As you already know, nowadays more and more people are writing on the internet. What is interesting is that even more people are reading what they have written. Apparently, it’s not easy to find good content. And, of course, it’s even more difficult to make yours stand out. How do you make sure you write better? There are numerous tools out there that can help you do just that!
In this article you will read about types of writing tools that save writers’ time and effort. In addition, you will find a list of several popular free writing tools perfect for students as well as authors. The article discusses tips for choosing a suitable tool and avoiding problems with its use at work or at school. It also mentions the benefits of using a special tool for writing. You can download a free cheat sheet containing a list of top free writing tools right here:
Reedsy Book Editor
Cost: Free
Does “fake it ‘til you make it” ring true to you? Well, the Reedsy Book Editor is a free, online word processor that formats your book as you write. See your drafts automatically turn into a professional-looking, ready-to-publish manuscript — and allow this glimpse of your work as the final product spur your motivation to write.
It comes with an automatic spell-checker — and a built-in goal reminder system to get you back into shape if you find that you’re falling behind on your writing schedule! Another one of the Reedsy Book Editor’s best functions is that it lets you instantly typeset your manuscript to EPUB and print-ready PDF files.
Check it out if: if you want a writing tool that takes care of formatting and conversion for you.
Draft
Cost: Free
Do you like a helpful tap on the shoulder, reminding you about something you need to do? Well, you’ll likely enjoy Draft then, because the book writing software not only keeps track of how many words you write per day, it can also email you daily reminders about your daily word count goals. (Of course, if this sounds a little too “hands-on” for you, you can always turn the reminder function off).
Other than that, Draft functions a lot like Google Docs: allowing you to track changes, collaborate via suggested edits, and make comments on the doc.
Check it out if: you like Google Docs, but want an even simpler interface.
LibreOffice
Cost: Free
Yes, we did say that we wouldn’t mention Microsoft Word, because by now everyone knows that it’s a useful writing tool. But we didn’t say we wouldn’t mention its free counterpart: LibreOffice.
LibreOffice is the open source answer for people who want to try Microsoft without paying the price tag. (Open source means that the software is built on code that anyone can inspect and enhance). Plus it’s compatible with all of the regular file types people are used to, such as .doc, .docx, .xls, .xlsx, .ppt, and .pptx files.
Check it out if: you like a classic word processor — and moreover, a free one.
ProWritingAid
If you are wondering what the best writing software with strong editing features is, ProWritingAid can provide you with everything that you need. It comes with a comprehensive list of features. All of the built-in editing tools have an educational component as well. ProWritingAid will ensure that you write using correct grammar, spelling, style, and tone of voice and help you to become better at writing.
All of the write aiding tools are created to provide corrections and feedback in real-time. You can even get insight into dozens of custom-tailored writing reports to learn what you can do to improve your copy and your writing.
Key features
- Real-time readability improvements – get suggestions to improve the readability of your copy as you write.
- Writing reports – get access to an abundance of writing reports to take your writing to the next level.
- Writing style – receive writing style suggestions to improve the clarity of your copy.
- Edit & learn – become a better writer thanks to in-app suggestions, quizzes, explanations, and videos.
- Word explorer – find perfect synonyms for your overused words.
- Style and dictionary editor – create new rules and turn them into automated suggestions.
Plans and pricing
ProWritingAid offers two packages, Premium and Premium Plus. Both packages come with three pricing plans: Monthly, Yearly, and Lifetime. ProWritingAid offers a standalone Plagiarism Checker.
Premium
- Monthly subscription: $20.00 per month
- Yearly subscription: $79.00 per year ($6.58 per month)
- Lifetime: $299.00 – one-time payment (all future updates included)
All plans come with the same set of features.
Premium Plus
- Monthly subscription: $24.00 per month
- Yearly subscription: $89.00 per year ($7.42 per month)
- Lifetime: $399.00 – one-time payment (all future updates included)
Premium Plus plans come with all of the features in Premium, plus 60 plagiarism checks per year.
Plagiarism Checker
- 10 checks – $10.00
- 100 checks – $40.00
- 500 checks – $120.00
- 1000 checks – $200.00
Microsoft Word
The next best writing tool on our round-up is a word-processing veteran, Microsoft Word.
You can probably use Microsoft Word even with your eyes closed, but did you know that it can translate your document into non-native languages or publish newsletters on the web? These are just some of its standout features. Let’s take a look at the rest of them.
Key Features:
- Easy web publishing
- One-click translation
- 3D models and SmartArt
- Allows embedding external objects
- Can read your doc back to you to help spot errors and aid reading comprehension
- Review mode to help editors
- Desktop app
Cost:
If you need Microsoft Word for personal use, you can buy the MS-Office 365 pack for $9.99 monthly or $99 yearly. It can accommodate up to 6 users on Mac or PC.
Pros:
- Powerful formatting options
- Slick templates for brochures, invitations, and more
- Print and publish capabilities
- Compatible with most platforms
- Robust support by means of tutorial videos, in-app FAQs, and blog
Cons:
- If you open older documents in it, version mismatch can skew the formatting
- No phrasal auto-fill
- Poor watermarking
Usability: It’s easy to get started with the tool since its interface is self-explanatory.
Level: Intermediate
Pro Tip:
Keep checking out their website to learn about the newest features and updates.
Google Docs
Just like Microsoft Word, Google Docs is one of the best writing tools out there. The word processor comes bundled with Google Sheets and Google Slides in G Suite by Google.
This cloud-based editor lets you access and edit your documents anytime, anywhere for FREE. If you install the app, you can edit offline on tablets, PCs, and phones. Whether you want to create content for business or for personal use, Google Docs is the best writing tool for you.
Key Features:
- Cloud-based to enable editing on the go
- Hundreds of pre-made templates for resumes, reports, etc.
- Allows collaboration via shareable links, chats, and comments
- Add links, videos, snippets, images, and other rich media
- Intelligent phrasal suggestions (new feature)
- Auto save
- Version histories (sorted date-wise)
- Compatible with Microsoft Word
- Built-in Google Search
- Variety of add-ons, like Lucidchart Diagrams
Cost:
It’s free for personal use. Businesses can opt for a 14-day free trial, following which they will have to create a G Suite business account. Pricing details are available on request.
Pros:
- Collaborative features
- Hassle-free content saving
- Free of cost for individuals
- 24/7 support
- Native integration with Google Search and Microsoft Word
- Easy document restore
- Free branded Gmail account with G Suite business plan
Cons:
- Adding and editing images is time-consuming.
- Fewer formatting options compared to Microsoft Word. You have to download add-ons to insert rich media objects.
Usability: The interface can be complicated for beginners.
Level: Expert
Bit.ai
Our go-to document editor is Bit, a new-age cloud-based document collaboration tool. If you are looking for a new, advanced yet simple editor, look no further!
The core value proposition of Bit’s editor is the ability to work collaboratively with your peers on writing projects. Multiple people can simultaneously collaborate on a Bit document in real-time.
If you are working on a solo project and need suggestions and feedback from fellow writers or friends, you can invite them to the doc. Your friends or team can then highlight changes, add comments, and can even chat with you, without leaving the document.
Bit’s editor stands out when you’re putting together research or need to include various types of digital assets inside of your documents. You can easily add weblinks that automatically transform into visual bookmarks that include an image, title, and description that you can edit making it the best writing tool in the market.
You can also add rich embeds like YouTube videos, Google Spreadsheets, Twitter tweets, and much more directly into your Bit document by simply adding a shareable weblink.
However, what makes a great writing tool is its editor. Bit’s smart, minimal editor is perfect for distraction-free writing. No more word-styled ribbon with confusing and distracting tabs and buttons.
Just start typing on a blank canvas and you’re good to go. If you need to format the text, just highlight the word/sentence/paragraph and you’re presented with a hidden set of formatting tools!
All in all, Bit is a modern-day editor that makes writing fun and distraction-free!
Conclusion:
Writing is hard work. Whether you’re writing an article for your blog, a novel you’re trying to publish, or just want to keep a journal about your day – it’s way easier to procrastinate. Numerous writing tools are out there, not all of them are free, but these are the best ones. And don’t forget to check your career/education category when shopping – there are many tools in the stores that are really designed for teachers and students, they are low cost or even free.