More Digital Writing Tools

One thing the digital age brought to us as writers is digital apps that help us write and edit our work to perfection. Or, at least as much perfection as we can muster. 😉

Web 2.0 brought digital apps we can use on our phones, tablets, laptops, and our newer PCs. They help writers with productivity for when we are writing on a blog, a freelance piece, or a book, and we need an extra pair of eyes. The digital apps help us find grammatical and spelling errors so that we can improve the quality of our writing.

Further, some writing programs help us write well with recommendations that improve our work.

When I first launched into prepping for NaNoWriMo, I realized, I just had to have a new writing app…or something like that.

So, below is my official list of digital writing tools to help you write your novel (or nonfiction book).

Digital Writing Apps For Writers

Try this eclectic list of writing tools to help. I did add in Microsoft Word, as I do like writing on their platform for nonfiction, but when writing fiction, I wanted something more expansive than that.

Here is the list.

Microsoft Word

Take Microsoft Word and you can create a variety of page settings. Do you need a specific page sizing to upload for publishing? Or, what about page numbers and the title of your book or chapter on each page?

Microsoft Word is frequently updated, can be saved to OneDrive for safety and your document can be saved as a pdf.

Scrivener

This software works better on newer computers, including MacBooks and iPads. However, if want to run it on your PC, you need to upgrade to Windows 10 or have at least Windows 8 on your computer.

That being said, Scrivener can be downloaded on a trial to discover its writing functions and its scrapbook folder. The intention of this software is to help writers organize and pen their stories in one amazing package. Try it here for yourself.

Ulysses

Designed for Apple devices, Ulysses has a nice interface that helps you switch between devices and even write on the go. If you travel a lot and want to pick up where you left off in your documents, then this does help you consistently make progress on your book.

They offer a 14-day trial and then ask for $50 or $6 a month.

iAWriter

This writing program costs $29.99 and can be purchased for almost every operating system. The app is in a markdown format, which means it is not using bells and whistles with the graphics.

It is a straight, clean program that helps you write and edit your work. Looks very easy to use and not too expensive. Plus, you can download it to your devices.

yWriter 6

At first glance, I just thought that yWriter was another Open Office type of open-source software, but it is a bit more than that. And, if you are like many writers on a budget, the free price tag sings!

yWriter is a novel writing software, allowing you to write in chapters and scenes and then even re-arranging them. It makes editing a breeze for the newbie writer.

Hemingway App

You won’t find this app in the app stores but on the Hemingway App website. This program allows you wot write and then edit your text. Further, if you write on Medium, as well, it uploads to their writing program.

This is a writing and editing program you can buy for $20. Not bad. Available on Mac OSX and Windows 7 and up.

LibreOffice

LibreOffice program is what the Internet terms open-source. What this means is that the software is free to download and use. This free software has a writer program to help you write general documents and a book.

The main page claims it is quite comparable to Microsoft Office (without the price tag) and Open Office, another open-source office editing program. This does not have much of an editor but it will help you write your document and save it on your computer.

Google Docs

I would, of course, be remiss if I failed to list Google Docs and Drive. I have written books on Google Drive before and have been happy with the results. But, when you submit your draft to be published or you are publishing it yourself, there are limitations.

Starting with Google Docs does work and then uploading the doc to Word or another program which allows you to format your document according to publishing requirements.

Editing Tools For Writers

As I researched this topic, a whole other category popped up. In today’s marketplace, where self-publishing is the budget answer to getting your work published, grammar and editing tools reign.

Here are a couple of editing and grammar tools to help!

Grammarly

Yes, of course, if you can, get at least the free version of Grammarly. You can also purchase the pro version too, but the free works fine if you have other tools at your disposal.

Grammarly offers spelling and minor grammar switches while you are writing in Chrome or Safari. Plus, if it is driving you crazy when you are surfing and not writing, you can also switch it off for specific websites or in general.

AutoCrit

This is editing software that you can find through the general webpage. While I did not find an app for it, it does have its positives. AutoCrit lets you upload your current book and edit it using their editing software.

This allows you to shine and polish your work before you submit it to publishing, or self-publish with confidence.

Ginger

This app compares in quality to Grammarly for spelling and grammar. Plus, Ginger also provides a free and paid version, so if you want or need the extra editing power, you can pay that little extra.

Writing Tools Don’t Put The Words ON The Page Though

LOL Yeah, well, we all want that some days.

These writing tools help you write your best and then edit with confidence. And, whether you are writing your first novel, writing your fifteenth nonfiction book, these programs can help you do it faster and better.

Find the best fit for you and your budget. Then get started writing!