Here are 5 of the Best Free Web Tools to Increase Productivity for Ghostwriters

zulqarnayniNovember 16, 2022Last Updated: November 16, 2022

0 3 minutes read

Ghostwriting is a challenging form of writing. You need to be confident and skilled in writing, as well as a reliable worker capable of meeting tight deadlines. Ghostwriting projects often have a high workload and a quick turnaround time. This can add to the pressure.

A toolkit is a useful tool for improving your writing. Whether you’re starting your first ghostwriting project or if you’ve been a ghostwriter for some time, here are five of the best free web tools you can use to boost your productivity.

Ghostwriting includes the transcription of audio recordings given by the author. These recordings can be recorded in interviews, conversations or other general ideas that require transcribing, editing, and/or editing.

One of the best free web tools for ghostwriters is oTranscribe—a simple web app that makes it easy to transcribe audio files. Ghostwriters have the option to upload their audio or video files or even link to a YouTube clip to transcribe.

After the media has been uploaded or linked, users will be able to write the transcription in the box. Keyboard shortcuts—such as play/pause, skip backward and forwards, and speed up and down—are preset in the settings menu. To best suit your writing style, you can modify the settings menu to add your keyboard shortcuts.

Pros of oTranscribe

It’s quick and straightforward to set up—no software installation is needed.

Text automatically saves in your browser, so if you accidentally exit or refresh the page, you won’t lose your work.

Add timestamps to text to make it easy to jump to specific points or pick up where you left off.

It supports audio and video files as well as YouTube video hyperlinks.

Cons of oTranscribe

Automated transcription is not possible. This means that you can only type as fast as you can.

It can only be used on a web browser (no apps currently available).

Overall, oTranscribe provides a great free tool for ghostwriters that need to transcribe audio files.

If you’re after a free ghostwriting tool that automatically transcribes audio, then Descript is worth a try. There are four pricing options for Descript: Creator ($12 per monthly), Pro ($24/month), Enterprise (custom price), and Enterprise ($12 per per month). The free version can be used to transcribe audio. However, the paid versions offer more transcription time, video exports that are watermark-free, and other functions.

Descript requires you to create an account in order to get started. You can sign up via Google or an email address. Once you have logged in, it is possible to create a new project or upload the audio file that you wish to transcribe. Find out more Our productivity guide: How to describe it.

Pros of Descript

Descript is a free program that allows you to auto-transcribe audio files in order to support your ghostwriting project.

Descript can be used in-browser or downloaded to your desktop.

To continue your transcription, you can save projects.

Cons of Descriptive

You’re limited to just three hours of transcribing per month on the free version, which might be too limiting if your ghostwriting work demands more time.

Sometimes the accuracy of the auto transcription isn’t great (for example, Descript struggled to understand an Irish accent when put to the test), so manually double-checking the transcription takes additional time.

Despite Descript’s errors in transcribing some audio, it can still be quicker to use than a fully manual transcription program.

Download: Descriptive for Mac Windows | Web-version

Grammarly is a brilliant free web tool for ghostwriters—or any writer, for that matter! You can use it on your desktop or mobile device to check grammar, spelling and plagiarism as you write.

You can Install and use Grammarly in Google Docs, Use the Grammarly extension in SafariAnd even more Add it to your iPhone keyboard. Grammarly Premium is also available for purchase. However, the free version has enough useful features to be used by ghostwriters.

Grammarly Pros

Set the language you’re writing in (British English vs. American EnglishFor example, use.

Grammarly provides suggestions for correcting misspelled words, grammar errors, missing punctuation, and other grammatical mistakes.

You will receive suggestions to improve the clarity of your writing, which can be particularly useful when you’re stuck on ways to phrase a sentence.

Cons of Grammarly

Grammarly won’t catch every mistake you make, so cross-referencing with another spell checker and conducting thorough proofreading is still important.

Suggestions aren’t always correct, so be mindful of which ones you accept.

Compatibility issues can arise, especially when using Google Docs.

In short, Grammarly is a beneficial tool for ghostwriters to use, but it shouldn’t be solely relied upon instead of self-checking your work.

There are There are many great calendar apps that you can use for managing your timeGoogle Calendar is perhaps the easiest to learn and use. Google Calendar is an excellent free tool that ghostwriters can use to plan their work. It’s available for Android, iOS, desktop and in-browser.

Ghostwriting projects come in many forms and have different deadlines. By adding important dates to your chosen calendar app, you can help manage your workload—especially if you have other freelance projects on the go at the same time. Find out more How to use Google Calendar to schedule time for a productive day Get started.

Google Calendar: The Pros

Compatible with many devices and operating systems.

An intuitive interface makes it simple and straightforward to use.

It is easy to integrate with other calendar applications.

Cons of Google Calendar

DownloadGoogle Calendar Android | iOS (Free)

An essential tool for ghostwriters to use is a time management app, such as Marinara: Pomodoro® Assistant. It may be tempting to power on through a ghostwriting project—especially if the deadline is looming—but taking even brief, regular breaks can boost your productivity.

According to ForbesFrancesco Cirillo, an Italian student, created the Pomodoro Technique in 1980. It is a time management method. You should work in 25-minute sections, then take a five minute break. Then you can go back to it again. After four sessions, you can take a longer break for around 15 minutes.

Pros of Marinara: Pomodoro® Assistant

This technique allows you to concentrate in short bursts and reminds you to take regular breaks.

You can choose how you are notified of your intervals—either by a new tab opening in your browser to interrupt your work or by a less-invasive desktop notification.

To fit your working style, you can alter the duration of your focus and break times.

Cons of Marinara: Pomodoro® Assistant

Notifications can be irritating, especially if you have to check your work every 25 minutes.

However, you might miss your set breaks easily if you disable tab notifications.

You might find it easier and less intrusive, if you can manually set timers on your smartphone or computer.

The Pomodoro Technique is great for ghostwriters. It allows you to accomplish a lot within 25 minutes without feeling overwhelmed. Try it and you will be amazed at how much your productivity improves.

Effective ghostwriting is all about being prepared

No matter which free ghostwriting tools you use, you’re sure to boost your productivity. Being prepared is key—ensuring that you have everything you need before you start so that you produce accurate and quality work.

Don’t forget your breaks, either, as you can return to your ghostwriting project later on with fresh eyes, and pick up any of those mistakes that slipped by Grammarly.