativity, managing research, facilitating collaboration, and simplifying publishing. Embracing this technology can elevate the writing experience, allowing authors to focus on what they do best: crafting compelling, engaging narratives.

Why You Should Get a Beta Reader or Test Reader

It does not matter how good a writer you are or how easily the words flowed when you started putting them down on paper. You should have someone else read it before you even think about sharing it with the world. Whether you write novels, fanfiction, or poetry, having somebody who can give you feedback can be the difference between a few sales and a bestselling breakout.

When you write, you are just too close to it to see the sometimes nitpicky little flaws that will throw your reader right out of the story. Those tiny flaws exist even after you have taken breaks and gone through a round or three of editing. Hopefully, you have already caught the simple problems of missing or wrong words or accidental changes of tense or point of view before you get to this point. It is still entirely possible that you have missed some of these things.

There are other, more major issues a good beta can help you with, too. Things like problems in your plot or pacing that you can fix before your story “goes live.” A good beta reader can be a life saver, the difference between a pretty good fic and a great one. I have heard it many times, “Oh, I don’t need a beta. I’m just doing this for fun. It’s not like I’m getting paid for it.” I may be true that you are just writing fic for the fun of it. But why would you want something as easily fixable as Peter Mellark being with Katniss in the arena instead of Peeta? (Unless, of course, you are writing a “crack” fic that stars some guy named Peter Mellark from Jersey.) Beta readers can fix any plot whole and help clarify areas that don’t shine within a poem.

Ask your friends to read 

The easiest way to find a beta reader is to ask your friends or family to read your story. Request that they make a note of any mistakes they come across or write down any questions they may have. Of course, this may not always work. If it is for fanfiction, they may not be part of, or at least familiar with, your fandom for whatever reason. It is also a possibility that they may be familiar with the fandom but not interested in reading the story. Or they may not have the time, especially if it is a longer fic.

For poetry, they may not be your target audience. As an example, Rupi Kaur is a poet who has blown up lately. There is so much hate for her poetry online yet she does extremely well and is a very talented poet. She has millions of followers and readers who swear by Milk and Honey. Make sure you’re getting feedback from somebody who actually would want to read your works.

Ask for help online 

If you use social media — and who doesn’t these days — you can go online and request a beta reader. Often, this will be a better route for you. You will only receive volunteers who have the interest and the time for the project. You can usually find volunteers to provide this service on sites like Tumblr or LiveJournal. Goodreads sometimes has beta reader groups that you can use to cross promote stories for people to give feedback on.

These and may others are sites that provide a virtual community where people with similar interests can gather. If someone you have interacted with before in a positive way volunteers, that can be even better. There will already be a level of trust between you. Several fandoms have story competitions or gift exchanges throughout the year. Exchanges are a lot of fun to take part in, but it is almost universal that they require you to have your fic read by a beta before posting. Good online communities will often provide you with a lot of resources on your publishing journey as well. For example, I wrote my query letter because of shared within that community.

If that’s the case, it is not unusual for the competition or exchange to provide a list of beta readers who have volunteered their time and talents. If you sign up for one of these and need a beta, you can search the list for someone who matches your fandom, characters, and story type. You will also have the option to contact the moderators for recommendations.

Make sure your needs are clear 

Once you find a beta — or two, depending on the complexity of your work — you will want to let them know just what kind of a read through you want them to do. If you are good at spelling and grammar, maybe all you will want them to do is make sure there aren’t plot holes. If it is fanfiction, maybe you want them to check that your fic makes sense, works with canon events, or the characters are faithful to the originals.

If you are good at making up stories but you can’t form a correctly written sentence to save your life, don’t worry. A good beta can help you with that, too. Keep in mind that your beta is a volunteer. If you have them look at everything and the kitchen sink, you might need to buy her or him some pizza afterward.

8 Reasons Why You Should Consider Self-Publishing Your Book

You’ve drafted your manuscript, edited and fine-tuned it, selected your cover design, and it’s ready to hit the presses. Now what?

What are the chances a publishing house will pick up your book? We hate to bring reality crashing down around you, but the truth is it’s not likely that you’ll be getting calls from Random House or Penguin anytime soon.

Even if you invest your time into reaching out to publishers, you’re competing with thousands of other authors from around the globe. What makes you think you’re the standout they’ll pick as the next J.K Rowling?

Surprise fact – Even Rowling started a self-published author, and that’s going to be the route you’ll have to take as an industry newcomer. Before you throw your hands to the heavens in dismay, relax; being a self-published author isn’t a curse; it’s a blessing.

That might be hard to wrap your head around right now, but let us present why self-publishing your work is the way to go.

Reason #1 – Technology – A New Era of Publishing

Self-publishing your work in the 1990s presented a vastly different landscape to the opportunities available to authors in today’s market. The advent of the internet changed the world. Technology saw the growth of marketplaces like Amazon, and shifts in consumer habits saw them move from retail to online shopping.

Fortunately, you can leverage these changes to make yourself a self-published success. Today, you can publish your book using digital tools, market it using social media, and build a reputation online as the next up-and-coming self-published success. Sound good? Well, we’re just getting started here.

Reason #2 – Complete Control Over Artistic Expression

As a self-published author, you don’t have to bow down the “the man.” You get complete creative control and publishing rights over your work. No agent or publisher is telling you what to do, how to edit your work, or change your storyline – You’re in charge of your future, your work, and your future.

Reason #3 – You’re the Boss

As a self-published author, you’re the boss. You choose when you want to write, set your deadlines, and control the creative process and the marketing experience. That’s personal freedom you don’t get when you’re signed to a publisher.

When you realize the freedom you have as a self-published author, you’ll laugh at ever wanting to sign with an agent or publishing house. The reality is the only thing pushing doubt into your mind is the income and sales you receive from the publisher.

Take that out of the equation, and the benefits of being a self-published author seem all the more appealing, right?

Reason #4 – Work to Your Timeline, Not the Publishers

Published authors might get that wonderful advance, but every blessing comes with a curse. Publishers run a business, and you’re nothing but an employee to them. They see you as an asset, and they control you.

If they decide they don’t want to invest capital into marketing your book or feel like leaving it on the shelf for years while they work with other established authors, that’s not their problem. As a self-published author, you work to your timeline and set your goals for publishing, marketing, and promotion.

Reason #5 – The Lion’s Share of Profits

When you sign with a publisher or agent, you benefit from that tasty advance. It seems amazing at the time that someone paid you something for your work. While you’re over the moon with the situation, the reality is you’re probably getting short-changed.

As we said, a publishing house is a business. They keep their best interests at heart, not yours. They see you as a cash cow and nothing else. So, if your book does become the next “Harry Potter” franchise, you’re not going to get the rewards you deserve.

The publisher locks you into a contract that benefits them, not you. If you become a smashing success, you’ll get the short end of the stick, and those checks aren’t as big as you expect. As a self-published author, you get the lion’s share of the profits, and you don’t pay a publisher a cent.

Reason #6 – You Control the Marketing Budget and Strategy

Signing with a publisher might seem like a dream come true, but it could become your worst nightmare. The publisher won’t see your book in the same light as you do. They might decide they have other projects they want to dedicate their budget too, leaving you waiting in the wings.

It could be years before your book hits the shelves, and you’ll be left holding the bag as you watch that advance disappear under your expenses. As a self-published author, you get to promote and market your book. Sure, you might not have the same capital to invest in a marketing plan as a publisher.

You can still do plenty to promote your book with a small budget. Social media and networking allow you to get your work in front of your target audience with minimal investment in a marketing plan.

Reason #7 – Bookstore Sales Aren’t as Important

As a self-published author, you market online, and the bulk of your sales come from online marketplaces like Amazon. You don’t need to get your book into a Barnes & Noble. It might shock you to learn less than 1% of global book sales come from bookstores.

Feeling more confident now, right? Amazon changed the game for self-published authors, allowing you to market directly to your target audience. Many people read books on devices like Kindle, and you have the opportunity to sell eBook versions of your novel, driving down your publishing costs.

Reason #8 – Get Discovered by Publishing Houses

If you still have the dream of being published, that’s fine. Self-publishing your work provides the springboard to landing a fat contract with a publishing house. If your book is a success, you have more leverage to negotiate a favorable contract and start a bidding war between publishers for your work.Don’t take our word for it. Just ask J.K Rowling.

What are the Pros of Hiring a Ghostwriter?

Are you struggling with a writing project? Why not hire a ghostwriter to handle the heavy lifting for you? A ghostwriter offers your content strategy several advantages. Whether you’re writing a 300-page novel, a 50-page e-book, or a 500-word blog, ghostwriters can handle anything you throw at them. 

If you’ve never heard of a ghostwriter before, they’re professional writers working for writing services or as freelancers. These individuals are talented writers (in most cases), and they’re willing to write your projects for you without any need for you to give them credit for the work.

Ghostwriters trade their skills for a paycheck. They aren’t interested in stealing or selling your intellectual property; they deal with thousands of content requests annually, covering a broad range of niches. Ghostwriters can be the blessing you’re looking for to take your content strategy to the next level. 

Let’s unpack the advantages of hiring ghostwriters for your next content project and where you can find these professionals online. 

The Pros of Hiring Ghostwriters

Get Off the Starting Blocks

Newcomers to blogging or people with no writing background might find it hard to start their articles or manuscript. You sit there for hours staring at a blank page on the word processor, trying to think what to write. 

A ghostwriter doesn’t have this problem, they’re natural wordsmiths, and writing is their passion. A ghostwriter knows how to research and process writing materials for your projects, turning them into unique pieces without plagiarism. 

Focus on Other Areas of Your Marketing Strategy

With a ghostwriter handling your writing projects, you get more time to focus on other areas of your digital marketing plan. You control the direction of your content strategy, advising the ghostwriter on the direction you want them to go. 

You’ll issue the ghostwriter with the project specifications, being as detailed as possible with your request. The ghostwriter creates unique content to your request. You can ask for edits and rewrites of the material if it needs to be revised to your standards. 

Professional Writing Tools

Professional ghostwriters use high-level tools to create your content. They’ll use software that looks for trending topics in your content strategy, locating the best content ideas online to drive audience engagement with your blog posts. 

Ghostwriters use professional editing tools that remove all errors. When they hand over a project, it comes with all surface-level mistakes removed. You get correct grammar, spelling, syntax, and punctuation in all your content. 

Proper Formatting

If you have yet to gain experience with writing, you’ll probably get your formatting wrong when drafting a blog post. How many times have you logged on to a blog to find a chunk of words peering back at you? The article has no structure or formatting, making it really challenging to read. 

A ghostwriter understands how to format their work for readability. They structure the post in paragraphs, with headings and subheadings, using the correct formatting tools for the task. The result is work that’s easy to read for humans and search engines. 

You Maintain Ownership

When you contract a ghostwriter to produce your content, you retain all ownership rights on their work. You don’t have to pay them royalties, and there’s no risk of them returning to claim their work later. You pay for it, so you own it. 

Meet Your Deadline

When you hire a professional ghostwriter, they work to your deadline, not theirs. The best ghostwriters are reliable, and they’ll never let you down on a project. You can expect them to issue you with an accurate turnaround time and delivery date, and they’ll meet that deadline, guaranteed. 

Is It Ethical to Hire a Ghostwriter?

Hiring a ghost writer to work on your content is completely ethical. Almost all blogs use ghostwriters for their content. The key is to add value to the reader experience and your blog or writing project. It would help if you had a ghostwriter with a similar writing style to the content already published on your blog or website. 

Where Can I Find Ghostwriters for Hire? 

You have two options for finding ghostwriters for hire, freelancers or writing services. Freelance ghostwriters advertise their skills for hire on websites like Freelancer, Upwork, and Fiverr. Visit any of these platforms, and you’ll find tens of thousands of ghostwriters looking to help you with your next project. 

Freelancers come in varying levels of experience and talent. Finding a reputable, reliable, and talented ghostwriter on these sites takes time and effort. With so many options, you only know what you’re getting once you receive the finished project in your inbox. 

Since anyone from any country can apply, many ghostwriters on these platforms don’t speak English as their first language. That’s an issue when it comes to the kind of quality you can expect from their services. 

It’s better to go with credible freelancers with a strong track record of success. You can also hire a professional writing service to handle your ghostwriting projects. Look for companies with excellent customer reviews and 5-star ratings. 

We recommend hiring a professional service over a freelancer. You’ll get faster turnaround times, guaranteed delivery, and high-quality work.

What Can I Expect to Pay for Ghostwriting Services?

Ghostwriting services vary in price, depending on the quality of the freelancer or writing service you hire. If you’re looking for entry-level writers on freelancing sites, you can pick them up for $1 per 100 words. Unfortunately, you’ll get what you p[ay for at this rate. 

Chances are the writer will hand over a poorly formatted piece without any editing work on the document. They might have a weak command of the English language, and the article won’t read well. Spend more on your freelancer to get world-class work for your writing project. 

A professional wiring service might charge you three to five times more than low-end freelancers. Once again, you get what you pay for, but you can expect high-quality writing edited to perfection. We recommend biting the bullet and investing in a professional service for the best results. Your reputation is worth the investment into top-drawer ghostwriters.

Side Hustles You Can Do While Your Kids Are in School

Parenting is a blessing, and seeing your kids grow into responsible adults brings unimaginable joy. However, with kids around, expenses increase, and it might be hard to make ends meet. You might think of taking a second job, but that, too, will rob you of your time with your precious family. 

However, trying smart side hustles when your kids are in school is a great way to remain available for the family while still topping up your income. Learn from this blog some clever tips and tricks to employ and ease the burden off your shoulder. 

1. Drive kids around.

Many parents work many hours a day, finding it hard to drive their kids from and to various points. If you have a car or a bus and have some free time while your children are in school, you could try driving kids around as a reliable side hustle and time for your child’s return. 

The process is not complicated, and you only need to meet parents at kids’ events or go to the local schools and advertise yourself. Besides, you could try a professional edge by printing flyers and giving parents within the locality since they can trust you more than random people.

2. Try childcare and babysitting.

Since you are a parent, you most likely have babysitting skills and numerous connections among your friends. So why not turn this into a beautiful side hustle, especially when your kids are in school, and earn extra income to put something into your pocket? Like driving kids around, you could advertise yourself locally, although referrals will work better as you babysit more.

3. Venture into school jobs.

School jobs are great side hustles you can take when your kids are in school, mainly because they will likely match your kids’ timing. For instance, you could teach in your child’s school or join the cafeteria. Some schools will not need much from you to become an aide or a substitute teacher, and only a bachelor’s degree will be enough. Better still, if you are an experienced driver, you could ask the school to employ you and let you drive kids around. 

4. Freelance.

Freelancing is another ripe field, providing millions with income today. Besides, there are many jobs you can do depending on your interest and profession. Including blogging, technical writing, digital assistance, data management, project planning & management, and design. 

What makes freelancing even better is that you become your own boss; hence you can decide how much work you do every day. Moreover, you can plan yourself after securing jobs and wake up early, achieving much. Still, your kids’ hours in school can be the most productive, mainly because you have no interference in your environs. 

5. Do online surveys and test websites.

Another thing you could do as a side hustle while your kids are out of the house and in school is taking online surveys and testing surveys. All you need to do is have a stable internet connection and a device, and you will be clicking links and providing feedback. 

Of course, you will not earn as much as you would from childcare or driving kids, but you will have a lot of free time since the surveys and tests typically take 15 minutes. With the free time in between, you can jog around or visit the gym, enabling yourself to keep fit while still earning.

6. Walk dogs.

Dogs are intelligent creatures, and walking them allows you to form special bonds with these furry friends. Regarding walking dogs as a side hustle, you could surf through the dog walking & sitting site, and you may be lucky to be hired as a dog walker upon applying. What’s great about the walks is that you will burn many calories and remain fit while bringing the family an extra income when the kids are away in school.

7. Get paid to work out.

Getting paid to work out sounds a little absurd, right? However, we are used to paying the gym management, who then delivers the trainers to train us. Basically, the management pays the trainers to work out, and it’s something you could also do as a side hustle when your children are in school. You can start by getting certified as a fitness instructor. 

With the certification, you will never miss out on companies that can employ you and benefit from your services. What’s more, most gyms train people during the day and later in the evening, and you will likely find your best fit for the time when you have your children in school. Moreover, you will burn fats and remain fit, adding more days to your life.

8. Do tax jobs.

You have noticed that people (including you) have lots of tax jobs between the 1st of January and the 15th of April every year. This is an excellent opportunity for you to earn cash from a side hustle by assisting them with these jobs. It’s even better if you are a certified accountant or have some experience working out tax jobs, especially for the jobs that call for particular skills. However, being good with numbers might also help since data entry jobs do not need special skills, and you will be trickling cash into your pocket.

9. Run errands for people.

Most people on a tight employment schedule find themselves overwhelmed with domestic chores, making people who run errands in high demand. When your kids are away in school, you could go to such houses and do groceries, wash dishes, run errands, fold clothes, and organize and clean the house. Such activities help you put cash in your pocket while timing your child’s return from school.

The bottom line 

Life with kids is fun but can be stressful when your income is not sustainable; hence you might need a side hustle, especially while the kids are in school. With most of these activities, you earn cash and still create time for your children when they come from school.

Rose Rosie is a writer for the personal finance website, Joy Wallet, which provides readers with useful information, resources, and tools to help maximize their financial fitness. 

Finding Editing Jobs

Whether you’re a stay-at-home mom or a student who is looking to earn some cash, you’re a vagabond who loves to travel and doesn’t want to be tied down, or you just like the convenience and freedom of working from your own home – or anywhere else you’d like – and you have a keen eye for detail and love reading, you might be thinking about trying to land an editing gig. 

Thanks to the advent of the internet, finding editing jobs is easier than ever before. Not only is there a never-ending flow of content that big companies, small businesses, independent journalists, blog and ecommerce shop owners (just to name a few) need to have edited before they can publish, but there are dozens of places where you can find these gigs. From creative writing to college essays, and from website content to product descriptions, there are so many remote editing jobs to choose from. But how do you go about finding editing work? Here’s a compilation of sites you can use to score work as an editor. 

FlexJobs

FlexJobs is a website that is dedicated to connected employers with job-seekers in more than 50 categories, including editing. Simply head to the website, click on the “jobs” tab at the top of the screen and select “editing”, or type “editing” into the search bar at the top of the homepage, click enter, and voila! – You’ll instantly be directed to a wealth of editing jobs that have been listed on the site. Job postings include details about the work and how to apply. FlexJobs screens all of the job listings they receive, so you can have peace of mind knowing that you’ll be applying to viable jobs from credible employers. 

Indeed

Indeed is similar to FlexJobs. Countless people have found work through this website, including remote editing work. Head over to their website, create an account, upload your resume, set your location to “remote”, and you’ll be connected with tons of remote editing work. Indeed will deliver a list of employers that are looking to hire editors, including website and blog owners, ecommerce stores, essays, and so much more. Most of the editing work listed on Indeed isn’t freelance in nature, but rather they’re actual salaried or hourly positions that come direction from business owners. 

SolidGigs

If you’re looking for freelance editing work, Solid Gigs is a great resource to use. The site features multiple listings of remote editing work from verified employers, and they deliver the top 1 percent of job listings straight to your inbox via a weekly newsletter. There’s a monthly membership option that you can sign up for, too, which you can use to find jobs through SolidGigs’ wealth of resources, such as courses, templates, interviews, and evens scripts, which are designed to set you up for success on your job search. 

We Work Remotely 

An estimated 150,000 job seekers use We Work Remotely to find remote gigs every month – including editing work. The layout of the site is super simple and easy to use, so you should have no trouble navigating the site, even if you’re totally new to using the internet. The site features job listings in a wide-range of categories, including remote editing work. In fact, We Work Remotely is one of the biggest and most popular sites for remote work, and literally hundreds of thousands of people have successfully found telecommuting work that earns them real incomes. 

Remotive

Remotive is a bit different than the above-mentioned sites. That’s because rather than connecting job seekers with employers, it’s a newsletter. When you create an account with Remotive, a newsletter will be sent directly to your inbox twice a month. The newsletters feature jobs that related to the categories you selected; so, in your case, editing. In addition to job listings, Remotive’s newsletters also offer tips that you can use to improve your chances of landing and having success with remote editing gigs. 

Best Banks for Freelancers

If you are a freelancer looking for the best bank, you know that most of the banks have not been designed with people like you in mind. When you aren’t living with regular paychecks and have fluctuating income, these are the best banks for you.

Lili

The best freelancer checking account overall, Lili is an online bank specifically designed for freelancers. It does not charge any bank fees, including transaction fees and monthly maintenance fees. Lili also helps you create sub-accounts for taxes and emergency funds and you can either add money manually to these two accounts or allocate a specific percentage that goes into each as money is deposited into your account.

Lili integrates with other platforms like Upwork and Shopify and can send you notifications for transactions made on the account. If you’re looking for a bank with no-fee checking, free sub-accounts creation, and other helpful tools, this is the bank for you.

Bluevine

BlueVine is another great bank for freelancers and a favorite for its high interest rates. Customers begin earning 1% interest rates the moment an account is opened through this online bank/. While earning money, Bluevine doesn’t charge banking fees like traditional banks and has fantastic customer reviews. Unlike many online-only banks, Bluevine makes it easier for freelancers to deposit cash than most banks. 

nbkc

For freelancers who want to do private banking and freelance banking all in the same place, nbkc is another online banking option. Providing both business and personal accounts, nbkc business account does not have any fees, and the personal accounts provide interest-earning ops for customers.

Axos Bank

For freelancers wanting to expand on their freelance business, Axos is available with options for businesses of any size. This means that this bank can work for you as a solo freelancer or an individual who has established a comprehensive marketing agency. This flexibility means you won’t have to change banks if you grow. 

However, Axos has a larger minimum opening deposit; you may need as much as $10,000 to opening an account. 

Novo Bank

If you are looking for a bank with many software integrations, then Novo is your best option. It works with popular accounting software like Quicken and even credit card processing software to deliver the best results to the users. Also, it gives users discounts on things such as travel and web hosting. Furthermore, there are no fees in Novo’s checking account. 

TIAA Bank

TIAA stands out because of its vast ATM network of more than 80,000 ATMs. For users who cannot find an in-network ATM, the bank reimburses for all out-of-network ATM fees on a monthly basis. 

Oxygen  

The only way to open an Oxygen business account is via its mobile app. In fact, all the operations for this bank are fully app-based. Once you have unlocked your account, you can start managing your cash flows, paying your bills, and conducting other functions from your Smartphone. The low overhead is passed on to customers with no monthly fees or minimum balance requirements. 

Kabbage

Providing a free, interest-bearing checking account, there are no minimum balances or opening deposits that are required when using Kabbage for business checking. While earning a competitive annual percentage rate, customers won’t be charged for any transactions or monthly fees. 

American Express

Not just a source of credit, American Express banking provides high-yield savings accounts to give customers a chance to save at rates higher than the national average. American Express doesn’t charge monthly fees and provides 24/7 customer service. 

Each of the banks listed has been designed with freelancers in mind and makes it easy to manage, grow, and balance your finances. 

Rose Rosie is a writer for the personal finance website, Joy Wallet, which provides readers with useful information, resources, and tools to help maximize their financial fitness.

Might self-publishing be the right decision for your book?

Self-published books aren’t just becoming increasingly common, but also ever-more likely to actually be a success — that is, to draw in a large audience, make lots of sales, and even win indie book awards. As an aspiring author, you have plenty of reasons to go this route, not as a second-rate alternative to traditional publishing but as your first choice.

By self-publishing your manuscript, all the creative control remains in your hands, you will have more freedom in deciding how to market and promote your book, and a much larger portion of the profits will end up in your own pocket, too. 

Although no short guide can comprehensively cover the steps you’ll need to take to successfully self-publish a book, we can offer useful pointers to get you started. As we do so, we’ll assume that you already have a manuscript, and also that it still needs work.

1. Polishing Your Manuscript

Quite literally anyone can publish a book on Amazon these days, and plenty of printing services will also happily churn out any number of paperback or hardback copies of your manuscript. Aspiring authors who want their book to perform well, however, need to take the entire process extremely seriously. That means finding beta readers and critique partners to offer feedback on your plot (in the case of fiction), your voice, and your style. Have you picked your book apart, reworked the weak points, and proofread it to death? Now is a good time to bring in a professional freelance editor.

2. Deciding Whether You Want a Print Book, an Ebook, or Both

At this point in the 21st century, almost all authors who self-publish will make copies of their book available in ebook format, allowing them to reach millions of people across the world. Some will also choose to have their book printed, while a select few opt to exclusively self-publish print books. 

Amazon’s Kindle Direct Publishing, which played a large role in popularizing ebooks and self-publishing, is an obvious choice for your ebook. Apple, Barnes & Noble’s Nook, and IngramSpark are other options very much worth exploring. In some cases, your choice will lock you into a contact that limits you from distributing your book via other avenues, and this is an important factor to think about as you decide how to move ahead.

IngramSpark and Barnes & Noble are also excellent options for self-published authors who are interested in producing print books, while smaller and independent printers can likewise be considered.

Authors who are going the ebook-only route can find plenty of free and paid ebook formatting software that takes care of the entire formatting in a few easy clicks. 

As audiobooks become increasingly popular, you may also wish to consider whether this is something you wish to pursue. ACX is your easiest choice if you do want to publish an audiobook.

4. Considering You Cover Design

Your potential readers won’t refrain from judging your book by its cover. If the title and cover design do not speak to them, they’re much less likely to pick your book up — unless, perhaps, you are already a celebrity. You will want to hire a professional artist to create the best possible cover, while offering concise but clear guidelines that allow the designer to convey what your book is all about.

3. Marketing and Promoting Your Self-Published Book

It is, today, entirely possible to self-publish a stunning and well-edited hardback that absolutely nobody will read. Some people decide to have their memoirs printed for future generations to enjoy or learn from. Authors who want their books to be successful and profitable will, on the other hand, need to have a solid marketing strategy that may include virtual book tours, guest appearances on podcasts, and social media campaigns. 

Best Self Publishing Resources

Self-publishing has become extremely popular over the past two decades. With the rise of digital reading tools such as kindle, getting your book in front of readers is no longer rocket science. For those who self-publish on a regular basis, one of the best things about it is the ease of publishing and the extremely welcoming community of self-published authors. Of course, even if you self-publish, you are not guaranteed to be successful, but with the help of the community and the resources they have to offer, you stand a better chance of becoming a well-known author. To help you get started on your journey, we have put together a list of self-publishing resources that may prove to be invaluable.

Self-Publishing Guides To Read

A lot of intricacies come with self-publishing that can either make or break your book’s release and overall performance. There are several notable guides worth checking out that can help you get the most out of every book you publish. Susan Kaye Quinn’s How to successfully take a series “wide” after Kindle Unlimited is great for authors who have a few books online already. How to get book reviews and build an ARC and Your ultimate guide to front matter and back matter by the PublishDrive team are also good sources of helpful tips. One of the top guides that are also easy to follow was written by Jane Friedman. It is called 101 series: how to self-publish your books. It covers everything you need to know to get your book out in the world for your fans to read.

Influencers & Publishing Gurus to Follow

Listening to or reading tips on how to maximize your self-publishing efforts from people experts is a great way to learn tricks and skills that otherwise fall under the radar. James Blatch and Mark Dawson offer up a lot of great tips on how to make a full-time living via self-publishing. This is great for full-time writers who are looking for a way to make their passion pay their bills.

Orna Ross and Carla King are both well known in the self-publishing field and offer workshops, seminars, and podcasts to help authors who are struggling with their publishing efforts. They also offer plenty of advice for those looking to boost their numbers and keep up the momentum with each release.

Services, Applications & Tools For Self Publishing

There are a lot of essential tools that an author who plans to self-publish will need. Everything from a keyword organizer from Amazon to Grammarly for easy editing and corrections and more. As an author who won’t have an agent or publishing house providing all of these additional services on their behalf, it’s the little things that can really make publishing on your own more efficient.

Check out Reedsy for all your editing and book design needs. You can use ProlificWorks and BookFunnel to grow your readership without the need to offer free books in exchange for reviews. Of course, groups such as Goodreads Group, the Kboards’ Writers Cafe, and Writers Helping Writers are all excellent resources for those who are interested in self-publishing their written work.

The Final Word

Self-publishing is a great way to get your books on the shelves with much less overhead than you may expect. If you are interested in publishing your books, check out the resources we have listed above to help you get started an achieving your goals. 

Should You Hire a Ghostwriter for Your Ebook?

The rise of the ebook has revolutionized the way in which we read. Gone are the days in which getting a book out either required authors to go through the process of querying literary agents and placing their book with a traditional publisher, or making huge investments by self-publishing a paperback or hardcover. Thanks to the digital age, the option of publishing a book — or an entire series of books, for that matter — has opened up to countless groups of people who would never have considered this step otherwise. 

Are you a successful craftpreneur on Etsy, and would you like to teach others how to knit, too? Do you live with a challenging and little-known medical condition, and want to help others who have newly been diagnosed cope and prepare? Do you have a burning need to share your side of the story after living through a transformative experience, or are you an expert in your field hoping to encourage and advise those who are just getting started? Are you a blogger with years of valuable content under their belt, now thinking of compiling your core message into an easily-accessible format?

In all these cases and others, publishing an ebook can boost your profile, win over new customers, spread your message, and generate revenue. Folks who have something to say but are totally clueless about how may, on the other hand, be terrified at the thought of sitting down to write an entire ebook from scratch — or may know how to write an ebook, but genuinely lack time. They may think about hiring a ghostwriter for their ebook. Given the fact that ghostwriter and client engage in a mutually-beneficial working relationship in which the ghostwriter brings your idea to fruition, that is a perfectly valid choice. Hiring a ghostwriter to craft your ebook isn’t the right step for everyone, but might it be for you?

How a ghostwriter can bring your ebook to life

Talented ghostwriters can bring your story or message to life in your voice, helping you with all aspects of writing your ebook. That includes doing research, listening to and recording your story, making an outline and then transforming it into a professionally-written manuscript, and making sure the entire work is edited and formatted correctly. 

Although you will retain the copyright over the manuscript, working with a ghostwriter does not mean passing someone else’s work off as your own — you, after all, dictate the content of the ebook, and the ghostwriter follows your lead. You offer constant feedback in this collaborative relationship, and will have the chance to review and change the final work as you see fit.

Hiring a ghostwriter to write your ebook may be right for:

  • Businesses. Whether you are a single, self-employed businessperson or own a company of any size, you are bound to outsource countless tasks to employees or independent contractors. A ghostwriter can deliver a professionally-written ebook for your business in much the same way. 
  • A successful entrepreneur or expert in your (non-writing) field. You know what you want to share with the world in your ebook, at least in broad strokes, but you have never been crafty with words or are too busy to write an ebook. A ghostwriter can help you tell your story — in your words, but better. 
  • Anyone who just doesn’t feel confident about writing. A recent scandal has thrust you into the spotlight, you want to leave a legacy for the next generation by publishing your memoir, or you’ve just become the youngest successful carpenter in your town and think your story can inspire others, but you’re awfully dyslectic. You’re filled to the brim with ideas, but don’t have it in you to execute them. Partnering with a ghostwriter can fix that. 

Alternatives to hiring a ghostwriter for your ebook

Working with a ghostwriter may be a legitimate way to get your story out, but you also have other options. You may instead embark on the road of improving your own creative writing skills — something anyone is able to do with the help of the numerous helpful resources on the internet — and take a shot at writing your own book. With a professional freelance editor on your side, you need not be a naturally-talented writer to help your ebook be successful, so long as you know the topic you’re tackling inside out. 

Those who know what to say, but struggle with spelling and typing may, meanwhile, benefit from a transcription professional. By recording your story and sending it off to be transcribed by a transcriptionist, you will ultimately have more control over your content than you would by working with a ghostwriter.