Creating Your Writers Toolkit: 14 Best Tools For Writers

As a writer, writing probably comes naturally to you most of the time. However, there are days when you may face writer’s block, time constraints, or burnout. Fortunately, there are a lot of tools for writers that can help you get your very best writing done all the time.

Let’s find out more about what having a writers toolkit can do for your career and mental health!

Tools for writers

What are tools for writers?

What exactly does all this mean? Well, a carpenter has a lot of tools that they use, such as a saw, hammer, nails, etc. These things help them to complete their tasks in a timely fashion, and it helps them be productive.

Tools for writing are different than a carpenter’s, but, just as with any profession, they help you do your job more effectively and can make the process of writing a lot smoother.

Whether you’re a new writer who needs help writing your manuscript or you’re looking for content writing tools, you’ll find what you need here.

How can tools help you be more a effective or a better writer?

No matter how amazing your writing skills are, you can benefit from various tools for writers. Here are the best reasons for having a writers toolkit!

You'll be more creative

First, when you have everything you need to accomplish your tasks, you leave a lot more room for creativity.

You’ll have the time and space to explore different ways of writing and storytelling because your writing toolkit will ensure that you’re being effective.

Your productivity will increase

Some of the tools for writing we’ll discuss here will help you to get more done in less time. Your productivity will skyrocket when you start using even a few of these tools.

Why? Because staying organized and having a plan when you get distracted can help you be way more effective.

Will help you if you get writer’s block or burnout

If you suddenly face the dreaded writer’s block (or writer’s burnout), having this writing toolbox can be especially helpful.

It can help you get through your difficult days of writing. You'll still be able to make progress even when you feel less focused.

14 Best tools for writers

Here are the very best tools for writers, rounded up into one list! You’ll find tips for creating the best environment, apps and programs, and more.

1. Good writing environment

First things first, it’s much easier to get work done when you’re in a functional space. So before you start writing, ensure that you have a clean desk space.

Then seek out a quiet environment (or use headphones if necessary). Make sure your workspace is tidy and organized and have a drink like coffee or tea nearby to help you focus.

2.  Scheduling app or planner

In order to keep up with your writing deadlines and tasks for various clients, you’ll need some sort of scheduling system. Some people prefer an app for this or their google calendar, others like a paper planner.

There are also systems like Trello that can be very functional for keeping track of multiple projects at once. Having a calendar is one of the best content writing tools, as well, since you may be working with multiple clients at once.

3. Dedicated time to write

Decide in advance what time of day you will write. This doesn’t have to be at the same time every day. It’s just important to know what your plan is.

So you can decide to write for 3 hours in a row every day, or all day Fridays, or whatever works best for you. But knowing what time you’ve dedicated to writing can help eliminate distractions.

4. Writing prompts

If you suddenly run out of ideas, writing prompts are very helpful. There are lots of places to find writing prompts.

You can use these to get you back on track or become more creative when writing a book. Even if you’re content writing about a specific topic, taking a few minutes to write about something else entirely can help you to refocus.

5. Notebook and pen

As a general rule for writers, you should have a notebook and pen with you at all times. You might have a good idea while you’re waiting in line for a coffee or sitting at your desk.

An old-school notebook and pen can help you to capture your good ideas quickly. This is one of the best (and simplest) tools for writers.

6. Laptop

This is probably what you use to write most often, and it’s definitely the fastest option for getting a lot of words written at once.

A high-quality laptop that is portable and easy to use is a must for all writers and definitely an essential for your writers toolkit.

7. Grammarly (Grammar tool)

Grammarly is a program that helps to correct your grammar as you write. It also checks for plagiarism and spelling mistakes.

Many writers use something like this to edit their work, and it’s a good idea to look into it because it can save you time and make sure that your work is easy to read.

Tools for writers

8. Yoast or other SEO tool

If you’re a blogger, Yoast is going to be hugely helpful when it comes to keywords and making sure you’re using them correctly. If you want your content to rank for search engines, Yoast is a great program for WordPress.

The website also has a lot of SEO information if you’re learning the ropes for online content writing.

On the other hand, if you write content for bloggers or for websites and don’t have Yoast, there are several other great SEO tools you can use. Programs like Ahrefs and Semrush are great ones to try out.

9. Thesaurus

A thesaurus will come in handy when you don’t want to overuse a word or you need to give more detail or explain in a different way. This can help improve vocabulary and make your sentences and stories come alive.

Thesaurus.com is free and easy to use, too, and it’s one of the best tools for writers.

10. Dictionary

No matter how good your vocabulary is, there are always more words to learn! If you aren’t sure if you’re using a word correctly or if you come across a term you’re unfamiliar with during research, a dictionary is the perfect thing to help you out.

Try out dictionary.com or Merriam-Webster.

11. CoSchedule (Headline tool)

This is one of the very best content writing tools to have if you are a content or blog writer. If you want your headlines to be interesting and attention-grabbing, try out CoSchedule’s headline analyzer.

It will grade your headlines using a percentage system that includes things like skimm-ability and word balance.

12. A writing program

Obviously, if you’re going to write something, you need a program to write it in and keep track of it. Some of the most popular options for this are Microsoft Word and Google Docs.

Each has its benefits, so the best thing to do is use the one you’re most comfortable with.

13. Pomodoro timer

If you’re on a strict writing deadline or like to keep focused on your schedule, a Pomodoro timer is awesome.

The basic idea is to work consistently for a set time and then take a short break. You do this repeatedly to be as efficient as possible.

YouTube has some great options for this, with and without music. You can use a timer where you work for 25 minutes and break for 5, or work for 50 minutes at a time and break for 10.

14. Take effective breaks

While we’re talking about breaks, be sure that you’re taking effective ones. What does this mean? It means taking a break that actually refreshes your mind and helps you to rest while still staying on task.

UNC Learning Center has some ideas for this. They suggest taking some time away from screens.

While the easy choice might be to scroll social media for a few minutes, a healthier and more efficient option is to take time away from technology.

Take a short walk outside for the fresh air, stretch, drink some water or coffee, or read a book for a few minutes.

Related articles on writing

Did you find this article helpful? Check out these related articles for more resources.

Using these tools for writers can make all the difference!

These tools for writing are easy to add to your daily routine and can help you to be a better writer.

You may find that some of these suggestions work better for you than others, so figure out what helps you the most and make it part of your life.

Being the best writer you can be starts with having the right tools to accomplish your goals. Then you’re much more likely to succeed, whether you're a freelancer or writing a novel.

Scroll to Top