Building a career as a writer has never been more accessible, thanks to the wealth of tools available online. From creating polished drafts to organizing your workflow, connecting with like-minded creatives, and even publishing your work, the right tools can make all the difference. But with so many options, it can be overwhelming to know where to begin.

To help you streamline your efforts and boost your productivity, here’s a guide to the best online tools for writers. Each one is designed to support different aspects of your career, whether you’re crafting your first draft, juggling multiple projects, or marketing your work to new audiences.

Writing and Editing Tools

Every writer knows the importance of getting the words right, and these platforms help you refine your craft while eliminating distractions.

Scrivener

What It Does: Scrivener is the ultimate writing software for long-form projects like novels, screenplays, or eBooks. Its ability to break a manuscript into manageable sections makes it easier to organize complex ideas.

Best Features:

  • Multitier binder for organizing chapters and scenes
  • Corkboard view for visualizing your content outline
  • Research storage to keep notes and references in one place
  • How to Use: Start with Scrivener's templates to streamline your project setup. Use the binder to reorder sections or track your progress.
  • Cost: $59.99 one-time fee (free trial available).

Grammarly

What It Does: Grammarly polishes your writing by highlighting grammar, spelling, and style issues.

Best Features:

  • Real-time suggestions for clearer communication
  • Tone detector to match your intended audience
  • Advanced premium options for sentence rewrites
  • How to Use: Install the browser extension or desktop app. Copy and paste your text for instant feedback or use Grammarly in synced apps like Google Docs.
  • Cost: Free, with premium plans starting at $12/month.

Hemingway Editor

What It Does: Hemingway Editor helps you simplify your writing, making it clearer and easier to read.

Best Features:

  • Highlights overly complex sentences
  • Shows readability scores
  • Suggests simpler alternatives for difficult words
  • How to Use: Paste your text into the editor, review highlighted areas, and tweak your writing to reduce unnecessary complexity.
  • Cost: Free for the online version, $19.99 for the desktop app.

Organization and Productivity Tools

Staying organized is critical when managing deadlines or juggling multiple projects. These tools help you maintain focus and get more done.

Notion

What It Does: Notion is a powerful all-in-one workspace for notes, project management, databases, and calendars.

Best Features:

  • Customizable templates for writing schedules, book outlines, and character profiles
  • Task boards for visualizing deadlines
  • Integration with apps like Trello or Google Drive
  • How to Use: Create a writing dashboard to track projects, store research, and monitor your progress. Use a Kanban board to keep upcoming deadlines front and center.
  • Cost: Free for individuals, premium plans start at $8/month.

Trello

What It Does: Trello uses boards, lists, and cards to organize tasks. It’s perfect for breaking big projects into smaller, manageable pieces.

Best Features:

  • Drag-and-drop task cards
  • Set labels, deadlines, and checklists for each card
  • Sync across devices for easy access
  • How to Use: Create boards for your writing projects. For example, use one list to brainstorm ideas, another to track progress, and a third for completed tasks.
  • Cost: Free, premium plans from $5/month.

Focus@Will

What It Does: This app offers curated music tracks designed to enhance focus and reduce distractions.

Best Features:

  • Customizable soundtracks based on your work style
  • Timed focus sessions
  • Analytics to track productivity levels
  • How to Use: Choose a playlist that suits your mood or energy level, and use the timer to replicate focused writing sprints.
  • Cost: Plans start at $7/month.

Publishing Platforms

Getting your work in front of readers is a key milestone for any writer. These platforms help you self-publish, share, and monetize your content.

Medium

What It Does: Medium is a writing and sharing platform with a built-in audience of engaged readers. Writers can earn money through Medium’s Partner Program.

Best Features:

  • Easy-to-use publishing interface
  • Built-in distribution to Medium followers
  • Partner Program revenue based on time spent reading your work
  • How to Use: Publish essays, articles, or serialized fiction and promote your posts within your existing online network.
  • Cost: Free to publish, $5/month for unlimited access to other writers’ work.

Substack

What It Does: Substack lets you create and monetize a newsletter by charging subscribers for access to exclusive content.

Best Features:

  • Direct reader connection via email
  • Options for free and paid subscription tiers
  • Analytics to track growth
  • How to Use: Publish regular newsletters in your niche, engage with readers through comments, and offer more in-depth or advanced writing for paying subscribers.
  • Cost: Free to use; Substack takes a 10% cut of paid subscriptions.

Reedsy

What It Does: Reedsy connects self-published authors with top freelancers for editing, design, and marketing services.

Best Features:

  • Access to vetted professionals for book production
  • Writing tools like milestone trackers and formatting aids
  • Community features like collaborative blogs
  • How to Use: Use Reedsy’s production services to prepare your manuscript for publishing, or find professionals to design your book cover.
  • Cost: Free to join, with added costs for professional services.

Networking and Communities

Connecting with other writers and industry professionals is essential for growth and staying motivated.

LinkedIn

What It Does: LinkedIn connects professionals across industries, making it an excellent platform for networking and finding writing opportunities.

Best Features:

  • Opportunity to showcase your portfolio
  • Networking with publishers, editors, and marketers
  • Access to freelance job postings
  • How to Use: Regularly publish articles and updates about your writing projects and engage in niche-specific LinkedIn Groups to expand your visibility.
  • Cost: Free, with LinkedIn Premium plans starting at $39.99/month.

Scribophile

What It Does: Scribophile is an online community that provides detailed critiques and support for writers of all levels.

Best Features:

  • Feedback from experienced writers
  • Opportunities to workshop drafts
  • Connection with writers in specific genres
  • How to Use: Post your work and critique others to earn ‘karma points.’ Use these points to exchange for detailed reviews of your own pieces.
  • Cost: Free with optional premium memberships starting at $7/month.

NaNoWriMo Forums

What It Does: Built around National Novel Writing Month, this platform offers year-round support for novelists.

Best Features:

  • Vibrant forum discussions
  • Writing goal trackers
  • Community motivation during NaNoWriMo in November
  • How to Use: Join challenges to stay accountable, share progress, and get advice about plotting, pacing, or editing.
  • Cost: Free.