Best AI Writing Tools: Unleash Your Inner Author

“Artificial Intelligence is a tool, not a threat.” – Rana el Kaliouby
The blank page glares back, taunting you to put words—any words—upon it. Yet your mind grasps at wisps of ideas, never forming anything tangible. Every writer faces this frustration. For new authors just starting out, it can seem insurmountable. Take heart, for today’s AI writing tools remove roadblocks, empowering you to thrive. This guide, part of an ongoing series on the power of AI for new authors, explores accessible AI options to enhance creativity within budget.
We’ve all been there. Staring into space, fingers poised over keys, willing coherent sentences to flow effortlessly onto the page. But the words remain elusive, just out of mental reach. My writer friend Jodie once spent an entire weekend holed up, determined to finish her fantasy novel’s critical climax scene. Monday morning arrived with nothing to show but pajamas and popcorn crumbs. We had a good laugh about her writer’s block afterward. But at the time, Jodie felt incredibly frustrated and defeated, ready to toss her story into the virtual trash bin.
Nearly every author, no matter their skill level, experiences this overwhelming feeling at some point in their writing journey. Having the right tools, such as AI writing tools, can help transform those moments of paralyzing uncertainty into ones of progress. AI software provides inspiration when your imagination lags, quickly generating content to advance your draft. These programs also improve writing mechanics through their examples and feedback. For new writers especially, AI tools demystify and simplify the writing process, building confidence.
Let’s explore popular categories of AI tools so you can discover options that best fit your budget and goals as an independent author.
Auto-Complete Programs for Fluent Writing Flow
AI writing assistants like Jasper or Copysmith act as virtual collaborators. As you write, they suggest complete sentences or entire paragraphs based on your context. Their machine-learning algorithms draw from vast data sets to offer relevant recommendations using your style. Rather than fully automating content creation, these auto-complete tools are designed to complement your skills as you write. They help you conquer writer’s block by sparking new ideas after just a few words.
Rewriting Tools for Polishing Rough Drafts
Have an existing draft but need help improving it? Paraphrasing and summarizing tools like Quillbot analyze your work to detect errors and repetitive phrasing. They suggest alternative wording to strengthen and diversify your writing. You maintain authorship over the ideas while the AI provides the editing support. This allows new writers to recognize weak areas in their work and progressively enhance quality. Rewriting programs also condense content for you, creating tighter summaries perfect for social media.
Content Generators for Fast Drafting
Short on time but need to produce written content quickly? AI content generators like Shortly ask you to provide a topic, keywords, and length. Their algorithms then create unique articles from scratch based on your specifications. The AI examines millions of high-performing online articles to identify patterns effective for search and engagement. It uses these insights to craft new posts capturing a human tone and style. With content generators, you direct the subject while the AI handles the heavy lifting of drafting articles. It’s easy for new writers to quickly produce drafts to refine.
Budget Options to Try First
The good news for indie authors is most AI writing tools offer free versions. Jasper and Quillbot have free modes with limited functionality to test out. These provide a risk-free way for new writers to sample AI capabilities.
- If ready to invest in robust AI writing support, low-cost subscriptions like Shortly and Rytr give you full access for a small monthly fee. Their generative writing features dramatically accelerate your workflow.
- Don’t underestimate free browser extensions either. Grammarly identifies errors and improves the clarity of your writing with just a click. Take advantage of its free version.
- Finally, visit your local library to utilize free writing development resources if your budget is very tight. You can borrow eBooks about the craft, take online writing courses, and attend free workshops.
Maintain Your Creative Edge
While AI writing tools offload tedious tasks, over-reliance can hinder improving your skills. Use them sparingly to draft content faster, then focus on reworking the material yourself. This balances productivity with craft development. Additionally, AI-generated content lacks originality. Avoid plagiarizing the output. With thoughtful use, AI writing assistants tackle roadblocks so you can unleash your inner author.
The blank page doesn’t have to paralyze progress. AI writing tools provide inspiring ideas when your mind draws a blank, speedy drafting when time is short, and feedback to hone skills. For new writers, they instill confidence to press forward. Review budget options to find the best solution to start experiencing the benefits. Unlock your potential by letting AI technology empower you each step of the writing journey. The world is waiting to read what you have to say.
AI Writing Tools Wrap-Up
As we conclude each guide in this multi-part series initiated by “The Power of AI” for new authors,” we hope the insights we cover provide a useful overview of both the potential benefits and prudent precautions new authors should consider when integrating artificial intelligence into their work.
While AI introduces risks requiring vigilance, it also presents opportunities to enhance productivity, originality, and impact if applied judiciously. By exploring key areas from boosting imagination to optimizing operations, our goal is to equip writers with the knowledge to strategically harness AI for good rather than be displaced by it. The future remains ours if we stay dedicated to uplifting truth and compassion. Onward to your goal
We hope you’ve found the strategies useful and motivating. We hope they’ll equip you with the insights and tools needed to help you succeed as a new author.
Writing is a journey of continuous learning and improvement. You don’t have to go it alone. We’re excited to continue the journey with you, providing guidance and encouragement every step of the way. Our goal is to provide basic insights and practical advice to help you navigate the writing world with increased confidence.
Don’t wait. Start today!
How can we help? To let us know, please fill out our contact form. Happy writing!
Ready to get writing?
Here are 5 tips to begin implementing AI tools as a new author:
- Try the free versions of auto-complete tools such as Jasper to get a feel for how AI can facilitate your writing flow before subscribing.
- Use a paraphrasing tool while editing your drafts. See how suggestions from Quillbot or others improve your work.
- Generate a few draft articles through Shortly or Rytr for topics you’re unfamiliar with. This provides excellent examples to learn from.
- Install the Grammarly browser extension to tighten your grammar and style when editing.
- Set a timer while using auto-complete programs. This prevents over-reliance and keeps your creative thinking sharp.
FAQs
What if AI-generated content sounds robotic?
The best AI writing tools produce very human-like writing after initial training. But some post-editing is still recommended to polish awkward phrasing that slips through.
Can AI tools help me become a better creative writer in the long run?
Yes, by providing excellent examples of high-quality writing for you to learn from. Tools that offer feedback about your weak areas also drive skill improvement.
Is it ethical for writers to use AI content generation?
Using these tools responsibly to create original drafts that you then refine yourself is ethical. Wholesale plagiarizing or passing off AI content as your own would not be ethical.
What separates good AI writing tools from low-quality ones?
The most advanced tools use machine learning with massive data sets to generate highly human-sounding output vs simply spitting out generic templated text. Prioritize tools focused on creative writing.
Is AI writing software expensive for indie authors on a budget?
Many excellent AI tools are available for free or at low monthly prices – perfect for budget-minded writers wanting support. Start with free versions before investing in paid subscriptions.