Grammar Girl Quick and Dirty Tips for Better Writing

Efficiency hacks for writers and editors with Erin Brenner

May 16, 2024

Erin Brenner, author of 'The Chicago Guide for Freelance Editors,' shares time-saving tips on using Word, creating macros, and using automation tools. She discusses starting a freelance business, setting rates, managing costs, and maintaining work-life balance. The podcast also explores the benefits of text expanders, automation tools, and consistency checkers for writers and editors.

31:53

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Episode guests

Erin Brenner

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Episode notes

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Quick takeaways

Erin Brenner shares time-saving strategies for writers using Word macros and automation tools.

Transitioning to freelance requires setting rates based on financial needs and diversifying income for stability.

Deep dives

Freelancing Journey: Transition and Expertise

Transitioning from a full-time job to freelancing, Erin Brenner shares her journey of initially freelancing part-time due to job dissatisfaction, eventually quitting to focus on her freelance business. She emphasizes the value of making time for business growth and diversifying income, including taking on additional jobs for financial stability.

Introduction

3min

Mastering Writing and Editing Tools with Macros

6min

Streamlining Tasks with Text Expanders and Automation Tools

7min

Exploring the Benefits of a Text Consistency Checker Tool for Writers

2min

Exploring Freelancing Tips and Communication Skills Insights

2min

Navigating the Transition to Freelancing

14min

986. Erin Brenner, author of "The Chicago Guide for Freelance Editors," shares time-saving tips including the best practices for using Word, creating macros, and using automation tools like Zapier. You'll also learn about starting and growing a freelance business, including how to figure out what to charge, how to make ends meet at the beginning, and how to handle time management once your business starts to succeed.

| Resources mentioned in the podcast:

Erin Brenner, Right Touch Editing: https://www.righttouchediting.com/

"The Chicago Guide for Freelance Editors" by Erin Brenner: https://press.uchicago.edu/ucp/books/book/chicago/C/bo213434367.html

Adrienne Montgomerie's book, "Editing in Word 365" https://www.lulu.com/shop/adrienne-montgomerie/editing-in-word-365/ebook/product-p855r4.html

Rhonda Bracey, CyberText Consulting: https://www.cybertext.com.au/

Hilary Cadman, Cadman Editing Services: https://www.cadmanediting.com/

Erin Servais, AI for Editors: https://www.aiforeditors.com/

Jack Lyon, Editor's Toolkit (Word macros): https://www.editorium.com/index.htm

Paul Beverley, Archive Publications (Word macros): https://www.archivepub.co.uk/

Phrase Expander: https://www.phraseexpander.com/

Raycast: https://www.raycast.com/

Zapier: https://zapier.com/