In the last year, I successfully earned more than $20,000 through writing, leveraging platforms like Medium and various paid writing gigs with companies. My Medium profile stands as evidence of my achievements, displaying the total followers and claps my articles have garnered.

It's crucial to understand that my earnings did not come exclusively from Medium; I also collaborated with different organizations, which contributed significantly to my income. The $20,000 figure reflects my total earnings from writing endeavors.

Even while managing a full-time programming job alongside my writing tasks, achieving a five-figure income from writing alone was a commendable outcome. To reach this success, I utilized several effective writing tools that I believe can assist others interested in monetizing their writing skills.

All the tools I recommend here have free versions available, and this post contains no affiliate links, so there’s no selling agenda involved.

1. Grammarly

Grammarly was the first writing tool I integrated into my workflow after hearing positive feedback online. I installed the Grammarly Chrome extension and have been using it ever since. It has become essential to my writing process.

One of Grammarly's standout features is its ability to suggest sentence improvements directly within my editor. As I write, it scans for errors and offers corrections, which has been invaluable in keeping my writing precise and polished. Thanks to Grammarly, I’ve managed to keep typos to a minimum even when producing multiple posts in a month.

I highly recommend this tool to anyone seeking to enhance their writing and minimize mistakes.

2. Quillbot

I’ve casually promoted Quillbot numerous times, and I genuinely appreciate its functionality. It ranks as my second most utilized writing tool. As a non-native English speaker, I sometimes struggle with vocabulary expansion and writing style enhancement, and Quillbot has been instrumental in this regard.

When I identify sentences that could use improvement, I copy them into Quillbot, which rephrases the text and suggests more effective wording. This tool has significantly elevated the quality of my writing.

For those looking to refine their writing skills, especially non-native English speakers, I strongly advocate for Quillbot.

3. Google Docs

I regularly use Google Docs for writing assignments from various companies. Its collaborative features make it an excellent choice for team projects.

A major advantage of Google Docs is its ease of sharing for feedback and edits. Once I finish a draft, I can share it with colleagues for their input. The ability to tag reviewers and track changes simplifies the editing process.

Moreover, Google Docs allows access from any device and enables real-time collaboration, which is particularly beneficial for remote teams. With its extensive formatting options, I can create professional documents effortlessly.

I highly recommend Google Docs for anyone needing collaboration and improved writing efficiency.

4. ChatGPT

ChatGPT is a versatile and currently free tool that serves multiple purposes, particularly in writing. It aids me in generating blog posts across various topics. While I don’t rely entirely on it for content creation, it is a fantastic resource for brainstorming and organizing my writing.

One of the most useful features of ChatGPT is its ability to create catchy titles, subtitles, and outlines, making my writing more structured and engaging. Additionally, its language model ensures that my content remains grammatically sound, which is especially helpful for non-native speakers or anyone looking to enhance their writing.

I encourage everyone to give ChatGPT a try; you may find it incredibly useful.

5. Asana, Linear, or xTiles

I believe that jotting down tasks for the next day is a crucial productivity habit. Project management tools like Asana, xTiles, and Linear are invaluable for this purpose. They enable the organization of tasks, including writing assignments, facilitating effective workflow management.

I personally utilize one of these tools to outline my tasks for the following day, which often includes writing posts. These tools cater to both individual and team needs, helping to maintain focus and time management.

Currently, I prefer Linear due to its user-friendly interface, though I’ve found Asana and xTiles effective as well. I recommend experimenting with different project management tools to discover the one that suits you best.

Here are some additional tools that may pique your interest.

6. Google, Twitter, Hacker News, YouTube, Medium

Over the past two years, I’ve written numerous posts, prompting readers to ask how I maintain a consistent writing routine while avoiding writer's block and generating fresh ideas.

My focus on programming has been a key factor. I dedicate time to reading programming-related articles and blogs to stay updated on new concepts and technologies. This not only informs my writing but also enhances my programming work.

I also spend considerable time reading Medium posts and watching YouTube videos, which keeps me informed about industry trends and inspires my own writing. Platforms like Twitter and Hacker News are daily resources that connect me with the programming community and help me identify emerging topics for posts.

In summary, my writing process is deeply rooted in my passion for programming and my commitment to staying informed. I recommend these resources to anyone aiming to sustain a productive writing schedule and generate innovative ideas.

Conclusion I understand that some readers may be eager to discover new writing tools, but I prefer to keep my writing process straightforward, which is why I utilize these specific tools.

Given that most of my content revolves around programming and technology, maintaining high-quality output is my priority. Simplifying my writing process allows me to focus on what truly matters: the content quality. I aim to avoid overcomplicating my writing side hustle, allowing me to dedicate more time to research and writing.

These tools have proven sufficient for enhancing my productivity and writing skills.

I hope you find this helpful!

Thank you for reading.

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