Before you purchase another writing program, try these FREE platforms.
I am often asked which applications I would recommend to writers to help them complete their writing projects. These requests for product recommendations are confusing because my approach to writing, for myself or clients, never considered seeking assistance from a program. I entered the Book Publishing Industry, and chose to work exclusively with Black women writers, after twenty years of working in Retail and Project Management. But what causes my confusion is aspiring authors believe it would be easier to write with software. And, for Black women, this belief leads to questioning their ability to complete a manuscript.
What is a writing program?
The time it takes to complete a manuscript varies widely from writer to writer. A writing program is a tool to help writers at different points in their process with templates to build outlines, styling/format the text, and keep track of notes. These tools are intended to help writers increase their productivity and decrease the time taken to finish their manuscript. Additionally, potentially, making the book production process quicker when publishing independently or with a traditional company.
Admittedly, I hold space for skepticism and judgement of most software and programs pitched to writers. Mostly because I am (partially) data driven and require a specific threshold of transparency for application metrics, that can be independently analyzed, when any program claims to facilitate success for their users. I would, however, settle for a writer, that supports any writing tool, to be able to answer the following questions:
Where are you in your writing process?
What does the writing program cost?
How often have you purchased an application/program in the last 365 days claiming to make in whole or part of the writing process easier?
What is the timeline and level of engagement you've had with the writing program you recommend?
In what aspect has that application supported the completion of your writing project?
It is important to be able to verbalize tangible achievement from the use of any writing process improvement program. I encourage all writers that use and test various writing tools to benchmark when they begin, and at which point they discontinue its use. When those points are identified, they can evaluate the progression of their project(s) and identify which features are most valuable if considering another program.
Here are the writing tools I having been using.
For writers working on their rough draft, I favor general purpose writing processors where the landscape is open and doesn't immediately prompt them to begin outlining or organizing text. These processors are already installed on digital devices and include optional notification of spelling errors and grammar suggestions.
In order of personal preference, length of time on platform, and ease of sharing with clients and collaboration projects:
Word (online version free)
OneNote (online version free)
Google Docs (free and for those already using the platform, this is included)
Mobile Notes Apps (pre-installed on cell phones)
For those with a complete draft or practice outlining before they write, one application feature I value most is ease of use. This is determined through discoverability of basic functions sans the need for watching training videos or extensive reading of "hot-to" articles.
In timeline order, with intent to continue its use:
BookWright: Last fall, I published a children's book, A Cow Meets A Fish by Tamara Rice with this program. I tested typing within the program, uploading a story, and copy/pasting individual pages and found it very user friendly. Features include the ability to download and print proof copies of the book, however, the program does not provide an exported version that is optimized for "high quality printing or digital distribution." I have been testing its features other types of books.
Reedsy Studio: I began using the platform this year for a collection of stories with multiple contributors. I am writing directly into the program and copy/pasting individual pages. There are more tracking and organizing features, in addition to more options for exporting proofs. I will continue using this platform for the remainder of the year.
I recognize some writers are not equally enthused about technical elements and fully support the use of writing programs to help with styling/formatting text.
If you want to know more about either of these tools, connect with me or attend my next workshop and I’ll be happy to discuss them in detail!
