Whether you’re just starting out or are an established writer looking for budget-friendly ways to support your craft, there are plenty of affordable or free resources available. Here’s a guide to tools and services that can help you write, edit, and research without breaking the bank.
Free Writing Software
- Google Docs (Free)
Accessible on any device with internet access, Google Docs offers real-time collaboration, automatic cloud saves, and simple formatting tools. It’s perfect for drafting, revising, and storing work securely. - Scrivener Alternatives: Manuskript (Free)
Manuskript is a free, open-source alternative to Scrivener, designed to help novelists and screenwriters organize their work. It offers an outline-based system with features like character tracking, plot planning, and chapter breakdowns. - Reedsy Book Editor (Free)
Reedsy offers an intuitive, free book editor specifically designed for self-publishing authors. It formats your manuscript for eBooks and print, making it easy to export to standard publishing formats. - yWriter (Free)
Created by an author, yWriter breaks down your novel into scenes and chapters, offering a clean, distraction-free space to write. It’s ideal for authors who prefer a structured approach to writing.
Writing Inspiration and Planning Tools
- Trello (Free with Paid Tiers)
Trello is a visual task management tool that allows you to create boards and lists. Use it to track your story ideas, character arcs, world-building, or even writing progress with easy-to-use boards and checklists. - Milanote (Free with Paid Tiers)
Milanote is perfect for visual thinkers. Create boards with notes, images, links, and other creative materials to help brainstorm and plot your stories. - Plottr (Budget-Friendly, $25/year)
Plottr is a visual plotting tool for authors that allows you to map out your novel in a structured way. It offers templates, timelines, and character profiles to keep your story organized.
Affordable Writing Courses and Workshops
- Skillshare (Free Trial, then $14/month)
Skillshare offers a vast library of writing classes taught by experienced authors, screenwriters, and editors. Topics range from fiction writing, productivity, editing, and even specific genres like fantasy or romance. - Coursera (Free with Paid Certificates)
With Coursera, you can take courses from top universities for free. While certificates cost money, the course content is often available at no charge. Popular options include Creative Writing Specialization and Memoir and Personal Essay courses. - MasterClass (Paid, $180/year, with Frequent Discounts)
MasterClass offers expert writing advice from famous authors. While not free, its frequent sales can offer a budget-friendly way to access high-quality content. - NaNoWriMo’s “Now What?” Resources (Free)
After National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo), the organization offers free workshops and editing tips to help you revise and polish your work. These are excellent resources for writers focused on pushing their stories from draft to completion.
Editing and Grammar Tools
- Grammarly (Free with Paid Tiers)
Grammarly is a popular tool that helps writers check grammar, punctuation, and style. The free version offers essential corrections, while the premium tier provides advanced suggestions on clarity, tone, and plagiarism. - ProWritingAid (Free with Paid Tiers, $79/year for Premium)
A strong alternative to Grammarly, ProWritingAid provides in-depth editing, style improvement, and readability suggestions. The free version is available as a web-based tool, and it integrates with most major writing software. - Hemingway Editor (Free Web Version)
Hemingway Editor is a free tool that helps you write concisely by highlighting complex sentences, passive voice, and unnecessary adverbs. Use it for quick readability checks and to ensure your prose is tight and engaging.
Research and Inspiration
- Your Local Library (Free)
Libraries are invaluable resources for research, especially if you’re writing historical fiction or need background information on specific topics. Many libraries also offer digital services like access to academic journals, eBooks, and audiobooks. - Libby (Free with a Library Card)
Libby is a free app that allows you to borrow eBooks and audiobooks from your local library. It’s perfect for research or simply diving into books similar to your genre for inspiration. - Project Gutenberg (Free)
Project Gutenberg offers over 60,000 free eBooks, especially classics. It’s a great resource for public domain works that can help you study masterful storytelling or inspire your own writing. - Wikimedia Commons (Free)
For world-building and visual inspiration, Wikimedia Commons offers a massive database of free images, diagrams, and historical photos. Use it to spark ideas or to get a visual sense of places and people you might incorporate into your stories. - Google Scholar (Free)
Google Scholar is a free search engine for academic papers, articles, and theses. It’s a useful tool for writers doing research on topics like history, psychology, or even fantasy and mythological themes.
Community and Feedback Platforms
- Critique Circle (Free with Paid Tiers)
Critique Circle is a free platform for writers to share their work and receive feedback. Writers earn credits by critiquing others’ work, which they can then use to submit their own writing for critique. - Scribophile (Free with Paid Tiers)
Scribophile is a community of writers where you can share your work and get feedback. The free version allows you to critique others and earn points to post your own work. The paid tier gives more advanced features. - Wattpad (Free with Paid Tiers)
A global writing community where writers can publish their stories and receive feedback from readers. Wattpad is especially popular for serialized fiction and offers a free platform to test out ideas and build an audience.
Productivity and Focus Tools
- FocusWriter (Free)
FocusWriter is a minimalist, distraction-free writing tool that hides everything on your computer except the text you’re working on. It helps you stay in the zone by removing distractions and offering a simple interface. - Pomofocus.io (Free)
Pomofocus is an online tool that uses the Pomodoro technique to help writers manage their time. Write for 25-minute blocks with 5-minute breaks in between to increase focus and productivity. - Cold Turkey Writer (Free with Paid Options)
Cold Turkey Writer blocks out everything on your computer until you hit a word count or time goal, forcing you to focus on your writing. The free version is great for uninterrupted writing sprints.
Conclusion
You don’t need a large budget to make progress as a writer. With the abundance of free and affordable tools, apps, and resources available, it’s easier than ever to hone your craft without breaking the bank. From writing and editing software to research tools and community feedback, these resources will help you stay productive, organized, and inspired—all while keeping your expenses low.
Elizabeth Yuen 