In 2011 I spent 6 months as an editor for a brand new Website. I was selected for the position because of my 5 years of experience writing for Associated Content in the pregnancy and fertility category. The new website? Maternity.com. They needed me to launch the site because of my knowledge of the topic and because I know how to make articles convert well into sales. It is no fluke that content sells. There are many tools that writers and editors have at their disposal that can assist them in achieving a high-rate of conversion. I developed my toolbox over a span of about six years and am happy to share a portion of the contents of my toolbox with the readers here on the Yahoo Voice network.
The first tool that any good writer or editor must possess is a tool that helps her to use language correctly in written content. There are many tools that fit this description including dictionaries and grammar usage guides. Many of the tools in this category are available just by clicking your mouse including Dictionary.com (which I use everyday), Merriam-Webster’s Online Dictionary, OneLook Dictionary Search (very valuable), Grammarly.com, Grammarcheck.net and my favorite tool – paperrater.com. There are also two books that I keep on my desk because I refer to them often and they are:
The Only Grammar Book You’ll Ever Need by Susan Thurman
Rules For Writers – Fifth Edition by Diana Hacker
Your writing style is your branding tool as a writer and therefore it is vital that you hone your style throughout your writing career. There are many style manuals but the ones that I find particularly helpful are two tools that require a subscription to use but are well worth it:
Gregg Reference Manual Online
AP Stylebook Online
Books to have on hand that can help you develop your style include:
Wired Style: Principles of English Usage in the Digital Age by Hale, Constance and Jessie Scanlon
The Columbia Guide to Online Style – 2nd Edition by Walker, Janice and Todd Taylor
Writers that write technical content should pick up a copy of Microsoft Manual of Style for Technical Publications – 3rd Edition by the Microsoft Corporation Editorial Style Board.
The last tool that I will share from my toolbox will help your content convert for any topic. I am talking about the Keyword Research tool. There are many of them online and I am sure you have used or at least heard about Google AdWords and Wordtracker but did you know that there is a really good tool called Market Samurai? I have been using this tool for a few years now and I turn to it pretty much with every piece I write. It is a multi-purpose tool and has a free trial of I believe 40 days. There are many features (modules) that make this tool a must have for writers including SEO Competition, Keyword Research, Find Content and Promotion.
Fill up your toolbox today with these must have tools for writers and editors and you will be amazed at how they can improve your skills and raise your income level. Writers and editors must constantly sharpen and grow their skill set if they expect to remain in these highly competitive fields. The right tools can help make you into a valuable asset to any client. Oh, and my last bit of advice is to always be on the lookout for more tools to add to your toolbox, to update the tools regularly and above all, USE them.