As an indie author, I’ve pretty much tried every writing tool, app, and platform under the sun and I’m constantly testing new ones. Every now and then, I stumble across something genuinely game-changing. Some become lifelong staples (looking at you, Scrivener), while others are so good I can’t help but recommend them to every writer I meet.

People often ask me how I know so much about writing, editing, formatting, and publishing tools for indie authors, and honestly, it’s partly curiosity and partly an obsession with finding the perfect app for every stage of the writing process. The upside? I now know a tool for almost every writing style, budget, and workflow.

If you’re looking for the best tools for indie authors, whether it’s drafting software, editing apps, formatting platforms, marketing resources, or productivity boosters, you’ll probably find your next favourite here.

This page is a work in progress, and I'll add to it whenever I find a funky new tool for authors. Keep checking back, you never know what goodies you might find!

These are the apps designed to help you get words on the page, whether you’re outlining a novel, drafting your first chapter, or managing multiple scenes and points of view. From distraction-free writing tools to feature-rich software built for long-form fiction, these platforms help indie authors write faster, stay organised, and keep their manuscripts in one place.

• Scrivener: I've spoken at length about why I believe this is the undisputed king of writing apps, and it deserves my first place pick as the best writing tool. This software is expensive, but it's a one-time fee, available on almost all platforms (sorry, Android users!), and works with ProWritingAid. I don't plan, so being able to type up my chapter and scene summaries, tag them with status stamps and add colour-coding is vital to my writing workflow. Scrivener has a free 30 day trial.
• Google Docs: Free and simple to use, Docs is a simple writing app that you can use on almost any platform, or online. It allows for collaborative writing and editing as well as in-line comments from editors and betareaders. Be mindful of Google's terms of service, especially if you're writing adult content. Docs, like Word, lacks more refined tools for fiction writers such as outlining tools and drafting tools, and there's no chapter organisation. That said, it's a valid choice for those looking for something simple and free without all the bells and whistles.
• yWriter: I first stumbled on yWriter when I was too young to buy Scrivener on my own. It boasts a comprehensive suite of tools to rival Scrivener, and it's completely free.
• Microsoft Office Word/365: When people think about writing, they often boot up Word. Like Docs, this is a limited software for fiction writers, but a lot of people already have a subscription. If you don't, then Office 365 is free online.

These tools help indie authors plan their stories, outline plots, build characters, and keep worldbuilding notes in one place. Whether you're mapping out a series, tracking timelines, or organising chapters before drafting, these apps are designed to streamline your writing process and prevent plot holes and chaos.

• Scrivener: I do hate to keep mentioning it... but Scrivener has so many planning tools baked in, that I would hate to not mention it. Between outlining, status stamps, and robust organization tools, Scrivener is a handy all-in-one for writers.
• Plottr: A premium planning tool that's designed specifically for writers. It's versatile, robust, and has everything you could need.
• Campfire: Beautifully made and a long-standing tool that people have trusted for years. Highly versatile with all the bells and whistles that you'd expect from a premium tool.

Once you've got your first draft ready (or scene, if you edit as you go, I'm not judging!), it's time to edit your work. Book editing can feel stressful, but if you're DIY-ing it, then these tools can help you polish your draft into the best version it can possibly be.