The Best Writing Tools Every Author Should Try

The Best Writing Tools Every Author Should Try (Without Losing Their Mind in the Process)

Writing a book is already hard enough without juggling half the internet, three notebooks, and an existential crisis or two. Whether you're plotting your first novel, fighting a deadline, or simply trying to write after a chaotic week — this guide is for you.

I’ve spent years testing tools, ditching tools, rediscovering old tools, and comparing experiences with other authors. What follows is a practical, honest look at writing apps that actually help instead of adding to the overwhelm. No fluff. No gimmicks. Just options that make the writing life a little easier.

 

Why Trust a List of Writing Tools?

Because I’ve been through the entire cycle — drafting, revising, abandoning, salvaging, rewriting, and finally finishing. And along the way, I realized that tools don’t write books, but they do make the process saner. Every writer works differently. Some crave structure. Some want nothing but a blank page. But all of us benefit from a workspace that supports — not sabotages — our creativity.

This guide brings together years of trial, error, and conversations with fellow authors. Think of it as the list I wish someone had handed me when I first started.

 

1. Scrivener — The All-In-One Writing Studio

If writing tools had a family tree, Scrivener would be the wise elder. It’s been around forever — and for good reason. Scrivener lets you organise your entire writing life inside one project: chapters, research, character notes, outlines, random ideas, deleted scenes, and everything in between.

Scrivener is ideal if you take comfort in structure or love rearranging scenes when your plot decides to misbehave. The corkboard is a lifesaver, the split-screen feature keeps you focused, and the compile tool makes exporting painless.

Pros

• Keeps your entire book in one place — notes, scenes, chapters, and research
• Drag-and-drop rearranging for stress-free plotting
• Distraction-free mode for deep writing sessions
• Split-screen view for referencing notes while drafting
• Great for both plotters and pantsers
• One-time payment (no subscriptions)

Cons

• Takes time to learn
• Desktop-based unless you buy the iOS app
• Syncing devices can be fiddly
• No collaborative editing
• Interface looks a bit dated

Verdict: If you’re writing long projects and love controlling every detail, Scrivener is worth every minute of the learning curve.

 

2. Dabble — For Writers Who Want Simplicity

If Scrivener feels too heavy, Dabble is the smoother, sleeker cousin. Cloud-based, tidy, and built specifically for authors, it keeps things simple while still offering plotting tools, scene cards, goals, and collaboration.

Dabble shines for writers who don’t want to drown in menus or lose time learning software.

Pros

• Clean, user-friendly interface
• Cloud-based — write anywhere
• Built-in plotting features like story grids and scene cards
• Automatic backups
• Daily word count goals
• Collaboration with co-writers or editors

Cons

• Subscription-based
• Limited offline mode
• Fewer export and formatting options
• Less customizable

Verdict: If you want something easy and modern that “just works,” Dabble is a solid choice.

 

3. Google Docs — The Dependable Workhorse

Google Docs may not be fancy, but it never lets you down. It auto-saves, it’s free, it works on every device, and it’s fantastic for early drafts or shared edits.

Its limits show up when you start writing long manuscripts — things get sluggish, formatting gets tricky, and exporting gets… interesting.

Pros

• Free and cloud-based
• Auto-saves constantly
• Excellent for collaboration
• Accessible anywhere
• Works seamlessly with Google Drive
• Ideal for drafts and quick writing sessions

Cons

• Not ideal for large manuscripts
• Limited formatting control
• Offline mode must be set manually
• No advanced export options

Verdict: Great for early drafting, beta reading, shared editing, and writing on the go.

 

4. Microsoft Word — Familiar but Flawed

Word is powerful — but it wasn’t designed for authors. It’s an office tool first. And for book writing, that becomes painfully obvious.

Formatting is messy. Hidden codes get corrupted when you paste into other programs. File sizes grow huge. And conversions to EPUB or MOBI? Practically nonexistent.

That said, many agents and publishers still expect submissions in Word format — so it’s hard to avoid entirely.

Why Word frustrates authors

• Expensive one-time purchase
• Heavy and sometimes slow
• Complex interface with tools most writers never use
• Hidden data causes issues during exporting
• Not compatible with EPUB/MOBI
• Doesn’t play well with older versions

Word alternatives like Apache OpenOffice and LibreOffice exist, but they share the same problem: great for office work, not ideal for writing books.

Verdict: Use Word for submissions, but not necessarily for your entire writing process.

 

5. AutoCrit — Your Editing Assistant

AutoCrit started as an editing tool but evolved into a full writing ecosystem with communities, critique options, and voice readers. It highlights pacing issues, repetition, style problems, and other weaknesses you might miss.

It’s especially helpful if you want editing feedback without hiring an editor for every draft.

Pros

• Deep analysis of pacing, style, word choice, and more
• New version includes a writing desk and notes
• Voice reader helps catch subtle mistakes
• Clubs, courses, and critiques for members

Cons

• Free version is extremely limited
• Subscription-based
• Desktop writing experience still evolving

Verdict: Amazing for revisions; good for writing if you enjoy an all-in-one workspace.

 

6. ProWritingAid — Detailed Feedback for Every Writer

If you want granular feedback on grammar, style, pacing, transitions, diction, or alliteration — ProWritingAid covers it all.

And unlike AutoCrit, it works offline if you download it to your desktop.

Pros

• Extremely detailed analysis
• Fiction-genre-specific tools
• Desktop app option
• Lifetime license available
• Can integrate with other platforms

Cons

• Free version limits you to 500 words
• No community features
• Learning curve for all the reports

Verdict: Fantastic for polishing your writing. Best used alongside a drafting tool.

 

7. Story Planner — Built for Plotters

If outlining is your love language, Story Planner gives you templates for everything: scenes, characters, settings, timelines, arcs, and structure.

But the syncing issues and vague pricing may raise eyebrows.

Pros

• Rich planning tools
• Helpful for complex plots
• Great structural templates

Cons

• Syncing issues
• Slow to load
• Unclear pricing and features
• Best only for hardcore plotters

Verdict: Good planning tool — but not essential.

 

8. Campfire — Beautiful Worldbuilding for Visual Writers

Campfire might be the prettiest writing tool out there. Build worlds, create character boards with images, design maps, organize lore, and draft your story in one place.

Pros

• Stunning interface
• Highly customizable
• Great for fantasy/sci-fi writers
• Collaboration available
• Supports EPUB export
• Free tier includes worldbuilding tools

Cons

• Subscription required for full features
• Best for worldbuilding rather than drafting

Verdict: If aesthetics inspire you, Campfire might be your favourite.

 

9. Hemingway App — Your Clarity Coach

Hemingway highlights weak spots: adverbs, passive voice, hard-to-read sentences. It’s simple, visual, and incredibly helpful during revisions.

Pros

• Easy to understand
• Colour-coded editing
• Great for beginners
• Improves clarity

Cons

• Only available in beta
• Not ideal for long manuscripts
• Not a drafting tool

Verdict: Perfect for tightening prose. Not a complete writing environment.

 

10. OmmWriter — A Peaceful, Minimal Escape

OmmWriter is for days when you just want silence, space, and a page. It’s simple, soothing, and free of distractions. Nature sounds, keyboard effects, and full-screen calm help you write without noise.

Pros

• Minimal, beautiful interface
• Full-screen environment
• Ambient sounds for focus
• Affordable one-time purchase

Cons

• No formatting tools
• Not ideal for revisions
• Limited export options

Verdict: Use it when you need pure focus and nothing else.

 

So… Which Writing App Should You Choose?

Here’s the truth:
There’s no perfect tool. There’s only the one that fits your brain.

If you love structure ? Scrivener
If you want simplicity ? Dabble
If you collaborate ? Google Docs
If you want traditional editing ? Word
If you want thorough feedback ? ProWritingAid
If you’re worldbuilding ? Campfire
If you want peace ? OmmWriter

Most writers end up using a combination. And that’s normal — your process will evolve with every book.

The goal is not to find the flashiest software. It’s to find the one you’ll actually use — the one that helps you sit down, focus, and write the damn thing.