10 Best Writing Software & Apps: Boost Author Productivity Now

Discover writing software and enhancement apps to streamline your writing process, boost productivity, and improve your craft. Unleash your inner author with these top writing tools.

“To be a good writer, you not only have to write a great deal, but you have to care.” – Anne Lamott

Do you sometimes feel overwhelmed by the sheer number of writing software and tools available to aspiring authors? Or perhaps you’re tired of using the same old software and want to discover something new to supercharge your writing? Fear not! You care, and we’ve got you covered.

In this article, we’ll explore the top software and apps to boost your writing productivity as an aspiring author. Discover the best writing tools, apps, and software to streamline your writing process, boost productivity, and improve your craft. From Scrivener’s all-in-one solution to ProWritingAid’s powerful style checker, we’ve compiled a list of top programs for writers. Explore free writing software and paid options, as well as online writing platforms, which can elevate your work and transform your writing journey. Ready? Let’s dive in!

 

1. Scrivener: The Ultimate Writing Studio

Ask any author, and they’ll probably tell you Scrivener is a game-changer. This writing software is specifically designed for long-form writing projects like novels, screenplays, and academic research. It’s packed with features like:

• An intuitive interface that allows you to organize your writing in a way that suits your style.
• A virtual corkboard to visualize your ideas and create outlines.
• Tools to track your progress and set word count goals.

 

The best part? Scrivener is available for both PC and Mac, making it a versatile choice for writers everywhere. The downside—it does have a learning curve.

 

2. ProWritingAid: Your Personal Writing Coach

For those who crave a little extra guidance, ProWritingAid is the ultimate writing enhancement software. It does so much more than just check your grammar and spelling; it offers:

• In-depth reports on your writing style, including suggestions on how to improve.
• A thesaurus to help you find the perfect word every time.
• Real-time feedback on your writing, highlighting areas for improvement.

 

Give ProWritingAid a spin, and watch your writing go from good to great. It’s well worth its price.

 

One evening when I was on the verge of submitting an article for publication, I reread it and realized my writing sounded like a tangled mess. The deadline loomed, and panic started to set in. Desperate for a solution, I turned to ProWritingAid, a writing enhancement software, which was recommended by several authors I admire. With its real-time feedback and style suggestions, my prose transformed from a clumsy patchwork to a well-crafted article. It’s slightly embarrassing to admit I needed the help, but now I can’t imagine writing without this invaluable tool. And my author friends agree.

By the way, I’ve got similar stories about other software on this list. Suffice it to say, I’ve come to realize even seasoned writers sometimes can use a technological boost. Using writing enhancement software like Grammarly or ProWritingAid can provide valuable feedback and suggestions for improvement.

 

3. Grammarly: The Grammar Guru

We’ve all experienced the dreaded typos and grammar faux pas. That’s where Grammarly comes in. This powerful online writing software offers:

• Real-time grammar and spelling checks.
• Suggestions for better word choices.
• Built-in plagiarism detection.

 

Plus, Grammarly is available as a browser extension, making it incredibly easy to use while you’re writing online. To protect your writing from plagiarism, use Grammarly’s plagiarism detection tool. I can help you identify any unintentional similarities with existing content.

 

4. Google Docs: The Collaborative Powerhouse

If you’re looking for free writing software that’s also great for collaboration, Google Docs is your go-to option. It’s packed with features like:

• Real-time collaboration with multiple users.
• Automatic saving and syncing across devices.
• Integration with other Google apps, like Sheets and Slides.

 

An added bonus: Google Docs is entirely web-based, so you can access it from any device with an internet connection.

 

5. Ulysses: The Minimalist’s Dream

When distractions are your biggest enemy, Ulysses is your best friend. This creative writing software offers a clean, minimalist interface that helps you focus on your writing. Some of its features include:

• A markdown editor for seamless formatting.
• Customizable themes to suit your preferences.
• A library to organize your writing projects.

 

Ulysses is available for Mac and iOS, making it perfect for Apple aficionados. Sorry PC!

 

6. Evernote: The Note-Taking Master

Juggling multiple ideas and research can be a challenge. Enter Evernote, a powerful note-taking app that’s perfect for writers. It allows you to:

• Capture and organize ideas, articles, and images in a single place.
• Sync your notes across devices.
• Collaborate and share notes with others.

 

With Evernote by your side, you’ll never lose track of those brilliant ideas again.

 

7. Trello: The Project Management Pro

Managing multiple writing projects can be daunting, especially for aspiring authors. That’s where Trello comes in. This visually appealing project management tool helps you:

• Create boards for each project, complete with lists and cards.
• Assign due dates and labels for easy organization.
• Collaborate with others by sharing boards and tasks.

 

Whether you’re working on a novel or managing content for a blog, Trello is an excellent way to keep everything in check.

 

8. Hemingway Editor: The Clarity Connoisseur

Ever heard of the phrase “less is more”? Hemingway Editor is a writing software that embodies the concept, helping you create clear, concise, and powerful prose. It offers:

• Instant feedback on your writing, highlighting hard-to-read sentences and passive voice.
• Readability scores to ensure your writing is accessible.
• Formatting options for easy export to HTML or Markdown.

 

Hemingway Editor is available as a free online tool, or you can download the desktop app for PC and Mac.

 

9. FocusWriter: The Distraction-Free Zone

In today’s fast-paced world, staying focused on your writing can be challenging for aspiring authors. FocusWriter is a simple writing software designed to eliminate distractions by providing a full-screen, clutter-free interface. Key features include:

• Customizable themes and fonts for a personalized writing environment.
• Timers and alarms to set writing goals.
• Daily progress tracking.

 

FocusWriter is available for PC, Mac, and Linux, making it a versatile choice for aspiring authors seeking a more focused writing experience.

 

10. WriteMonkey: The Zen Writing Experience

For those who want a no-nonsense, distraction-free writing environment, WriteMonkey is a good choice. This lightweight writing software offers:

• A clean, minimalist interface that’s easy on the eyes.
• Keyboard shortcuts for quick formatting and navigation.
• Customizable themes and fonts to suit your preferences.

 

WriteMonkey is available for Windows and is a popular choice among writers who prefer a simple, efficient writing experience.

 

A few other excellent tools are not mentioned here (because the article would be way too long): AutoCrit, Dabble, Fictionary, and Atticus.  Although they focus mainly on fiction, they can be used for non-fiction.

 

Finding Your Perfect Writing Software

With so many fantastic writing tools at your fingertips, now is a good time to boost your writing productivity and hone your craft. Whether you’re looking for novel writing software or a simple online writing tool, these options have something for all aspiring authors who care about their writing. So, why not give some of them a try and see which one works best for you?

Remember, the key to becoming a better writer is practice, patience, feedback, and persistence.  For more help growing your writing career, see Building a Strong Foundation: 5 Tips for New Authors.

Don’t wait. Start today!

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