These days, there is an app for just about anything a writer could possibly need. From productivity to organization to meditation or music – our phones help us do a lot. For writers, there are so many apps to help beat writer’s block, dictate voice recordings, find inspiration, and more. Here are our top app recommendations writers should use regularly.
1) Hemingway Editor
The Hemingway Editor can be used via the internet or as an app on your computer. With the Hemingway Editor, you add your text and will get a report of not only how clear and concise your writing is, but also the estimated reading level, total word count, the number of sentences that are hard to read, and more. This app is great for a first-time or novice writer who wants to improve their writing and understand exactly what needs to be fixed in a clear, color-coded method.
Visit: Hemingway Editor
2) Evernote
I love Evernote because it keeps my digital note-keeping organized. It can create different notebooks, copy and paste website text, save links, take notes, keep voice recordings, and more. The app syncs across all my devices as well. So, if I add a note in the app on my phone, I’ll see the same note when I open the app on my computer or tablet.
Visit: Evernote
3) Pomodoro Timer
The Pomodoro technique is a time management method that breaks work down into intervals. Essentially, you work for 25 minutes and take a break. Depending on how many tasks you’ve checked off, you either take a break for 3–5 minutes or 15–30 minutes. The more tasks you check off, the longer break you get to take. This method is said to increase productivity and reduce fogginess during your workday. There are tons of Pomodoro timer apps out there, so choose the one you like best. Then, break your writing down into 25-minute work blocks.
Download: Apple or Google Play
4) Google Drive
Backing up your manuscript in multiple places on a regular schedule should be at the top of your list. Google Drive is great because is serves as a backup system for you and all you need is a Google email address to use it. Plus, the drag and drop feature makes it a cinch to back up your work. With the Drive app, you can access your files from your computer, phone, or tablet and they all sync with each other.
Visit: Google Drive
5) Google Calendar
Another Google product I really love is the calendar. I’m a huge fan of time-blocking my schedule each week. I’ve learned to estimate exactly how much time I either need or want to dedicate to each task on my daily list and how many hours I want to work. Then, I color code the tasks onto my calendar by the type of task, set the amount of time I’ll work on the task, and that’s it. When it comes to doing the work, I stick to those time blocks, and I get a lot more done.
Visit: Google Calendar
6) Microsoft Word
There are many fancy, and pricey, book writing apps. Yet, Microsoft Word is all you really need. Any publisher is going to require a Word document of your manuscript for publication, so make it easier on yourself by creating your book in Word to start with.
Visit: Microsoft
7) Spotify
Whether you want to jam out to your favorite band, follow along with a meditation, play a podcast, or simply like to write to the sound of rain noises, you can achieve all of these through the Spotify app.
Visit: Spotify
8) Audible
Not only is there a huge benefit for writers to read a lot, but there’s an even bigger benefit to listening to books read aloud. Editors always recommend writers read their work out loud, so they can find repetitive words, awkward sentences, and misspellings. But listening to a well-written, published book is also a great learning tool. So, the next time you go to read a book, try listening to it as an audiobook instead.
Visit: Audible
9) Pinterest
Pinterest is a total treasure trove for writers. From location research and character building to writing prompts and advice, writers can find all the inspiration they need in one place.
Visit: Pinterest
10) Merriam-Webster Dictionary
There are times when we all struggle to think of the word we’re looking for, need a synonym, or want to expand our vocabulary a bit. Having the Merriam-Webster app on your phone helps in all three of those areas.
Visit: Merriam-Webster
As a writer, what app do you find yourself using most often as it relates to your writing? Want more? Read our other writing advice articles.
