Resources for the Professional Writer
Reference Materials
Writing in General
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| The New York Times Manual of Style and Usage: The Official Style Guide Used by the Writers and Editors of the World's Most Authoritative Newspaper was created in 1950 by that newspaper's editors and revised in 1974, 1999, and 2002. Its rival is the AP (Associated Press) Style Guide.
Academic writing and some formal magazines require writing and formatting to certain guidelines. It's good to have these reference books on hand.
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| Is the grammar and style advice in this book still relevant?
This essay by Geoffrey Pullum entitled Fifty Years of Stupid Grammar Advice explains why you don't really need this book.
Read the essay, then get the book and make your own decision.
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| Dictionary.com is a comprehensive online dictionary. I like it because it also allows you to hear the word you're looking up - which came in handy when I was studying for my AARP Spelling Bee last year.
But a print version of Webster's Collegiate Dictionary is also very handy and should be in the bookcase beside your desk. When you're killing time waiting for inspiration to strike, start browsing through the book and read about cool words.
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| Thesaurus.com is connected to Dictionary.com (the site also has tabs for Quotes, and a Word Dynamo game where you can test your vocabulary.)
But again, a print thesaurus will stand you in good stead. Print books are a lot easier to browse through serendipitously than are electronic resources.
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Free Book!
The first issue of Freelance Writer Magazine will be available for Kindle, Nook and other readers for $2.99 on December 1, 2013.
While you're waiting, please enjoy this free 76-page, fully-illustrated guide to creating and monetizing blogs.
| Download this step-by-step guide for free.
How to create a blog on Blogger.com
How to customize your blog
How to format your posts
How to add images
How to monetize your blog(s)
Click on the cover to download the PDF
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Background Music
If you like music while you read...
Note: FWM is not affiliated with the Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain, we just like their music.
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