media update’s Taylor Goodman has compiled a list of five of the best editorial tools for writing inspiration, productivity as well as editing assistance. 

The writing process is a long road. First, you have to think of something that will interest your readers. Then, you need to write it in such a way that is engrossing and, next, it needs to be edited before it can even be published. However, this process can be made a lot faster and easier with the use of some handy apps that are available.

Using writing apps can help you to refine your content and improve your writing in the long run, whether you’re a beginner or writing expert.

Without further ado, let's look at five editorial tools all writers need:

1. MindMeister 

MindMeister is a great app to use when you are brainstorming new ideas for an upcoming writing project. 

The tool aims to make mind mapping easier by helping its users to record their ideas, organise and share them. 

This application is useful to writers because it helps them organise and compile their ideas into eye-catching mind maps, where they can attach URLs, visuals and documents. This app also allows its users to collaborate on these mind maps, which could be useful for team brainstorming.

MindMeister is available via the Internet, as well as for download on iOS and Android. The app is free for up to three mind maps; after that, it is $4.99 for a personal plan, which gives you access to unlimited mind maps and file attachments. 

2. Lists for writers

If you are a writer, it is very likely that you have faced the dreaded writer’s block at one point or another: this is where List for writers comes to the rescue!

This app aims to help its users out of a creative rut by offering up lists of writing prompts, with topics ranging from character names, plotlines and action verbs. 

For example, if you were writing a short story and feel stuck on how to describe your character, you can click on the ‘character traits’ tab. Here you will find a list of adjectives that you can use.

Don’t know what a word means? No need to stress, Lists for writers also includes dictionary support, making it easy for you to look up any words that you aren’t familiar with. 

The app is available on both iOS and Android devices for a $2.99 once-off payment. 

3. ProWritingAid

Once the writing process is underway, you’re going to need ProWritingAid in your corner. 

This app differs from its editing counterparts because it susses out all grammatical errors. It also highlights clichés in your writing, overused words, repetition, incorrect tenses and much more. Essentially, ProWritingAid is there to improve the readability of your text. 

This is useful for writers as it helps to build the first copy edit in the writing process, which leaves your editors time to focus on other important aspects, like the tone of voice in your writing or the flow of the content. Additionally it allows the writers to pick up on any mistakes they might have made. 

On the free version of the app, you can edit up to 3 000 words, following which ProWritingAid is $20 per month. This makes it the cheapest grammar checking app, compared to programmes like Grammarly or Ginger

You can download a desktop version of this application on Mac and Windows, or install a plugin for your web browser. 

4. Cold Turkey

If there’s one thing that can majorly deter the writing process, it’s procrastination. If you’re guilty of abandoning writing to scroll through social media, you might need to go Cold Turkey. 

Simply put, Cold Turkey aims to help users boost their productivity by blocking out any distracting websites, games or apps.

When users enable a block they stay active until a specified time every day, until you restart your device or “until you type a customisable amount of random text.” 

The app also offers an option for users to lock their entire computer for a set period of time. This could be useful for those that struggle to switch off and disconnect from work, or for those who want to stop using their devices before bed.

This app is available on iOS and Windows. The basic version is free and the pro version has a once-off fee of $25. 

5. CoSchedule

If you want an editorial tool that can help with your productivity and planning, CoSchedule is a must

This application is useful for bloggers or marketers who are looking to plan out their content. For example, if you have a Wordpress blog, you could sync it to Coschedule to format an editorial calendar, where you can plan, write, schedule or publish your posts.

You may also sync this editorial calendar to Google Docs, Google Plus, Evernote, Chrome, Google analytics, Buffer and many more.

CoSchedule will help to increase productivity as writers will be able to keep track of when they have projects due and plan future content. 

This app is available for free for 14 days. Following this, users can choose between the Blog Calendar ($14 per user / month) or Marketing Calendar ($29 per user / month). 

Writers, what are some of your favorite editorial tools? Be sure to let us know in the comments section below.

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*Image courtesy of Vecteezy