Did you know that over 80% of people say they want to write a book, but only a small fraction actually do?
What separates those who dream from those who achieve is often the right set of tools.
Whether you’re working on your first novel or refining a blog post, having the best tools at your fingertips can make all the difference.
In this blog, you’ll discover 10 essential online tools that every aspiring author should consider.
These tools will help you write, organize, edit, and even publish your work with confidence. Let’s dive in and explore how they can support your writing journey.
List of 10 Tools for Authors
1. Scrivener
If you’re an aspiring author, Scrivener is a tool that can become your best friend.
It’s designed to help you manage your writing projects, especially if you’re working on something big like a novel or a research paper.
Instead of just giving you a blank page, Scrivener provides a whole workspace where you can organize your thoughts, scenes, and chapters all in one place.
Why You Need It:
Writing a book can be overwhelming, especially when you have to keep track of so many details. With Scrivener, you can easily break down your work into smaller sections, making it less intimidating.
You can view your story in different ways, whether it’s through a corkboard with index cards or an outline that shows how everything fits together. This helps you see the big picture without losing track of the small details.
Key Features:
- Organize your work into folders.
- Corkboard view for visualizing scenes.
- Focus Mode for distraction-free writing.
- Split-screen option for easy reference.
Compatibility:
If you’re using a Mac, Scrivener works perfectly on your system. It’s available as a dedicated app, which means it integrates smoothly with macOS features like iCloud, allowing you to access your work across different Apple devices.
Scrivener also provides email integration to get notified on important emails while working on your projects. However, if you encounter any issues with your Apple Mail app while using Scrivener, you can find troubleshooting tips here.
In short, Scrivener is a must-have tool for any writer who wants to stay organized and focused, especially if you’re working on a long and complex project.
2. Grammarly
Grammarly is like having a personal editor right by your side while you write.
Whether you’re drafting a novel, a blog post, or an email, Grammarly helps you catch errors and improve the quality of your writing.
It checks for grammar, spelling, punctuation, and even suggests ways to make your sentences clearer and more effective.
Why You Need It:
Even the best writers can miss mistakes in their work. Grammarly provides an extra layer of assurance by catching errors you might overlook.
It also helps you refine your writing style, making sure your text is not only correct but also engaging and easy to read.
Key Features:
- Real-time grammar and spell check.
- Suggestions for clarity and style improvements.
- Plagiarism detection.
- Tone detection for consistent voice.
Compatibility:
Grammarly works seamlessly on Mac through its browser extensions, desktop app, and integrations with platforms like Microsoft Word.
Whether you’re writing directly in your browser or using a word processor, Grammarly’s suggestions appear in real-time, helping you make your writing the best it can be.
Grammarly is an essential tool for any writer who wants to produce clear, error-free, and impactful writing every time.
3. Hemingway Editor
Hemingway Editor is an online tool designed to make your writing clear and concise.
Named after the famous author known for his straightforward style, this tool highlights complex sentences, passive voice, and unnecessary words.
It’s perfect for polishing your text and making sure it’s easy to understand.
Why You Need It:
Clarity is key when it comes to good writing. Hemingway Editor helps you simplify your sentences, making your writing more accessible and engaging.
It’s especially useful if you want to ensure your message is direct and easy to follow, which is crucial for keeping your readers’ attention.
Key Features:
- Highlights complex sentences.
- Detects passive voice.
- Provides readability scores.
- Suggests simpler alternatives for difficult words.
Compatibility:
Hemingway Editor is available as a web-based tool that works on any browser, including those on Mac.
There’s also a desktop version for Mac users, allowing you to work offline and save your edits directly to your computer. This makes it a versatile tool whether you’re at home or on the go.
Incorporating Hemingway Editor into your writing process ensures that your content is not only grammatically correct but also crisp, clear, and easy to digest.
4. Reedsy Book Editor
Reedsy Book Editor is a free online tool specifically designed for authors who want to format their manuscripts for publication.
Whether you’re self-publishing or preparing your work for submission, this tool simplifies the process, allowing you to focus more on your writing and less on the technical details of formatting.
Why You Need It:
Formatting a book can be a daunting task, especially if you’re not familiar with the process. Reedsy Book Editor takes the hassle out of it by offering an easy-to-use interface where you can format your manuscript for eBooks or print-ready PDFs.
It also allows you to collaborate with editors or co-authors, making it a comprehensive tool for all stages of your writing project.
Key Features:
- Drag-and-drop interface for manuscript organization.
- Automatic formatting for eBooks and print.
- Collaboration features for working with editors.
- Export options for various publishing platforms.
Compatibility:
Since Reedsy Book Editor is web-based, it’s accessible on any device, including your Mac. All you need is a browser and an internet connection to start working on your manuscript.
The tool’s user-friendly design fits well with Mac’s sleek and intuitive interface, ensuring a smooth experience from start to finish.
Using Reedsy Book Editor helps you turn your manuscript into a professionally formatted book, ready for publication with minimal effort on your part.
5. Ulysses
Ulysses is a writing app that combines simplicity with powerful features, making it perfect for authors who want a focused, distraction-free environment.
Whether you’re writing a novel, a blog post, or a personal journal, Ulysses offers a clean interface that helps you concentrate on your words without unnecessary distractions.
Why You Need It:
Writing requires focus, and distractions can easily derail your progress. Ulysses eliminates those distractions by providing a minimalist writing space where you can organize your thoughts and write freely.
Its combination of a clean interface and powerful tools makes it an excellent choice for writers who want to stay focused and productive.
Key Features:
- Minimalist interface for focused writing.
- Markdown support for easy formatting.
- Built-in publishing options for blogs and eBooks.
- Cloud sync across all Apple devices.
Compatibility:
Ulysses is designed specifically for the Apple ecosystem, making it a perfect fit for Mac users. It runs smoothly on macOS and syncs across all your Apple devices via iCloud.
Whether you’re writing on your MacBook, iPad, or iPhone, Ulysses keeps your work accessible and up-to-date, allowing you to pick up right where you left off.
Ulysses is the ideal tool for writers who value a distraction-free environment and the convenience of a seamless writing experience across multiple devices.
6. Trello
Trello is a project management tool that helps you organize your writing projects visually.
Whether you’re outlining a novel, planning blog posts, or managing research for a non-fiction book, Trello’s flexible, card-based system makes it easy to keep track of everything in one place.
Why You Need It:
Staying organized is crucial for any writer, especially when juggling multiple projects. Trello lets you break down your work into manageable tasks, set deadlines, and track your progress.
It’s a great way to keep your writing on track and ensure that nothing falls through the cracks.
Key Features:
- Kanban-style boards for task management.
- Customizable cards for tracking progress.
- Integration with apps like Google Drive and Slack.
- Calendar view for managing deadlines.
Compatibility:
Trello is a web-based tool, making it accessible from any device with an internet connection, including your Mac. There’s also a dedicated Trello app for macOS, which provides a smooth and seamless experience. Whether you’re working from your desktop or on the go, Trello helps you stay organized and focused on your writing goals.
With Trello, you can easily manage all aspects of your writing projects, ensuring you stay productive and on schedule.
7. Scapple
Scapple is a mind mapping tool designed to help you brainstorm and organize your ideas visually.
Created by the makers of Scrivener, Scapple offers a freeform environment where you can jot down ideas, make connections, and see the bigger picture of your writing project.
It’s especially useful for plotting out complex storylines or organizing research notes.
Why You Need It:
Sometimes, your ideas need space to breathe and develop. Scapple gives you that space by allowing you to freely connect thoughts and ideas without any rigid structure.
It’s a fantastic tool for writers who need to see how different elements of their story or research connect, helping you organize your thoughts before diving into the writing process.
Key Features:
- Freeform mind maps for brainstorming.
- Simple interface for quick idea generation.
- Drag-and-drop functionality for easy organization.
- Integration with Scrivener for seamless workflow.
Compatibility:
Scapple is available as a desktop app for macOS, making it a perfect addition to your Mac writing toolkit.
Its intuitive design fits well with the macOS environment, allowing you to focus on brainstorming and organizing without any technical distractions. You can also easily transfer your ideas from Scapple to Scrivener, making it a powerful duo for your writing process.
Scapple is the go-to tool for writers who need a visual approach to brainstorming and organizing their thoughts.
8. Google Docs
Google Docs is a free, cloud-based word processor that’s perfect for collaborative writing.
Whether you’re co-authoring a book, sharing your manuscript with beta readers, or seeking feedback from an editor, Google Docs makes it easy to work together in real-time, no matter where you or your collaborators are located.
Why You Need It:
Collaboration is often a key part of the writing process. Google Docs allows you to share your work with others and receive feedback instantly. It also automatically saves your work and keeps a version history, so you never have to worry about losing your progress.
The simplicity and accessibility of Google Docs make it a valuable tool for writers who want to collaborate effectively.
Key Features:
- Real-time editing and commenting.
- Automatic saving and version history.
- Accessibility across devices via cloud storage.
- Integration with Google Drive for easy file management.
Compatibility:
Google Docs is fully compatible with Mac, accessible through any web browser. Whether you’re working on your MacBook or iMac, you can easily access your documents, share them with others, and work collaboratively.
Its seamless integration with Google Drive also ensures that your documents are safely stored in the cloud and accessible from any device.
Google Docs is an essential tool for writers who need a reliable, collaborative platform that works across all devices.
9. Focus@Will
Focus@Will is a unique music service designed to help you stay focused and productive while you write.
It offers a variety of music tracks that have been scientifically optimized to enhance concentration and minimize distractions, making it easier for you to get into the flow of writing.
Why You Need It:
Staying focused while writing can be challenging, especially with so many distractions around. Focus@Will provides background music that’s specifically tailored to keep your mind engaged and on task.
Whether you’re working on a tight deadline or just need to maintain concentration for long writing sessions, this tool can help you stay in the zone.
Key Features:
- Music channels optimized for focus and concentration.
- Timer feature to manage writing sessions.
- Personalization based on your productivity patterns.
- Variety of music genres to match your mood.
Compatibility:
Focus@Will is a web-based service, accessible through any browser on your Mac.
You can also use the mobile app on your iPhone or iPad, allowing you to take your focus-enhancing music with you wherever you go.
The simple and intuitive interface ensures that you can quickly find the right music channel and start working without any hassle.
Focus@Will is the perfect tool for writers who need a little extra help staying focused and productive during their writing sessions.
10. ProWritingAid
ProWritingAid is an all-in-one SaaS based writing tool that goes beyond basic grammar checks, offering in-depth analysis to improve your writing’s overall quality.
Whether you’re writing fiction, non-fiction, or even business documents, ProWritingAid provides detailed feedback on style, structure, and readability, helping you refine your work to a professional standard.
Why You Need It:
ProWritingAid is like having a personal writing coach. It doesn’t just point out mistakes; it offers suggestions to enhance your writing style, improve clarity, and ensure consistency throughout your manuscript.
This tool is particularly useful if you want to polish your writing to a high standard before submitting or publishing it.
Key Features:
- Detailed reports on style, grammar, and readability.
- Suggestions for improving sentence structure and clarity.
- Plagiarism checker to ensure originality.
- Integration with tools like Scrivener and Microsoft Word.
Compatibility:
ProWritingAid is available as a desktop app for Mac, as well as a browser extension and integration with popular writing platforms.
This means you can easily access its features whether you’re working on your MacBook, using Scrivener, or writing directly in a web browser. Its comprehensive analysis tools make it a valuable addition to any writer’s toolkit.
ProWritingAid is ideal for writers who want to elevate their work by receiving thorough feedback and making precise improvements.
Conclusion
So, there you have it—10 essential online tools that can make your journey as an aspiring author smoother and more productive.
Each tool brings something unique to the table, from organizing your thoughts and managing your projects to polishing your final draft.
Whether you’re just starting or looking to refine your craft, these tools can help you write, edit, and publish with confidence. Give them a try, and see how they can transform your writing process.
FAQs
Do I need to be tech-savvy to use these tools?
No, most of these tools are designed to be intuitive and easy to use, even if you’re not tech-savvy.
Can these tools help with both fiction and non-fiction writing?
Yes, these tools are versatile and can assist with various types of writing, whether it’s fiction, non-fiction, or even business writing.
Are these tools suitable for professional writers as well?
Absolutely! While they’re great for aspiring authors, professional writers also use these tools to enhance their work.
Will these tools work on multiple devices?
Yes, many of these tools are cloud-based or have apps, making them accessible across multiple devices.
