The 11 Most Important Software Tools I Use To Write My Novels

I’m a writer. And, like many writers, I have lots of tools that I use to write my novels. Some are writing-specific, while others are more general productivity tools.

But no matter what type of tool it is writing or non-writing related I’ve found the best ones help me be more productive and get more work done. So here’s a list of 11 different software and web apps that will make your life easier as a writer:

10 Awesome Writing Tools You Should Check Out – YouTube

Key Software Tools
Word Processing Software
Outlining and Plotting Tools
Grammar and Editing Software
Research and Reference Management Tools
Distraction-Free Writing Environments
Writing Analytics and Progress Tracking Tools
Novel-Specific Writing Software
Cloud Storage and Synchronization Solutions
Note-taking and Idea Organization Tools
Collaboration Tools for Co-authoring
Backup and Version Control Software for Manuscripts

1. Google Drive

Google Drive is a great place to store your files in one convenient location. It’s free, and you can share files with other people so that everyone has access to the same version of the manuscript.

You can also access your documents from anywhere, since they’re stored online, but this means that if you don’t use Google Docs on another computer or device then neither will anyone else who needs to work on them at different times or in different locations.

This isn’t ideal for drafts of novels you want people working on the same file at all times but it works well enough if someone only needs occasional access.

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2. 1Password

1Password is a password manager. It helps you create strong passwords and store them in a secure place, which means you can use the same passwords across multiple accounts without worrying about someone accessing all your accounts if they find one of your passwords.

This is probably the most important software on this list because it’s so simple to use and yet so effective at protecting yourself from hackers.

1Password will also generate new passwords for you automatically, which is convenient since we have so many different accounts these days (think email addresses, and social media profiles).

I’ve been using 1Password for years and it has saved me from countless hours of frustration trying to remember my logins!

3. TextMate 2

Next on our list is TextMate 2, a text editor that can be used to write code and novels alike. TextMate 2 is a fast, powerful, and easy-to-use tool. It’s one of the most popular text editors in the world, but it has some great features that make it especially useful for writers.

For example, if you’re writing prose in a program like Word or Google Docs (both of which I’ve tried), then there’s no way to see your whole document at once you have to scroll up and down constantly just so you can get an overview of everything going on in your story.

With TextMate 2, however, this isn’t an issue! You see your whole novel at once thanks to its split screen view mode:

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4. Scrivener

I’d be a fool not to start this list with Scrivener. It’s the first thing I install on any computer I use for writing, and it’s been an indispensable tool for me for more than five years now.

If you’ve never heard of Scrivener before, it’s an organizational writing tool rather than a word processor which means that instead of just writing in a traditional document format.

You can organize your ideas into sections (called “corkboard,” which sounds way cooler than “sections”) and break up large blocks of text into manageable chunks (called “scenes”).

You can also write without distraction on the main screen or hide everything behind tabs so that you don’t get distracted by anything else but what’s directly in front of you at any given moment.

5. Day One

Day One is an all-in-one journal/blogging tool that allows you to write posts, notes, and photos. While it’s not as robust as a full-blown blogging platform like WordPress or Medium (which I also use), Day One has been a great way for me to keep track of things happening in my life.

Since I’m writing a novel about my own experiences and their set in the future I’ve used Day One as both a diary and reference material for my characters’ lives. There are plenty of ways to use this app; here are just some ideas:

Journaling can help improve your memory skills by forcing you to recall details about past events or even write out new ideas for future projects

You could keep track of all the research materials related to your next project (like files from Google Docs) so that they’re organized neatly into one place rather than spread across several other apps on your phone/laptop/tablet

Write down important dates so they don’t slip through the cracks! This might include birthdays or anniversaries with loved ones who live far away

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6. Dropbox

Dropbox is a handy way to keep your files in sync. This means that if you upload a file on one computer, it will automatically be available on any others where you have Dropbox installed. You can use Dropbox to share files with other people and teams, as well as backup your work.

It’s also possible to store entire folders within the app (though this requires a paid account).

If you want to see how many files are stored in Dropbox on your computer, click on the arrow next to its icon in the Taskbar at bottom right of screen and select Show All Files from pop-up menu that appears next.

7. Evernote

It’s a great tool for writing, because you can use it to store all your ideas in one place. It allows you to take notes, organize them by topic or tag (which is like an index), organize them by date and time if necessary, add images and files from documents stored on the device, and share them with others.

Evernote is available for both mobile devices as well as web browsers.

This means that you can access your notes from any device your laptop when at home or work; from your tablet while lounging on the sofa; from your smartphone when out in public… You never have to worry about losing track of an idea again!

You might be thinking: “Isn’t this just like Microsoft Word?” Well yes and no. While Word allows us to create documents that contain text which we can edit later (like this article), Evernote is more focused on capturing information than creating something new right away.

8. Ulyssesapp.Com

Ulysses is a writing tool that I use daily. It’s also one of the tools in this list that offers you full-fledged planning and collaboration features as well as options for structuring your manuscript, notes, and chapters.

You can use Ulysses to format your documents automatically with Markdown or media embeds it’ll even add footnotes for you. It’s also got handy features like full screen editing and an optional dark mode!

Ulysses can be downloaded for Macs, PCs, iPhones, iPads and it runs on both iOS 11+ (including iPad Pro) and macOS 10.13+.

It’s available for $40 per year or $5 per month but there is also an option to pay only once if you want access forever without paying monthly/yearly subscription fees afterward.

Just in case something happens where they stop supporting their app after some time has elapsed since the download date happened the first time around …

Not sure how likely this would happen though since it seems like this company has done everything right so far when it comes down right now but better safe than sorry I guess?

9. Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP)

KDP is a platform for self-publishing Kindle e-books. You can publish directly to Kindle via the KDP platform, or you can choose to publish your e-book in multiple languages and on other platforms such as Kobo and Apple’s iBooks Store.

This tool allows you to upload an AZW file that has been converted from Word documents using Calibre (see below) or another tool like Sigil.

Once uploaded, you can then edit the metadata for each book title, description, categories and set prices for each region where your book is available.

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10. The Kick Your Own Ass Mastermind Group On Facebook

The Kick Your Own Ass Mastermind Group on Facebook is a group of writers who help each other write better.

It’s the ultimate in writer support: a group of people who are willing to help you with your writing, give feedback and take time out of their day to read something you’ve written and tell you what they think about it when it’s done.

I should know it’s where I found my writing partner!

11. There Are Lots Of Great Tools To Help You Be A Writer

Writing is a solitary activity, so it’s easy to feel like you’re on your own. But there are lots of great tools available to help you be a writer.

One important thing these tools can do is make you more productive. As I wrote in an earlier article, I use Scrivener and Ulysses to keep track of my novel drafts in progress.

These programs also include features that allow me to easily organize my research materials, take notes while reading (which help me remember details about characters or scenes), and compile character backstories into one place for easy reference when writing each new chapter.

Another way these software tools can improve your productivity is by helping get your work out there: WordPress makes it easy to create well-designed blogs; Wattpad allows writers from all over the world to share their stories online with their peers;

Medium lets authors publish longer pieces often overlooked by traditional publishers;

Wattpad has also just partnered with HarperCollins so that its users will now have access to publishing opportunities usually reserved only for those who self-publish through Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP).

Finally, many websites offer free tutorials on how best practices when writing novels such as “How To Write Your First Novel” which includes tips such as creating characters who have flaws but also show some type of growth/change throughout story – this helps readers relate better!

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Conclusion

I’m a firm believer that there is no one right way to write a novel. That said, there are many ways, and I encourage you to try every single one of them at least once in your life.

I’ve tried many different methods of writing and editing over the years, from outlining everything before I start writing (and not letting myself deviate from it) to just winging it.

But now that I’ve found the tools that work best for me and my process, I know they will last me for the rest of my career as an author.

Hopefully, these tools can help you too! If not, then feel free to continue using whatever method works best for you but keep trying new things because there is always room for improvement!

FAQs

What are the essential software tools for writing a novel?

A: Essential tools for novel writing typically include word processors, outlining software, and grammar checkers.

Where can I find the best book writing software?

A: You can find recommendations for the best book writing software on reputable websites dedicated to writing and publishing.

How can novel writing software improve my writing process?

A: Novel writing software can streamline organization, help with plot structuring, and provide editing assistance, enhancing your overall writing experience.

Are there free options available for book writing software?

A: Yes, many software tools offer free versions with basic features. However, premium versions often provide more advanced functionalities.

What should I consider when choosing novel writing software?

A: Factors to consider include ease of use, compatibility with your writing style, available features, and whether the software aligns with your specific needs and preferences.

Costantine Edward

Costantine Edward is a digital marketing expert, freelance writer, and entrepreneur who helps people attain financial freedom. I’ve been working in marketing since I was 18 years old and have managed to build a successful career doing what I love.