The Tools of Writing
An arsenal to boost your writing
Writing is a marathon not a race and there are plenty of tools which writers can use on their mighty journey. Tools can vary from editing software or writing tools which help writers with their projects. With so many choices to go through, there is lots of options for writers to get stuck in with and experiment to find the right combination of tools which best support them on their publishing journey.
Here are recommendations to write, edit and organise your projects.
Editing Software:
Hemingway – Leans more into style and readability rather than proofreading and focuses on strengthening writing by removing passive voices and adverbs
Grammarly – Strong spell checker tool to help proofread your writing
Pro-Writing Aid – Proof-reader and spellchecker tool to improve overall structure and clarity of writing
Ginger – Possesses grammar, proof-reading and spell-checking features which works for English as well as other languages
*I have done a full article on editing tools found here
Writing Tools
Bear – Tool which leans into its minimalist style and allows users to avoid distractions while writing
Reedsy Book Editor- Online word processor which formats your writing into manuscript form
Draft – Word processor which focuses on tracking your changes and version control
iA Writer – Simple but focused word processor which reduces background noise and distractions so you can just write
Organisation Tools
Ulysses – Powerful tool with lots of features such as document management, text editor and document exports
Milanote – Tool used to organise ideas into visual boards and for your creative writing—you can organise your research, characters and plot points all in one place
Scrivener – Super popular writing organisation tool for writers at all levels. The tool allows you to view and organise your notes, outlines, research and writing
Evernote – Another popular option to organise your writing, whether it be your ideas, research or plot points
Google Docs – A great organisation and writing tool which is perfect for collaborating with other writers who can comment and add suggestions
Trello – A visual collaboration tools which can be used as post-it notes and to track and keep up to date with writing projects
Coggle - Software used to create detailed mind maps, can be used collaboratively and be used to mind map and plan writing projects
Miscellaneous Tools
The Bookseller – I have personally learnt so much about publishing through this magazine, and while I do recommend a subscription, I would otherwise advise signing up for its free daily newsletter which covers all the big publishing news, new deals and publishing professional moves across the industry. Other trade publications include BookBrunch and Publisher Weekly
Social Media – Social media can be your friend. The writing community is kind, supportive and a welcoming community. Connect with others on Twitter and Instagram as well as keep up to date with writing opportunities and publishing news. Pinterest is great for creativity boosts, inspiration and creating mood boards
NaNoWriMo - A nonprofit organization which runs a brilliant program which encourages participants to write 50,000 words of a novel in thirty days. A fantastic community which supports you and encourages you to the finishing line
*I have done a full article on social media found here
Thank you for reading Writersphere and I hope you enjoyed the newsletter. Please do share this newsletter with those you think will enjoy.
— Davina Tijani (@dee_tijani)