Many freelance writers manage their writing careers from home, finding space to write wherever they can. However, it's much better to have a dedicated home office. This can be done even if there's not a lot of room. For example, some writers put a screen around part of a living room or bedroom to create an office space. It's important to be able to separate writing work from family life and this is one way to do that.
Setting Up a Home Office Space
Once writers have found the space to set up their home office, then it's important to get the right accessories. For most writers, their computer is the most important piece of equipment they will buy. It doesn't have to be expensive but it does have to be powerful enough to run the hardware and software you will need and it should have wireless networking capability. A laptop is often a good choice for writers because they can work from anywhere – even the local coffee shop. If choosing a desktop machine, though, writers should select the biggest, clearest monitor they can afford as they will spend a lot of time looking at it.
Many writers work from a kitchen or dining table, but those who can afford it should consider getting a good desk, with plenty of storage space, as well as a comfortable, ergonomically sound chair. It is important to sit comfortably to avoid back, neck, shoulder and wrist strain, so also bear this in mind when choosing a keyboard.
Hardware and Software
Writers who work at home need the best internet connection they can afford. The faster it is, the easier it will be to research articles and connect with people online. A key peripheral is a printer. Laser printers provide a crisp, clear output, though the toner cartridges can be expensive. However, they don't need to be replaced as often as inkjet cartridges, so they may be more economical in the long run. Scanners can also be useful, and a webcam is a must for writers who need to video-conference. Add a good headset and that completes an ideal hardware setup for writers.
What about software? These days, writers have the option of writing articles and creating presentations "in the cloud" (that means online) and storing them there too, using applications such as Google Documents and Zoho. However, writers who prefer to have their writing on their computers might prefer to use Microsoft Word or a similar program. A PDF reader and creator is essential, and writers should consider speech recognition software to save their hands and wrists. Don't forget a spreadsheet program for tracking writing jobs and invoices.
This configuration will give most writers everything they need to get started with a lucrative writing career.
Sharon Hurley Hall - I am an expert web content writer, with more than 20 years' experience writing for newspapers, magazines and websites. I write ebooks, web ...
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