05/23/2025 Writing Tools That Work: A Resource Guide for Fiction Authors
- Candace Nola
- May 23
- 5 min read
Writing a novel can sometimes feel like climbing a mountain, exhausting, with many setbacks, but the feeling when you finish is like no other! With so many elements to keep track of, from character development to plot twists, having the right tools can make all the difference. I personally have used some of the tools and programs listed below, others I have researched widely, and know that many of my author peers use many of these tools with great success.
Every author is different, and as such, we must all find a method that works best for us. Check out some of the best tools on the market below!
Outlining Tools
When it comes to outlining your story, having a clear structure can significantly ease the writing process. Here are some fantastic tools to help you outline effectively.
Scrivener
Scrivener is a powerhouse for authors. This software allows you to break down your project into manageable sections, making it easier to outline chapters and scenes. The corkboard feature lets you visualize your story’s structure by moving index cards around. For example, many authors who write complex narratives with multiple plot lines find they can track various threads seamlessly.
I did use this software when I first started to write but found that I spent more time using the corkboard and getting bogged down in other features that I was losing writing time. While I do love the concept and the features offered, for my personal process, it just didn't work well enough for me, but I do recommend giving it a shot to see if it works for you, if you are more disciplined, love to be organized, and think in terms of lists, order, and details.
Plottr
If you’re more visually inclined, Plottr might be your cup of tea. This tool offers timelines and plot templates that make outlining a breeze. You can create character profiles and settings, linking them directly to your plot points. For instance, authors can see how their character arcs develop over time, helping them maintain consistency throughout the story.
In fact, 80% of Plottr users found that building character relationships visually enhanced their overall storytelling. For those of you with character heavy storylines, Plottr may be perfect for your needs!
Planning Tools
Good planning is vital for any writing project. Here are a few tools that can help streamline your planning process.
Google Docs
Google Docs is a classic for a reason. Its collaborative features allow you to share your work easily with beta readers or editors, ensuring that you receive feedback quickly. Most authors appreciate how they can edit, add to, and access their manuscript from anywhere. The ability to leave comments and suggestions makes it easier to incorporate changes, reducing the likelihood of misunderstandings during the feedback process.
Trello
Trello seems to be more of a business tool and is fantastic for project management, but it does seem to do wonders assisting with projects. You can set up boards to track your progress, create ideas for scenes, or map out character arcs. The drag-and-drop feature, allows authors to reorder tasks seamlessly, helping you visualize your progress. While I have not used this tool, I do appreciate its features and apparent ease of use. I can see how someone with a very disciplined and organized thought process would find this system to be highly beneficial, especially for complex storylines and character arcs.
Formatting Tools
Once your manuscript is complete, it’s time to format it for submission or publication. Here are some tools to ease that process.
Vellum
Vellum is specifically designed for formatting eBooks. For authors planning to self-publish, this tool simplifies creating beautiful, professional-looking books. Featuring various templates, Vellum can help authors produce a polished manuscript ready for publication. I know many authors that work with Vellum with incredible results, but I have yet to sit down with this tool and really see if it would be viable for me. It is also worth noting that Vellum is a MAC only tool.
Reedsy Book Editor
Reedsy offers a free online book editor that simplifies formatting your manuscript. The platform's user-friendly design allows you to produce upload-ready files in just a few clicks. Per their website, in 2019, Reedsy reported that over 50,000 authors used their editor, showcasing its effectiveness in helping writers format manuscripts without the common headaches. That is an impressive number but just remember that not every tool is going to be the best tool for you.
However, that being said, nothing can beat free, simple, and user-friendly, this option may just be perfect for a new author just getting started. I will also point out that browsing their site for just a few minutes will lead a new author to a plethora of helpful tips, craft articles, and more, making the site something worth checking out just for that material.
Atticus Author Software
Atticus is designed to be a one-stop shop for any author. With the ability to allow an author to write, edit, revise, and format all within the program, while also being able to create your upload-ready files when it is time for launch, it truly is a wonderful tool. While they are still adding features and working out some small bugs as they go, Atticus is very simple to use and does have the ability to become a truly exceptional program once they finish all the additions and upgrades.
I use Atticus as my main formatting tool, but I do prefer to write in Word, simply because I often write on my phone and on the go, so I have greater access to Word, however I can see the benefits of writing within the program.
Additional Resources
Beyond tools for outlining, planning, and formatting, there are other helpful resources every fiction writer should explore. Newsletter help, ARC readers, and more are a must for any author, whether new or established, looking for ways to help build that readership, engage new readers in your journey, and reach a wider audience are often the biggest challenges an author can face. I use all of the tools listed below.
Check out the below websites that are created to help with exactly that process!
Story Origin
Book Sirens
Book Funnel
Written Word Media
Find What Works Best for You!
Finding the right writing tools can transform your experience of crafting a novel into something more manageable and enjoyable. Whether you prefer the structure of Scrivener and Plottr, the collaborative ease of Google Docs, or the professional feel of Vellum, there’s a tool that will fit your needs.
Take the time to explore these resources. Test them out and compare notes. Ask some of your peers about their process and see what tricks they have learned and ask if they can suggest any other tool or resource that is not mentioned here, that may be a better option.
Tools are wonderful, when they can help us save time and when they work FOR us but be sure to find one that works for you.
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