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Links for Writers

Here are some of our favorite links for writers. Some are for sites that can help freelancers and contractors set up shop, some are for such mundane but necessary items as office supplies or web hosting, and some are just plain resources for writers.

Below you'll find links to:

• Jobs for writers
• Insurance for writers
• Books for writers
• Magazines for writers
• Computers and software for writers
• Training for writers
• Clip Art, Fonts, and Photos for Writers
• Office supplies, etc.
• Writers' Associations
• Internet access, web hosting, and e-commerce

Jobs for Writers

"What work I have done I have done because it has been play. If it had been work I shouldn't have done it." - Mark Twain

Hopefully, your work is like play for you. Or perhaps a new writing job will be. Mind, hopping from job to job won't make you happy, but finding work that lets you do what you do well, and enjoy doing, is nothing less than a blessing. This applies both to employees in jobs and freelancers, so here are some links for both.

Firstwriter - Need a publisher for your book? Start with an agent first. Firstwriter has a searchable database of more than 500 literary agents.

Freelance Work Exchange - Find hundreds of freelance and work-at-home jobs.

PACE - if you're a contractor and need an agency, we recommend PACE. It's a good deal if you can find your own clients but need to go through an agency; PACE handles the paperwork for a low percentage of your billing, and you keep the profits. That's pretty much unique as far as we know - most agencies pay you a fixed rate, and keep the profits themselves.

HotJobs.com - Looking for a new job? Want to see what's out there? Try Yahoo's HotJobs.com and post your resume.

FlipDog.com - A job site we've seen recommended by tech writers. Now apparently part of the Monster site. (See below.)

Monster.com - Post your resume for free on what is probably the biggest job site on the net. In our experience, more recruiters look at resumes on Monster than anywhere else. You can also create automatic agents that will alert you of jobs that match your criteria.

Vault.com - Another job site, where you can post resumes, but also offers career information on lots of jobs and background information on specific companies.

ResumeEdge.com - certified professional resume writers edit and write your resumes and cover letters.

Salary.com - Find out what you're worth (or what the market says you're worth, anyway!). You can use this in your present job when it comes time for that review, or in negotiating salary at a new job. Employers do this, especially at large companies, so it makes sense for you to have the same information. Sort of like checking the blue book before going car shopping.

Techwritingjobs.com - a new site devoted to technical writing jobs. Check it out...especially the new job listings page.

Insurance for Writers

Especially for freelance writers, insurance is a big, big deal. Here are some insurance sites that you can check out.

eHealthInsurance offers what it says is the largest selection of health plans and the best prices. You can compare plans from different insurers, get free instant quotes, get live help if you need it, and buy online.

Dentalplans.com - Dental insurance, with 210,000 participating dentists in various networks.

Insurecom - get a free auto, health, home or life insurance quote.

Books for Writers

Writers read books, don't they? Actually, writers tend to be vociferous readers. If you're looking for just about any book, one of these will likely have it.

Amazon - The standard online source for new books. The link here will take you straight to books on Writing.

Abebooks - a great online source for used and out-of-print books - it's a network of 12,000 independent booksellers. The link takes you to a search screen.

Alibris - another great source for both new and used books, with over 25 million titles. We've used Alibris and been happy with the service.

Magazines for Writers

If you want to write for magazines, you need to read magazines; also, if you want to alleviate the solitude of being a lone writer, you might want to read magazines for writers.

Amazon has a large selection of magazines. The link here takes you to what they call their Literary category. Close enough for most practical purposes, though no doubt you'll find some of the titles, uh, not exactly literary.

Magazines.com offers 1,300 magazine titles in 50 categories.

If your business involves business, there's no better source of information than the WSJ. Subscribe to The Wall Street Journal and get 4 weeks free. 

Computers and Software for Writers

Do movies still portray writers as hunched over manual typewriters? Probably not (though, truth be told, we don't see many movies). Writers use computers, and need software for writing and, if they're freelancers, software for handling all the business stuff is a good idea, too.

Dell Computers - Want to get a solid PC or laptop from a solid company (with good service!) at a competitive price? Make life easy, and order direct from Dell (as we do). Dell also sells networking, peripherals (that is, printers, monitors, etc.), and software.

CompUSA.com - A longstanding general vendor of computer hardware, software, and all the accessories.

Amazon - In addition to books, Amazon is also a good source for writing software; that is, software for writing.

Babylon Pro - translation software. Click on a word, phrase or number in any Windows application and get an instant translation or description of the term

Trendmicro - PC-cillin anti-virus, anti-spam software.

Training for Writers

"Training is everything. The peach was once a bitter almond; cauliflower is nothing but cabbage with a college education." - Mark Twain

Online Courses - if you need training on standard PC applications, do it online with TrainingCenter. It's much more cost-efficient than going to a physical course.

Transcender - online preparation for IT certifications with realistic exam simulations.

Brainbench IT certifications. They can test and certify you not only in software knowledge, but also business knowledge, so you can market yourself better. Also good for employers who want to screen candidates or develop employees.

Clip Art, Fonts, and Photos for Writers

We never got past the stick-figure stage in art class, but thanks to modern technology, many a presentation and document have been enhanced by clip art (either as-is or with modifications to suit the specific purpose)  and stock photos (you know, the three people looking over the computer user's shoulder, where they look like they're really impressed with what's on the screen). Anyway, it works.

Clipart.com - need to spruce up that presentation in a hurry? Add art.

Corbis BizPresenter - stock photos for your presentation, web site, or brochure. You can save up to 60% with Value Packs.

Fonts.com - over 30,000 fonts, including technical fonts.

Office Supplies, Etc.

Here we've assembled some links to help you with the mundane stuff of organizing yourself as a writer, especially if you have your own office or a home office.

If it's time to decorate the office inexpensively, try a poster or art print from the selection at Totaldorm.com.

FranklinCovey - planners (paper and electronic), and other organizing aids.

Stretch your dollars! Inkjet cartridges at HALF price! 123inkjets - very inexpensive ink and laser toner cartridges for printers. We use their products and are happy with them. They're much, much cheaper than the name-brand, and perform without a hitch.

With MyFax, you can send and receive faxes over the Net without a fax machine. Get a MyFax Number

Talk America - save up to 30% on your local phone bill.

VistaPrint - Four-color business cards where the only charge is for shipping. You can choose from a bunch of designs, or upgrade to choose from more. A good solution if you're a one-person show and just need an inexpensive but attractive card to hand out.

Writers' Associations

Here are some of the writers' associations we know of; there are more out there. If you're a veteran in your field, associations tend to be less important. But if you're starting out, you can learn a lot from your peers.

TECHWR-L - if you're a tech writer, subscribe to this list. You'll learn quickly from the discussions, which do sometimes get opinionated, and be part of a large (virtual) community. It also has searchable archives going back for several years. A goldmine of information.

About.com - As the site says, "Discover is technical writing is right for you, and if it is, find out how to learn what you need to know."

Pubsnet - an outfit that offers training and placement for tech writers. Oops, we mean technical communicators.

STC - good information, and some people find STC a great resource for networking. Others find STC to be a bit stuffy, but you know what? You can have a look and see if it works for you. Some services are available only to members. Also, STC has local chapters in most places where there are tech writers - including several outside the US - and the chapters are where you'll find contacts with local colleagues.

WinWriters - "Training and Information for User Assistance Professionals." User assistance is a term referring to all the various ways in which the people behind a product (like a software system, for example) can help the user of the product. Could be a user guide or help file, or training, or wizards, or an improved user interface, or whatever.

ASTD - a training organization, helpful to those writers who also do technical (or other) training. If you're a trainer, they have a good job board, especially for senior positions.

Internet Access, Web Hosting, and e-Commerce

If you're reading these lines, you are a writer and you have Internet access. But maybe you need a better setup, especially if you're opening (or in) a home office. Here are some good ISP, web hosting, and general e-commerce deals.

Netzero Platinum - Internet access for only $9.95 per month.

eBay.com - If you're going to sell on eBay, your own storefront looks more polished, and saves time in maintaining inventory. If you just want to buy something on eBay, or sell the regular way, use this link: eBay.com

The Hosting Team offers really inexpensive web hosting services, for only $2.99/month. You can also get your own domain name. And if you need a dedicated server, their prices are hard to beat on everything from a Celeron D ($90) to a Quad Core Intel Xeon Woodcrest.

Need a laptop?

Logitech QuickCam Pro 9000 from Logitech (Electronics) - Usually ships in 24 hours Price: $73.88

Logitech VX Nano Cordless Laser Mouse for Notebooks from Logitech (Electronics) - Usually ships in 24 hours Price: $48.99

Microsoft Wireless Notebook Optical Mouse 3000 -Slate from Microsoft (Electronics) - Usually ships in 24 hours Price: $19.99

Logitech QuickCam Pro for Notebooks from Logitech (Electronics) - Usually ships in 24 hours Price: $72.86

New Replacement AC Adapter + Power Supply Cord for Dell Latitude D400 D410 D420... from AMA

Logitech QuickCam Deluxe for Notebooks from Logitech (Electronics) - Usually ships in 24 hours Price: $39.99

Logitech V470 Bluetooth Cordless Laser Mouse for Notebooks - Blue from Logitech (Electronics) - Usually ships in 24 hours Price: $42.24

Antec USB-Powered Notebook Cooler from Antec (Electronics) - Usually ships in 24 hours Price: $29.73

Apple MacBook MB403LL/A 13.3" Laptop (2.4 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo Processor, 2 GB... from Apple Computer (Personal Computers) - Usually ships in 24 hours Price: $1,287.00

Logitech QuickCam for Notebooks from Logitech (Electronics) - Usually ships in 24 hours Price: $21.99

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