LibGuides: Creative Writing: Digital Tools for Writers

Free Tools for Writers

Reedsy Book Editor
Free online book editor (think book-specific word processing tool)
Ommwriter
Full-screen word processor w/ extra features (typing sounds, background noise) to prevent distraction and aid focus
LibreOffice
The free, open source alternative to Microsoft Office Suite (word processor, spreadsheet manager, database software)
Cliche Finder
Paste a block of text to seek and destroy cliches in your writing

MyNoise
Wide range of ambient soundscapes for those who work best with some soothing background noise
Noisli
Ambient sound for focus and productivity
Marinara Timer
Set custom timers to manage focused bursts of writing and dedicated breaks (a la the 'Pomodoro Method' of task management)

Draft
Online manuscript drafting and editing software with version control (free and paid versions)
Evernote
Note taking app (free and paid versions)
Milanote
Writing and note-taking software (free and paid versions)
Notion
Note, project, and task manager (has both free and paid subscription levels)
PressBooks
Open book creation platform (has free and paid levels of subscription)
Scrivener
"Scrivener is the go-to app for writers of all kinds, used every day by best-selling novelists, screenwriters, non-fiction writers, students, academics, lawyers, journalists, translators and more. Scrivener won't tell you how to write—it simply provides everything you need to start writing and keep writing."
Ulysses
Cross-platform writing app (sync across devices, manage multiple docs as part of a manuscript, etc)

Cold Turkey
Minimize distractions by blocking the sites you do most of your procrastinating on (free and paid versions)

Duotrope
"Duotrope is an established, award-winning resource for writers and artists. We help you save time finding publishers or agents for your work, so you can focus on creating. Our market listings are up to date and full of information you won't find elsewhere. We also offer submission trackers, custom searches, deadline calendars, statistical reports, and extensive interviews."