Writing and Editing Tools

Writing a book, whether it’s a YA fantasy novel, an urban fantasy adventure, or even a blog post, is a journey filled with creativity, challenges, and (let’s be honest) lots of rewriting. Having the right tools can make the process smoother, more efficient, and even enjoyable—from drafting your ideas to polishing the final product.

In this post, I’ll share some of the best writing and editing tools that can help you organise your thoughts, improve your writing quality, and stay productive. Plus, I’ll end with my personal top recommendations for writers looking to level up their craft.

Writing Tools to Organise Your Novel

1. Scrivener – Best for Novelists & Worldbuilders

If you’re writing a long manuscript (especially fantasy with lots of worldbuilding!), Scrivener is a game-changer. It allows you to:

- Organise chapters, characters, and worldbuilding notes in one place

- Drag and drop scenes to rearrange your story easily

- Use the corkboard feature to visually plot your novel

Best for: Novelists, screenwriters, and writers who love a structured approach.

2. Notion – Best for Writers Who Love Digital Notebooks

Notion is a free, flexible tool for organising story ideas, research, and outlines. You can:

- Create character profiles and worldbuilding databases

Track your writing progress with goal-setting templates

- Store writing prompts and notes in an easy-to-access format

- Best for: Writers who like a digital bullet journal for their projects.

3. Google Docs – Best for Collaboration & Simplicity

Google Docs is straightforward, free, and cloud-based, making it ideal for:

- Writing drafts that sync across devices

- Collaborating with beta readers or editors in real time

- Using the voice typing feature to dictate your ideas

Best for: Writers who need a simple, no-frills way to write anywhere.

Editing & Proofreading Tools

4. Grammarly – Best for Catching Grammar Mistakes

Even the best writers need a second pair of eyes. Grammarly acts as your personal editor, helping with:

- Grammar & spelling corrections

- Suggestions to improve clarity, tone, and readability

- Plagiarism checking (for blog posts & articles)

Best for: Writers who want quick grammar fixes & style suggestions.

5. ProWritingAid – Best for Advanced Editing

If you’re looking for deeper feedback on your writing style, ProWritingAid goes beyond basic grammar checks. It analyses:

- Overused words & passive voice

- Sentence structure improvements

- Detailed style reports to refine your writing

- Best for: Writers who want in-depth analysis beyond just grammar.

6. Hemingway Editor – Best for Concise, Powerful Writing

Want to make your writing clear and impactful? Hemingway Editor highlights:

- Complex sentences that need simplification

- Passive voice and weak phrasing

- A readability score to ensure clarity

Best for: Writers who tend to overwrite and need concise, direct writing.

My Top Recommendations for Writers

With so many tools out there, choosing the right one depends on your needs. Here are my personal top picks:

Best Overall Writing Software:

Scrivener

Best Editing Tools:

Grammarly

ProWritingAid

Best Free Tool for Organising Ideas:

Notion

No matter where you are in your writing journey, the right tools can make all the difference. Whether you need a structured writing space, an editing assistant, or a brainstorming hub, these resources will help you craft your best work.