These are our favourite writing tools and hacks. They help us to stay sane and rather organised. Got something you think should be on this page? Tell us about it!

Disclosure: Many links on this page are affiliate links. This means that abidemi.tv will earn a commission if you decide to purchase one of the products below - at no cost to you. Please understand that everything below was chosen because we either use it or it has been highly recommended by other users. As always, do make your own judgement before purchasing.

For more: read our disclaimer and website terms and conditions.

Writing tools

Office applications

Libreoffice. Not many people realise this, but there’s a big ol’ world out there outside of Microsoft Office. And in this world, free, open source office software like Libre Office triumphs them all. Try it and you’ll have a hard time going back to standard office applications.

Google Docs. Helps you create and edit documents online, for free. Also great for collaboration (you’re not still sending email attachments, are you?).

Scrivener. Authors seem to have a love/hate relationship with Scrivener. Some swear by it, and others? Not so much. It bills itself as a ‘powerful content-generation tool for writers that allows you to concentrate on composing and structuring long and difficult documents.’

There’s a free trial, so you can take it for a test drive.

Writing courses

If you’re looking for a writing course to help get your book out of your head and into the world, try our supportive course ‘From Blank Page to Finished Manuscript’.

Like all our courses, it’s risk-free (comes with a 30-day action-taker guarantee).

Writing apps

Bear. A flexible writing app for crafting notes and prose on iPhone, iPad, and Mac. 

Writing newsletter

Subscribe to UPDATES, our newsletter, written by a writer for writers. Packed full of writing tips, publishing news and the latest digital tools to help your writing. Subscribe – it’s free.

Block distractions

focus booster. This is a great tool for freelancers especially or those who also want to record the details of their workday.

FocusWriter is a simple, distraction-free writing environment. It utilises a hide-away interface that you access by moving your mouse to the edges of the screen, allowing the program to have a familiar look and feel to it while still getting out of the way so that you can immerse yourself in your work.

Focus is a Mac app that blocks distracting websites (like Facebook and Reddit) on all browsers (Safari, Chrome and Firefox). Focus can also block other Mac applications like Twitter, Skype or Mail.

Grammar tools

Grammarly. The world’s best grammar checker. 

Hemingwayapp. The app highlights lengthy, complex sentences and common errors

Editing your work

We’re often asked this a lot, so here are our recommended sources for professional editors.

Reedsy. Allows authors to find and work with the best professionals. Check out their vetted editors.

Sfep. Society for Editors and Proofreaders directory. 

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Self-publishing

eBook Partnership. Highly recommended, with a five star rating from Abidemi Sanusi (owner and founder of abidemi.tv). They offer ebook and print services, and their customer service really is superb.

Want to write a book? Check out this free writing course. 

Book cover designers

You might have written the greatest book in the world, but it means nothing if your book cover sucks. Here are two book cover designers we highly recommend.

Ana book designer. Creates beautiful, visually striking images. Check out her portfolio.

Jo Laycock. An intuitive designer, Jo's book covers tell a story. Email her, here.

Marketing

Email marketing/newsletters

Growing your mailing list should be your number one priority as a writer. A healthy mailing list gives a you a ready-made audience of readers and fans who want to hear from you and buy your books and services. To do that, you’ll need an email service provider.

Mailchimp. If all you want to do is send out monthly newsletters to your fans, then Mailchimp is probably the email service provider for you. There’s also a free option, which makes it a cost-effective solution. However, if you want to run a profitable writing platform, we would recommend Active Campaign.

Active Campaign. If you want to scale your online business, there really is no better option than Active Campaign. It’s email marketing on speed, and really does give you more bang for your buck.

Need help building your author brand? Try this free author branding worksheet.

Opt-in forms

Opt-in forms (such as the one used on this website) are a great way to build your mailing list. Because they literally ‘pop up’ on your website, interested parties can opt-in to hear from you.

Mailmunch. Provides opt-in forms and landing pages, and are fully integrated with most email service providers. Free.

Sumo. This is probably the industry leader. The forms are free and they integrate with most email service providers too.

Social media management

In an ideal world, our social media feeds would be filled with live updates. But alas, we have jobs to go to and other responsibilities too boring to go into, not to mention the lack of time, that prevent us from doing this. Enter social media management tools. These allow you to schedule your updates, thus freeing you for some much-needed writing time.​

Buffer. Allows you to share and schedule social media updates to all your networks. Their social media marketing blog is also one of the best. Easy to use. Free version available.

Hootsuite. Helps you manage all your social media accounts from one dashboard. It's easy to use and there's also a free version.

Need help with Twitter? Here's our guide to mastering Twitter like Trump and JK Rowling.

Need help with social media in general? Try the 'Best social network for writers: Twitter or Facebook?'

Website hosting

Blue Host. The preferred website host solution for a lot of people in the business.

Fasthosts. Offers the best Wordpress hosting deal, according to TechRadar.

Not sure which blogging platform is best for you? Read the best blogging platform for writers.

Need images for your blog? Read where to find images for your blog and social media.

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Freelancing

Business templates

Our solution templates are designed for freelancers who have much better things to do (like making money) than creating a business system from scratch. They are tried and tested, with templates ranging from email pitches, to getting paid (and even, firing clients).

In short, everything you need to make your freelance business a success. Even better, they all come with a lifetime guarantee.

Project managing your freelance projects

Asana. Easy way to manage your projects and track their progress with your clients. All project-related notes are captured on the platform, so you don’t have to deal with email overload. Free.

Basecamp. Not free, but there is a 30-day trial. Think of it as Asana’s rich cousin.

Trello: Best described as a visual project management and collaboration tool. Its boards, lists, and cards enable you to organize and prioritize your projects in a fun, flexible and rewarding way.

Time-tracking and client billing

Harvest. A time tracking app that helps you to track your project time and bill your clients correctly.

Toggl. Affordable and easy-to-use time-tracking software for freelancers.

Collaboration and document storage

Dropbox. Great for document collaboration and storage. And the great thing is, the more people you refer to Dropbox, the more storage space you’re allocated, so in theory, you could have the service for free ;-)

Freelance writing gigs

These freelance sites are a great way to market your services and build your portfolio.

Upwork. Global freelancing site. Create a profile and bid for jobs.

PeoplePerHour. Has more of a UK focus, but you can still use it to get gigs from all over the world.

Fiverr. Lots has been said about this site, but if you’re just getting started as a freelance writer, it’s probably one of the best places to start and build your portfolio.

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​It's good to talk

Got something to say? Contact us - we would love to hear from you!