Freelance Writing Success: What You Can't Live Without

I've been experimenting with various materials, supplies and tools since launching my business seven years ago. Some have proven to be very useful, while others weren't. Here's what I have in my office that I simply can't live without:

* The Organized Writer: I have both the e-book and the planner. Inside this planner or many tools to keep every writer as organized as possible. I'm positively addicted to planners, organizing sheets and things like that, so this really appeals to my interests. You can log queries, responses, expenses, contact information, daily appointments and so on. Everything is in .pdf format and there's the ability to click and print one page at a time as needed. The e-book teaches you how to put your tools to work for you.

* Wall Calendar: I make brief notes about deadlines, appointments and phone interviews on here. You can find printable calendar pages online or your word processor may have a calendar creation template bundled in.

* Daily planner: I use the zip up "Day Runner" style to make specific notes about deadlines, appointments, phone interviews, query goals, phone conversation notes and phone messages of interest. I also take this with me on interviews and other appointments to hold business cards, receipts and notes.

* Cork board: I didn't think having one of these really made a difference until I took it down. What a mistake. I rely on this to put up phone messages, important reminders, lists, receipts I need to file later, phone numbers I need to record later and other notes about various work completed.

* Two drawer (or more) filing cabinet: This is another item I thought I could let go of, but it turned out to be a huge mistake. With all the papers I print out for research, notes I take, invoices I file and other necessary paper retention . . . I had piles of papers everywhere. I found that using a two-drawer filing cabinet also offered storage behind the files (the left over space) for storage of unused office supplies.

* Typical office essentials: ink pens (red, black, blue), post-it notes, file folders, binders, filler paper, spiral bound notebooks, printer paper, printer ink, divider stickers and high-lighters. (These are the essentials I use most often.)

* MS Word: It wasn't until my computer died and I had to replace it that I realized how much I used this software. The new computer, of course, didn't come with this software and I thought I could manage without it for awhile. Wrong. Every place I worked for regularly wanted MS Word attachments for article submissions and MS Word with tracked changes enabled for editing. So, this became an office necessity I couldn't live without.

When buying replacements for used office supplies, I tend to shop during back to school sales. That's like being a kid in the candy store! Plus, it's important to keep costs down considering how challenging it can be to earn an income on a consistent basis. Other places to check for good deals are large discount stores, dollar stores and odd lot stores.