There are numerous resources for writers available on the Internet today. From free software to write your masterpiece to obtaining an ISBN, these resources can be difficult to track down in the wide, wide world of the Web. As such, this is a handy list that might be helpful in your writing journey. Hope you enjoy it!
Open Office
Open Office is a free, downloadable word processing program. This is a nice, free alternative for those who would like a word processing program but do not have the money to invest in a paid program.
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U.S. Copyright Office
If you have a question about copyrights, this is handy resource for writers. Whether you want to know how or why to register your work or simply search if something is registered, you’ll find it here.
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ISBN by Bowker
If you plan not to use a free ISBN through Smashwords or Createspace, then you will want to check out this site. Many self-publishers who plan to write numerous books and not to use free ISBNs find that purchasing ISBNs in bulk is helpful. Be sure to check out the FAQs to answer your questions as to why you need an ISBN and what exactly they are.
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Library of Congress Control Numbers
If you’re interested in getting your book included in the Library of Congress Catalog, you will want to check out this site. The Preassigned Control Number Program is a great way to get started before you self-publish.
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EPUB Converter
If you are looking to give away an EPUB e-book independently, this site is great! It will provide you with an EPUB version of your book for free. EPUB is the format of e-book used on every reader except Kindle. As such, this is a valuable resource for those looking to give away an e-book from their own site.
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MOBI Converter
If you’re looking to convert your book into MOBI format to give away, then this free site is a great resource. Kindle utilizes MOBI files. So, this is a great option, especially when paired with the EPUB converter above.
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Bible Gateway
Bible Gateway is a great resource for Christian writers. It offers multiple translations of the Bible and easy search for the Bible verses that you need.
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Authorgraph
This is a handy site for self-published writers. Because it allows authors to provide a personal digital inscription for an e-book sent directly to the reader’s digital reading device, it’s a great way to interact with fans.
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Font Squirrel
Font Squirrel is a wonderful resource for downloading free fonts. Although the site claims that the fonts on it are 100% free for commercial use, this may be a little misleading. As such, be sure to check the highlighted icons under the font name to be sure. Some fonts are only free for certain commercial usage (which may or may not include e-books or print books). Also be careful to read the font license, as some fonts are found fonts that may or may no longer be free. Overall, however, this is a very useful site for those looking for a new look for their books or online material.
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GIMP
GIMP is a free image manipulation program that can do a good many of the things that high-end image manipulations programs can do. It takes a little time to learn, but it can be very useful. With it, you will be able to do simple manipulations such as enlarging or shrinking images and changing the resolution of an image. It is also very helpful for adding text to images. Also, the fonts that can be downloaded through Font Squirrel (above) can be used with the program easily. This is a handy resource for writers to have, especially if you do not use image manipulation enough to pay the running fee or high cost of other image manipulation programs.
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OverDrive
OverDrive is a great site for self-published authors. This site allows a free download of the OverDrive Application which can be used to listen to audiobooks and read e-books. It reads EPUB files, such as those found on Smashwords and Barnes and Noble. If you are trying to reach an audience that does not use e-readers, this is a free site you can send people to so that they can read e-books on their computer, tablet, or phone.
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Free Kindle Reader App
This link takes you to the current page to download the Kindle APP for your computer, tablet, or phone. This downloadable program will allow readers to read Kindle e-books (MOBI files) such as those available on Amazon and Smashwords. This is a great link for authors who wish to take advantage of Amazon’s self-publishing program but have readers without that specific type of e-reader.
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LibriVox
If you love audiobooks, LibriVox is a great site. This site offers free public domain audiobooks. Ever want to be the one whose voice people are listening to on an audiobook? You can also volunteer to read public domain books for the site to distribute as well.
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Seven Best Blogging Platforms (for Writers/Bloggers)
Blogging is a great way to practice writing or expand your brand as a writer. This great article compares ten different blogging options and details the pros, cons, costs, and who would benefit most from the platform.
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“Commit thy works unto the Lord, and thy thoughts shall be established.” (Proverbs 16:3 KJV)