A Recommended tools and resources list is included in every Business Book for Writers. I am building a comprehensive list of the tools that I am familiar with or have used. Many of these tools are also mentioned on the recommended business books for writers.
Finance Tools:
Online Quickbooks.
I started out using Quickbooks Online because I had used it when running my first two companies, but on my bookkeeper’s recommendation decided to drop the expense and go back to tracking my expenses and revenues using spreadsheet .
Excel
I use Excel to collect my tax information.
Creating Workflows:
Flowchart Maker & Online Diagram Maker:
Flowchart Maker is a free online tool that is easy to use. Many people use it for organization charts but as an author, I use it for diagramming the types of workflows described in Meeting the Writer’s Deadlines. Here are a few example workflows I made with Flowchart Maker:
Workflows from Book 2: Meeting the Writer’s Deadlines
Marketing:
Aweber
This is the email program Business Books for Writers uses for marketing campaigns, newsletters, etc. At one time it had many advantages over MailChimp but MailChimp has caught up in terms of features and options.
MailChimp
Many authors use MailChimp for mailings and newsletters. You can start with a free account and upgrade later as your marketing strategy develops and your audience increases.
Sunome
popups, welcome mats, for your website.
zopim
Online chat program. Useful to consultants who write books and whose clients come on to their site with questions.
Fiverr.com
graphic designers, ad writers, back cover copywriters
Book Cover Design:
99 Designs
(Thanks to the reader who recommended this service!)
Search Engine Optimization Tools:
WebTextTool
Guides you through how to optimize your blog and online marketing text. Includes Pagetrackers and Competitive analysis.
WordPress Site Development Information:
WebSite Setup: “How to Customize WordPress (Step-by-Step)” by Karol (thanks to the reader who recommended this article!)