- Best Free App To Write A Book Machine
- Best Free App To Write A Book On Mac
- How To Write A Book
- Best Free App To Write A Book Mac Pro
Camtasia is the best available video app for Mac, which every blogger and internet marketer should use. Again, this is a paid tool, but you can download it for free and try it for 30 days. This is a seriously must-have Mac app for video bloggers. Download Camtasia for free. Mac FTP tool (CyberDuck) + (FileZilla). While Scrivener is the best book writing software, once you get to editing and getting feedback, it begins to fall short. That’s why Google Docs has become my second go-to piece of book writing software. It’s free, very easy to use, and requires no backups since everything is in the cloud.
- These book writing apps will allow you to write, research, transcribe, create characters and share your writing with avid readers of your genre! These are the best writing apps for iPad, iPhone, and Android. Some of these creative writing apps are free and some have premium features. Learn the apps that will help you to write a book you’ll love!
- The Best Apps for Writers on Mac As I said earlier, these writing apps can not improve your writing, however, what they can do is to assist you in improving your efficiency while writing. They create an environment where you can forget about technical stuff like formatting and focus more on the art of writing itself.
Are you interested in learning everything on how to write a novel? Do you want to become the next bestselling author? Or self-publish a book? Then it's time to start writing your novel with a novel writing software.
If you are one of those writers who look at the famous published authors and fantasize about having the same life. Their books in the flesh and on bookstore shelves. People falling in love with the world they have created.
To make it happen for yourself, you'll need passion, suitable environment, resources, time, tools, and a lot of other things that will help you craft an amazing novel. Most importantly, you will need access to the best novel writing software.
Set stream to download game. A novel writing software will help you organize your research, create outline, develop characters, edit your manuscript, and help with publishing.
A great tool can help you become a better writer without any learning curve. It automates the process. It makes your life easier. It gives you time to focus on more strategic aspects of your creative writing that deserve your time.
But what novel writing tool is right for you? How do you find the one that will help you?
If you are not sure on where to begin, this article is for you. It covers 9 leading novel writing software in detail with their features, pros, cons, pricing details, and more.
By the time you finish reading this article, you will know what writing software you need and why. Trust me on this one.
1. Squibler: Best Novel Writing Software for Speed and Simplicity
As a new novel writer, you need two things: Simplicity and speed.
A simple yet effective book writing software will help you get used to using software for writing. Speed will make you write fast without losing focus.
Squibler is the best novel writing software that is simple and speedy at the same time that helps you complete your novel fast. It works for non-fiction books, too.
It's free to use Squibler. Not sure if it is right for you? Give it a try.
The major features and benefits of using Squibler are discussed below.
Notes
Squibler allows you to take and store notes for your writing project.
Notes can be anything from random brainstorming to character sketches. Whatever it is you want to have around, it will be organized for you within your Squibler project. You can add tags to your notes for better organization and management.
Outlining
Learning how to outline a novel with Squibler is is easy. Whether you like to keep things minimal or go full detail, you can do it with Squibler. Organizing outline files in your project is fairly simple. They will be kept out of the way but will be easily accessible when needed.
Writing
Once the research and outlining are done, it’s time to get writing. This is where Squibler really shines.
It allows you to divide your chapters into different documents while keeping them together in your project. This allows you to move around and make changes as per need without running the sequence. There is no pressure to keep things in chronological order because you can just drag and drop to rearrange later. No scrolling, copying, or pasting is ever needed.
You can also create separate documents for scenes. Scenes can be moved between chapters or they can be written but kept out of place for a while until you decide a suitable place for them.
Efficiency
Squibler’s entire design is centred on the idea of efficiency. The goal is to help you write you fast.
I am sure you know how hard it is to write your first draft as a writer. It can sometimes take months or even years to get through it.
Squibler eliminates this writing challenge by making everything easier for you. With an efficient and user-friendly design, you can spend all your time on writing without worrying about the organization, management, editing, ordering, outlining, research, etc. Squibler handles everything for you.
Squibler Pricing
Squibler offers the following plans:
- Free trial – enjoy the 14-day trial period which provides basic features (creating drafts, customizing templates, sharing options, etc) for free.
- Squibler Pro (monthly plan) – use its advanced features by upgrading to Squibler Pro for $9.99 per month (billed monthly).
Claim your free trial today.
2. Scrivener: An All-Round Novel Writing Software
There is book writing software for almost everything from the broadest of categories to the most specific tasks. If you are looking for a versatile and not a specific writing software like Squibler, Scrivener is your best bet.
Scrivener can do a lot of things and it has a special set of advantages for writers of long-form fiction. You can buy it at a one-time price of $45.
Is Scrivener really the best novel writing software for you? Let’s find out.
Organization
Scrivener is a master at keeping you organized.
If you work on multiple writing projects at a given time (I’m sure you do), you will love this writing tool. Each project will involve outlines, research, notes, brainstorming, etc. Scrivener keeps all files and documents associated with a project in the same folder. Kindle for mac download. One place for everything.
This is sure to keep your “projects” file clean, lean, and organized.
Research
Good novels require some level of research.
The level of research may vary, but you will definitely need to do research for your novel. Kernel video sharing download mac. Readers will relate better to your story when things are logical and believable. You need your readers to trust you if you want them to enjoy your novels.
Scrivener gives you a space within your project for all your research, then let's your organize it with index cards. It is kept out of the way but still accessible. Each project has a “binder” which lays out all sections in an organized and easy to follow way. You can create multiple documents for different areas of research.
Scrivener also allows you to import existing files for research and reference purposes. You can also keep track of links, images, and notes.
Outlining
Once you know how to write a novel, the next thing that you should know is how to outline a novel. And that’s where Scrivener fits. https://hoffnetworks.weebly.com/blog/peanuts-theme-song-mp3-download.
You can create and manage your novel outline hassle-free.
Everyone has a different outlining style so it can be hard to pinpoint a process that will work. If you don’t know what you like to do, you will just have to go through some trial and error. Regardless of how you end up doing your outline though, Scrivener is there to help.
Plain Outlines
Outlining becomes easy with Scrivener.
You can store your outline like research by using documents and keeping them under an “outline” section within the binder. If you like seeing things in list form, this will work best for you.
It is also helpful if you like to keep everything in one central place. You can create a new document for each chapter outline, or each character, whatever works for you.
Cork Board
Best Free App To Write A Book Machine
It is a digital cork board that functions and appears much like a real cork board. You can pin virtual note cards to a screen that looks like a cork board.
Each note card is a small rectangle that has a scroll feature. This means you can include as much information as you want on one card while keeping it small and compact.
The cork board is great for those who are more visual. You can lay out your entire novel right in front of you with the cork board. A popular way to do this is to create a note card for each chapter and set them in proper order. They can be rearranged easily by dragging and dropping.
You can create note cards for characters, scenes, settings – anything really. Lightblue bluetooth. The cork board is extremely versatile and will suit the needs of almost everyone in one way or another.
Create Targets
Scrivener allows you to set goals and targets for your novel.
This is a great motivator for those who struggle with writer’s block or procrastination. There are two types of goals you can create with Scrivener:
1. Project Targets
This is a word count goal for your entire project. It is hard to know exactly how long a novel will turn out to be. But you can predict a general ballpark and set the goal.
For instance, 80,000 words is a common novel length. You can make a more educated guess if you already have a detailed outline created.
2. Session Targets
This is a small goal that you can set each time you sit down to write. Maybe you have a couple of hours and you want to bang out 1500 words. You can create a session target with that number and Scrivener will start tracking you.
The targets are tracked in a small box that can be kept on the screen in a corner and out of the way. A progress bar will slowly start to fill up as you will work. As you will get closer to completion the bar will go from red to green.
Watching your progress increase and seeing that bar go green is a satisfying reward for your efforts. It keeps you going if you get stuck or lost.
Novel Templates
There are several Scrivener templates available to choose from. A lot of these templates are creates for novelists.
Scrivener comes loaded with a few basic templates. If you need more templates, you can download them free and upload to your dashboard. There are tons of high-quality free templates available out there.
I have covered numerous Scrivener templates in this post.
A fully comprehensive template will have everything you need to write your novel seamlessly. Others will focus on one area. If you have a certain weakness that needs improvement, there is a template that will allow you to work on it while offering assistance.
Here is a list of types of templates that you can choose from:
- Story structure templates
- Outlining templates
- Plot Point templates
- World building templates
- Character sketching templates
- Instructional templates
- And many more
Scrivener Pricing
Here are the plans offered by Scrivener:
- Free trial – you can download this version if you don’t have the license for Scrivener and use it for 30 days.
- Full version – purchase the standard ($49) and educational license ($41) for your Mac and Windows. You can buy Scrivener for your iOS devices for $19.99.
You can also purchase discounted bundle plans for MacOS and Windows priced at $80.
3. Scapple: Novel Writing Software Aid for Brainstorming
Are you more interested in a book writing software with a narrower and focused approach that lets you brainstorm and manage your novel easily?
Scapple is the novel writing tool you need.
It is a special-purpose novel writing software that helps you brainstorm and manage your notes and ideas in a clean interface.
It comes with a free trial so you can try it for free. It will cost you $14.99 should you need to purchase its full version with all the features.
Mind Maps
Are you a fan of mind maps? If so, you will love Scapple.
You can create mind maps easily with this amazing writing software that will help you how to write a novel and how to finish it quickly.
Scapple allows you to create digital mind maps and brainstorming notes. You can then store these notes on your computer to import elsewhere.
You can use mind maps to bring ideas and themes together in a cohesive way visually. It helps you get rid of the chaos during the ideation and writing process.
Here is an example of how your mind map will look like:
Scapple is an easy-to-use tool. Once you open the program, you can click anywhere on the blank document to create a note. You can create unlimited notes and put them wherever you want.
Notes can be connected to each other by dragging them around. You can customize shape and structure of the notes easily.
No hiccups. It’s fun and interesting.
Scapple Pricing
Scapple offers the following plans:
- Free trial – download Scapple for free and enjoy a 30-day free trial.
- Paid version – buy the standard license ($18) and educational license ($14.40) for your MacOS and Windows systems.
4. ProWritingAid: Novel Writing Software Aid for Editing
Knowing how to write a novel is one thing and having it edited is something else. You cannot go without editing your novel.
And when it comes to editing your novel, the best software is none other than ProWritingAid.
It is an editor that provides both grammar and style corrections and suggestions. It has a free version with limited features. You can only check 500 words at a time with the free version. This can be tedious and annoying if you are trying to edit a long project. The premium plan starts at $60 per year. You can get lifetime access for as low as $210.
Upgrading to the premium version has several additional benefits such as:
- A downloadable desktop app to work offline.
- No word limit.
- Real-time grammar and style checking.
- Integrates with Microsoft Word, Google Docs, Chrome, and Scrivener.
- It provides 25 different writing reports on each piece of analyzed writing.
Writing Reports
This is one of the best features of ProWritingAid. It looks at your writing from 25 different perspectives which cover all styles of writing – including fiction.
The reports you will get once your writing has been analyzed are discussed below.
1. Writing style: This will highlight instances of passive voice, adverbs, and repetition.
2. Grammar: Misuse of commas, sentence fragments, and incorrect use of tense are some of the grammar issues it will pick up.
3. Overused words: It finds words that are overused and ineffective.
4. Clichés and redundancies: Finds clichés within your text and suggests how they can be removed. Redundancies are things like “She clapped her hands.” The mention of hands is unnecessary as hands are (most likely) the only thing anyone would be clapping.
5. Sticky sentences: Identifies sentences that may feel or sound awkward due to unnecessary words. These sentences can interrupt the flow and make readers feel stuck.
6. Repeats: Highlights words or phrases that are used often throughout the text.
7. Sentence length: Gives you an overall view of how long your sentences are. This allows you to see where you might want to add some variety. Changing sentence length provide a good flow whereas multiple long or short sentences in a row can start to sound redundant and boring.
8. Pronouns: Gives you a pronoun percentage. Too many can make things feel repetitive.
9. Transitions: This gives you the percentage of sentences that contain a transition. ProWritingAid suggests that at least 25% of sentences should have them.
10. Consistency: Checks for spelling, punctuation, and capitalization.
11. Dialogue tags: Excessive use of dialogue tags can slow the pace of your story. (Lucy shouted and Cassie said are examples of dialogue tags).
12. Readability: This report provides a score for your piece in 4 different ways based on certain guidelines. You can compare it to the specific guidelines and see how it stacks up.
13. Vague and abstract words: Identifies words that are abstract, vague, or otherwise ineffective. Depending on your intended audience, it may be better to stick to simpler words that are easily identified and understood by all.
14. Thesaurus: A report that will suggest possible replacement words – it is only programmed for shorter pieces, however.
15. Diction: Identifies complicated writing and suggests ways to fix it.
16. Alliteration: Alliteration is when multiple words in a row begin with the same letter. It can be effective in some instances but it should not be used excessively. This report highlights all uses of alliteration.
17. Homonyms: Checks for words like break and brake – they sound the same but actually spelled differently.
18. Corporate wording: Language that is complex and fancy… too much of this can sound pretentious and unnecessary.
19. Complex words: It identifies words that contain three or more syllables. You can then decide if any should be simplified or replaced.
20. Eloquence: Identifies some stylistic techniques.
21. Combo: This simply allows you to pick which of the reports are most helpful and relevant to you so you can more easily utilize them.
22. House style: This is a feature that allows you to create your own rules within ProWritingAid. For example, you can tell it to check for a word you know you have a habit of overusing.
23. Plagiarism: Points out any duplicated material so you can change it or properly credit the information to the source.
This list of reports may seem long and tedious – and that’s because it is. However, if you take the time to pay proper attention to each one, it will benefit you in many ways. You will be able to optimize your novel and improve it to a great extent.
If you make a habit of using and reading these reports, you will improve and become a better writer. You will begin to take notice of the mistakes you make repeatedly. You will learn what makes your writing sound great and what makes it sound clunky.
Eventually, this will become second nature and you’ll be writing it correctly the first time around.
ProWritingAid Pricing
ProWritingAid has the following subscription offers:
- Monthly – $20/ month
- Yearly – $79/ year
- Lifetime – $299 (one-time payment)
Monthly users can switch to yearly subscription and save 67%.
5. AutoCrit: Word Processor for Better Writing
AutoCrit is an incredibly useful editing software with a unique purpose. This novel writing software analyzes your writing for originality. It begin by checking for simple grammatical errors that are crucial for great writing:
- Repetition
- Pacing
- Vague dialogue
- Weak sentences
- Poor grammar
AutoCrit is special in the sense that it goes beyond these basics and focuses on the overall success of your book. It takes your genre into consideration and compares your work to that of professional authors who are already published. It tells you how to stack up while ensuring you aren’t copying anyone.
If you have a particular well-known author whose writing style you really enjoy and wish to emulate, AutoCrit will help you with this too. Select from a list of highly recognized authors and receive customized recommendations for your writing.
This is an amazing tool if you’re pursuing self-publishing. Even if you’re interested in going the traditional route, it is still helpful as it shows you how your writing stacks up to the professionals.
AutoCrit Pricing
AutoCrit offers the following plans:
- Free – don't pay a dime to get access to the basic features.
- Professional – $30/month
- Annual Professional – $297/year
Join AutoCrit for free.
6. Evernote: Writing Program for Note Taking
Do you like taking notes during the writing process? Do you like to keep things organized? If so, you need to use Evernote.
Evernote isn’t essentially a novel or book writing software rather it is an app to create, manage, and organize your notes across multiple devices.
It helps you take notes on the go. It is simple, feature-rich, easy-to-use, and an effective note taking app.
You can keep multiple notes in a single notebook with Evernote. This is ideal for novelists as you can create multiple notebooks each for a different writing project. You can create a separate notebook for each novel that you are working on.
Evernote comes with a free version that allows you to create awesome notes but you can also subscribe to the premium service for $9.99/month.
The notes you can create with Evernote have a lot of different options and capabilities. In addition to all the usual formatting options (font, bold, italics, bullet lists, etc.) a note can do a lot of cool things:
- Include direct links to anywhere on the web.
- Insert the entire webpage or sections of a webpage with the web clipper extension.
- Tag notes for easy organization and searching.
- Import content from Microsoft OneNote.
- Export as HTML or webpage for use with other services and programs.
- Attach files from your computer right into the note.
- Print your note or convert it to PDF.
- View note history.
- Share a note with an individual or on social media
You can enjoy additional benefits if you upgrade to a paid plan:
- Monthly upload limit increase from 60MB to 10GB.
- Maximum note size increase from 25MB to 200MB.
- The number of devices that can be used goes from 2 to unlimited.
- Offline access is available on desktop and mobile (mobile not available with basic).
- Increased customer support access through email and live chat.
Evernote Pricing
Evernote offers the following plans:
- Basic – this is a free plan.
- Premium – $7.99/ month with a free 30-day trial period.
- Business – $14.99 per user per month with a free 30-day trial period.
Sign up for free.
7. Dramatica: Novel Writing Software for Character Development
Character development is a crucial element of any novel. Regardless of the story’s focus, characters are always important. It is generally recommended that you create your main character(s) well before you begin writing. Adding character sketch in the outline will help too.
But how you get better at character development? What software to use?
The simple answer is: Dramatica.
Dramatica is a novel writing software that focuses on characters and their development. It helps you stay consistent with your characters in terms of their personality, actions, and decisions.
The software allows you to map out the narrative for each individual character with in-depth detail. You can plot their milestones and crucial moments and keep track of how they relate to the theme of your story.
The idea is to let you create and follow your story from the perspective of your main character. These detailed but flexible character profiles help eliminate plot holes and inconsistencies as you are able to see the whole picture from all sides.
Dramatica doesn’t just help with character development and management rather it also suggests improvement based on your theme.
Perfect Your Structure
Dramatica has what they call a “Master Story Engine” which picks the exact structure of your story. This goes beyond the few basic or typical structures rather it is pulled from a database of over 30,000 unique variations of your story’s structure. Their algorithm can quickly identify what elements of the story and the structure are most important for the writer.
Dramatica Pricing
Dramatica offers the following plans:
- Dramatica Story Expert (for Mac) – starts at $139.95
- Dramatica Pro (for PC) – starts at $119.95
Visit Dramatica for details.
8. Microsoft Word
Microsoft Word is a word processor that offers a suite of productivity features. Most writers are already familiar with this tool. That means the learning curve maybe non-existent for you.
In Word, you can use headers to organize your chapters and a navigation pane to go through them. Moreover, Microsoft Word offers many templates and basic grammar correction functionality. With the online version, you can collaborate with co-authors and editors, making this an exceptional tool to use for writing a novel.
Better yet, most writers and editors still prefer Microsoft Word. This means you're more likely to find an editor who will want to work with you if you started writing your novel on the platform.
Microsoft Word Pricing
Here is the pricing list for Microsoft Office:
- Family – $79.99/ year or $7.99/ month with a free 30-day trial period
- Personal – $59.99/ year or $5.99/ month
- Student – $119.99 one-time purchase.
- Business – starting from $5 to $8.25 per user per month
9. Grammarly
Grammarly is a grammar checker and one of the best writing programs for ensuring your grammar is mistake-free. It's free to use with unlimited documents. It works through a Chrome extension that enables these corrections anywhere you write on the web whether that be on another platform like Squibler or Google Docs.
Grammarly Pricing
Grammarly offers the following plans:
- Free – enjoy the basic features for free.
- Premium – upgrade to the premium version for $29.95/ month (billed monthly), $19.98/ month (billed quarterly), and $11.66/ month (billed annually).
10. Ulysses
Ulysses is a Mac-based writing program and word processor available in the Mac OS and iOS app store. It syncs files to Apple’s iCloud, which means it works with a good part of Apple's ecosystem.
Ulysses has one Library for all of your documents, full version history of revisions, and the ability to strip away menu options for distraction-free writing. Moreover, you can use Ulysses to export your work in Plain Text, PDF, HTML, Markdown, DOCX, and EPub.
The downside is there are no templates and collaboration features. As a result, many writers may favorite it for note taking over using it as a book writing software.
Ulysses Pricing
Ulysses offers the following plans:
- Student license – $10.99 for six months ($1.83/ month)
- Monthly plan – $5.99/ month
- Yearly plan – $49.99 ($4.17/ month)
Try Ulysses for free.
Choose the Best Novel Writing Software Today
These are a list of the best writing software which are sure to help you write your first novel that readers will fall in love with.
It should be noted that a writing software or a book writing tool doesn’t write for you rather it helps you write better. The purpose of using these software and tools is to get organized, improve writing speed, and get things professionally.
These tools simplify novel writing which is a complicated and complex task.
Download your favorite novel writing software form the list above, sign up for a free trial, explore software and its features, figure out how it will help you in the writing process, and if it turns out to be a decent match, switch to premium plan.
Good luck.
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Write your book the way your readers will see it
We've designed a writing app with writers in mind. And it's free to use.Blog >Perfecting your Craft – Posted on April 27, 2020Before the computer there was the typewriter, and before the typewriter there was pen and paper, and before pen and paper there were plenty of other lost tools of writing — like clay, papyrus, wood, slate, parchment, and, of course, pens made out of reeds. (Fun fact: the name “Reedsy” is inspired by the “reed pen,” which was used as early as 800 B.C. for documentation).
As you can tell by now, the act of writing has been a part of human culture from the days of chiseling stories onto the walls of caves — and as we have evolved, so have our writing tools. In fact, today’s writers and storytellers are spoiled for choice when it comes to deciding which tools to use.
The following list details our favorite writing tools and resources for taking any idea through to its written conclusion.
Writing tools
We all know Google Docs and Microsoft Word, so we’re not going to waste your time giving those two a run-down in our list. Below are four other word processors you might not know about, and that are worth checking out.
1. Reedsy Book Editor
Cost: Free
Does “fake it ‘til you make it” ring true to you? Well, the Reedsy Book Editor is a free, online word processor that formats your book as you write. See your drafts automatically turn into a professional-looking, ready-to-publish manuscript — and allow this glimpse of your work as the final product spur your motivation to write.
Does “fake it ‘til you make it” ring true to you? Well, the Reedsy Book Editor is a free, online word processor that formats your book as you write. See your drafts automatically turn into a professional-looking, ready-to-publish manuscript — and allow this glimpse of your work as the final product spur your motivation to write.
One of the Reedsy Book Editor’s best functions is that it lets you instantly typeset your manuscript to EPUB and print-ready PDF files.
Check it out if: if you want a writing tool that takes care of formatting and conversion for you.
2. Draft
Cost: Free
Do you like a helpful tap on the shoulder, reminding you about something you need to do? Well, you’ll likely enjoy Draft then, because the online word processor not only keeps track of how many words you write per day, it can also email you daily reminders about your daily word count goals. (Of course, if this sounds a little too “hands-on” for you, you can always turn the reminder function off).
Do you like a helpful tap on the shoulder, reminding you about something you need to do? Well, you’ll likely enjoy Draft then, because the online word processor not only keeps track of how many words you write per day, it can also email you daily reminders about your daily word count goals. (Of course, if this sounds a little too “hands-on” for you, you can always turn the reminder function off).
Other than that, Draft functions a lot like Google Docs: allowing you to track changes, collaborate via suggested edits, and make comments on the doc.
Check it out if: you like Google Docs, but want an even simpler interface.
3. LibreOffice
Cost: Free
Yes, we did say that we wouldn’t mention Microsoft Word, because by now everyone knows that it’s a useful writing tool. But we didn’t say we wouldn’t mention its free counterpart: LibreOffice.
Yes, we did say that we wouldn’t mention Microsoft Word, because by now everyone knows that it’s a useful writing tool. But we didn’t say we wouldn’t mention its free counterpart: LibreOffice.
LibreOffice is the open source answer for people who want to try Microsoft without paying the price tag. (Open source means that the software is built on code that anyone can inspect and enhance). Plus it’s compatible with all of the regular file types people are used to, such as .doc, .docx, .xls, .xlsx, .ppt, and .pptx files.
Check it out if: you like a classic word processor — and moreover, a free one.
4. Mellel
Cost: $50 (or try a 30-day free trial)
The people behind Mellel don’t just know word processing — they also know catchy, memorable marketing. Their description of why writers should choose Mellel starts like this: “Mellel is a writer's dream come true. To start, it is exceedingly boring: it just works, day in and day out, reliably. An enormous number of people used Mellel to write and they all report that their journey with Mellel was boring and uneventful. As well it should. In other words, it does all the mundane bits, and leaves the creative stuff to you.”
The people behind Mellel don’t just know word processing — they also know catchy, memorable marketing. Their description of why writers should choose Mellel starts like this: “Mellel is a writer's dream come true. To start, it is exceedingly boring: it just works, day in and day out, reliably. An enormous number of people used Mellel to write and they all report that their journey with Mellel was boring and uneventful. As well it should. In other words, it does all the mundane bits, and leaves the creative stuff to you.”
Mellel is not free (and note that it’s only for Mac). In return for the price tag, you’ll get more book-specific tools than other, perhaps more traditional word processors — such as outlining and bibliography-making functions. And, judging by the witty, funny copy on Mellel’s website, Mellel makes the process of writing much more fun than they let on.
Check it out if: you’re a Mac user who wants more than the Pages app offers.
Organization toolsPlotters tend to finish their writing projects quicker than pantsers — simply because when they hit a wall, they have their notes or outlines to reference, allowing them to jump straight over that hurdle and hit the ground running. P.S. You can grab a free template for your book outline here in this comprehensive guide to outlining.
The following resources will help you keep your thoughts organized so that any bouts of writer’s block don’t slow you down.
5. Milanote
Cost: Free for basic plan or $12.50/month for premium.
Milanote is an easy-to-use creative writing app to organize your research, ideas, characters and outline in one place.
Milanote is an easy-to-use creative writing app to organize your research, ideas, characters and outline in one place.
The vast majority of book writing software is organized around the idea of a linear document. But for most people, writing isn’t linear — because thinking isn’t linear. Writing is about gradually getting a jumble of ideas into shape, and Milanote's writing app matches the way writers think.
Check it out if: you're a plotter who likes a flexible workspace to organize ideas and see a birds-eye view of how your story outline is coming together.
6. Evernote
Cost: free for basic plan or $9.99/month for premium.
Its cute, little green elephant logo aside, Evernote is a great and easy-to-use option for writers who could do with a little more organization in their lives.
Its cute, little green elephant logo aside, Evernote is a great and easy-to-use option for writers who could do with a little more organization in their lives.
The app lets you quickly jot down thoughts, record audio notes, save online articles you’re hoping to reference, and it will sync all of this information across all of your Evernote-installed devices. What’s also handy about the app is the collaborative aspect of it: you can create shared accounts, so that multiple people can access saved documents at once.
Check it out if: you’re prone to getting great ideas while on the go, and need somewhere to make sure you don’t forget them by the time you’re home.
7. Ulysses
Cost: $5/month or $40/year (or try a 14-day free trial)
While it’s ultimately a writing tool, one of the best assets of comprehensive programs like Ulysses or Scrivener are their organizational features. At the end of the day, whether you’re writing a blog post or a full-length novel, the seed of an idea doesn’t get too far without the ability to organize that idea into a cohesive piece of writing.
While it’s ultimately a writing tool, one of the best assets of comprehensive programs like Ulysses or Scrivener are their organizational features. At the end of the day, whether you’re writing a blog post or a full-length novel, the seed of an idea doesn’t get too far without the ability to organize that idea into a cohesive piece of writing.
And that’s exactly what Ulysses allows you to do: organize your thoughts into a well-written work. This is accomplished through features like customizable writing goals and deadlines, plain text enhancements, a distraction-free typewriter mode, bookmarks, outlining functions, and more.
Check it out if: you’re working on a lengthy piece of non-fiction, like a blog post or essay. (For a comparison of Scrivener vs. Ulysses, keep reading!)
8. Scrivener
Cost: $45 (or a 30-use free trial)
Literature and Latte’s word processor is a popular writing tool — also, in large part, thanks to its organizational capabilities that seamlessly allow writers to turn fragmented ideas into a fully realized book/script/research paper/or whatever else you’re writing.
Literature and Latte’s word processor is a popular writing tool — also, in large part, thanks to its organizational capabilities that seamlessly allow writers to turn fragmented ideas into a fully realized book/script/research paper/or whatever else you’re writing.
Scrivener vs Ulysses
Apart from the price (Scrivener charges a one-time licensing fee while Ulysses charges yearly), the two platforms offer many of the same features. So we’ll focus on what makes the two programs different.
Apart from the price (Scrivener charges a one-time licensing fee while Ulysses charges yearly), the two platforms offer many of the same features. So we’ll focus on what makes the two programs different.
- Scrivener’s corkboard function is an absolute favorite for writers who rely on visual aid to help with outlining. The function looks like an actual corkboard, and lets writers pin notes to the board in chronological order.
- Scrivener offers templates for works such as fiction, essays, recipe collections, screenplays, comic books — which gives Scrivener another point for versatility.
- Ulysses boasts an interface that is slightly more clean and simple — so if ease-of-use is high on your priority list, it might be the better option for you.
- Ulysses offers a very helpful WordPress and Medium integration, which bloggers who publish on either of these platforms will love.
Check it out if: Download file extractor for mac. you’re working on a longer piece of content (like a book or screenplay) and want one comprehensive place to manage all your work. (And don’t forget to check out our equally as comprehensive review of Scrivener’s newest update: Scrivener 3!)
Productivity tools
Alright, let’s kick things into high gear now. You know what you want to use to write, and all of your thoughts and ideas are concisely organized. If you’re finding it difficult to buckle down and get the job done, these resources will help you realize that Nike manta: just do it.
9. Ommwriter
Cost: free web version or $7 for the full program
Do you find the clacking sound of old typewriters satisfying? Do you find soft, neutral colours calming? Does nothing really get you focused quite like a purposeful, long, deep breath? If so, Ommwriter might be the tool to help you reach your goal. As the site’s tagline reads, Ommwriter is “a perfect place to think and write.”
Do you find the clacking sound of old typewriters satisfying? Do you find soft, neutral colours calming? Does nothing really get you focused quite like a purposeful, long, deep breath? If so, Ommwriter might be the tool to help you reach your goal. As the site’s tagline reads, Ommwriter is “a perfect place to think and write.”
With soothing background noises, customizable keyboard noises, and peaceful backgrounds to choose from, Ommwriter could just be the “break” from everything else going on around you that you need to write.
Check it out if: your very best writing ideas come to you while in “savasana.”
10. To Doist
Cost: free or $4/month for premium plan
Have you ever woken up in a cold sweat, panicking about something important you forgot to do? Or, god forbid, gripped in dread about how far behind you are on your word-count goals?
Have you ever woken up in a cold sweat, panicking about something important you forgot to do? Or, god forbid, gripped in dread about how far behind you are on your word-count goals?
Well, To Doist might be able to help. It’s the ultimate app for creating to-do lists — but these aren’t your grandma’s pen-and-paper lists with little check marks beside them (though we mean no offense to your grandma). It lets you get a daily or weekly overview of your tasks, prioritize the tasks that are most important, and even lets you assign tasks to other people if you’re working on a specific goal with other collaborators.
Check it out if: you have never been able to find an agenda that’s souped up enough to keep you on track.
11. Marinara Timer
Cost: Free
The Pomodoro Technique is a time management method meant to promote productivity. In a nutshell, it stipulates that you should work for 25 minutes, then take a 5-minute break, then work for 25 minutes, take another 5-minute break, etc., etc.
The Pomodoro Technique is a time management method meant to promote productivity. In a nutshell, it stipulates that you should work for 25 minutes, then take a 5-minute break, then work for 25 minutes, take another 5-minute break, etc., etc.
The free-to-use Marinara Timer makes this easy for you by alerting you each time your work sessions and breaks are up. It also offers customizable timers in case the 25/5 isn’t quite right for keeping you on track. Fun fact: taking a break to stand up or walk (or do anything but sit!) every hour is also a good way to protect your back if you sit hunched at a computer working for long stretches at a time.
Check it out if: consistent breaks from work help actually keep you focused on the task at hand.
12. Cold Turkey
Cost: Free for basic plan or $20 for premium plan
“Meet your match, Zuckerberg,” says Cold Turkey’s tagline. In case that, paired with the writing tool’s name, doesn’t make it clear enough, Cold Turkey is a program that allows you to completely rid yourself of distraction. And when we say “completely,” we mean completely.
“Meet your match, Zuckerberg,” says Cold Turkey’s tagline. In case that, paired with the writing tool’s name, doesn’t make it clear enough, Cold Turkey is a program that allows you to completely rid yourself of distraction. And when we say “completely,” we mean completely.
With Cold Turkey, you can block yourself from accessing certain websites — or even your entire computer — for periods at a time, only allowing you to use the current document you’re working on.
Check it out if: “willpower” is not a characteristic you’d ascribe yourself, and the only way for you to get something done is in a totally distraction-free state.
13. Freedom
Cost: $7/month or $29/year (or a 7-use free trial)
Apart from pleasantly getting the “freedom” refrain from Aretha Franklin’s “Think” stuck in your head, the Freedom app is another resource that can turn your devices into tools of productivity once more.
Apart from pleasantly getting the “freedom” refrain from Aretha Franklin’s “Think” stuck in your head, the Freedom app is another resource that can turn your devices into tools of productivity once more.
It functions like Cold Turkey; however, a unique function of Freedom is the ability to sync your distraction-free periods across all your devices. So if you know that on Tuesdays, you want your computer, phone, and tablet to all block access to Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook — you can!
Check it out if: letting other people know not to bother you during your non-negotiable writing time isn’t enough, you need to let yourself know not to interrupt, well, yourself.
14. Noisli
Cost: Free
If total silence encourages your mind to wander, whereas light sensory action keeps your thoughts on the task at hand, Noisli will be a friend to you. The tool lets you choose from a range of soundtracks, such as rain, coffee shop, wind, lake, and more. You can mix several sounds at once, and choose the volume for each one. So let’s say you want to create the atmosphere of writing by a babbling brook, with a fire crackling next to you, and the moon shining brightly overhead. Noisli will make this happen for you!
If total silence encourages your mind to wander, whereas light sensory action keeps your thoughts on the task at hand, Noisli will be a friend to you. The tool lets you choose from a range of soundtracks, such as rain, coffee shop, wind, lake, and more. You can mix several sounds at once, and choose the volume for each one. So let’s say you want to create the atmosphere of writing by a babbling brook, with a fire crackling next to you, and the moon shining brightly overhead. Noisli will make this happen for you!
Check it out if: you get the most work done with white noise.
Editing toolsIf you’re planning to publish a book — or any kind of writing you’re hoping to make a profit from, it’s crucial that your work is thoroughly edited. To that end, working with a professional editor is an investment you should give serious thought to.
In the meantime, here are a few editing tools that can help you out along the way. Hopefully, they’ll either ensure a typo-free draft, so by the time you do work with an editor, they can spend less time fixing small typos and more time on big-picture work, or, if you decide to forego a professional edit, you’ll have the tools to do the best editing job you can.
15. Hemingway
Cost: Free
The Hemingway app claims to make your writing “bold and clear.” It has a number of handy features like a word-counter and an automatic readability score. But its real use lies in the features that make suggestions to your prose. For instance, it might highlight a complex sentence that’s hard to read. It also highlights instances of passive voice, qualifiers, and adverbs. Let’s take a look at how this passage from Ernest Hemingway’s very own To Have and Have Not fares:
The Hemingway app claims to make your writing “bold and clear.” It has a number of handy features like a word-counter and an automatic readability score. But its real use lies in the features that make suggestions to your prose. For instance, it might highlight a complex sentence that’s hard to read. It also highlights instances of passive voice, qualifiers, and adverbs. Let’s take a look at how this passage from Ernest Hemingway’s very own To Have and Have Not fares:
“Just” is highlighted because it’s a qualifier, and Hemingway suggests, instead: “Be bold. Don’t hedge.” The sentence in red is highlighted as being hard to read. And “probably” is pointed out as an adverb — the app suggests using a forceful verb instead.
Check it out if: Install mac apps external hard drive. you want to bring out your inner Ernie. (Curious what else Hemingway offers? Check out our full review of the app right here.)
16. Cliché Finder
Cost: Free
Cliché Finder is exactly what it says on the tin: it combs through your writing in search of clichés, and then highlights them for you. It’s not always necessarily a bad thing to use clichés in your writing, but when you do, you want to be purposeful about it (and not to mention aware of it!).
Cliché Finder is exactly what it says on the tin: it combs through your writing in search of clichés, and then highlights them for you. It’s not always necessarily a bad thing to use clichés in your writing, but when you do, you want to be purposeful about it (and not to mention aware of it!).
Check it out if: you want to avoid clichés like the plague, and for your book to sell like hotcakes — and the rest is history.
17. Grammarly
Cost: Free
Have you ever sent an email, only to realize just as you hit “Send” that you’d made a glaring typo? Well, no more!
Have you ever sent an email, only to realize just as you hit “Send” that you’d made a glaring typo? Well, no more!
Grammarly essentially functions like the spell checker tool from Microsoft Word or Google Docs, but here’s the great part: it’s a plug-in that will work wherever you happen to writing. That means Twitter, Gmail, Google Docs, Facebook — anywhere. Plus it offers vocabulary or alternate word suggestions — for instance, it might suggest you replace “walking aimlessly,” with the word “wandering.”
Check it out if: you’re typo-prone! (Read below for a comparison of Grammarly vs. ProWritingAid.)
18. ProWritingAid
Cost: Free browser extension or $60/year for the full software
ProWritingAid is a tool you can install that will proofread and spell check your material for you, no matter where you’re writing. It will also offer suggestions to improve your overall language — outside of just grammatical technicalities.
ProWritingAid is a tool you can install that will proofread and spell check your material for you, no matter where you’re writing. It will also offer suggestions to improve your overall language — outside of just grammatical technicalities.
ProWritingAid vs Grammarly
The two programs offer a lot of the same services, so you might be wondering which one to pick. The main differences are:
The two programs offer a lot of the same services, so you might be wondering which one to pick. The main differences are:
- Grammarly is free to use, and while ProWritingAid offers a free Google Chrome plug-in, this free option only offers spell checking services, it won’t make editorial suggestions.
- ProWritingAid is slightly more tailored towards authors, while Grammarly is a slightly better fit for articles and essays. Ultimately, both tools lend a very helpful editing hand, so deciding between the two mostly boils down to the one you enjoy using more.
Check it out if: you want to make sure your writing is as polished as possible.
Workspace toolsAt the end of the day, all you really need to write is a pen and paper. All the fancy tools and apps in the world won’t get the words out for you. That being said, creating an environment that’s appealing — and conducive! — to write in can make the whole process more enjoyable, and encourage you to get the job done.
Here are few physical tools to look over if you’re thinking of sprucing up your workspace.
19. Livescribe Pen
Cost: starts at $100
If you prefer writing on paper, but dread the process of transferring your words to a computer, Livescribe will likely be right up your alley. Through Bluetooth technology, the pen can actually transcribe your pen and paper words to your device. What’s more, it can also transcribe voice notes into digital documents for you.
If you prefer writing on paper, but dread the process of transferring your words to a computer, Livescribe will likely be right up your alley. Through Bluetooth technology, the pen can actually transcribe your pen and paper words to your device. What’s more, it can also transcribe voice notes into digital documents for you.
Check it out if: you’ve ever felt envy at Rita Skeeter’s Quick-Quotes Quill in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire.
20. Ergonomic desk setups
Cost: Varies
As more and more of the workforce moves to sedentary jobs where the majority of 9am to 5pm is spent sitting — usually hunching — at a computer, a growing number of sitting-related health injuries have been occurring. That’s why looking into more ergonomically friendly desk setups is a good idea for writers who spend long hours at the computer — or even writing in a notebook. This could be a standing desk, or even just a number of textbooks piled under your desktop so that your screen is eye level, resulting in less stress on your shoulders.
As more and more of the workforce moves to sedentary jobs where the majority of 9am to 5pm is spent sitting — usually hunching — at a computer, a growing number of sitting-related health injuries have been occurring. That’s why looking into more ergonomically friendly desk setups is a good idea for writers who spend long hours at the computer — or even writing in a notebook. This could be a standing desk, or even just a number of textbooks piled under your desktop so that your screen is eye level, resulting in less stress on your shoulders.
Check it out if: you don’t want writing gains to come at the cost of growing back pains.
21. Computer Glasses
Cost: Varies
Writers are all familiar with computer-caused eyestrains. Because you blink far less when looking at a screen than you do otherwise, computer vision syndrome (CVS) is a condition people have been developing due to long stretches of staring at a computer.
Writers are all familiar with computer-caused eyestrains. Because you blink far less when looking at a screen than you do otherwise, computer vision syndrome (CVS) is a condition people have been developing due to long stretches of staring at a computer.
One way to help alleviate this — other than just making sure to take time looking away from your computer — is to invest in some computer glasses. They typically come in blue or amber shades, and are coated with a protective coating.
There are a number of brands you can check out, such as Pixel Eyewear or Felix Gray.
Check it out if: you notice itchy or tired eyes after long writing sessions.
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FREE writing courses
Maybe you’ve got all you need to actually get the writing done, but you could use a leg up when it comes to craft. These free, ten-day courses are intended to help you do the best writing you can!
On writing
Novel Writing 101 — Over the course of ten lessons, you will learn how to plan an amazing novel, create compelling characters, and build a writing routine to make sure you get from 'page one' to the final chapter of your magnum opus.
Writing Non-Fiction -- In this 10 day course, publishing coach Azul Terronez goes through which common writing mistakes to avoid, which questions to ask yourself before you get started, and finally, how to stay motivated throughout the writing process.
Writing YA Novels -- Over ten lessons, you will discover the most common pitfalls of first-time YA authors, and learn how to hone your craft towards writing for a teen audience.
How to Write a Business Book -- In this course, Alison Jones, a publishing partner for businesses and organizations, will teach you how to approach the writing of your first book, from the idea itself down to the day-to-day writing routine you should adopt.
On productivity
Build a Solid Writing Routine -- Over ten email lessons, we’ll give you a bunch of practical, actionable tips to help you understand and face down your procrastination gremlins to find a writing habit that works for you.
How to Stop Talking About Writing a Book and Actually Start Doing It -- In this short course, book coach Jennie Nash shares the secrets for how to start strong so you can move forward with confidence. It’s a powerful way to stop talking about someday writing a book, and to actually start doing it, by getting the idea out of your head and onto the page.
On editing
How to Self-Edit Your Manuscript Like a Pro -- Lisa Lepki of ProWritingAid is here to help you spot (and fix) the ten most common writing mistakes. These mistakes won't just make you seem like an amateur — they will also hinder your chances of landing an agent or securing a publisher.
Story Editing for Authors -- In this email course, author and Fictionary CEO Kristina Stanley shares her method for ensuring that your story is well-told, well-paced and highly effective. Over ten lessons, you will be guided through the process of reviewing your story, scene-by-scene, with the help of a downloadable resource that you will receive in lesson one.
Novel Revision: Practical Tips for Rewrites -- The editors behind #RevPit will show you how to dive into the revision process and methodically prepare your book for publication.
The best writing tools of 2020 that every writer should consider adding to their arsenal ✏️At this point, your arsenal is fully stocked: you’ve got a place to do the writing, tools to help you concentrate and edit, a workspace that makes long hours at your desk a little more fun, and advice from professionals on perfecting your craft. At the end of the day, putting these writing tools to good use is down to you — so show us what you’ve got!
Have you tried any of the above writing tools — and if so, which were your favorites? Or maybe you feel there are some great resources missing from this list? Let us know in the comments below!
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