Writing Tools Explained: From Grammar Checkers to Story Planners
Whether you’re writing (or plotting or editing) your first novel, working on a short story collection, or entering flash fiction competitions, there are several writing tools available that may be of interest.
The term “writing software” is broad, and it can encompass everything from basic grammar checkers and word processors to visual story-planning tools and full novel-writing suites bursting with features.
This guide breaks down the main types of writing software available, what they do, and who they’re best for. Think of this as your starting point. We’ll be adding detailed reviews and recommendations for the best and most useful writing software soon, but this will serve as a general introduction to the best writing tools.
A Note About AI…
At NewWriters.org.uk, we organise several writing competitions each year. These contests are for human writers only, and we make it clear that writers should not use AI when compiling their entries. The problem is, many software packages aimed at authors, and even modern word processing apps, now include at least some elements that are powered by AI. So what’s an honest writer to do?
Well, it comes down to the wider debate about the ethics of AI within the creative sphere. Obviously, AI can be very handy if you want help penning a letter to your boss asking for a pay rise. For budding novelists, AI could also prove useful when trying to find literary agents or relevant comp titles. But when it comes to the writing itself – whether you plan to enter it into a competition or publish it in a book or magazine – using AI in this way crosses a line: essentially, it is cheating.
At NewWriters.org.uk, we believe that any short stories, poems, novels or creative non-fiction that a writer claims to have written should not have been even partially written by AI. There are lots of grey areas, of course. For example, would using the suggestions made by Grammarly Pro or some other AI-driven spell/grammar checker be classified as AI having contributed towards your novel/story/poem? Well, perhaps.
To be on the safe side of both the terms and conditions of writing competitions and indeed creative integrity, we believe the wise (and ethical) choice is to forego AI-driven tools completely.
For more information on this sometimes thorny issue, check out the definition of what makes writing “human authored” by The Society of Authors. Specifically, they state:
“The use of GAI or tools with AI-embedded features does not disqualify a work from being ‘Human Authored’ under this scheme, provided that the tools have been used for assistive purposes only e.g. the use of GAI-powered tools like a word processing programme, spelling and grammar checks, for research, brainstorming or outlining, or any other use that does not generate text.”
We’ll go into more detail about the rights and wrongs of generative AI and creative writing in a separate article. But now, let’s turn to writing software.
What Is Writing Software?
Writing software includes any tool designed to help writers save time and improve or refine their writing. Whether some software actually improves someone’s writing is open to debate, of course. Especially those using generative AI to rewrite sections (which is essentially cheating if you are planning to publish your writing or enter it into a competition!).
Different writing tools serve different stages of the writing process, with some helping with the initial ideas and/or plotting of your work, others designed for writers to use during the drafting process, and others still designed to help with refining and editing.
There are also software applications aimed at those who want to self-publish their writing. That’s a massive area in itself, and we won’t cover it here. Instead, we’ll focus on the writing software that assists with one or more of the three key stages of producing a piece of creative writing:
- Planning and Plotting
- Writing and Structuring
- Editing and Refining
There is a significant degree of overlap between those three stages when it comes to writing software tools. Most apps include features that could be applied to two or even all three of the above, but we’ll present them below based on their primary functions.
Do You Actually Need Writing Software?
A quick note before we delve further in, it’s worth considering whether you actually need any writing software applications. The answer to that will depend on your writing goals. If you are simply writing for pleasure and you don’t intend to publish your work or enter any writing competitions, a good old notebook and pen will certainly suffice.
If, on the other hand, you hope to publish your stories or poems in literary journals or on websites, you will, at the very least, require some kind of basic word processing application. There are still some writing competitions out there which accept postal entries, but they are few and far between, so being able to write (and edit) your work on a computer (or perhaps even a smartphone) is essential.
Beyond that, whether or not you explore some of the many writing software options available will be a matter of personal choice. When it comes to organising the characters and scenes of a novel, for instance, many writers choose to utilise physical wall charts or whiteboards with colour-coded Post-it notes. Others may prefer to utilise some of the writing tools mentioned below, which could potentially save a lot of time (and certainly a lot of space!).
When it comes to editing, some writers prefer to gain feedback from trusted and experienced editors, and that is certainly likely to help you produce the best quality work. On the other hand, some of the editing tools we detail can work out both cheaper and quicker than human editors. Some are better than others, of course, and getting opinions of other humans is an essential part of the writing process for those seeking publication.
Also, please be wary of AI tools that are incorporated into many writing software apps. Some of the AI-driven features could be deemed as cheating or unethical if you are planning to publish your work or enter competitions. Many of the apps allow you to turn off the AI features, and we would strongly recommend doing that.
Categories of Writing Software
Note: Some of the tools mentioned in this article will give New Writers UK a commission if you click through to their site and purchase software. Any links to companies with whom we have an affiliate relationship will be marked with an *.
1. Plotting & Story Planning Tools
What they do:
These apps help you plan your story structure, timelines, and character arcs before writing. They can also be used to help you untangle and refine plots (and eradicate plot holes) during the editing process. Although so-called “plotters” and “pantsers” would use these apps in different ways, they can be extremely useful whether you prefer to plan everything in advance or just start writing and see where the story takes you.
Popular plotting and planning tools:
- Plottr* – A purpose-built plotting tool that gives writers a clear, visual command of story structure and character arcs. Loads of built-in templates for you to adapt, including the Hero’s Journey, the 12 Chapter Mystery, Randy Ingermanson’s Snowflake Method, and the classic Three-Act Structure.
- Save the Cat! Story Suite – A structured story development system grounded in proven beat-sheet storytelling methods, based on the ideas outlined in Blake Snyder’s bestselling book, Save the Cat.
- Aeon Timeline – A sophisticated timeline tool for managing complex plots, timelines, and narrative continuity.
Key features:
Plottr* – Get 15% off standard Plottr pricing using the discount code NEWWRITERS15
- Visual timelines & plotlines – Drag-and-drop scene cards to map your story, subplots, and character arcs in a clear, visual way.
- Story bible (characters & worldbuilding) – Keep all your characters, locations, and lore organised with detailed, searchable profiles.
- Proven plot templates – Built-in structures (e.g. Hero’s Journey) help you quickly turn ideas into solid outlines.
Save the Cat! Story Suite
- 15-beat story structure tool – Guides your narrative using the widely adopted Save the Cat beat sheet.
- Digital storyboard – Organise and rearrange scenes visually to refine pacing and structure.
- Character & relationship tracking – Helps build emotional arcs and connections across your story.
Aeon Timeline
- Dual timeline + narrative views – Separate chronological events from story order to manage complex narratives.
- Character arc & continuity tracking – Track ages, arcs, and ensure characters/events stay logically consistent.
- Flexible scene structuring – Reorder scenes and experiment with different story versions easily.
2. Grammar & Spell Checkers, and Drafting, Writing and Editing Software
What they do:
Essentially, these are either the interfaces in which you actually write your prose or poetry, or those used to catch spelling mistakes, grammar errors, and potentially improve clarity. Often, the drafting/writing software will incorporate grammar and spell-checking features and also, increasingly, editing features. So some, such as Microsoft Word and Google Docs, are essentially word processing apps (with various additional features). Whereas others, such as Scrivener and ProWritingAid, have far more to them.
Popular writing and editing tools for creative writers:
- Scrivener* – The definitive writing studio for structuring and completing ambitious creative projects.
- ProWritingAid* – A comprehensive editing suite delivering professional-level insights for stronger writing.
- AutoCrit – A genre-focused editing platform delivering targeted feedback to strengthen your manuscript.
- Hemingway Editor – A precision tool for tightening prose and enhancing readability.
- Ulysses – A streamlined writing environment built for focused, distraction-free drafting.
- QuillBot – An advanced AI writing assistant for elevating clarity, flow, and expression.
- Microsoft Word – A dependable, industry-standard tool for drafting and formatting creative work.
- Google Docs – A reliable, cloud-based editor for accessible and collaborative writing.
- Grammarly – A widely trusted tool for ensuring grammatical accuracy and consistency.
Key Features:
- Binder + corkboard organisation – Break your manuscript into scenes/chapters and rearrange them visually as your story evolves.
- Integrated research workspace – Keep notes, character sheets, and references alongside your draft in one project.
- Compile/export system – Instantly format and export your manuscript for submission, ebook, or print without reformatting.
- In-depth writing reports – Detailed analysis of style, pacing, readability, and overused words.
- Contextual suggestions – Goes beyond grammar to improve narrative flow and strength.
- Integration with writing tools – Works inside apps like Scrivener and Word for seamless editing.
AutoCrit
- Genre-specific editing reports – Tailored feedback based on your genre (e.g. pacing, dialogue, clichés).
- Style and repetition analysis – Highlights overused words, weak phrasing, and readability issues.
- Manuscript comparison tools – Benchmark your writing against successful books in your genre.
Microsoft Word
- Advanced formatting & styles – Industry-standard formatting for manuscripts, submissions, and publishing.
- Track Changes & comments – Essential for editing, feedback, and working with beta readers or editors.
- Navigation pane & outlining – Easily structure and move sections within longer documents.
Google Docs
- Real-time collaboration – Share drafts, get comments, and co-edit with others instantly.
- Cloud autosave & access anywhere – Never lose work and write across devices seamlessly.
- Version history – Track revisions and restore earlier drafts easily.
Ulysses
- Distraction-free writing environment – Clean interface designed to maximise focus and flow.
- Library-based organisation – Organise projects, sheets, and groups without file clutter.
- Markdown-based formatting – Simple, fast styling that keeps attention on the writing itself.
QuillBot
- Advanced paraphrasing modes – Rewrite sentences for clarity, tone, or creativity without losing meaning.
- Integrated summariser – Condense longer passages to refine ideas or tighten prose.
- Grammar & fluency suggestions – Improve readability and flow with AI-assisted edits.
Grammarly
- Real-time grammar & spelling checks – Catch errors as you write across multiple platforms.
- Tone detection & suggestions – Adjust voice to suit audience or narrative intent.
- Clarity and conciseness improvements – Flags wordiness and awkward phrasing.
Hemingway Editor
- Readability scoring – Highlights complex sentences and suggests simplifications.
- Adverb & passive voice detection – Encourages stronger, more direct prose.
- Colour-coded editing feedback – Instantly shows where writing can be tightened.
Who are these apps best for:
It can be difficult to spot one’s own typos because of the brain’s priotisation of the meaning over the detail: given that you wrote the words, and hence produced the meaning, this familiarity with what it should say often results in a form of “editorial blindness” that isn’t apparent when reading text others have written (who hasn’t spotted the odd typo in a newspaper article or even a published novel?).
As such, a writer who is planning to publish their work or enter writing competitions essentially has three options:
- Rely on their own ability to spot any mistakes (only applicable to superhumans!);
- Employ the services of another human, ideally someone with excellent grammatical knowledge;
- Use some kind of editorial software, whether built into the word processing software you are using, as some kind of plug-in, or as a standalone app.
If you are involved in some kind of in-person or online writing community, the second option can often be particularly rewarding. This is especially true if you engage in feedback exchanges, which will likely go far beyond simply spotting typos or grammatical errors and will allow readers to give opinions on the mechanics of stories or poems, giving opinions on what moves them or that doesn’t work for whatever reason. This will not only give you a human take on your work, but in reading and assessing the creative writing of others, determining what works (and what doesn’t) and why, your own writing skills are likely to develop.
In addition to spotting typos and ensuring you haven’t made any grammatical faux pas, some of those mentioned above will also:
- Give style suggestions and ideas to refine the writing to improve the flow
- Detection of repetition of certain words or phrases
- Present scores based on readability or other (often subjective) factors
Note: Many of the apps or software packages that appear to simply be spell or grammar checkers will use AI-driven suggestions to “improve” your writing (such as the “Sparks” on ProWritingAid). If you accept their suggestions, you are using AI to rewrite your work, which could be viewed as a grey area by many competition organisers or publishers. We would suggest using these apps to spot typos and grammatical errors, and NOT to let them rewrite sections of your creative writing.
Other Types of Writing Software
Here are some of the other types of writing software that are more specific to certain genres or requirements.
Worldbuilding & Note-Taking Tools
What they do:
Store and organise information about characters, settings, and lore. Note that the above-mentioned plotting software apps usually incorporate such features (especially Plottr, which gives plenty of scope for worldbuilding).
Popular tools:
- Notion
- Evernote
- Obsidian
Best for:
- Fantasy and sci-fi writers
- Long-form or series writers
- Research-heavy projects
AI Writing Tools
What they do:
Generate or assist with content using artificial intelligence.
Popular tools:
- ChatGPT
- Sudowrite
Important note:
Some writers find that AI tools can be helpful for brainstorming or drafting, many writers prefer non-AI tools to maintain full creative control and, indeed, integrity. We would strongly recommend you use something far more powerful and interesting than generative AI… your imagination!
Productivity & Focus Tools
What they do:
Help you stay consistent and avoid distractions.
Examples:
- Freedom
- Cold Turkey
Best for:
- Writers struggling with consistency
- Anyone managing long projects
Publishing & Formatting Tools
What they do:
For those seeking to publish their own work or perhaps create an online literary journal, these apps can help prepare your work for publishing (whether in ebooks or in print).
Popular tools:
- Vellum
- Atticus
Best for:
- Self-published authors
- Indie writers
- Editors of literary journals
Final Thoughts on Writing Software
There’s no single “best” writing software – only the tools that best support your process. The good thing is that many of those mentioned above offer free versions (with fewer features) or free trials, so you can get a good idea about whether a particular app is right for you before splashing any cash.
Some writers prefer simple setups. Others build full ecosystems of tools for planning, drafting, editing, and publishing. As we go into more detail about individual writing software options, you’ll hopefully get a good idea about which can help you achieve your writing goals. But, crucially, try not to get distracted by the myriad options out there and the sometimes dizzying array of features… no point spending hours learning how a software package works only to find you’ve missed the deadline for a flash fiction competition you wanted to enter.