Let’s talk about writing tools for authors—specifically, 7 that can save you time, sanity, and creative energy.
Whether you’re penning your first cozy mystery or plotting the tenth book in your psychological thriller series, one thing’s true for all writers: the right tools can make all the difference.
Today’s writing isn’t just about talent—it’s about systems. And if you’re still writing in plain Word docs, wrangling your notes across five sticky pads, and manually formatting your manuscript at midnight… it’s time for an upgrade.
1. Scrivener: Your Digital Writer’s Room
If you’re still typing your entire novel in a single Word file, let’s fix that.
Scrivener is the gold standard for long-form writing. It’s designed for authors who want to plot, draft, rearrange, and revise all in one place.
Why authors love it:
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Break your manuscript into scenes and chapters
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Move pieces around without copy-paste chaos
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Store research, notes, and character profiles inside your project
Best for: Plotters, series writers, and authors juggling multiple subplots.
2. ProWritingAid: Your Editor Before the Editor
Think of ProWritingAid as your private, always-patient writing coach. It’s like Grammarly but tailored for fiction.
What it does:
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Checks grammar and spelling
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Flags passive voice, repetition, pacing issues
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Offers deep stylistic suggestions for narrative writing
You can use it standalone or integrate with Word, Google Docs, and Scrivener.
Best for: Anyone who wants cleaner, tighter prose—and fewer rewrites after feedback.
3. Atticus: Write + Format in One Tool
One of the best writing tools for authors is Atticus combines writing and book formatting in a single platform—and it’s built specifically for indie authors.
Highlights:
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Clean, distraction-free writing interface
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Instant formatting for ebook and print
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Templates for clean, professional interiors
No more wrestling with Vellum or hoping your Word styles don’t break on Kindle.
Best for: Self-published authors who want beautiful books without hiring a formatter.
4. Plottr: For Visual Story Planners
If you’re a visual thinker, Plottr lets you lay out your story like a timeline. It’s perfect for mystery and thriller writers juggling red herrings, twists, and character arcs.
What it does:
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Visual drag-and-drop plotting
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Scene cards, character tracking, subplot timelines
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Export to Scrivener or Word
Best for: Plotters who want a bird’s-eye view of their story structure.
5. Publisher Rocket: Smarter Keywords & Categories
You wrote the book—now let’s get it in front of readers. Publisher Rocket helps you optimize your Amazon metadata like a pro.
Use it to:
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Find high-traffic, low-competition keywords
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Choose profitable Amazon categories
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Analyze competitor books and pricing
Best for: Indie authors and marketers who want data-driven decisions (not guesswork).
6.
Canva: A Visual Power Tool in Your Author Toolbox
When it comes to marketing your book, strong visuals matter—and Canva is one of the most versatile writing tools for authors who want to take control of their own promotion.
Whether you’re launching a new mystery novel or planning a reader magnet giveaway, Canva helps you design professional graphics without needing a background in design.
Use Canva to:
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Create social media teasers, quote cards, and cover reveals
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Design lead magnets like checklists, printables, or bonus chapters
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Mock up ebook or audiobook covers for promotions or ads
With a library full of templates and drag-and-drop simplicity, Canva saves time and helps your author brand stay consistent.
Best for: Authors who want polished, on-brand visuals without hiring a designer.
7. CraveBooks Author Dashboard: Promote with Ease
You knew this was coming—but we mean it: if you’re not using CraveBooks for your book promotion services, you’re making your life harder than it needs to be.
Here’s what you can do with it:
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Schedule promo stacks across ebook and audiobook formats
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Upload reader magnets to grow your email list
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Track promo performance in your own dashboard
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Bundle your mystery promos for more impact (and better value)
Best for: Mystery, thriller, and crime fiction authors ready to streamline their marketing.
Final Thoughts: Don’t Just Write Hard—Write Smart
There’s no perfect tool that does everything—but using the right mix of writing tools for authors can help you focus on what matters: crafting compelling stories and connecting with readers.
Every tool on this list can help you save time, avoid mistakes, and move forward with more confidence. You don’t need to be tech-savvy—just intentional.
Start with one. Then layer in others as your needs grow.
And if you’re promoting your book soon, don’t forget to grab your free CraveBooks author account. It’s a tool that grows with you.
