Digital Tools for Writers

Every month, I put together a newsletter about new digital media tools I’ve discovered called Electric Speed. On this board, I’ve rounded up my favorites along with helpful blog posts that give advice and tips on how to best use these tools for advancing a career in writing or publishing. These tools have enhanced my productivity, creativity, and digital-life sanity. As with all services I recommend, I don't receive a kickback or benefit if you buy. I just recommend what I enjoy.
54 Pins
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8y
By
Jane Friedman
the letter q is made up of blue and white shapes on a black background with an oval
Quik: The Easy-to-Use and Free Video Editor for iPhone & iPad Users -- Ever heard of Replay Video Editor? It was named one of the best apps of 2014. If you're intimidated by any aspect of shooting or editing video, experiment with Quik. It's free!
the best free tools for social media marketers to use in their marketing campaign,
41 of the Best Free Marketing Tools for Smart Marketers | Buffer Blog
Book Marketing & Promotion: Can't Afford Paid Marketing Tools? Here Are Free Alternatives. If you need better tools to track social media and website analytics, but can't afford the top-of-class options, then Buffer has rounded up alternatives.
book marketing and promotion with oomph - online instant logo design generator need a logo in a pi
Logo Maker | Create Free Logos in Minutes | Canva
Book Marketing and Promotion: With Oomph -- Online Instant Logo Design Generator: Need a logo in a pinch? WithOomph will automatically generate dozens (and dozens) of options to choose from based on the name of your company/brand (and keywords you provide) for less than $100.
a green book cover with the quote you don't need to use fancy or expensive applications to make your ebook
How to Design a Great Ebook Without Design Skills | ZenBusiness Inc.
E-Book Publishing: How to Design a Great Book If You're Not a Designer -- If you're thinking about offering a freebie or giveaway for your readers (e.g., for your email newsletter signups), then designing and formatting that giveaway can be a burden. But maybe not if you have these 10 templates. This process works best if you're putting together a PDF download with Google Slides or iBooks Author. Find out more about designing your own books.
a blue and white illustration of a cable car on a light blue background, with the word's logo above it
WordPress Page builder plugins: a critical review - Pippins Plugins
If you have a WordPress website that you host yourself (not WordPress.com), then you may be aware of plugins that offer drag-and-drop functionality to help you more easily design beautiful pages and posts. The catch is that these plugins don't always play nice with other aspects of your website. Here's the only post I've seen that—in great detail—analyzes all the known plugins and makes specific recommendations for which ones to use. Invaluable!
a bunch of different types of webpages on a computer screen with the wordpress below them
Site Maker: Build Your Own Bio Or Business Website
Book Marketing and Promotion: Launching a new company, brand, or book? There's a tool that allows you to search for domain names, social media accounts, and much more through one portal, letting you know what's available. Try Launchaco.
an orange and black background with the words edit the web
lize.it
Edit the web: alter any website inside your browser -- Every once in a while, I have to create project proposals focused on website content, and I get to pull out a very fun tool called Edit the Web. It's a browser extension that, once turned on, allows you to go to any website and edit it inside the browser, live! Of course, the edited site doesn't stay that way or look that way to anyone else. But this tool is super useful for creating quick mock-ups for screenshots.
some times the simplest tools are the best this isn't exactly ground breaking, but i've found it so use
A Screen Saver for macOS
Sometimes the simplest tools are the best! This isn't exactly groundbreaking, but I've found it so useful: Padbury Clock is a free screensaver that does nothing except show a clock on your screen. Yep, that's it. Here it is.
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the word nuzzel is written in white on a dark background with a blue hedgehog
nuzzel.com is under construction
Making Social Media Manageable: Nuzzel -- This tool helps you conquer the "fear of missing out" by keeping you updated on what stories your friends are sharing on social media. Connect it to your Facebook and Twitter accounts, and it'll email you a daily report of the most shared links in your network. Extremely useful—see for yourself.
Authors and Freelancers Tool Roundup -- This list is a bit overwhelming, but it will help you identify high-quality tools and software across many categories, such as invoicing, contracts, credit card processing, animated GIF creators, and more. For instance, check out Ink, a way to generate contracts in minutes. Billing Software, Tracking App, Business Writing, Credit Card Processing, Writing Career, Find Work, Best Blogs, Blog Writing, Creating A Blog
Tools for Freelancers | Product Hunt
Authors and Freelancers Tool Roundup -- This list is a bit overwhelming, but it will help you identify high-quality tools and software across many categories, such as invoicing, contracts, credit card processing, animated GIF creators, and more. For instance, check out Ink, a way to generate contracts in minutes.
a computer screen with the word signup genius on it sitting in front of a desk
About SignUpGenius
A neat tool to coordinate sign-ups, collect RSVPs, or schedule volunteers (and more) -- SignUpGenius has been around for a while, but I only just discovered it through a colleague (thank you, Kelly!). It allows you to coordinate event RSVPs, organize or schedule volunteers, set up meetings or office hours, and more. The basic plan is free. Visit SignUpGenius.
the google news lab logo on a colorful background
The Google News Lab: Tools and Resources for Journalists Whether you're a student or established journalist, Google offers a powerful set of interactive media tools and data resources to help you produce your best work. Take a look at Google News Lab.
an email form for a website that has been converted to look like it is on the internet
Web Design Freelancer - Hourly Rate Calculator
Freelancing: This is by far the most in-depth method I've seen to set the right rate for yourself or your business. Check out the freelance calculator we've all been waiting for. See Gabe Rosenberg's article about it here: http://contently.net/2015/05/20/resources/freelance-rates-calculator-weve-waiting/