"Give me six hours to chop down a tree and I will spend the first four sharpening the axe. ~ Abraham Lincoln.
It's often been said, you're only as good as your tools. And even though a keen mind and an even keener pen (or computer these days) are still the main tools of a writer or blogger in 2018, there are others out there.
Which is the problem. How do you know which to use?
If you tried them all, you'd never write or publish a thing. And if you ignored them all, well, that's not a smart move either. The serious writer or blogger of today needs to know where the advantages are, what the competition is using.
And there's no point in sharpening an axe if it's a bandsaw you need.
Which is why we here at Write to Done have put together this resource for the serious writer or blogger. To lead you safely through the minefield of tools out there.
The Write To Done team have included all their favorites, many of which they use on a daily basis. The list is not exhaustive, we'll add to it as we go.
If you have a favorite tool not listed here, add it in the comments and if we can, we'll get hold of it and give it a test run. If it measures up, we'll add it to the next update.
In the meantime help your fellow writers and bloggers and share this resource around.
WRITING TOOLS
Features
Scrivener is a word processor and project management tool that stays with you from that first, unformed idea all the way through to the final draft.
Outline and structure your ideas, take notes, view research alongside your writing and compose the constituent pieces of your text in isolation or in context.
Scrivener won't tell you how to write—it just makes all the tools you have scattered around your desk available in one application.
Review
Scrivener is one of my key tools as a writer.
You can use it for fiction as well as for non-fiction. I’m using the novel template to keep myself on track.
In fact, I learned to use it in just a few days with the easy course Write Faster with Scrivener (see below)
Here's a post I made showing how I personally use Scrivener to not only to write faster, but also to write better: How To Write Faster With Scrivener
PAID
At only $45 Scrivener really is a steal. If you are serious about writing, I can't recommend it highly enough.
Features
How you can get Scrivener to do exactly what you want and accelerate your writing career in less than 1 week
Finally...get the secret weapon every successful writer uses to publish their books, finish their novels, and have their work seen by hundreds...even millions of people...every single day
Review
This is one of the most useful courses I’ve taken as a writer. I learned how to get started with Scrivener and then learned more advanced tips to get the most of the software. I highly recommend this course!
PAID
Student: $127
Rockstar: $197
Ninja: $297
Features
Evernote is like having a second brain. You can capture, organize, and share notes from anywhere. Your best ideas are always with you and always in sync.
Review
Many writers swear by Evernote. It's a top tool for every writer, researcher, or blogger.
FREE
Evernote is free!
HEADLINE & TOPIC SUGGESTION TOOLS
What's the point in writing your blog post, sales page or book if no one reads it? Writing eye-catching headlines, offers and book titles is part art, part science. All of the tools below will help you with both.
Features
It won’t tell you if your headline is creatively genius, but it will give you an idea if it’s along the right lines.
Review
One of the best free tools out there to check whether your headline is likely to get clicked.
FREE with sign up
Online tool
Features
This headline analyzer is really useful if you are trying to target a particular audience with your headline (which, of course, you should be) - it tries to analyze what type of person - intellectual/spiritual etc - your headline will appeal to.
Review
Used in conjunction with coshcedule analyzer it can really help craft better headlines.
FREE
Online tool
Features
Ok, I'm not suggesting you go out and create linkbait articles 🙂 Use this simple, fun tool to generate ideas you might not have thought about and then craft your own compelling versions.
Review
Despite it name, this handy little tool can actually come up with some good building blocks.
FREE
Online tool
Features
This tool is excellent if you just want to create a list of ideas you can spark off. And sometimes it will come up with exactly what you are looking for.
Review
Use this simple tool to generate ideas you might not have thought about and then craft your own compelling versions.
FREE
Online tool
Features
A fun idea generator that might just come up with that oddball suggestion that you need.
Review
Just pop your keywords(s) in. Couldn't be simpler.
FREE
Online tool
Features
The definitive list of headline 'formula' from one of the greatest headline writers of today - Jon Morrow.
Review
You need to sign up for this resource, but it’s worth it. Jon is simply one of the most gifted headline creators around and this resource gives you simple templates that work time and time again. Invaluable!
FREE with sign up
Online tool
RESEARCH TOOLS
Features
This tool will help you spot many readability issues you might otherwise miss. You don’t have to go with its suggestions, but it’s handy to be aware of them.
Review
Just paste in the passage you want analyzed and away you go
FREE
Online tool
Features
If you need some block text to see how an article will look or to build a new web page this tool will not only generate lorum ipsum block text for you, but also tells you all about the history. Fascinating!
Review
I've actually used this tool numerous times when building web pages and sorting out the layout of a book.
FREE
Online tool
Features
We all need a Thesaurus from time to time and this one is pretty good.
Review
Simple to use and pretty comprehensive -and it's free!
FREE
Online tool
GRAMMAR & PROOFREADING TOOLS
Features
This is quite a simple online grammar checker but if you just want the bare bones, it might do nicely.
Review
Again, just paste in your selection and away you go.
FREE
Online tool
Review
There's a basic free version or the pro version that will not only make suggestions about spelling and grammar, but style and a whole lot more.
Review
If you're in the market for an all in one tool that will save you the labor (and stress) of manually checking your writing, then Grammarly is probably the tool for you.
FREE and PAID versions ($11.66/month)
There's a free online version, a browser extension or you can buy the paid version
Features
I’m always recommending Hemmingway’s rules for more powerful writing. Now you can test your work against his rules for simple, clear writing with this handy app for PC or MAC.
Review
You'll probably love or hate it 🙂
Paid
$19.99 for desktop app.
Features
Plagiarism affects many writers on the web, most of whom aren't even aware of it.
This simple tool is a good start to combating the problem.
Review
Paste the text in to the box and you're good to go.
FREE
Online tool
Features
Another plagiarism checker, copyscape is perhaps the best known. Not only will it check two articles side by side for differences, it will also check the web.
There’s a free version or a paid version and they even have a version that will check for plagiarism of your work round the clock! Well worth it if you value your writing.
Review
All versions are easy to use and are invaluable in checking if an article is unique.
FREE and PAID
The only confusing thing about these products is the different versions and pricing.
Copyscape Sentry:
Standard: Pages checked every week
$4.95/month for up to 10 pages.
$0.25/month per additional page.
Professional: Pages checked every day
$19.95/month for up to 10 pages.
$1.00/month per additional page.
BRAINSTORMING & OUTLINING TOOLS
Features
Mind maps are essential tools for brainstorming blog articles or creating outlines for books. There are several out there, most of which have free and paid versions. Mindmeister is one of the best.
Reviews
The advantage of Mindmeister is that you can invite others (even if they do not have a Mindmeister account) to collaborate on your maps and you can hold meetings in real time where the team can work on the map together.
I use Mindmeister all the time. My maps are repositories of ideas, projects, and information. I gather all my ideas (and also the ideas of team members) and also upload files to relevant maps.
Best of all, I enjoy using Mindmeister maps collaboratively. A mindmap is a great basis for a meeting because it heightens creativity and enables each team member to actively participate in creating the respective mind map.
PAID
The Personal version is $4.99/month. The Professional version $8.49/month.
Features
Coggle is another mind mapping tool. It has a simple interface that hides a wealth of options.
Reviews
The advantage of using Coggle is that it has a free version. But all the mindmaps you create will be public. If you want want to create private mindmaps, you’ll need to choose the paid version
FREE or PAID
Paid version is $5/month
SEO TOOLS
Features
Google Trends is an offshoot of Google Search. It shows how often a particular search-term is entered relative to the total search-volume across various regions of the world, and in various languages.
Review
This can be really useful to find out what the latest 'hot' topic is. Or to find out if your topic is actually becoming less popular.
FREE with Google account
Online tool
Features
Adwords is simply the ultimate go to tool for research on keywords. You need a google account but if you have gmail or a YouTube account, then you’re good to go!
Review
Finding keyword suggestions as well as volume and other data is fairly straightforward.
FREE with Google account
Online tool
Features
Use Longtail Pro’s step-by-step system to discover thousands of profitable, targeted keywords and calculate Keyword Competitiveness for almost any niche.
Reviews
LongtailPro is a great way to find good keywords to get to the top of Google’s search pages. They’ve recently redesigned it and it works really well. I wasn’t always a great fan of Long Tail Pro but it’s now matured into a very useful tool. And it’s much better than any of the free tools I’ve come across! I suggest getting the free 7 day trial to test it.
FREE trial then PAID
Free trial then:
Starter Plan $25/month
Pro plan : $45/month
Features
Love it or hate it, SEO is essential if you want to rank your article or site. And Google Webmasters Tools is essential for anyone who is serious about SEO.
Reviews
Google's webmaster tools aren't for the fainthearted. There is a scary amount of data and options, none of which is particularly intuitive. However, they have a lot of useful articles and videos on how to get started.
FREE with Google account
Most people already have a Google account -gmail or YouTube for instance.
Features
Get insights into your competitors’ strategies in display advertising, organic and paid search, and link building.
Reviews
SemRush is pretty much the industry standard for many serious bloggers.
FREE Trial then PAID
Free 7 day trial then:
Pro: $99
Guru $199
Features
I've mentioned a couple of their online tools before. If you want your blog to rank in your niche, you need to know your competition. Small seo tools supply a few tools for free, all of them useful and easy to use.
Reviews
These tools are not as fully featured as some of the paid tools, but they'll get you started.
FREE
Most of these tools you can use online without an account.
SOCIAL SHARING TOOLS
Features
If you want people to share your article or new book then give them all the help you can. This cool tool creates shareable links to twitter/faceboook/google + and pinterest that you can send out in your emails.
Reviews
I use this all the time to make it a no-brainer share my articles. It's one of the most useful free tools out there.
Free
Online tool
Features
The easiest way to promote, share & track
your content on Twitter.
Reviews
I use this all the time to create click to tweet text and images like this one .
Free
Online tool
Features
If you’re serious about your blogging career than buzzsumo is close to essential. Not only will it tell you the most popular posts/videos/interviews etc in any niche, but it will also tell you who shared those items.
Reviews
With this information you know not only WHAT is popular in your niche, but also WHO is sharing it!
Some of the most successful (and high earning) bloggers use Buzzsumo. Indeed, at the moment, I don't know of any alternative that does the job. Pure gold!
Price
All this amazing information comes at a price. There’s a free 30 day version, but after that it’s $79 a month. Expensive? maybe.Worth it? Definitely!
Features
A WordPress plugin that adds beautiful, lightning-fast social share buttons to your website or blog.
Reviews
I use the Social Warfare plugin on all my sites because it has a the best scrolling sharebar AND you can show the Twitter share count numbers! Check out their free trial
FREE Trial then PAID
$29/yr (free trial)
Features
Hootsuite is a social media management platform. It supports social network integrations for Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Google+, YouTube, and many more.
Reviews
My editor, Laura, has used this fro many years and rates it highly.
FREE Trial then PAID
$16/month (free trial)
Features
To make the most out of Twitter, you need to have some of the best tools in your arsenal. One thing that could skyrocket your Twitter marketing efforts is the use of an automation tool.
Reviews
Social Oomph is a really useful social media tool. You can schedule Twitter and Facebook.
FREE Trial then PAID
$29/yr (free trial)
Features
Buffer is a simpler and easier way to schedule posts, track the performance of your content, and manage all your accounts in one place.
Reviews
Buffer automates your social media posting, saving you a load of time and work.
And there's a free, if limited account.
FREE and PAID
Free account available
$10 for 'Awesome'
$99 for 'Small'
BOOK MARKETING AND PUBLISHING
The book publishing industry has gone through a revolution in the last decade with the advent of self-publishing. Whether you want to self-publish or not, there's an almost limitless choice for readers out there today.
If you want your book to stand out, you need smart tools to do the job faster and better. Below are some of the best tools in the industry to help you do just that.
Features
Reverse Engineer The 'Best-Selling' Categories With A Single Click
Browse any category in the Amazon Kindle marketplace and in the background, KDSPY will 'automatically' reverse engineer the best sellers. When you want more information about a Kindle category, just click on KDSPY and in mere seconds, you'll know the landscape of that category and the potential profit you could make here, along with a breakdown of each individual books performance.
Reviews
Along with Kindle Rocket below, probably 'the fastest, most accurate way to identify 'Bestselling Kindle Niches’. '
This software
‘reverse engineers’ Kindle categories In seconds to find your next ‘bestselling' book idea.
PAID
$47 one off payment with lifetime updates
Features
Not sure what to write about? Don’t worry, KDP Rocket will help you find profitable book ideas with a pre-existing hungry market ready to buy your book.
Reviews
I’ve recently bought this program and am totally blown away by it! It’s quite simply a must-buy if you are serious about writing, publishing, and promoting a book! You won’t believe how much information this program spits out!
KDP Rocket is a simple to use software that works on both Mac and PC and helps authors validate their book ideas, find profitable niches and keywords, and research the book market.
Price
$79
Features
Amazon Ads service is something Amazon self-published authors just can't ignore.
Not only does it let you get your book in front of more potenital readers, if used right it can dramatically improve your sales.
Reviews
The course is very straightforward and broken up into easy to digest modules.
If you've never tried amazon Ads before or if you've tried and couldn't get it to work for you, this is an excellent FREE course.
FREE
Delivered to your inbox.
WRITING COURSES
All the research in the world, even with the great tools listed above, wont help unless you've mastered the art of writing. Below are son great writing courses designed to turbocharge your writing.
The MASTERCLASS SERIES for Writers
These four courses are all taught by experts. They are particularly valuable for those of us who want to learn to write for the screen, or TV or to learn dramatic writing.
They’re beautifully produced with multiple videos with lifetime access. Click on any of these links to check them out (play the videos to get some hot tips straight away.
Features
This is a great course where James reveals a lot of his secrets for becoming a blockbuster author.
Reviews
Difficult to criticize the advice of a 19 times New York No.1 Best Selling author 🙂
PAID
$90
Features
This is an amazing chance to learn from a Pulitzer prize winner, the creator of Glengarry Glen Ross and American Buffalo.
Reviews
It would be hard to imagine anyone more qualified to teach dramatic writing than David Mamet
PAID
$90
Features
Learn how to write for television from the creator of Grey's Anatomy.
Reviews
Shaonda has written some of televisions biggest hit shows, so there's no doubting her expertise.
PAID
$90
Features
It's difficult to believe that there's anything about writing screenplays that Aaaron doesn't know and can't teach.
Reviews
It's difficult to believe that there's anything about writing screenplays that Aaaron doesn't know and can't teach.
PAID
$90
WEBSITE TOOLS
Features
Have you ever visited a site and found you couldn’t access it? Maybe it was your own site! Just pop the URL into the search box and this tool will tell you if the site is actually down for everyone, or if it’s your end that’s got the problem.
Reviews
TIP: If you find it’s only your end, it’s often a browser cache issue. Try clearing your cache. If that doesn’t work, try shutting everything down and then starting it uo again.
FREE
Online tool
DOMAIN NAMES
Features
Cheap domain names.
Reviews
The name says it all 🙂
They also do cheap hosting and other related services.
FREE to search
It's obviously free to search for the availability of a particular name but then you'll have to pay for that domain.
Domains start at $0.48/year, but you'll probably have to pay a little more for something desirable.
Features
Another good cheap domain name source.
Reviews
In addition to NameCheap, I also use CrazyDomains, especially if I want a domain name that isn’t the usual .com, .net, etc. For example, I recently bought the domain writetodone.university for the courses we are producing.
Free to search
.coms from around $2/year. Again you may have to pay more for something useable.
HOSTING
Features
This is an excellent hosting provider, especially if you want to create a bigger site,
Reviews
You get 1-click WordPress installs and free transfer.
Paid
From $3.95 per month
Features
This is a good hosting company for small to medium size websites
Reviews
I've used this hosting company for many different websites and I like their ease of use. An important tip is to get the free domain AND the hosting together.
Price
From $3.95 per month
Features
My editor, Laura, recommended Hostgator as a great hosting company if your just starting out.
Reviews
Hostgator are affordable and have great customer service. Since Laura used them they have been taken over but still definitely worth a look if
PAID
From $2.78 per month for their 'hatchling' plan, $3.98 for their 'baby' plan and $5.98 a month for their 'business' plan.
WORDPRESS THEMES & EDITORS
Features
Thrive Themes is state-of-the-art bundle of WordPress themes and plugins which are all focused on Conversion. Of especial interest is Thrive Architect, a page builder which allows you to design a page or blog post in many different ways. For example, this page is built with Thrive Architect.
Reviews
I'm a total fan of Thrive Themes. They are continually developing new plugins and their training is world-class. I suggest joining as a member, instead of buying individual themes or plugins. Every new addition to their stable of products is then free for you. Plus, you get their special training,
Price
Membership fee is $19 per month
Features
If you want to stay with your website theme but want to rev up the look of your post, check out Thrive Architect (this post is built with Thrive Architect). It’s one of their plugins.
Reviews
If you are use to the WordPress editor then you are in for a shock.
Thrive Architect simply allows you to build almost anything beautifully, responsively.
All this comes with quite a steep learning curve, but when you get the hang of it, you may never want to go back to your WordPress editor again.
PAID
$67
But as I said before, I suggest getting the membership instead of just a single plugin.
EMAIL RESPONDERS
Features
MailChimp is a marketing automation platform and an email marketing service
Reviews
My editor, Laura started out on Mailchimp and couldn't praise it enough. Simple to use, with great customer service.
And they have a free plan. The only drawback is it's perhaps not as flexible or sophisticated fo power users.
FREE & PAID
Free: Up to 2,000 subscribers and 12,000 emails per month. Once your email list grows and you want to send out unlimited emails, you can upgrade from $25 a month upwards.
Features
Infusionsoft offers an e-mail marketing and sales platform for small businesses, including products to streamline the customer life cycle, customer relationship management, marketing automation, lead capture, and e-commerce
Reviews
This is the solution I use. Infusionsoft has all the bells and whistles you could wish for. It’s not cheap but it’s a mean tool!
PAID
Starter: $99
Essentials: $199
Complete: $299
WEBINARS
Features
Webinarjam is a webinar hosting platform that allows you to host as many attendees as you want, basically using Google Hangouts.
Reviews
Offering webinars is a great way to educate your audience and to sell books or courses. Let me say straight away: webinars can be a nightmare! However, Webinarjam makes it easy. It's awesome.
Price
$479/year or 3 installments of $189
PRODUCTIVITY/ PROJECT MANAGEMENT TOOLS
Features
This is a useful timer that you can use for the Pomodoro Technique. You can also design your own time sequences or use it in the kitchen.
Review
I love this timer as I like working with the Pomodoro structure. This is writing for 25 minutes and then stopping for 5.
FREE
Online productivity tool.
Features
This is a tool that helps individual and teams to manage Editorial Calenders and projects.
Reviews
We use it at WritetoDone and it’s extremely helpful. I suggest using the free account.
FREE and PAID
Free account
$9.99/month for their premium account
Features
MeisterTask is an intuitive online task manager that uses smart integrations and task automations to make your team more productive.
Reviews
This is a newcomer among the project management apps. I’ve had a paly around with it. but haven’t used it seriously yet. It was developed by the MindMeister team and looks excellent. The free version will give you everything you need.
Price
Free account
$8.49/month for upgraded account
BOOKS
Features
How to Discover Best-Selling eBook Ideas + How to Write a Nonfiction eBook in 21 Days + 61 Ways to Sell More Nonfiction Kindle Books
Reviews
Steve Scott is a legend in the ebook world. he has written more than 100 books and regularly makes over $40,000/month from his book sales on kindle.
There is no one better placed to explain the workings of the kindle machine.
PAID
$4.43
Features
Get the exact guide that Barrie Davenport and Steve Scott have used to sell over 1 Million of their books.
Reviews
Not a book but a handy checklist to go with the book bundle above.
FREE with email
PDF download
Features
This free guide will get you up to speed quickly on 10 of the most important things you need to know to self-publish successfully. And it will help you avoid a ton of newbie mistakes, too!
Reviews
Joel's site The Bookdesigner has been listed as one of the top 101 websites for writers by the Writers Digest.
He's a guy who knows a thing or two and his willingness to share that information has earned him a loyal following.
FREE with email
PDF download
SELF DEVELOPMENT FOR WRITERS
Features
Learn to feel good about yourself and unlock your authentic confidence with proven strategies and techniques
Reviews
This is a confidence course I created together with my editor, Laura. It will show you step-by-step how to develop the confidence needed to be successful as a writer or blogger.
PAID (Dicsount Voucher)
Normally $95, but special for Write To Done readers $15.
Just click on the links and you'll get the discounted price.
VLOGGING
Creating videos is a great skill for anyone who wants to gather an audience. You can use the videos for Youtube, or Vimeo, or for webinar. You can embed them on your site.
It’s a great way to speak directly to your audience.
Below, I’ve collected two different gear packs. The first one is a starter option with a good webcam and LED lights. And then I’ll show you the gear I use at present which is a lot more expensive but gets brilliant results.
Gear Pack 1
Features
Widescreen Video Calling and Recording, 1080p Camera, Desktop or Laptop
Reviews
A great little inexpensive webcam
PAID
$49.93
TIP: I suggest attaching it to a tripod (see below) and not to the laptop so that you get a better view and no laptop running noise. f you’re planning to use a Logitech webcam, make sure you get a lighting kit (see below) otherwise you may get horizontal bands on your video!
Features
3x 216 Barndoor Continuous LED Video Lighting kit Dimmable Panel Camera, for Canon, Nikon, Sony and DSLR Cameras, Li-Ion Battery and Charger,Color Filters,Premium Carry Bag.
Reviews
Excellent for stopping those horizontal lines and improving lighting.
PAID
$129.99
TIP: If you’re producing video on a shoestring, get the webcam first and, at first, use natural light plus any desk lamps you can get your hands on in your home! Get the LED lights next.
Features
Lightweight tripod with adjustable-height legs and rubber feet .
Available as 1 or 2 pack.
Reviews
The tripod above is great.
PAID
$18.79
TIP: Do not buy lightweight $12 aluminium tripods. I bought three for travelling and they all bent out of shape the first time I used them… argh!
Gear Pack 2
It’s taken me a while to gather the gear that has boosted the quality of my videos to a new level. The main thing that made a HUGE difference is getting a good video camera.
I bought a Panasonic GH4 a few months ago and I wish I’d had the courage to invest in a good camera some years earlier. I suggest getting this camera from Amazon. I made the mistake of getting one for a bit cheaper which was supposed to be shipped immediately from Hong Kong. It got to me six weeks later and I realized belatedly that they didn’t have a refund option. Luckily the camera was fine, but I would have gladly spent a bit more to have the sense of security Amazon offers.
Features
16 Megapixels, 3 Inch Touch LCD, DMC-GH4KBODY
Reviews
The Panasonic GH4 Lumix has a 4K Mirrorless Camera, 16 Megapixels, and a 3 Inch Touch LCD. It’s quite an investment at $1,497 (When I bought it!!). But for me it’s been a game changer! I just wish I’d had the courage to make this investment earlier.
PAID
$897.99
Check out the difference the Panasonic has made. Taken with my old camera:
Features
12-35MM, DUAL I.S. 2.0 with power opticals I.S., MIRRORLESS MICRO FOUR THIRDS
Reviews
I can't exaggerate the difference this lens (along with the camera) has made to the quality of my work
PAID
$897.99
The great thing about using the Panasonic isn’t just the camera, it’s Panasonic Image App that you can download for free onto an iPhone or Android. You can connect it with your camera and you can operate your camera remotely. That is, you can change setting and stop/start your video or shoot stills. This is awesome!
Features
45W 5500K Day-Light Bulb w/ Bag Photo Video Studio Camera Shooting
Reviews
These lights work a treat with the Lumix. These lights are for photo or video studio shots. I particularly like the skin tone you can achieve with these lights!
PAID
$70.95
If you want to make creating videos a doddle [very easy], it’s a great idea to use a teleprompter. This means that you can read your lines while looking directly at the camera! Teleprompters often cost over a thousand bucks but I found an excellent one for $265.
Features
Beamsplitter glass with silver coating (same as TV studios). Ensures crisp, highly contrasted and readable text.
Reviews
The Prompt-It Teleprompter comes in a satchel and is easy to set up and use. It’s meant cutting down on preparation time.
I can write the script and create the video straight away - without having to learn the text or look down at my notes.
If you can’t get it through Amazon, try Ebay.
PAID
$265
This teleprompter works with a tablet and needs the app below for an iPad or a Samsung Galaxy Tablet.
Features
App for Teleprompter Pro
Reviews
Can write scripts and adjust teleprompter.
PAID
$5.99
