My writer's tech stack and how I actually get sh*t done 💡
Plus, my FREE list of 101 tools for freelancers.
My Get Shit Done September is going pretty well!
I started working with two new clients, I’ve turned in three freelance articles, and I went to a newsletter writers’ networking event. I’m projected to have my second-highest earning month of 2024. I also followed up on two pitches I sent out on at the end of August, but I think they’re both dead in the water, so it’s time for me to pitch them elsewhere, and pitch a couple of ideas I’ve been sitting on that I really care about. I’m working my way through Cody Cook-Parrott’s “The World Needs Your Online Class” course, to prepare myself to offer a workshop I’m proud of to all of you. AND I went back to the gym after seven weeks away. Whew, that first lift back is a doozy.
As I’m thinking about how I actually get shit done and what my priorities are, I wanted to share my favorite tools to help YOU get shit done!
Quick reminder before we get into it: I am available to help you develop your own writers’ routine and toolbox! I’ve helped clients learn how to pitch, edit their pitches for particular publications, launch a personal project, and take their next career steps. I’d love to help you do the same! Book a call with me, or email me at cruelsummerbookclub@substack.com with questions.
First, I’ll share my weekly productivity routine, aka how I get my shit together before the week begins and avoid Sunday Scaries.
Two years ago, I took a free workshop through Creative Mornings with Focused Space, an online coworking community. I’ve been using a form of how they taught me to structure my week ever since.
Every Sunday, I take a half hour to collect myself and focus on the week ahead. Here’s what that looks like within a long-running Google Doc:
Brain dump of everything in my calendar, on my to-do list, and on my mind. Carry over things that didn’t happen last week that I’d like to happen this week.
Divide those tasks realistically along all seven days. Try to keep in mind that I can likely only achieve three goals, if that, per day. Keep extra, less important tasks in their own floating bucket.
Add the next day’s tasks to the task-tracking app Slash, in order, and get ready to tackle them. (FYI, I sadly think this company is dead now.)
Have an overview of my morning ahead so I don’t feel the urge to check my phone first thing when I wake up. Sometimes I’ll write sticky notes to remind myself of my a.m. tasks to avoid early screen time.
I can’t express how much this simple practice has smoothed out my brain. It’s a HUGE relief to have a bird’s eye view of the week ahead, awareness of my priorities and availability, and a general plan of action.
Do I get all my tasks done every day? Of course not! I often end up with one or two stragglers (which means I continue to demand too much of myself in a single day, not that I am lazy or disorganized). But it’s a genius way to be self-accountable and actually see the dozens of things you do in any given week.
Next, I want to share my tech stack with you, aka the tools I use to get shit done!
For community and useful freelance info:
Study Hall — Online community for freelancers and media work. Different paid levels for jobs/pitching newsletters, a super helpful listserv (just lurking has taught me a lot), and up-to-date editor contacts.
For pitching:
Amber Petty’s Pitching Hour — Amber has an entire freelance writer teaching industry set up, and she is delightful! Become a member of Pitching Hour and you get a weekly live Zoom where Amber shares info on three pitch opportunities, answers your questions, and gives you time to write your pitch right then and there. The free write your pitch in 30 minutes workshop is a great place to start.
For podcast (and video) recording and editing:
Descript — This is the program I use to record and edit my podcast. You can edit audio and video just by editing text, which makes this app super intuitive for writers. Plus, they come out with cool new features and AI help constantly.
In-browser editing:
Language Tool. I got so sick of all the clicking Grammarly made me do. This is free and just as good, and helps me catch silly mistakes before I turn in my work.
For productivity and time tracking:
Slash. Like I said above, I think this company is out of business — their iOS app stopped working and I truly mourn it, and it seems the desktop download button no longer works. But I’ve used the desktop version every day for years now, so I have to mention it.
However, you can make your own task sheet as a workaround! Basically, I write down all of my tasks in one column, then move them to a weekly and daily column. I stack those daily tasks up, in order, and log my timing for each, then hit a big fat DONE checkmark at the end. Throw in your chores like “wash the cat bowl” to get even more of a dopamine boost on that DONE list.
I’ve also heard Toggl is a great, free time-tracking tool.
For interview transcriptions:
Otter. I record all of my interviews on Otter, and it can hop into your Zoom and Google Meet. I’d say the transcription is about 85% accurate, so, good enough, but you do have to go through and listen back to get exact quotes. Their AI tool is great for quickly collecting quotes, or spitting out action items after a meeting, or finding a mention of a topic in a convo.
For saving my inbox:
Unroll.me. This app “rolls up” whatever emails you choose into one email delivered to you daily. If you subscribe to 200+ newsletters, like me 🥴, this is a much better way of scrolling through them. Caveat here that I’ve read that Unroll sells your data, but I have not had the time to research what to switch over to. If you have a pointer, let me know.
For tab-saving:
OneTab. This Chrome widget allows you to click the OneTab button so alllll your tabs are saved into one tab, forever, that you can go back to and read any time. (But you probably won’t! My many, many tabs mostly just sit in OneTab purgatory.)
Business checking account:
Novo. My no ATM- or checking-fee business bank! I separated all of my personal and business finances last year once I formed an S Corp.
For financial advice:
Financial Gym. Great place to get low-cost financial advice, especially for true beginners. I’m a member again right now after five years away, and have had many friends join up as well. Mention me if you sign up. ;)
Finally, here’s my free list of 101 useful tools and resources for freelancers.
It’s an extensive collection of all the most valuable things that help me write, pitch, interview, find jobs, manage my time, podcast, and much more.
I hope my tech stack and weekly routine inspires you to zhuzh up your own, or try something new! What’s on your tech stack that I missed here?
So much great information. Your generosity is inspiring. Thank you.
Thanks so much, Jillian. This list is incredibly helpful and its so generous of you to share it.