Apps For Writing – 15 Essential and Helpful Tools for Writers

What are the popular apps for writing that can help you improve as a writer? Writing is a craft that demands more than just a pen and paper or a keyboard and screen and there are different writers tools that can help you as a writer in various aspects of your work, from brainstorming and drafting to editing and publishing.

In this article, I talked about 15 essential and helpful tools for writers that can help you in various aspects of your stages of the writing process.

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15 Essential and Helpful Tools for Writers

1. Word Processing Apps For Writing:

The foundation of any writer’s toolkit is reliable word-processing software. While Microsoft Word is the most widely used, several other alternatives can be more writer-friendly, like Google Docs, Scrivener, and Ulysses.

1. Microsoft Word: It’s the gold standard for word processing, providing powerful formatting and editing tools. It’s especially useful for long documents and is commonly used in professional settings.
2. Google Docs: it is a web-based application that offers real-time collaboration, making it a great choice for team projects or working on the go. It also features robust sharing options.
3. Scrivener: it is designed for long-form writing. It allows you to break your work into smaller, manageable sections and provides tools for outlining and organizing your manuscript.
4. Ulysses: If you’re a Mac user, Ulysses offers a clean, distraction-free interface. It’s excellent for focused content writing and is particularly popular among bloggers and content creators.

Also read: The Importance of Defining Audience in Content Writing

2. Grammar and Spell Checkers:

No writer is immune to typos and grammatical errors, and that’s where grammar and spell checkers come to the rescue. Below are tools you can use for grammar and spelling checking:

1. Grammarly: is a popular grammar checker. Grammarly can be used as a browser extension or a stand-alone application. It can be used to identify issues with spelling, punctuation, and grammar, offering suggestions to enhance your writing.
2. ProWritingAid: it is also similar to Grammarly, ProWritingAid can help you to find and fix writing issues. It’s available as both a web editor and an extension for popular browsers.
3. Hemingway Editor: it is a tool that focuses on making your writing more concise and readable. It helps to highlight complex sentences and suggests alternatives for clarity.

3. Mind Mapping and Brainstorming Tools:

Before you start writing, it’s necessary to brainstorm ideas and organize your thoughts. Mind mapping tools are excellent for this purpose. Below are some of the best mind-mapping tools;

1. MindMeister: it is an online mind-mapping tool that allows you to visually map out your ideas, creating a hierarchical structure of your thoughts.
2. XMind: it is a versatile and feature-rich mind-mapping software that helps you brainstorm, organize, and visualize ideas effectively.

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4. Note-Taking Apps:

Writers often find inspiration in unexpected places, so it’s essential to have a tool to jot down ideas, quotes, and research.

1. Evernote: is a popular note-taking app that allows you to capture ideas, images, and web content, then organize them into notebooks.
2. OneNote: Microsoft’s answer to Evernote, OneNote is a digital notebook that lets you collect, organize, and search your notes effectively.
3. Bear: is a beautiful and simple note-taking app designed for Mac and iOS users. It supports rich text formatting and makes it easy to create organized notes.

5. Reference Management Software:

For writers involved in academic or research writing, managing references and citations can be a daunting task. Below is our recommended reference management software;

1. Zotero: is a free, open-source reference management software that allows you to collect, organize, and cite research materials, including articles, books, and websites.
2. EndNote: is a premium reference management solution with advanced features for organizing and citing references. It’s popular among scholars and academics.
3. Mendeley: is a combination of a reference manager, academic social network, and PDF organizer, Mendeley streamlines the research and citation process.

6. Writing Prompts and Creative Inspiration:

When writer’s block strikes or you’re in search of creative inspiration, these tools below can spark your imagination.

1. Writing Prompts Subreddits: Subreddits like r/WritingPrompts and r/promptoftheday offer daily prompts and a community of writers who share their responses, fostering creativity and motivation.
2. The Brainstormer: it is an app that generates random story ideas and concepts by spinning three wheels with different elements (setting, theme, and plot).
3. Oblique Strategies: it was created by musician Brian Eno and artist Peter Schmidt. Oblique Strategies offers a deck of cards with unconventional prompts to break creative blocks.

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7. Collaboration and Version Control Tools:

For writers working on projects with others, below are some collaboration and version control tools to help you.

1. Google Workspace: it is a suite of productivity tools, including Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides, that enables real-time collaboration with team members. Changes are saved automatically and can be tracked.
2. Dropbox Paper: it is a collaborative workspace where teams can create, edit, and organize documents in real-time. It integrates with Dropbox for easy file sharing.
3. GitHub: it is ideal for writers working on code documentation or version-controlled writing projects, GitHub provides a platform for collaborative writing and version tracking.

8. Text-to-Speech Apps For Writing:

Listening to your work can help identify issues that you might miss when reading silently. Below are some text-to-speech software you can use.

1. Natural Reader: Natural Reader converts text to speech and can read your writing back to you in a natural-sounding voice. This is especially helpful for proofreading.
2. Read Aloud (Google Chrome Extension): is a free Chrome extension that reads text on web pages, including your own writing, making it easier to spot errors and awkward phrasing.

9. Self-Publishing and Writing Community Platforms:

If you’re interested in publishing your work, self-publishing and writing community platforms are a valuable resource.

1. Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP): KDP allows authors to self-publish eBooks and paperbacks. It provides a platform to reach a vast audience and a straightforward royalty system.
2. Wattpad: Wattpad is a global community of writers and readers. It’s a platform for sharing and discovering stories, offering a chance to build an audience and get feedback.
3. Medium: Medium is an online publishing platform that lets you write and share your stories with a broad readership. It also offers a partner program to earn money from your writing.

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10. Voice Recognition Apps For Writing:

Voice recognition software can be a game-changer for writers who prefer speaking their ideas and stories rather than typing them out.

1. Dragon NaturallySpeaking: This popular speech recognition software allows you to dictate text and control your computer with voice commands. It’s highly accurate and adaptable.
2. Google’s Voice Typing: If you’re looking for a free and easy-to-use option, Google Docs offers a built-in voice typing feature. Just click on “Tools” and select “Voice typing” to get started.

11. Writing Communities and Workshops:

Being part of a writing community can provide valuable feedback, motivation, and a sense of belonging.

1. NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month): it is an annual event where writers worldwide commit to writing a 50,000-word novel in the month of November. NaNoWriMo offers a supportive community and resources to help you achieve your writing goals.
2. Meetup: is an online platform that connects people with common interests, including writing groups. You can find local or virtual writing workshops and critique groups on Meetup.

12. Project Management Tools:

Managing a complex writing project, especially for long-form works, can be challenging without the right project management tools.

1. Trello: It is a visual project management tool that helps you organize your writing projects with boards, lists, and cards. It’s great for tracking progress and setting deadlines.
2. Asana: Asana is a versatile project management tool that allows you to plan, track, and manage your writing tasks, including collaboration with others.

Also read: 13 Strategies for Becoming an Effective Writer

13. Writing Analytics Software:

Tracking your writing progress and habits can help improve your productivity and below are some tools to help you improve your productivity.

1. WordCountPal: This tool tracks your word count and writing progress, providing insights into your writing habits and the time you spend on different projects.
2. Writeometer (Write or Die): Writeometer is a writing tracker app that sets goals and provides writing sprints to keep you motivated and productive.

14. Story Structure and Plotting Software:

Below are some story structure and plotting software for fiction writers;

1. Save the Cat! Software: Based on the popular “Save the Cat!” book series on screenwriting, this software helps writers plan their stories with a beat sheet and character development tools.
2. Plottr: Plottr is a plotting and story structure software designed for authors. It allows you to outline, organize, and visualize your novel’s plot and subplots.

15. Author Website Builders:

For writers interested in building an online presence, an author’s website can be very useful.

1. Blogspot: is a free web-based platform provided by Google for creating and managing blogs. It allows users to set up and maintain their own blogs without the need for extensive technical knowledge or a dedicated website hosting service.
2. Wix:  is a user-friendly website builder that offers a range of templates and features to help you create an author website to showcase your work, blog, and connect with your readers.
3. Squarespace: Squarespace is known for its stunning, professional website designs and is an excellent choice for authors looking to build an aesthetically pleasing and functional website.

I hope you find this article useful.

See you in the next 🙂

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