Plotting:

Plottr: Plottr is a simple and intuitive outlining software for novelists. It allows you to choose from a selection of popular templates to give your book a stronger structure before you start writing.

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Dramatica: Dramatica has a ton of helpful tools that can help you sort through issues in your story that you might not have even known you had. How do your characters contrast each other? Is the tension at your climax just right? How focused is your novel? This is quickly becoming one of my “must-haves” for aspiring novelists, so check it out!

 

Writing:

Grammarly: I’ve been using Grammarly for a few years now, so I think it’s graduated to being an official “resource” for me. Access to this awesome editor/proofreader is free, but the premium subscription offers a lot more and is especially useful for serious writers.

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Novlr: This resource is an online platform for writing books. Excellent service with terrific options–online or offline writing, any device, and multiple export options. Check it out!

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Writeordie.com: I use this site frequently when I sense myself beginning to lag. Basically, you set a word goal and a time limit and then the program threatens you whenever you stop for more than a second or so. It’s intimidating at first, but your productivity will skyrocket!

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NaNoWriMo: National Novel Writing Month (November, also Camp NaNoWriMo twice a year). This website offers great advice year-round. Browse the forums, check out the offers, and if you successfully participate you can get some sweet deals on services!

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Scrivener: This swanky writing software is available for both Macs and PCs, and it’s amazing. It uses many of the same features as the other writing platforms listed, but more with templates and outlining systems easily in place and a way to store summaries of every scene for quick indexing. It also has separate files for research and story prep as well, making it a valuable tool. 

 

Editing/Publishing:

 Atticus: Atticus is a new, affordable tool that allows you to write and design layout for any publishing format. It's an easy way to get a professional look.

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Booksprout: Need reviews? While there's no guarantee of what you'll get, Booksprout is a great way to reach reviewers without the hassle.

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Fictionary: Fictionary is an online developmental editing program. Here you can take a large-scale look at your novel and work on your pacing and scene construction.

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Autocrit: Autocrit is an online editing program that compares your writing with your chosen genre standards. Upload your novel and watch the editing magic begin--just beware, there might be an overwhelming number of improvements to make.

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Pro Writing Aid: I can spend hours every day drilling through this free online editing software. First you some of your writing into a box, and Pro Writing Aid generates reports and nitpicks everything. I was shocked at how many simple fixes my sample chapter needed that I hadn’t seen after hours of editing! It’s fast, easy and it knows how to write.

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Draft 2 Digital: When I’m formatting, laying out, or publishing an ebook, this is my one-stop miracle shop. D2D walks you through the difficult and obscure parts of creating and publishing ebook, as well as providing a storefront where you can direct all your readers to their preferred shops online!

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Your First 10,000 Readers: This system run by Nick Stephenson is incredibly helpful for mastering the post-publishing arena with your books. Check it out if you want some practical tips.

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Publicity: 

StoryOrigin: This promotional all-in-one allows you to network with other authors, coordinate promos, and arrange newsletter swaps as easily as a few clicks. Join any promotion you want, or host your own--and get ready for a flurry of new readers.​