As technology advances, AI-driven writing tools have become increasingly valuable for authors. Here’s an updated list of both traditional and AI-powered writing and editing tools, including new options like Dabble, ChatGPT, Sudowrite, and NovelCrafter.
1. Scrivener
Features:
- Advanced word processing and organizational tools.
- Corkboard, outliner, and customizable templates for chapters/scenes.
Best for: Long-form writing projects (novels, research, scripts).
Benefits: Extremely flexible with robust tools for managing complex writing projects.
Drawbacks: Steep learning curve for beginners.
Pricing: $49 (one-time purchase for Mac/Windows).
2. Dabble
Features:
- Cloud-based software with real-time synchronization.
- Plot grids, timeline features, and goal-setting tools.
Best for: Authors looking for simplicity in organizing chapters and tracking progress.
Benefits: Easy to use and accessible from multiple devices with intuitive interface.
Drawbacks: Limited customization options and fewer advanced editing tools.
Pricing: $10/month or $100/year.
3. Microsoft Word
Features:
- Full-featured word processing with formatting, spellcheck, and track changes.
Best for: General writing, editing, and submitting manuscripts to publishers.
Benefits: Industry standard with powerful formatting options and universal compatibility.
Drawbacks: Not specialized for long-form projects; can be difficult to manage very large manuscripts.
Pricing: $69.99/year (Microsoft 365 subscription).
4. Google Docs
Features:
- Cloud-based collaboration tool with real-time editing and commenting.
Best for: Collaborative writing projects and sharing drafts with beta readers.
Benefits: Free, easily accessible from any device, and great for team projects.
Drawbacks: Limited formatting tools for manuscript submission; doesn’t support large-scale projects as well as dedicated writing software.
Pricing: Free.
5. Grammarly
Features:
- Grammar, punctuation, and tone checks with advanced style suggestions.
Best for: Improving writing clarity, grammar, and avoiding common mistakes.
Benefits: Integrates with Google Docs and Microsoft Word; real-time editing suggestions.
Drawbacks: Doesn’t catch deeper structural issues like plot or pacing problems.
Pricing: Free version available, Premium for $30/month or $144/year.
6. ProWritingAid
Features:
- Detailed reports on grammar, style, readability, and structure.
Best for: Comprehensive editing for both fiction and nonfiction writers.
Benefits: Offers more detailed analysis than Grammarly, including pacing and passive voice reports.
Drawbacks: Can be overwhelming due to the number of reports it generates.
Pricing: Free version available, Premium $79/year.
7. Sudowrite
Features:
- AI-powered writing tool that suggests plot ideas, characters, and story elements.
Best for: Authors needing creative assistance or experiencing writer’s block.
Benefits: Great for brainstorming and developing new ideas in real-time.
Drawbacks: AI-generated content might lack emotional depth and requires further refinement.
Pricing: $10/month for basic plan.
8. AutoCrit
Features:
- Tailored for fiction writers, focusing on genre-based style analysis, pacing, and dialogue.
Best for: Fiction writers looking to refine their manuscripts for readability and engagement.
Benefits: Provides specific insights tailored to genre conventions and writing style.
Drawbacks: Limited utility for nonfiction authors.
Pricing: $30/month, $297/year.
9. Hemingway Editor
Features:
- Highlights complex sentences, passive voice, and hard-to-read sentences.
Best for: Simplifying and clarifying your writing.
Benefits: Encourages concise, clear writing with a user-friendly interface.
Drawbacks: Doesn’t handle grammar corrections or offer more advanced editing features.
Pricing: Free online version, $19.99 for desktop app.
10. ChatGPT
Features:
- AI chatbot capable of generating content, brainstorming ideas, and offering feedback on writing.
Best for: Drafting, quick idea generation, and tackling writer’s block.
Benefits: Versatile, conversational AI that can assist with brainstorming and drafting content quickly.
Drawbacks: AI lacks the emotional nuance or creative spark of human-generated content.
Pricing: Free version, $20/month for ChatGPT Plus.
11. NovelCrafter
Features:
- AI-powered assistant designed for novel writing and structuring.
Best for: Authors looking for assistance in structuring complex plots and character development.
Benefits: Guides authors through story arcs, plot holes, and narrative consistency.
Drawbacks: Relatively new and evolving; AI-generated suggestions still need refinement.
Pricing: $12/month.
12. Reedsy Book Editor
Features:
- Free online writing and formatting tool for authors.
Best for: Authors needing basic writing tools and professional book formatting for EPUB and print.
Benefits: Easy to use with export-ready formats.
Drawbacks: Limited features compared to full-fledged writing software.
Pricing: Free.
13. Vellum
Features:
- Book formatting software for creating professional print and eBook layouts.
Best for: Authors who want polished, publication-ready formatting for their books.
Benefits: Beautiful output for both digital and print with simple, intuitive interface.
Drawbacks: Mac-only software; costly for occasional users.
Pricing: $199 for eBook generation, $249 for eBook + print generation.
14. Ulysses
Features:
- Clean, distraction-free writing environment with advanced organization tools.
Best for: Authors who prioritize minimalism and sync across Apple devices.
Benefits: Intuitive design with focus mode and rich organizational tools for long-form projects.
Drawbacks: Mac/iOS only.
Pricing: $5.99/month or $49.99/year.
15. yWriter
Features:
- Scene and chapter-focused organization with character and location tracking.
Best for: Authors who prefer a structured, scene-based writing process.
Benefits: Great for organizing complex stories with many scenes and characters.
Drawbacks: Basic interface and fewer features for grammar/style editing.
Pricing: Free (donation-supported).
16. Dabble
Features:
- Cloud-based, designed for simplicity and ease of use in long-form writing.
Best for: Authors who need minimal distractions and simple organization.
Benefits: Accessible on all devices, with plot grids and timeline features for visualizing stories.
Drawbacks: Fewer customization options and advanced features compared to Scrivener or Ulysses.
Pricing: $10/month, $100/year.
17. Squibler
Features:
- All-in-one writing software with features for outlining, collaboration, and manuscript export.
Best for: Fast-paced writers and teams who need real-time collaboration.
Benefits: Streamlined writing and collaboration process.
Drawbacks: Lacks some advanced features seen in Scrivener or Dabble for large projects.
Pricing: $9.99/month.
18. Plottr
Features:
- Visual story-mapping tool that helps authors outline and organize plotlines.
Best for: Authors who prefer visual outlining and planning.
Benefits: Timeline-based plotting makes it easy to track complex storylines.
Drawbacks: Focused on plotting, not an actual writing tool—authors will need additional software for drafting.
Pricing: $25/year.
19. yWriter
Features:
- Breaks manuscripts into scenes for easy organization and tracking of characters, locations, and items.
Best for: Writers focused on plot-driven stories and detailed scene management.
Benefits: Offers scene manipulation and character management features.
Drawbacks: Basic user interface; lacks advanced formatting or editing features.
Pricing: Free (donation-based).
20. GhosttheWriter
We’ve been making some very powerful AI editing and proofreading tools.
Conclusion
From traditional software like Scrivener and Microsoft Word to modern AI-powered tools like Sudowrite and ChatGPT, there are many options available to authors depending on their needs. Whether you’re looking for robust organizational tools, real-time collaboration, or AI-driven writing assistance, there’s a solution that fits your project and style. The key is to find the right balance between creative freedom, editing functionality, and publishing readiness.
PS – there are some pretty big new developments with AI tools that make writing and editing books easier. Serious authors may find them useful, as a kind of writing assistant; but they can be fun for amateurs as well – you can use an AI story generator to quickly turn your idea into a captivating short story!
