Where can I get writing help? (free or paid)

Anonymous

January 13th, 2016

Where can folks get free or paid resources, whether it be a digital tool or an extra set of eyes, to read through content, check for grammar, make suggestions for edits, and even run a full content edit?

Having actual humans reading through and editing the content would be ideal.

Thanks in advance for your guidance and recommendations.

Daniel Turner Interaction Designer, Xerox PARC

January 13th, 2016

Depending on where you are, this is one thing that's good to post to Craigslist (seriously). Just don't offer "exposure" for their work (inside joke).

If you want to get started on your own, Purdue's OWL (https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/) is an excellent resource. Figure out which style guide to use and stick to it; which isn't as important as being consistent.

A higher-level effort is working with a Content Strategist. That will cost more, but a good one will do an audit of your content, work with you on what you want your voice to be, and leave you with workable and simple documentation and guidelines to accommodate future content and expansions.

Jason Graves Software Architect - Nokia Bell Labs

January 13th, 2016

This girl seems pretty affordable...

Danny

January 13th, 2016

You can ask for pretty much anything at job-oriented sites, like upwork and Craigslist.

Not comfortable with cycling through dubious candidates and willing to do it yourself? You can build your own skills with real feedback by using social media networks, like Reddit. There are subreddits around writing -- whether creative or formal. /r/writingprompts comes to mind.

Finally, if you're looking for a trusted source, you'll want to get recommendations or firsthand contacts. To that end, gather people you trust or contact someone whose writing you like. I know someone that could be paid to do this gig for you, for example. Build out those relationships firsthand and keep using 'em.

James McAndrews Experienced Operating Executive

January 13th, 2016

I have an experienced editor looking for this kind of work, as well as an experienced teacher looking to shift her career into writing and editing, especially for marketing materials. Let me know how I can best connect you with these two good resources if you are interested. Thanks, Jim Sent from my iPhone. Please excuse any typos. Jim McAndrews Mobile: (703) 975-6230 JPMcAndrewsIII@GMail.com

Anonymous

January 13th, 2016

You need a copyeditor, I know of a few good ones. Please contact me if you're still looking.

Rob G

January 13th, 2016

this gal posted on another FD thread (apparently an FD member?) so bookmarked her site for future reference. worth a shot. here's her website: http://www.cheerytomato.co.uk/

I would think one could find an english/journalism major 10 at any number of colleges that could do a good job at low cost. If you have a high-volume of tasks i'd think it would be a good candidate for Mturk.

Michael Caves Co Founder at Foresight Wellness and Credit Analyst at US Bank

January 13th, 2016

The hemingway editor is free. I've found it to be really helpful.

Lee Stein Owner, Stein Writes, Inc.

January 13th, 2016

Depends in part on the nature of the subject material and intended audience. If it's mass market, consumer oriented, you can try a local college/university with an advertising curriculum. If it's a technical audience (like IT, engineers, semiconductors, or other B2B audience), you can check in with me. See my LinkedIn profile . Best Regards, Lee Stein *Stein Writes, Inc.* Create • Promote • Generate 707-843-5088 (o) 707-540-3784 (c) LinkedIn Profile Writing Samples www.SteinWrites.com Lstein@SteinWrites.com

Kevin Carney Content Marketing works, but needs better tools.

January 13th, 2016

Editing is such an important task that the best way to find someone is a personal referral. If that is not possible, I suggest finding people on a marketplace website such as elance, odesk, fiverr, as the service providers are reviewed and you can use those reviews as guidance. If you don't find any on any of those sites, the next option was be to run an ad on Craigslist, accept applications, vet them, and pick someone. Kevin Carney *Inbound Marketing University * kevin@InboundMarketingUniversity.biz 650-444-1318

Caroline Ostrander Inbound Marketing Specialist at HubSpot

January 13th, 2016

Try the Google extension called grammarly!! Obsessed with it and it's free. Caroline Ostrander