The 5 Best Free Book Writing Software For Your Novel

So you're writing a novel, but think free book writing software might be able to help you do a better job? You might be right. In this article, you'll discover five of the best free tools on the market.

So read on!

The 5 Best Free Book Writing Software

Alright, let's get to it. Here's the big reveal, the 5 Best Free Book Writing Software!

1. Reedsy Book Editor (RBE)

A writing tool and editor in one, Reedsy provides a user-friendly experience to help you create a book that's pretty much ready to publish once you're finished (it typesets as you write, and you can save the file as an ePub or PDF). And it's a web-based app, so it saves in real time.

A few of its best features include:

Another thing I really like is that it stores old versions of your manuscript, like Google Docs, so if you removed passages and find you want to go back and grab them to add them back in, you can easily do so.

2. Bibisco

While a lot of software is great for writing in general, Bibisco was created for novel writing specifically.

It features:

3. yWriter

yWriter was created by a writer, which is really cool because it's like, writers supporting writers, and also, he designed it knowing exactly what he would have wanted when writing his own first novel.

Best bits:

4. Zoho Writer

Zoho is a pretty basic solution for your writing. It isn't explicitly designed for story-writing, so it has no fancy add-ons or extraordinary features. But sometimes that's just what you need.

Zoho could be for you if you like the simplicity of a word processor like Microsoft Word or Google Docs but would enjoy a few added features.

Top marks for:

5. Evernote

Evernote has both a free and paid version, but I'll just be reviewing the free version, but it's always handy to know there are extra perks available.

I wouldn't have listed Evernote as a tremendous book-writing software, but in my research, it was a popular option among many authors. So, I tried it myself, and I must admit that I agreed. What makes it so great is that it's the mother of all note-taking apps (in my humble opinion), and I'm an organization geek, so note-taking is one of my core values.

I'm unsure if I would use it as my one-and-only book-writing tool. Still, I would definitely use it alongside one of the software listed above, as it will enhance your clarity of mind tenfold before you start and as you continue the process of writing your book.

Do You Really Need Free Book Writing Software For Your Novel?

Getting to work on a novel is a specific kind of writing; after all, a novel is one of the longest pieces of content out there. A word-processing document is usually all one needs to write a blog or essay, but you might have better options if you're writing a novel.

Imagine, for instance, that you were hundreds of pages in and wanted to return to a particular passage. It could take you hours! And time is definitely a factor when writing a book. Whether self-publishing or writing for a publishing house, you're probably on a deadline.

That's one of the things writing software can help you with.

Some other benefits of using writing software to write your novel are:

Now, of course, you don't want to prioritize choosing software over actually writing since the most crucial thing is actually getting started, and spending ages selecting the exact right tool can be just another way of procrastinating.

That's where we come in! I'm giving you my five favorite free writing software for your novel in this article. There are many more out there, but at the end of the day, you only need one, so I've decided not to overwhelm you with tons of options. You'll find that five options are plenty.

What to Look Out For in Writing Software

Before we get started, I wanted to go over a few things. While I recommend the tools below, you must determine your own needs to pick the best software for you.

You don't know what you need yet. By all means, if you've got the disposable income to spend on writing software, shoot for the stars, but if there are other things you feel your money would be better spent on, then I can assure you you can get something very decent for the very low price of free.

Here are some great features to look out for in free book-writing software:

Final Thoughts on Free Book Writing Software

So there you have it; my top-five free book-writing software. As I mentioned earlier, you might not need software. A good old word processor might just do the job for you.

But for me, using the right software can really enhance the experience and assist my creative juices in flowing. Not only that, if you're an app fiend like me and a sucker for trying a new tool, you might find that a nifty piece of software also increases your enthusiasm when it comes to the crunch.

Either way, you've got nothing to lose in trying one or several of these tools and seeing if one of them is the right one for you. But remember, don't let that distract you from getting started. The most important thing is actually to write.

Good luck!

If you found this article helpful, check out our blog for more info and tips to improve your writing.

12 Free Publishing Platforms for Writers to Publish Articles

Are you a writer looking to get your content more exposure? Then free publishing platforms are your solution!

Read on for our best selection of 12 free online platforms for writers to publish articles.

12 Free Publishing Platforms for Writers to Publish Articles

If you're a writer or even an aspiring writer, this blog was written for you. Publishing your articles online can be a great way to reach a number of different goals, whether you want to:

The list goes on. Whatever your goal, publishing your articles online is a great way to get there.

Before we start, this article is about finding spaces to publish blog articles and shorter pieces of work here. You'll need a different approach if you've got a book to publish.

So without further ado, let's get started.

Start Your Own Blog

The first thing I recommend doing is setting up your own blog. Not only does this allow you to publish what you want when you want, but you can also customize it to your brand's colors. It also means you can use SEO to bring more readers to your blog, whereas that's something that's out of your control when using third-party platforms.

Here are some of my favorite free blogging platforms.

1. WordPress

WordPress is a website and blog builder in one, so you get to choose which one most suits your needs. Do you have services to promote? Research projects or a portfolio to display? Then you could probably make use of the website function and have a blog attached to it, which you'll use to attract more visitors.

Just interested in writing for now? Use only the blog function. The great thing is if you decide later on that you want to start a website, you can do so without having to start all over again.

2. Wix

Wix is a great runner-up to Squarespace in that it is incredibly user-friendly. WordPress, for all its flexibility, can be a little complex to navigate if you're a first-timer.

Wix has pre-made templates, so all you need to do is pick one, customize it to your heart's content, and get writing.

Oh, and it has SEO tools to help you optimize your blog to appear higher up in search results.

3. Blogger

Blogger.com have been around for a long time, so they know what they're doing. It has some nifty added features, too.

The Google Analytics tool comes included, which allows you to track how your posts are doing. This feature is not to be underestimated because it means you can write more about what your audience wants to read.

Another included bonus is Google AdSense, which allows you to make money via ads that your readers will see when they visit your blog. Not everybody wants that, though, so you'll have to decide if it's for you. Still, it's great to have the option to earn a bit of cash while you're getting set up.

Independent Platforms

As far as free publishing platforms go, third-party, independent platforms to publish your writing are a pretty good option since they already have an established used database, so the hard work has been done for you.

4. Medium

Medium is kind of like social media meets a publishing platform. The great thing is that its users are dedicated and serious about good writing. So if you think you have a talent for writing,

No doubt, you'll also find yourself pulled into reading some of the great articles you can find on there. And that's a great thing, of course, since avid reading is the best way to improve your own writing.

Longform content is received exceptionally well, so if you're into writing longer pieces, Medium might be for you.

5. LinkedIn

You've definitely heard of Linkedin. Who hasn't? Well, if you haven't, let me sum it up for you. Linkedin is a professional networking platform that features job advertisements, news relevant to your industry, the opportunity to connect with others in your field, and… article publishing.

There are many reasons to publish on Linkedin. First of all, not only does it have the potential to appear on your connections' own newsfeeds but also on second and third-degree connections' feeds.

You can also feature your top articles on your profile so visitors can see them immediately.

6. Tumblr

Tumblr is a little different from other publishing platforms. First of all, it isn't exclusively for blog articles. You can also publish images and videos, have discussions and share other people's content. This means if you're creatively inclined, you can entertain your followers via mixed mediums.

But even if you exclusively want to write, Tumblr is an excellent place for that. It offers suggestions to readers based on their listed interests and what they've been reading. So if you play your cards right, you can have your articles recommended to others.

7. Flipboard

Flipboard brings together news stories with social content and, in that way, highlights diverse voices.

8. Scoop.It

Not only is scoop.it a content publishing platform, but it also comes with content curation tools, meaning you can publish curated content and reach the right audience.

9. EzineArticles

EzineArticles is a submission website, which means you'll have to submit your articles for approval before they can be published. The great thing about that is the site attracts people who are fans of good writing. Grammatically correct, error-free writing.

10. Article Alley

Article Alley, as the name suggests, is a hub for quality articles about a range of different topics. So no matter what you're writing about, you're sure to find people who'll be interested.

11. Substack

With Substack, you can also earn a little extra cash through paid subscriptions. That's right; you can use the platform to build a loyal readership, which is not only great in and of itself but also allows you to earn while you write.

Guest Blogging

There's one more area we haven't talked about when it comes to free publishing platforms, and that's the concept of guest blogging. That means writing for an established site that will publish your articles under your name.

12. Article submission sites

Guest blogging can be a great way for you to increase your readership for several reasons.

What you'll want to do is search for online magazines or websites within your niche (the specific topic you write about), then make a list of websites you'd be interested in featuring on.

These sites will usually have a section with guidelines for article submissions. Read those, and decide whether it fits your writing style and whether it's worth your while. Try to think of the return on investment you're getting. Do they pay a fee for published articles?

Will they allow you to link back to your website?

Bear in mind that often, you'll have to write the article and submit it before knowing whether it's going to be accepted. But all isn't lost if you go to all that effort and the article isn't accepted: you can simply go ahead and publish it on one of the many free platforms listed above!

Concluding Thoughts on Free Publishing Platforms

Well, that concludes this list of free publishing platforms for writers. I hope that you've found it helpful and that at least one of these will suit your needs. My recommendation is to use several different ones, however, so that you can make the most of what each one has to offer, tap into different audiences, and maximize the growth of your writing experience. Remember, experience is the best teacher!

If you found this article helpful, you might want to check out some of the others on our blog.

How to Write a Professional ‘Thank You’ Email

Writing a professional ‘thank you’ email is a great way to show your appreciation and build beneficial business relationships. To write a formal ‘thank you’ email, you need to choose an appropriate subject line, start with a professional salutation, include details about what you are thankful for, include your contact information, and end your message with a formal email signature. 

If you want to write the perfect ‘thank you’ email, this guide will help. It contains samples, tips, and information to include and exclude from your communication. 

1. Choose the Correct Subject Line

Everyone is busy, and most office workers receive over 100 emails per day. So, it is essential to let people know why you are emailing. Without an eye-catching subject, your recipient may overlook your message. 

When sending a ‘thank you’ email, you can use a subject line like: 

2. Start with a Salutation

To start your formal email, you need to include a salutation. The salutation tells to whom you are addressing the communication. The greeting and recipients may differ. 

For example, you may write a ‘thank you’ email to a client and blind copy your sales team or business partner. By properly addressing the email, all recipients will know who you are writing. 

Appropriate salutations include: 

3. Express Your Thanks

Immediately after your greeting, you should tell the recipient thank you. Due to the number of emails most people receive daily, it is necessary for efficient workers in busy offices to skim digital communications. 

Reading every word of each email is just not realistic in some roles. So, it is essential to let the reader know the purpose of your email within the first few lines. Great ways to start your ‘thank you’ email include:

 

 

4. Include Details 

You want to include specific details about what you are thankful for in your message. Whether you are writing to a co-worker, manager, vendor, or client, your note will be more sincere if you tell the person exactly why you are thanking them. 

However, you do not want to include too much information. It is best to be direct. Suppose you write a ‘thank you’ email for a new client introduction. In that case, you need to let the person know that you appreciate the introduction but avoid giving personal information about your new client. 

5. Wrap Up Your Message

Conclude your message by recapping any critical information. When sending a ‘thank you’ email, you may want to conclude by thanking the person again or telling them that you hope they have a good week. Either is an excellent way to end formal email communication expressing gratitude. 

6. End with a Professional Email Signature

End your email by signing off. Traditionally, people use 'sincerely' to end emails. However, you can use others, like:

Many people include a signoff in their email signature. If you have, you do not have to worry about adding one.

A professional email signature is a perfect way to ensure each email recipient has your contact information. You can also include any necessary information relating to your business or even a link to a client satisfaction survey. 

7. Use Mail Receipts 

To ensure that the recipient receives your email, you can use mail receipts or a plugin that tells you when your email is delivered, opened, or deleted. These tools give you better insight into who is reading your emails and prevent you from having to confirm that a contact received your message. 

When Should You Send a ‘Thank You’ Email?

It is always a good idea to thank clients for referring your business or being a repeat customer. However, there are other reasons to send a 'thank you' email. 

Here are a few of the many reasons you may need to write a ‘thank you’ message to an interviewer, colleague, vendor, or client:

Final Advice for Writing the Perfect ‘Thank You’ Email

Writing ‘thank you’ emails can seem daunting if you are not used to sending them. However, after a bit of practice, they will become much easier to write, and these simple emails can go a long way in helping you build positive business relationships. 

Bookmark writingtips.org in case you need a refresher or would like more tips on becoming a better writer.

 

How to Write a 2-Week Notice Email

Writing a 2-week notice email is an important step when you change jobs. Writing that email can be stressful. 

We can help. In this guide, you will find advice, a sample, and tips for writing the perfect two-week resignation email.

Why Give a 2-Week Notice

Giving a 2-week notice of resignation is customary. The two-week period is necessary to give your current employer a chance to hire someone to replace you. 

Your new employer should understand you giving your current job notice because they would want you to do the same for them. Furthermore, a two-week notice is important because most people are not re-hirable unless they extend this courtesy to their employer. 

In most cases, you are not required to give notice because most employees are employed at will. However, if you are under contract, you may have a contractual requirement to give notice. 

In those cases, you may be legally required to give notice. Additionally, if you have an employment contract that specifies a longer resignation notice period, you will need to follow that or face the penalties stipulated by your contract.

2-Week Notice Email Sample

The way you word your resignation notice will depend on the relationship you have with your employer. However, you do not need to overthink it. Here are a few examples.

Subject: Letter of Resignation - Your Name

Dear (Manager), 

I regret to inform you, I will be leaving (company name) two weeks from today, on (date of your last day). I have thoroughly enjoyed my time working with you and the rest of the (company name) team. 

Please let me know if you need any assistance during my transition please let me know. I am happy to offer any support necessary to make this a smooth transition. 

If you have any questions, please let me know. You can reach me on my personal email at sampleemail@gmail.com or on my cell at 320-555-5555. 

My time working for (company name) has been an excellent experience. I appreciate everything you and the rest of the (company name) team have done to support me in my (job title) role. 

I wish you all the best of luck in the future. 

Sincerely, 

(Your Name)

Tips for Writing a 2-Week Notice Email 

The sample email above is not the only way that you can write a resignation email. So, if you want to create your own, here are a few tips to help you write better. 

Use a Subject Line that Indicates the Email is a Resignation

Your manager likely gets dozens of emails each day. So, it is important to use a subject line that tells them exactly what the email is about. 

Start Your Email Professionally

You need to use a professional email salutation. Starting your email the right way will set the tone for the rest of your message.

Include the Date of Your Last Day

It is vital that you include the last day you will work for the company. While it might seem like this is information your manager would know, it is best to include all of the facts in an easy-to-read format. By including the exact date that you are leaving, you leave no room for confusion. 

Be Professional

Even though you are leaving your current employer, you should ensure your communication is professional. It is always a good idea to leave your options open and handling your resignation professionally will help you do that. 

Express Gratitude

Your message will be better received if you express your gratitude for the experience of working for your current employer. 

Offer Assistance

It is not a requirement to offer assistance training your replacement. However, it is a nice gesture. 

Ask Any Questions You Have

If you have any questions about turning in ID badges, exit interviews, or other things you may need to take care of before you leave, you should ask them in your resignation email. 

Stick to the Facts

It is best to stick to the facts when writing your two weeks notice email. Including information about your new employer or what you will be doing in your next job is not necessary. 

Are You Comfortable Writing Your 2-Week Notice Email?

Writing a formal email to your employer to tell them that you are leaving the company is never easy. However, writing a 2-week notice email is as important as sending a follow-up after an interview. 

If you are at a loss for what to say, use the template above. It covers all of the information you need to include in a concise and professional format. 

 

How to Write an Out-of-Office (OOO) Email

An out-of-office (OOO) email is necessary to professionally handle email correspondences when you are going to be out of town or gone from the office for a while. 

In your OOO email, you need to include details about who to contact in your absence, how long you will be out of the office, and other important customer service information. To find out exactly what you need to include in your email, keep reading. 

Why Should You Write an OOO Email?

Creating an OOO email is not just a professional way to handle work emails in your absence. It also helps you not come back to a backlog of work. By allowing someone else to handle customer service issues in your absence, you will not come back to dozens of emails you have to address. 

Furthermore, customers want to know that their needs are always being met. They do not want to wait until you are back in the office to have their concerns addressed. 

What Should You Include in an Out-of-Office Email?

Your out-of-office email should contain specific information about the length of time you will be absent and how emailers can get assistance. However, you do not have to include a salutation in your email. 

The Dates You Will be OOO

You need to include the dates that you will be out of the office. If you are going to be out of the office for half of the day, you should include the times that you will be out of the office. 

A Brief Description of the Reason for Your Absence

You do not have to give a lot of personal details. However, it can be helpful for you to add a brief description of the reason for your absence, especially if you are going to work training or a conference. 

If you are going to be out for vacation time, you can state that, too. However, you do not have to give details about where you are going or what you are doing during your time off. 

Telling people that you are taking personal time will help prevent co-workers from trying to reach you to handle work matters while you are off work. 

Who People Can Contact in Your Absence

If someone else will be covering your work while you are gone, you need to include their contact information in your email. If you are available for emergencies, you will need to tell people how they can reach you if they need to. 

What to Avoid in an OOO Email

Just like there is information you need to include in your email, there are some things you should avoid saying. 

Making Jokes or Bragging About Your Time Off

Everyone is entitled to take personal time sometimes. However, your customers and co-workers may not want to hear about it if they are stuck in the office. 

Avoid Promises

While you want to include contact information for anyone else that will be handling your work matters in your absence, you should avoid promising that they will get to customer issues at a specific time. 

Your co-workers will have to handle their work and yours, so it will likely take them a bit more time to respond. Promising things you have no control over can be a recipe for disaster.

Avoid Saying that You Will Respond as Soon as You are Back

Telling people that you will respond to their emails as soon as you are back is unrealistic. Even if other people are handling your work while you are gone, you will likely have a lot to catch up on. 

People will want to know that their concerns are going to be handled promptly, but it is best not to give them an exact timeframe. If you promise to respond as soon as you are back in the office, your clients will likely be looking for a response then. 

Sample OOO Emails

Each OOO email is different because the information for who to contact and the details of your absence differ. However, here are a few samples you can look at to get ideas for your message. 

Thank you so much for your email. Unfortunately, I will be out of the office on January 5th, 2023 attending a conference. While I am gone if you need emergency assistance, please contact Jane Smith by email at janesmith@yourcompany.com or by phone at 555-555-5555. 

Thank you for your email. I am out of the office. I will be on vacation until June 6th, 2023. In my absence, Judith Smith will be available if you have an urgent matter while I am out. You can reach her by email at judith.smith@yourcompany.comand by phone at 555-555-5555 ext 555.

I am currently out of the office attending a week-long training. I will return Monday, July 10th, 2023 at 8 a.m. If you need assistance in my absence please email John Smith by email at johnsmith@yourcompany.com. Or, for immediate assistance by phone, you can call Janet Johnson at 555-555-5555. 

Thank you for emailing. I am out of the office for the next two weeks on vacation. I will return on Monday, December 12, 2023. If you have accounting concerns during my absence, please call Conny Conway at ext. 3333. For assistance with placing an order, please contact Tom Timothy at ext. 4444, and for all other matters, you can reach Janet Smith at ext. 5555. 

Are You Comfortable Writing an Out-of-Office Email?

Writing an out-of-office email should not be challenging. Like writing an interview follow-up or a thank you, your OOO needs to be a formal email. Avoid taunting co-workers and customers by joking about your time off.

As long as you do that and include the details of the dates that you will be out of the office and who customers need to contact in your absence, your OOO email will be perfect. Make sure to check out the other articles we have about learning how to write better.

How to Write a Formal Email

It can be daunting to write professional emails when you're used to sending casual messages, but learning how to write a formal email isn’t as complicated as you might think.

Writing a formal email involves maintaining a professional tone, format, and style in your message. Whether you’re writing to a business contact, professor, boss, or any other recipient that requires formality, the following outline and tips will ensure your emails come off as respectful and professional.

1. How to Write a Formal Email

Learning how to write a formal email largely has to do with understanding the standard format. Let’s break it down into the different parts to help you write an appropriate email to a boss, prospective employer, government agency, or professor.

A. Subject Line

Your subject should be short, direct, and succinct. Try to keep it to seven words or fewer, and prioritize concisely explaining the reason you are writing.

B. Greeting

To ensure that you create a strong impression right from the get-go, pick a professional greeting.

It’s best to address people by their full name if possible, with a simple “Dear [insert name here.]” Your recipient will be much more likely to read and respond to your email if you address them by name.

If you don’t know their name, you can use their professional title in the place of their name. When you don’t have any information to go on, you can begin by saying “To whom it may concern.”

C. Intro

If this is the first time you are writing to a new contact, you’ll want to open with a brief introduction. You don’t want to tell your life story here, but instead, let the recipient know who you are in a way that will help them understand why your email is worth reading.

D. Body

When emailing someone in a professional context, you want to ensure that you are being respectful of their time. To accomplish this goal, keep the body of the email as brief and direct as possible.

If you can, only write one or two short paragraphs in the body of the email. If you are sending a message that demands a longer, more substantial message, consider including it as an attachment to a succinct email. The other option is to let them know you can reach out with more details if they are interested after reading your initial message.

E. Deadlines/Agenda

If there are any proposed deadlines or agendas in your message, make them very clear. If you are asking to set up a meeting, suggest a few different days and times that work for your schedule. The last thing you want is to keep the recipient guessing regarding the specific purpose of your message.

F. Closing

When signing off in a formal email, you’ll want to stick with time-tested classics. Some options include “Thank you,” “Best regards,” and “Sincerely.” You can find more examples of how to end an email in this recent post.

G. Signature

Do you have an email account with a preset signature already set up? Give it a once-over before hitting send to make sure the tone is professional and in line with a formal message. If you’re signing off from scratch, use your full name and professional title.

H. Your Email Address

One often overlooked consideration when writing formal emails is your email address itself. There’s nothing wrong with having a casual email address that you use to correspond with friends, but any formal emails you write should be sent from a professional-sounding address.

The general rule of thumb is to use your full name in your sending address, your initials, or a mix of your name or initials and numbers.

If you’re sending an email from a business address, it’s best to have your own domain name (for example, john.doe@mycompany.com) rather than using a free, generic email service. This helps to add legitimacy to your business and any messages you send.

I. Font Choice

Professional emails should look clean and professional. On top of that, they should be easy to read.

Use classic fonts like Times New Roman, Arial, or Calibri in a font size of 12 or 14. When it comes to color, this isn’t the place to get adventurous– always stick with black.

2. Situations Where a Formal Email Is Appropriate

There are a number of situations where a formal email is likely the right choice. Here are some common circumstances where you will want to follow the rules of formal email writing.

A. Job Inquiries

Hiring teams will want to see that you can present yourself professionally. Make a good first impression by writing a formal email that is respectful of the recipient’s time. If you’ve just completed an interview for a job, read our guide on how to write a follow-up email.

B. Sales Pitches

A straightforward, formal approach is best with sales pitches. This is often true even when you have a pre-existing relationship with a client.

C. First Contact

Sending a formal email is the right choice anytime you’re reaching out to someone for the first time in a professional setting. You might find that the relationship becomes more casual over time, but it's best to keep things friendly yet formal at first.

D. Apologies

There will likely be times in your professional career when you need to apologize to a colleague, client, or boss. Using a formal email format is important to display that you are handling the situation with respect.

E. Termination

Whether you need to terminate an employee or resign from a position, the email exchange should follow the guidelines for formal messages.

F. Professional Settings

You’ll want to write formal emails for most of your job-related communications unless you have an established relationship with an individual that is more casual. When it’s unclear if a chummier tone is appropriate, play it safe and keep it professional.

3. What You Should Avoid in Formal Emails

Once you have created a draft for your formal email, you’ll want to give it a final once-over to make sure it is free from the following mistakes and errors:

A. Slang

There are two things wrong with using slang in a formal email: first, it can confuse the reader, and second, it can seem unprofessional. This is particularly true if you’re using a little-known phrase that is specific to a certain region or subculture.

B. Casual Tone

It can come across as unprofessional to use a casual tone through email. Typically, this type of tone is only appropriate when you have already established a casual relationship with the person you are writing to.

C. Incomplete sentences

It’s important to use complete sentences when you are writing a formal email. If you don’t, it can leave a negative impression and seem less professional.

D. Overly Personal Language

It’s best to avoid writing to someone as if you have an established personal relationship when you don’t know each other well. Instead, save familiar language for people that you have built a close relationship with.

E. Emojis

Emojis are best used in casual communication. Even though they are increasingly common, they can come off as unprofessional and too casual.

F. Too Much Information

It can be tempting to include any and all information that seems relevant to the topic at hand. However, it’s important to understand that it will take longer to get a response to longer emails. Lean on the side of being direct and to the point rather than including tons of extra info.

G. Grammatical Errors

When there are grammatical errors in your email, it tells the recipient that you didn’t take the time to proofread your message before sending it. For an email that reads formal and professional, make sure all of your sentences exhibit proper grammar.

H. Spelling Errors

Just like grammatical errors, spelling errors look unprofessional and can make your email appear less formal. There are spelling and grammar checking add-ons you can use that will help you identify mistakes before you hit send.

I. Indirect Phrasing

Many of us instinctually start emails with indirect phrases such as “I’m reaching out” or “I’m writing because…” You actually don’t need these types of phrases, though, as it’s obvious that you’re reaching out due to the fact that the recipient is receiving the email. Instead of using this tactic, cut to the chase and provide value in your message right away.

Are you looking for more tips on how to be a better writer? Be sure to check out the rest of our blog at WritingTips.org.

How to Write a Follow-Up Email After an Interview

After you’ve interviewed for a job, writing an email to follow up can show the hiring team that you already have the soft skills necessary for the workplace. Learning how to write a follow-up email after an interview can be daunting at first, but it’s fairly simple once you understand the standard format.

A follow-up email doesn’t have to be long, but a well-crafted message can improve your chances of moving forward in the hiring process.

1. How to Write a Follow-Up Email After an Interview

There are a number of components to a proper follow-up email, so let’s take a look at each one to ensure you send a message that increases your chances of getting the gig.

A. Determine the Proper Recipient

It’s possible that you met a number of different people during your interview process and aren’t sure to who you should send your follow-up email.

A good choice is to reach out to the individual that said they would be in touch once the interview was over. You can also send the message to the person that was your primary contact in scheduling the interview.

B. Be Thoughtful About Your Subject Line

When crafting the subject line of your follow-up email, you’ll want to keep it clear and concise. The goal is for the recipient to immediately understand what the message is about.

How quickly your email is opened and if it’s opened at all will be determined in large part by your subject line.

To be clear, you might not need to write a subject line at all if there is an obvious e-mail thread that you can reply to. For example, if there is an email exchange through which your interview was scheduled, you can simply reply to the message and leave the existing subject line.

This is a good tactic because it will increase the likelihood that your message will be read. The recipient will have a clear sense that you are someone they have already communicated with, rather than a person sending a cold email. It will also be easily apparent what the message is about.

If there isn’t an existing e-mail thread, you can use a variation of one of the following:

Depending on the type of interview, how big the company is, how many other candidates there are, and other factors, you can select the subject line from this list that you feel best fits your circumstance.

C. The Greeting

Since you’ve already had an interview, it’s best to address the recipient by their name rather than a generic "Dear Sir" or "To whom it may concern."

You can do this by simply saying “Dear [interviewer’s name]” or replacing "Dear" with “Hello,” “To,” “Hi,” or “Good morning/afternoon/evening.” “Hi” is a bit more informal than the other options, so you’ll only want to use that if it’s clear that a casual greeting is appropriate.

D. Start By Saying Thank You

In the opening paragraph of your email, you’ll want to mention the specific position you interviewed for, and thank them for taking the time to meet with you. On top of that, you’ll want to make it clear that you continue to be interested in both the particular job and the company as a whole.

E. Mention Your Experience, Goals, and Interests

After your opening paragraph, be sure to mention the name of the company in addition to a goal or topic of conversation that you felt the person you spoke with found particularly important.

You can then draw a connection between that point and your own interests and experience. You’ll want to find the sweet spot between being as specific as you can while also being concise in your message.

F. Explain Why You Stand Out From Other Candidates

In your closing paragraph, craft a statement that summarizes why you stand apart as an applicant for the position.

You can point out what you’ll bring to the role and company. At the same time, offer them the opportunity to ask you any questions that might have.

In your final sentence, let them know you are looking forward to their response. Check out this recent post about how to end an email for more tips about signing off.

G. Finish With Your Contact Info and Signature

You’ll want to finish your email with a professional sign-off. There are a number of closings that are both friendly and professional, including:

Depending on the interactions you had with the employer or hiring manager, you might choose to sign off with both your first and last name or simply your first name. You might find that the company culture or industry calls for a more informal sign-off in the form of your first name, or you might decide that a more formal approach is appropriate.

If you’re not sure what to do, judge by the emails you’ve been exchanging with the hiring manager in the past. If the standard appears to be addressing each other on a first-name basis, you might choose to only sign off with your first name. When you're unsure, though, your safest bet is sticking with full names in your initial greeting and sign-off.

2. Why It’s Important to Follow-Up After an Interview

It’s important to show that you are excited about the position you interviewed for and that you are grateful for the opportunity to speak with a hiring manager. When you send a follow-up email, you are increasing the probability that you will get to the next round of the interview process and receive an offer for the job down the line.

Displaying that you have strong soft skills is important when applying for a job, and you can do this in a follow-up email by thanking the recipient for their time, showing your enthusiasm for the position, and recounting anecdotes from your previous interactions.

Hiring managers know that it is much more difficult to teach soft skills in the workplace, so displaying your mastery of things like active listening, communication, and respect can go a long way.

Finally, sending a follow-up email can also help to make you more memorable to the interviewer. There’s a high likelihood that many people have applied for the same position you did, and you want to do what you can to stand out. Not everyone will follow up after the interview, and doing so can help ensure that your name is at the top of the hiring team's minds when they are making their final decision.

3. How Soon Should I Follow Up After an Interview?

Immediately after your job interview, you might be wondering how soon is too soon to get back in touch. In general, the answer is: the sooner, the better. It’s advised that anytime within the first twenty-four hours after the interview is best when sending a follow-up.

Of course, you don’t want to cross the line by harassing your potential employer if you haven’t heard back in a while.

After you’ve sent your follow-up email, hold off for two weeks before sending a “checking-in” email. This is best left as a brief message that offers a gentle nudge for an update and reiterates that you’re still interested in the position.

If you still don’t receive a response after that, you can wait several more weeks before sending a “staying in touch” email. This is an opportunity to remind the hiring team that you are still interested in the job. It’s possible that they take a while to make their decision and you’re still in the running, or maybe they’ve already selected someone else for the position. Either way, it’s a great opportunity to get some more practice with your soft skills.

Looking for more tips on how to write better emails? Check out our library of articles on how to write better.

How to End an Email (Sign Off Examples)

Whether you have your own business, work for a company, or are searching for a job, email is one of the primary forms of communication we all rely on. Learning how to end an email is just as important as knowing how to start one, as it can have an impact on the type of response you receive or if you receive one at all.

If you’re looking to write clear, professional emails, learning how to use appropriate and effective sign-offs is key. Make sure to also read our guide to starting your email.

Why Is It Important to Close an Email Well?

How quickly your recipient responds– or if they respond at all– can be greatly influenced by your email closing. This is the last thing they read, and it can motivate them to respond right away or put it on the back burner.

When writing emails to other people, it can be useful to think about how you would communicate with someone if they were standing in front of you. You would never walk away from a new business contact without closing out somehow, and the same should be true of your email correspondences.

In your closing, you’ll want to include a clear call to action and use a polite, friendly, and professional tone. You’ll find that ending your emails this way grants you a better chance or receiving a positive response.

How to End an Email: Best Practices

When you’re drafting the end to your emails, there are a number of best practices you’ll want to keep in mind.

Be Professional

It’s best to start with the assumption that your communications should be professional unless you’re engaging in communication with someone you have a more casual relationship with. You can use context clues to decide what tone would be appropriate for your sign-off. For emails to people you haven’t met before, stick to a more professional tone and avoid casual sign-offs.

However, if you’re writing an email as a part of an existing chain, you can use the context to determine if something more casual is appropriate. There’s nothing wrong with mirroring the tone of your audience, but erring on the side of being professional is best when you aren’t quite sure what is best.

Use Your Full Name

You always want to write both your first and last name when signing an email, particularly in the first couple of messages. This ensures that the person you are writing to knows exactly who you are and won’t confuse you with another contact that shares your first name.

Determine Whether a Closing Is Necessary

Writing an email closing communicates professionalism and attention to detail. On top of that, it’s possible that your message will get forwarded to other people who won’t see previous communications, and including your full name helps make sure everyone is on the same page.

On the other hand, it can seem reasonable to skip the closing when you have already exchanged several emails with someone. It might be perfectly fine to skip the closing in some messages, but you’ll want to be thoughtful when doing so.

Include a Closing Line

The last line of your email before your sign-off should both communicate to the recipient that you're grateful they read your message as well as include a call-to-action of some kind. This could mean that include a line that says "I look forward to hearing from you soon!" if you are hoping to elicit a response to your message. When sending marketing emails, a call-to-action can suggest that the reader take action separate from responding to the message.

Classic Email Sign-Offs

It’s easy to get all wrapped up trying to come up with the best email sign-off, but sometimes it is honestly best to stick with a classic. There are a number of simple email closings that can get the job done while getting across your desired tone.

For Formal Professional Emails

How should you close out your email if you’re writing a formal business message? Here are some standard choices that pretty much never fail:

For Casual Business Emails

The business world has changed a lot in the last several decades, and workplaces have gotten a lot more casual due to advancements in technology, changes in the American economy, and other realities of our changing world.

When you’re emailing someone you have a more casual business relationship with, the following closings are appropriate:

For Requests or Messages of Gratitude

When you’re sending an email that is making a request or expressing gratitude, you might choose to use one of the following sign-offs:

What Should Be Included at the End of Your Emails

Email closings have a number of different elements you’ll want to be mindful of when drafting your messages. Here are the common pieces of email closings.

A Closing Line

The final line of your email should typically include both a call-to-action and a message of gratitude. The former will help communicate that you anticipate a response and can help motivate them to respond. The latter shows that you are grateful that the recipient took the time to read your email.

Your Full Name

You don’t necessarily need to use your full name if you’re emailing your work colleague of ten years, but it’s best to do so if you aren’t sure what is appropriate. This can help make sure that the recipient remembers you and avoids confusion.

Your Title

This isn’t absolutely necessary, but including your job title can help the recipient understand what you do.

Your Contact Information

Including alternate methods of communication at the end of your email can be useful. Of course, they already have your email address, but you might find you also want to share your direct phone number, office address, or other contact information.

How to End an Email Depending on the Context

Of course, who you are writing to, what you are writing about, and the relationship you have with the person can have a big impact on determining an appropriate email sign-off. Here are a few different types of relationships and example sign-offs to give you a sense of the possibilities in different contexts.

Ending a Professional Email

When ending a professional email, you might choose to stray away from getting too creative and instead stick with classic options including:

You'll want to let the content of your email help dictate what sign-off is most appropriate in a business setting. For example, if you're writing an email to your potential employer about your schedule availability, "Let me know if you have any questions" could be a good choice. If you're inquiring about an open position, on the other hand, you might choose "Thank you for the opportunity" or a simple "sincerely."

Ending an Academic Email

If you're writing to a professor, you might choose to stick with the advice given for a professional email. Depending on how well you know your teacher or the general tone they carry with the class, you might opt for something a little less formal.

This guide helps outline the conventions of professional email that are expected when emailing faculty, administrators, or anyone in a business context.

Taking an English lit class and want to impress your professor? Learn how to write like Ernest Hemingway here.

Ending a Friendly Email

When emailing a friend or family member, it can seem a bit much to end with "Sincerely" or "Regards." You can use the nature of your relationship to help determine what is appropriate here, and a good way of deciding the right choice is to think about what you might say to the recipient in person if you were saying goodbye.

Some examples include:

When it comes to ending friendly emails with friends or family, you have a lot more leeway to be creative. Consider the general tone of the relationship you have with the person when drafting the end to your email.

Sending a message to a friend via snail-mail? Check out this post about how to write a postcard.

What to Avoid in Professional Email Closings

When it comes to professional emails, there are some sign-offs you should generally avoid. This is particularly true if you're emailing with someone you don't have an established relationship with. If you do already have a working relationship with someone, you can use the context of your previous messages to help determine what is and isn't appropriate.

Here are some sign-offs you should avoid:

There seems to be a lot of disagreement about whether "cheers" is appropriate in professional settings or not. If you aren't sure whether this would be a good choice, it's best to err on the side of a more professional option. In some companies, though, "cheers" might be a standard and acceptable sign-off that communicates friendliness and positivity without being overly intimate.

Final Thoughts on How to End an Email

Depending on the purpose of your email, it can feel completely paralyzing when you reach the end of your message and are unsure of how to sign off. If you're unsure of how to proceed, step back and consider the audience you are writing to, the relationship you have with them (if any,) the purpose for writing, and your desired result. This can help you determine what is most appropriate given the context.

The question of how to end emails is a fascinating one-- in a shifting business environment, communication seems to be getting more and more casual. You might find that an informal sign-off is much more effective when sending marketing emails but much less effective when you're cold-emailing potential clients. At the end of the day, you might find that experimenting with your email endings can help you find what works best for you.

This article is part of our series on how to write better. Make sure to check out the other articles in the series.

How to Start an Email (Salutations, Greetings, and Examples)

The best way to start an email depends on the message and recipient. You are lucky if a recipient even takes the time to open your email.

The average person receives more than 120 emails daily. If you use the wrong salutation or opening sentence, they are unlikely to read your entire message.

Keep reading if you want to know how to start an email with a professional, engaging opening. Make sure you also read our guide to ending your email.

Why Engaging Email Introductions are Important

Sending an email is the preferred method of communication for most professionals. Of the more than 120 emails that most people receive daily, very few are opened and read in their entirety.

The first few lines may be read if the person has to scan all their emails for work. You do not have to write like Earnest Hemmingway, but to ensure that the recipient takes the time to read your message, you must capture their attention.

When You Should Start an Email with a Thoughtful Opening 

A captivating introduction is always important. However, it is more essential when you want someone to:

Appropriate Salutations to Start an Email 

The salutation is how you address your email. In a professional setting, you must use an appropriate greeting.

Dear Ma’am/Sir

If you do not know the spelling of the receiver's name, you should use a professional generic salutation. While this is acceptable, it is not the best way to address your email because it indicates that you do not know the person well.

Dear Mr./Ms./Mrs.

The best way to start a work email is to use Mr., Mrs., or Ms. and the person's name. If you are sending an email to a supervisor or superior, using a professional greeting is important. It shows that you know how to communicate professionally.

Dear [Department] 

If you send an email to an entire department, you can address it to that team. For example, if you are starting an email to the sales department, you can use 'Dear Sales Team,' or 'Dear Sales Department.'

Dear [Position] 

You can use their position when you do not know the person you are emailing. For example, if you wanted to pitch an idea to an editor at XYZ News, you could address the email, 'Dear XYZ News Editor.

Hi/Hello 

Hi or hello, and the person's name is an acceptable salutation if you know the email recipient. It is a friendly way to address an email. If you do not know the receiver personally, you can use a salutation like, 'Hello Mr. Smith,' or 'Hello Mrs. Jones.'

Effective Opening Sentences to Start an Email 

The first sentence of your message is probably more critical than the greeting. An effective opening lets the recipient know the purpose of the email immediately. However, there are times when it is also beneficial to start an email with a friendly opening line.

I Hope...

Opening an email with a kind sentiment is nice if you are checking in with a client or colleague you have not spoken to in a while. It gives the reader a sense that you care about their well-being.

You can also use similar openings like:

Thank You…

If you are sending a thank you email, it is nice to tell the person within the first sentence. It is direct and conveys your message immediately. You can then include additional details in the email body.

Usually, when you are recognizing someone for something they have done, they will want to read your message. Everyone enjoys being recognized. So, the recipient will likely read your email if you start by thanking them.

Have You Had an Opportunity to…

If you are waiting for someone to do something, a nice way to start an email is by asking them if they have had an opportunity to attend to the matter. It is less harsh than asking them directly if they have done the task.

It makes the recipient feel like you understand that they may not have had a chance to address your concern while reminding them that you are looking for their response.

You can also start with something like:

Including specific details about deadlines within the first sentence is a good idea. People who want to participate will know they must register or respond within a specific period.

Just a Reminder…

If you have a pressing matter that you need someone to handle opening with, 'just a reminder,' is appropriate. They know you are waiting for a response, but it does not sound abrasive.

Salutations You Shouldn’t Use to Start an Email

There are a few greetings you should avoid. When you start an email with these salutations, it immediately gives the reader the impression that you do not know them.

Opening Sentences You Should Not Use to Start an Email 

When you start an email, certain opening sentences should be avoided. Some of these seem nice enough but depending on the person, they may be perceived as rude or overly aggressive.

You should also avoid using an opening sentence with grammatical errors. You can use a grammar tool or look up the correct grammar for many frequently used terms and sentences.

Nice to Meet You

There is nothing wrong with telling someone it is nice to meet them in person. However, using it in the first line of an email gives the impression that the recipient does not know you.

Many people do not pay attention to emails from people they do not know. So, sending an introductory email with 'nice to meet you' in the first sentence might not be the best choice.

Still Waiting…

Starting an email by telling someone you are still waiting for their response comes across as aggressive. It is better to try to be more understanding. Even if the person was supposed to respond by a specific deadline, it is better to be more diplomatic.

I Know You are Busy, But…

Sending an email, 'I know you are busy, but' may seem nice. You are considering the other person's time.

s, it can also come across that you know the recipient is busy, but you do not care. It is better to tell them why you are emailing in the first sentence. If you want to tell them you appreciate them taking the time out of their busy schedule to respond, you can do that later in the email.

You Need to…

Telling someone immediately that you need them to do something can be rude. Instead, you can give them details about what you need.

If you need something immediately, it is better to tell the person the deadline in the first sentence. For example, 'your contract ends on July 11th, and I see that you have not renewed yet,' or 'the deadline to register for the conference is this Friday, November 8th, 2022.'

Can You Do Me a Favor…

'Can you do me a favor' is not a great way to start an email. Asking someone to do something before you tell them what you need is never a good idea.

It puts the person on the spot before telling them what you need. So, it is better to open with something kind or to tell the receiver exactly what you need in the first sentence.

How Will You Start Your Email? 

There is no perfect way to start an email. Each correspondence requires a different salutation and opening. The best way to determine which to use is to consider how you would like the other person to address you. Ask yourself what information you would when you open the email.

Considering the email recipient helps you craft a personal and well-received email opening. So, the next time you have to send an important email, read it and think about the other person before you hit 'send.' The practice does not significantly impact the time to write emails, but it can go a long way to ensuring your message is read.

Writing Meditation: How to Use Writing as a Meditation Technique

Meditation has been a widespread practice for millennia and has many benefits for the mind and soul. But have you ever heard of writing meditation?

In this article, we’ll discuss a less well-known practice that provides an alternative for those who wish to try meditation but who perhaps struggle with calming their mind with traditional meditative practices.

Writing meditation is one form of meditation that differs somewhat from the traditional way of sitting down and focusing one’s thoughts on our breath. Let’s dive into this practice and find out more about it.

What Are Writing Meditations?

As we have discussed, traditional meditation focuses on our breathing or on an object of our choosing.

With writing meditation, you guessed it; the focus is on writing. The idea is to write freely, without overthinking, for a set amount of time. What you write doesn’t need to make sense or follow any sort of logical order. It doesn’t need to be free of grammar or spelling errors. It doesn’t need to be ‘good’. In fact, it doesn’t need to be anything. And that’s the beauty of it. 

No one will ever read what you write during your writing meditations (unless you want them to), so this completely removes the need for it to meet a certain standard. 

So no, you do not need to be a good writer to do this!

The topic can be different every day, or you can do this without using a topic at all. Writing prompts can be helpful to get you started on days when you can’t seem to put pen to paper. 

How to do Writing Meditation

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to do a writing meditation. Remember, though, that like with traditional meditation, there are many ways to do a writing meditation, and most importantly, there is no way you can do it wrong! So take the following suggestions lightly and adjust where you need to.

That’s it! There you have it. Piece of cake, right? 

As with traditional meditation, there’s no way to do it wrong. In fact, the only way to do it wrong is to berate yourself for doing it wrong.

The process described above is known as ‘stream of consciousness’ writing. This means there’s no prompt or direction in your writing. You’re just writing what goes through your mind. 

You could also use prompts, which are handy if you’ve got writer’s block. Prompts give you a topic to write about, so they help you get started. Only that beginning part is different, though. The rest of the process is the same. See below for some writing prompt ideas.

Should You Write by Hand or Type?

With writing meditation, you have two choices: you could either write on a piece of paper with a pen or you could type on your computer, your tablet, or your phone. So which one should you opt for? 

There are advantages to both.

Typing, of course, is faster. It will therefore allow you to more easily get all your thoughts out onto the paper (screen) before your mind wanders and you forget what you were about to write. For ‘stream of consciousness’ writing, this can be very beneficial. It will help ensure you get all your thoughts out on paper before you get distracted or your hand starts hurting.

However, there are clear advantages to good old handwriting:

So, if you’re one of those people who hasn’t had a pen in their hand since their school days, it’s time to head to the store and get stocked up on stationery! 

Why Pair Writing With Your Meditation

Now that you’ve learned about the benefits of traditional meditation and writing meditation and that you’re familiar with the step-by-step, you might be thinking - why not use plain and simple meditation? Why bring writing into the mix?

There are several answers to that question. 

The first is that using writing as a meditation technique gives your mind something to focus on. When one first starts to meditate, the mind gets distracted very easily. Having something to do while meditating helps the mind stay focused. 

Don’t get us wrong, your mind will probably still wander off at times, so you’d do best to expect that, but having the writing to bring your mind back to is helpful. 

That’s why writing meditation is great for whoever is new to meditation. 

It’s also great because you get that feeling of having emptied your mind afterward. You’ve got everything down on paper, so it’s no longer in you, so its power has been taken away.

Writing meditation is also a fantastic way to hone your craft if you’re a writer or want to get into the habit of writing more.

Writing Prompt Ideas for Your Writing Meditation Practice

If you’re interested in the ‘stream of consciousness’ writing meditation tool and have decided you’d like to try some prompts, let us help you out. Please find below some prompt ideas to get you started. Try a different one every day this week and see how you fare.

More on Meditation and Wellbeing

Before we conclude this article, there are a few other things we thought you might be interested in hearing about.  

Other ways to meditate 

Firstly, did you know that there are many other types of meditation than those mentioned in this article?

That’s because meditation is what you make it. 

Are you practicing mindfulness? Are you bringing your mind into the present moment? Are you focusing your thoughts? If so, then you are meditating, friend!

Here are some common ways to meditate:

Other writing practices for wellbeing

As well as meditation, there are other helpful well-being practices, including ones that involve mindfulness, as does meditation. Here are some of our favorites.

Mindful Eating

Mindful eating is a way to slow down when we’re eating in order to truly appreciate our food. The idea is to bring our attention to the flavors, smells, and food's warmth going down our throats and bellies. 

This practice is often recommended to those with certain eating disorders as it helps them bring their awareness to the eating process and slow down, which in turn would help them be more aware of their fullness cues. 

Yoga

Yoga is not only great for the body in that it gets you moving, stretching, and strengthening, it’s also great for the mind as it is a mindful practice. 

The slow-paced nature of the movements keeps you in the present moment, and the slightly heightened level of difficulty ensures that your mind can only focus on what your body is doing. 

Breathwork

Did you know most of us don’t breathe correctly? Our breaths are shallow, and we don’t direct the air to the right places. Breathwork is the practice of conscious breathing, as it brings awareness to the breath so that we may breathe intentionally. 

Different patterns of breath can create different reactions in the body, which is what breathwork does. With the right breath, you can get your body more energized, your mind more focused, or even prepare yourself for diving into freezing water, as popularized by the famous Wim Hof Method.

Reading

How many times have you been reading a book, realized you have no idea what you just read, and had to go back three pages to re-read the passage? Reading is a true exercise in focus. 

Practicing getting in the zone can help you, in the same way as meditation, practice taming your mind to focus on the task at hand. In this case, getting through your book!

We could showcase many more practices here, but we think this will give you plenty to explore, so we will leave it at this for now.

 

We hope that you have found this article on writing meditation useful and that it answered any questions you had about the practice. Are you going to give writing meditation a go? We definitely recommend you try it. What have you got to lose?