7 Trending Apps for Writers in 2017


There is a great diversity of apps available for writers who work on their laptops or mobile devices, from simple text editors to fully featured writing software suites. You can find an app that will help you take notes, write an essay, work on a fiction novel, or perform any other creative task.

Even a brainy young writer may get stuck building a story plot or developing a unique writing voice. As students, we may rely on writing services by essay service. Fortunately, today’s writers also have plenty of the new tools. Several writing apps are not only useful but absolutely indispensable. In this post, I’m going to share seven top apps for writers. Once you try them, you’ll never go back your old style of work!

1. MindNode

Available for: Mac, iPad, and iPhone
Cost: $29.99
Main features:

  • the map starting off a central idea and branching it out with various characters, plot points, or settings;
  • color coding, highlighting, tinted stickers and labels available to adorn the branches;
  • Outline feature which helps to search and swap nodes automatically updating the structure of your narration;
  • Notes feature which allows adding text to any node without messing up the canvas with too much text.

Why you need it: The app has too many features to mention them all. Personally, I enjoy using a constantly expanding canvas for long-term writing projects. I can brainstorm endlessly without messing up the ideas and additional information. If you are a college student, consider using this or the next app for writing a dissertation.

2. Scrivener

Available for: Mac OS, Windows and iOS devices
Cost: Free trial, $45 to buy
Main features:

  • a corkboard view for each document (chapter or scene) as movable index cards;
  • the ability to overview your project and reorder the documents on the corkboard using their synopses only;
  • compiling multiple documents into a standard manuscript format;
  • Outliner which helps to organize your ideas using as many or few levels as you want and rearrange them in a drag-and-drop way;
  • such editing possibilities as adding tables, bullet points, and images;
  • Scriptwriting mode with useful templates;
  • a distraction-free mode;
  • a possibility to export your document into an e-book.

Why you need it: Whether you’re going to write a 5-paragraph essay or a magazine article, Scrivener will assist you at every stage of creating it. This app is a complete writing studio with lots of helpful features. Many writers to organize research, make outlines and story-boards, and take notes.

3. Ulysses

Available for: Macs, iPads, and iPhones.
Cost: $44.99
Main features:

  • a distraction-free writing mode;
  • a markup-based text editor that marks headers, important passages or comments;
  • all your writing files will be autosaved and organized in a single library;
  • a possibility to attach additional information (notes, PDFs, keywords) to a text;
  • different files formats;
  • direct publishing straight to WordPress;
  • writing goals settings to boost productivity;
  • automatic sync to Dropbox and iCloud.

Why do you need it: The reviews about Ulysses are positive. Users appreciate a cool content creation experience.

4. iA Writer

Available for: Mac and iOS
Cost: $9.99
Main Features:

  • Syntax highlight which finds weak verbs, superfluous adjectives, repetitive nouns, and false conjunctions;
  • a stellar typographic preview templates;
  • a possibility to create custom templates;
  • easy markup;
  • fast syncing with Dropbox and Google Drive;
  • integrated file browser;
  • export straight into WordPress;
  • focus mode deepens your concentration on one sentence at a time dimming all the others;
  • Content blocks feature that allows you to embed tables and images.

Why you need it: Syntax highlight feature makes iA Writer stand out among similar writing apps. It enhances a self-editing process. The ability to create clear and concise content is vital for writers.

5. WordBook

Available for: iOS devices
Cost: $1,99
Main features:

  • etymology dictionary;
  • a database of word definitions and usage examples;
  • pronunciation guides;
  • a spell checker with suggestions for misspelled words;
  • built-in thesaurus and word links showing semantic relationships;
  • user’s bookmark;
  • history manager.

Why you need it: Every self-respecting writer needs a comprehensive and intuitive dictionary and thesaurus of the English language. A mix of extensive contents and user-friendly interface makes Wordbook the best one in its category. You can benefit from the app’s features without internet connection unless you want to view online dictionaries or listen to the audio pronunciation.

6. Lists for Writers

Available for: iOS and Android
Cost: $2.99
Main features:

  • lists that include character names, physical characteristics, and occupations; personality thoughts and behaviors, plot and setting lines, and much more!
  • shuffle and search features that let you find any list and mix the results;
  • dictionary support;
  • Notepad feature that lets you save your favorite list items, edit them, and e-mail or print the notes.

Why you need it: Lists for Writers is a helpful addition to your writer’s toolbox. It will be beneficial to both beginner and professional writers. Whether it’s an academic paper assignment or a fiction book, the lists of prompts and ideas will help you get your work done.

7. Grammarly

Available for: PC, Mac, online usage
Cost: Free trial, $29.95 per month, Quarterly Subscription: $19.98 per month.
Main features:

  • spelling, grammar, and punctuation mistakes-detection;
  • detailed explanations for mistakes and suggestions of improvements;
  • weekly progress reports on productivity, accuracy, used vocabulary and common mistakes;
  • plagiarism checker for premium users.

Why you need it. Accuracy is important for any type of writing, whether it is an academic paper, a resume, a short story, a novel, or a post on Facebook. Grammar is a chrome extension that detects mistakes anywhere you type online.

Utilize the modern technologies if you want to become successful in a writing profession. Content creators, copywriters, bloggers, academic essay writers, fiction authors and journalists know that the best modern innovation can increase productivity. The apps from this list will help you find the necessary words, save time on organizing content, polish the output paper, and improve the overall writing experience.

About the Author: Michelle Brooks is the blogger specializing in career, self-development and e-learning. Currently, she contributes to the educational resource.


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