Writers’ Resources: Unlock Your Creativity and Write with Confidence
Setting out to write a novel may seem difficult even for experienced authors, but with the available resources for writers in the market today, one should never walk alone.
From writing and editing tools to research and collaboration apps, we've got you covered. In this article, we'll explore the top writer resources to help you overcome writer's block, refine your craft, and produce a manuscript that's sure to impress.
A. Author Resources for Thorough Research
In the publishing world, where AI-assisted books are flooding the market, the difference between a bestseller and a forgotten title often boils down to one thing: rigorous research.
To stand out in a sea of books, writers need to be meticulous, persistent, and equipped with the right tools. That's where the best writing resources come in.
Research involves gathering, verifying, and analyzing information to create a believable, accurate, and engaging story.
Fact-checking is an essential part of research, as authors must verify facts, dates, and events to ensure accuracy and authenticity in the story.
When it comes to world-building, authors must create a rich, detailed, and immersive world, complete with its own history, geography, culture, and rules.
Character development is also a key aspect of research, as authors must craft well-rounded, realistic characters with their own backstories, motivations, and personalities.
Plot development requires building a compelling narrative with twists, turns, and surprises that keep readers engaged.
Here are the most suitable writer's resources at this stage:
General research tools
- Note-taking apps: Evernote, OneNote, Simplenote
- Browser extensions: Pocket, Evernote Web Clipper, Diigo
- Organization tools: Scrivener, Aeon Timeline
- Productivity and time management tools: Pomodoro timers, Focus@Will, RescueTime
- Citation management tools: Zotero, Mendeley, EndNote
Fiction research tools
- Character development tools: Character Builder [also check Physical Features Thesaurus], Rangen Personality Generator, Hero's Journey, Reedsy Character Name Generator
💡 Use Reedsy’s Template for Character Profile
- World-building tools: World Anvil, Campaign Cartographer, Fantasy Map Generator
- Plot development tools: Plottr, Novelize, Story Planner, Reedsy Plot Generator
- Writing prompts and inspiration tools: Writing.com, The Write Practice
Nonfiction research tools
- Academic databases: JSTOR, Europeana, Google Scholar, Wikipedia
- Interview and survey tools: SurveyMonkey, Google Forms, Typeform
- Data analysis and visualization tools: Tableau, Power BI
💡 Gather more ideas and join the conversation by tapping into writing communities.
B. Creative Writing Resources
After the research phase is complete, it's time to translate your findings into captivating prose.
While every writer cultivates a unique routine to unlock their creative flow, there are powerful tools available to ease the process.
These resources for writing go beyond style guides and grammar checkers. Imagine brainstorming companions, outlining wizards, and focus enhancers – all designed to elevate your writing.
1. Fiction writing tips
When writing fiction, create relatable characters with rich backstories, motivations, and conflicts that drive the narrative forward.
Your plot must balance action, dialogue, and description with a clear three-act structure and a satisfying resolution. To aid in this process, fiction writers can utilize various writer's resources, such as character development worksheets and plotting software, to help craft a compelling narrative.
Fiction writers should master pacing, tone, and atmosphere, using literary devices such as symbolism, imagery, and foreshadowing that enrich the reading experience. They should stay up-to-date with the latest news, trends, and information for writers on craft and technique.
Thus, writers transport readers to new worlds, evoke powerful emotions, and explore the human condition.
2. Nonfiction writing tips
Nonfiction writing focuses on conveying information, ideas, and expertise to educate, persuade, or entertain readers.
Nonfiction writers must prioritize clarity, concision, and accuracy, using evidence-based research and credible sources to support their claims. They can utilize various resources for writers, such as style guides and research tools, to ensure accuracy and credibility.
The writing style is often more formal and objective, with a focus on conveying complex information in a clear and accessible manner.
Nonfiction writers must also consider the needs and interests of their target audience, using headings, subheadings, and other organizational tools to facilitate comprehension. By doing so, nonfiction writers can inform, inspire, and empower readers, providing valuable insights and practical knowledge that can improve lives and spark positive change.
Writing tools
1. AI-assisted writing tools:
- Sudowrite: AI-powered writing assistant
- AI Writer: AI-driven writing tool for generating content and ideas
- WordLift: AI-powered content generation and optimization tool
2. Writing software:
- Scrivener: Popular writing software
- Ulysses [Mac only]: Writing app for creative writers and journalists
- Byword: Minimalist writing app for writers
3. Free writing resources:
- Reedsy: Editing and proofreading tool for writers and authors
- Libre Office: Free and open-source office suite with a wide range of tools and features for writing, editing, and designing documents.
Editing resources
AI-assisted editing tools:
- Grammarly: AI-powered writing assistant for grammar, spelling, and style checks
- ProWritingAid: AI-driven editing tool for grammar, style, and clarity checks
- Language Tool: AI-powered editing tool for grammar, style, and clarity checks
Editing software:
- Hemingway Editor: Simple, distraction-free editing tool for writers
- AutoCrit: Editing tool for fiction and nonfiction writers, with AI-assisted feedback
Read more on the PublishDrive blog
C. Publishing
As an author, you can choose to take the traditional route and find a literary agent or contact a publishing company. Or you can self-publish.
🔥 Here is where PublishDrive comes in.
PublishDrive is among the top book aggregators you could choose for your book distribution, whether you’re an author or a publisher looking for international audiences. It simplifies publishing, distribution, and book promotion, offering a one-stop resource hub.
PublishDrive works based on a flat fee subscription model, allowing authors and publishers full control over their revenue.
PublishDrive in a nutshell:
- Multi-format distribution: ebook publishing, print-on-demand, audiobook
- Book distribution to 20+ channels, 400+ stores, and thousands of digital libraries worldwide
- Royalty splitting solution to enable and enhance author collaboration
- POD cover template generator
- POD converter
To start self-publishing, you need to:
1: set an account and upload your content files for ebook, audiobook, and/or print-on-demand. You also have to fill out all the necessary details, such as creators, metadata, categories, price, rights, and distribution.
2: Select the stores you’d like to distribute to and click submit.
3: Wait as PublishDrive checks your files, metadata, categories, and more. You will see your book in the stores you selected after the stores review your book. The waiting time depends on those named stores.
Note: After publishing, you’ll start earning royalties after two months. PublishDrive compiles sales reports around the 10th of the month, two months after the sales, with the deadline for payment being the end of the same month. For example, sales made during May will be reported around the 10th of July and paid at the end of July.
To increase discoverability:
Imagine a library without a filing system. Finding the book you're looking for would be nearly impossible.
Metadata acts as that filing system for the digital world.
It provides essential information about published works, making them discoverable by search engines, accessible to different audiences, and even understandable by machines.
From enabling proper citation to ensuring long-term digital preservation, metadata plays a critical role in the publishing process.
Our Book Metadata Generator, part of the AI-powered Publishing Assistant, is your go-to author resource when it comes to metadata creation.
The Publishing Assistant is a standalone service available to authors, regardless of their distribution choices. It operates independently, with its own pricing structure and payment system.
To get started, users receive 60 complimentary credits, equivalent to creating metadata for one book. The Book Metadata Generator provides expert suggestions for all aspects of your book's metadata, including title, subtitle, series, pen names, Amazon categories, BISAC categories, and more.
Here is how it works.
D. Marketing
At this stage, your book is already published. To start generating revenue, you need to promote your book.
Here are some directions to follow:
1. Email marketing
- Invest in building an email list and creating regular newsletters to engage with readers and promote new releases.
- Tools: Mailchimp, ConvertKit, MailerLite
⚙️ Read more on how to build an email list.
2. Social media
- Invest in creating a strong online presence on platforms like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok to connect with readers and promote books.
- Tools: Hootsuite, Buffer, Canva
⚙️ Read more on:
- Complete Guide to Social Media for Self-Published Authors
- How to Launch a Book on Social Media
- How to Use BookTok as an Author
- The #Bookstagram Movement
- About the Author Page
3. Ads
- Invest in targeted online advertising to reach potential readers and promote books.
- Tools: Amazon Marketing Services, Facebook Ads, or do it all from the PublishDrive dashboard.
⚙️ Read more on:
4. Ebook deals
- Invest in promoting your ebook to new readers through popular ebook deal sites.
- Tools: BookBub, Freebooksy. Reach Freebooksy and other promotion sites from Written Word Media through the PublishDrive dashboard.
⚙️ Read more on:
5. Author website
- Invest in creating a professional author website to showcase books, share updates, and connect with readers. Make it a resource hub for your fanbase.
- Tools: WordPress, Wix, Squarespace
⚙️ Read more on:
6. Book reviews
- Invest in getting book reviews from readers, fellow writers, bloggers, and influencers to build credibility within your community and genre.
- Tools: NetGalley, BookSirens, Reading Deals
⚙️ Read more on:
- The Importance of Book Reviews
- Review Copies: Why They Matter and How to Send Them with PublishDrive
- How to Build an ARC Team
7. Analytics
- Invest in tracking sales, website traffic, and other metrics to understand your audience and optimize marketing efforts.
- Tools: Google Analytics, Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) or the Sales section in the PublishDrive dashboard.
⚙️ Read more on:
Set for Business
Becoming a successful authorpreneur requires mindset, tools, and vision.
By cultivating a growth mindset, embracing the best writing resources, the right tools andinformation for writers, authors can turn their passion into a profitable business. And, with PublishDrive's wide publishing network, you'll reach a global audience, effortlessly distributing your work to a world of readers.