So, you’ve decided to start freelancing—awesome! But what now? If you want to actually land clients, pay bills, and make money, you need more than just talent. You need tools—ones that help you write faster, stay organized, and look like a legit professional (even if you're still working from your kitchen table…in pajamas).
The good news? You don’t have to spend a fortune. From organization systems to AI checkers, here’s our “freelance writer’s starter kit” that will make your dream job easier.
Find Your Quiet Place
Don’t have a fancy home office? Don’t fret. You just need a spot where you can actually focus. Maybe it’s a dedicated desk in a corner of the house, or the couch at 6 a.m. before the kids wake up. Or maybe it’s your local coffee shop. Whatever works. Just make it yours.
Bonus tip: Invest in noise-canceling headphones. They’re a game-changer.
And don’t forget about your tech setup. A decent laptop or desktop is non-negotiable. If your device takes 10 minutes to load Google Docs, it’s time for an upgrade.
Choose the Right Writing Software
Your software is where the freelance writing magic happens. Take the time to pick one that fits your workflow. And don’t be afraid to try as many free trials as possible before committing to a purchase.
Google Docs (Best Free Option)
Cloud-based, auto-saves your work, and easy to share with clients.
Downside: It can get laggy with long documents.
Microsoft Word (Industry Standard)
Word is still the go-to for many businesses and clients.
It costs money, but has better formatting options.
Scrivener (Best for Long Form Writing)
Designed for writing novels, scripts, research papers, and the like.
Has a learning curve but offers a one-time purchase option.
Protect Yourself with a Plagiarism Checker
Accidental plagiarism is real—even if you’re writing from scratch. And copying content, even unintentionally, can damage your reputation. So, always run client work through a plagiarism checker, especially if you’re using AI-generated content as inspiration.
We recommend:
Grammarly Premium – Checks for plagiarism while improving grammar.
Copyscape – Simple, cheap platform trusted by clients.
Scribbr – Free version available with limited checks.
AI Tools: Helpful Sidekick or Crutch?
AI tools like Gemini, ChatGPT, and Jasper can bust your writer’s block and help you brainstorm content or rewrite a lousy paragraph. But there’s a right way -—and a very wrong way—to use them.
The right way to use AI:
Generate ideas, outlines, or rough drafts.
Edit everything – never submit raw AI content!
Run AI-assisted work through a plagiarism checker.
The wrong way to use AI:
Letting it do all the work.
Submitting AI-generated content without checking for accuracy (AI gets things wrong!)
When used wisely, AI can make a great assistant, but it’ll never place you – a real writer.
Productivity Tools to Keep You Organized
Freelancing means juggling multiple clients, deadlines, invoices, and more. A productivity platform is essential to keeping yourself organized. Without it, you’re one missed deadline away from losing work. And it’s way more productive than layers of pink sticky notes.
GSuite (Google Drive, Docs, Sheets, and Calendar)
Store client work, track projects, and manage your schedule.
Free with a Google account, but Google Workspace offers upgraded features.
Features flexible task views and integrations.
Free version is surprisingly robust, with native chat and a note-taking section.
Grammar and Editing Tools to Polish Your Work
Nothing will kill your writing credibility faster than a typo, clunky phrasing, or awkward grammar. That’s where your editing tools come in. These act like a safety net to catch mistakes before your work lands in a client’s inbox. While no tool can replace a thorough manual proofread, these options can help you refine your writing and make sure it’s as polished as possible. We like:
Grammarly – The free version handles basic errors, while the premium version goes deeper with tone suggestions, readability enhancements, and plagiarism detection.
Hemingway Editor – Great for making your work clear and concise. Flags complex sentences, passive voice, and unnecessary adverbs.
ProWritingAid – A more advanced option to Grammarly, with in-depth reports on readability and consistency. Especially useful for long-form content and technical writing.
Take Advantage of Free Trials
You don’t need to drain your bank account for the right tools on day one to be a successful freelancer. Many must-have writing and project management tools offer free trials or solid free versions to help you get started without the upfront cost. In fact, some tools are so generous with their free version that you may not need to upgrade for a long time.
Google Docs – Powerful, cloud-based word processor that’s completely free and great for collaboration.
Trello – A project management tool with a robust free plan, great for tracking projects, deadlines, and client work.
As your business grows and you land clients, it makes sense to reinvest in tools that can organize and improve your work, plus save you time. Many premium plans include perks like AI-powered writing enhancements, better organization, and plagiarism detection. Keep an eye out for limited-time deals, student discounts, or bundled special offers that can help you save big while still granting access to premium features.
The bottom line? There’s no need to spend a fortune to set yourself up for success as a freelancer.
Build Your Freelance Business with Expert Guidance
The right freelancing tools in your arsenal can make all the difference. Building a writer’s toolkit is a smart investment in your success. If you’re ready to dive deeper and get expert guidance on freelancing, check out Dez at The Pajama Writer. She’s been where you are and has built a business designed to help freelancers like you thrive.
Grab her free resources or sign up for her newsletter. You can also follow her on socials for more tips, tricks, and support on your freelancing journey:
Instagram: @ThePajamaWriterFacebook: The Pajama Writer
Start strong, stay consistent, and build a freelancing career that works for you!
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