Resources for freelance language professionals

Capsule CRM

Customer Relationship Management (CRM) software tool that I use to keep a record of my work with existing customers, as well as prospective customers. My favourite thing about this tool is how it helps me manage my marketing tasks and client work: I can set deadlines that integrate with my email system.

Want more information? I wrote a blog post about it here.

FreeAgent

Easy to use bookkeeping software that integrates nicely with Capsule CRM as well as my bank. I use this to create and keep track of my invoices.

Sunsama

Digital daily planner that helps me improve my work-life balance and plan my day realistically. I’m a chronic over-committer, and this is the one tool that has helped me keep things under control! Try it for free for one month.

Diaro

Diaro is a journalling app/website that is simple and easy to use. I use it mostly to journal and write drafts of anything I might later publish (e.g. on Substack). But it’s also a useful place to record any quotes I read and like, recipes - anything goes! I particularly like the ‘on this day’ time machine button that shows me my past scribblings.

Grammar and writing tools

Antidote+

I can’t live without this tool! It integrates with MemoQ and other CAT software, as well as most of the Microsoft Office suite. It helps me run final checks on copy, to catch anything I might have missed. I’ve written a post outlining its features here.

Memberships and communities for freelancers

The Expedition Group

A marketing membership (affiliate link) for freelance translators and other word workers. Regular challenges and ongoing accountability.

The Freelance Editors Club

Run by Tara Whitaker, the Freelance Editors Club is an online (based in the US) supportive group of women and people of underrecognised gender identities. A place to make friends with fellow editors while building a business you love.

Books

Here’s a list of my favourite books on writing and editing, available from my favourite booksellers.

Support for freelancers

IPSE is the membership organisation in the UK for freelancers and small businesses. Use code REF9d4cae for 10% off their membership fee.

Courses

Ash Ambirge’s Creative Writing School (affiliate link).