If you are or want to be a freelance writer from home, there are some tools you will need to have readily available.

You know that you need to have a computer, laptop or netbook for writing, but what else do you need to work as a freelance writer working from home?

  • You will need a high speed connect to the Internet
  • A wireless home network depending on how you connect to the Internet
  • A writer’s library, which will be discussed below
  • Some form of IM, Skype is recommended, other IMs such as Yahoo, AIM, or Gtalk or what a client my want to use
  • Paper
  • Notebook
  • Printer
  • Business telephone number with voicemail and business/promotion recording from clients or potential clients
  • Cell phone for business only
  • Workspace
  • Record keeping software spreadsheet, accounting, and notes
  • Client list, including e-mail and telephone
  • Website
  • Business name
  • Domain name (Should mach the business name if possible)
  • Blog
  • Social media accounts
  • Networking accounts

These are just the basic components of being a freelance writer working from home. Along with the basics you might possibly need a CPA, Marketer, Website Designer, and more unless you plan to do it all yourself. Don’t be afraid of doing it yourself, it can be done with various hosting sites. Just check out various hosting companies and packages, and then decide the right one for you.

The basic books recommended for a freelance writer’s library are.

  • Merriam-Webster Colligate Dictionary (Latest Edition)
  • AP Style manual
  • The Chicago Manual of Style
  • A good thesaurus
  • The ASJA Guide to Freelance Writing

These books and tools are the bare minimum for any professional writer working from home.

You find that over time you might wish to add more or may not need everything listed, this is up to the individual freelancer.

Also, do not forget that you are an entrepreneur and will have to keep impeccable business records to comply with any business or tax regulations. You may need to acquire some form of home business license from your town or county. You will need to check into this. As a freelancer, you are not entitled to any benefits from employers. Insurance, health care, and workers compensation is up to you as an entrepreneur.

One personal recommended piece of software other than Microsoft Word is WordWeb. There is both a free and paid version. The paid version allows access to more dictionaries.

Robert J Medak

Freelance Writer/Editor/Reviewer