Graphics

Not everyone can hire a graphic designer. If you’ve got the confidence to try it yourself, then here are some great resources to help you get started.

• Canva –  
• Adobe Color Wheel –  
• Coolors.co – 
  The free version is great, but the paid version allows perks like saving your palettes and more.
• 3D Mockup Maker –  
• Magic Tool –  
• Free Background Remover – 
• QR Codes – 
• Word Clouds – 
  There’s a new version, but I prefer the classic one.
• ColorZilla Eyedrop Tool (Chrome extension) – 

Stock Photo Sites

There are a lot of stock photo sites that charge anywhere from a few cents to a pretty penny for their images. The ones below are free, but please read the fine print, make sure the photo has a commercial license, and avoid anything with an “editorial use only” label.

• Unsplash – 
• Pixabay – 
• Pexels – 
• Depositphotos –  

Here’s a bigger list but it’s from 2018 so YMMV – https://www.superboltstudios.com/marketing/22-of-the-best-free-stock-photo-sites-to-use-in-2018/ 

Social Media

Here are some resources to help you create and schedule your social media.

• Hootsuite –  
• Emojipedia – 
• Call to Action Words – 
• Conversation Starters – 
• Time Zone Converter – 
• National Calendar Day – 
• Authors Get Social Patreon – 

Productivity Tools

If you need to harness the power of productivity and make it work for you, these can help!

• Tomato Timer – 
• Pomodoro Technique –  
• Coffitivity – 
• Rainy Mood – 
• Cafe Restaurant – 
• News Feed Eradicator (Chrome extension) – 

Writing Tools

Here are some useful writing tools that have helped me in the past. Try them out!

• AutoCrit – This is my favorite proofreading program! There is a paid version, but you can do a lot with the free one.
• Prompt Generator – Stuck for a name? Get inspiration from randomly selected prompts.
• Masterclass Articles – Masterclass courses can cost a bundle. But did you know that they offer free blog articles?
• Hemingway App – Color-coded editing to help you find passive voice, purple prose, and more.
• Sisters In Crime Writing Resources – This mystery writers’ org offers a wealth of free resources for sisters and misters alike.
• Notebook.ai – Worldbuilders unite! Use this tool to build worlds, organize characters, and more. The possibilities are endless.
• Word Anvil – Another fun worldbuilding tool. This is especially useful for sci-fi and fantasy authors but works for all genres.
• Book Description/Blurb Generator – Need blurb help? Let Kindlepreneur help do the heavy lifting.
• Reedsy –  This is one of my favorite sites. It combines an online word processor, editor, and typesetter all in one. If you can’t afford a Mac and Vellum but want to format your own books, I highly recommend giving Reedsy a try. Sign up for FREE today!

Newsletters

MailerLite and Mailchimp are the two free newsletter platforms most used by authors. The free plan does have conditions.

• MailerLite – 
• Mailchimp – 
• Substack – 
• Sender.net – 

If you’re wondering how these compare to other free newsletter services, then take a few minutes to read this article. https://themeisle.com/blog/best-free-email-marketing-services/

Fun Things

Fun things can be used to help you launch a new book or boost engagement on social media and with your newsletter.

• Quiz maker – 
  NOTE – The free account gives a limited number of resources.
• Spotify –   
• Jigsaw Planet –  
• Make Your Own Wordle –  
• Word Search Maker – 
  No username or PW required
• Crossword Puzzle Maker – 
  No username or PW required
  You can get a lifetime account for $10 but the free one gets the job done.
• Discovery Puzzle Maker – 
  No username or PW required
• Book Bingo – Whip up your own bingo cards, save them online or print them out, or create interactive bingo cards.