I’m all about creating a sustainable plan for your book marketing and platform-building strategy. So, I’m always looking for helpful tools for indie authors that can assist them in managing their time and making their work easier.
In my last blog, I listed some tips for staying on top of content creation. Now, I’d like to cover some of the tools available to help indie authors stay focused and organized. These will help you with both the writing and marketing process so you can reserve as much precious time and energy as possible. I’ve listed them below, organized by category.
Writing Tools for Indie Authors Who Struggle with Distraction
When we fail to reach our writing goals, distraction is often the culprit. We may have the best of intentions, but there’s always something stealing our focus. If this is the case for you, and your writing output is suffering because of it, you’ll love these particular tools for indie authors.
Writer, The Internet Typewriter
This can be a tool for indie authors who struggle with distraction or even those who just love the simplicity of the basics. If you’ve ever wished you could write on a typewriter but with an easier way to correct typos than whiteout, you may love this. Well, it’s more like a word processor if you think about it, but you get the picture.
Writer offers an even more distraction-free way to write with Cold Turkey Writer. It won’t even let you off the screen before you’ve written a set number of words! No new tabs, no checking your socials, nothing. You’re locked into the screen and only have your manuscript to focus on. It’s the hardcore version of Writer, for those who lack the discipline to tune out everything else.
Writing Tools That Help With Plotting and Planning
Did you know there are terms for those who plot and plan their writing and those who simply fly by the seat of their pants? Those terms are Plotters and Pantsers. And you probably fit into one of those categories. But I think the tools below could be helpful whether you’re a plotter or a pantser. Because everyone finds themselves getting lost, or at a roadblock in the process, sometimes.
Some of you may be familiar with Scrivener already. It’s widely used by authors because it does more than just work as a word processor. It helps with planning, organizing, structuring, and more. Some say there is a bit of a learning curve and it is paid software, but it could be right for you.
Plotters will love this one! And even pantsers may find it useful in preventing them from getting stuck when it comes to making it all come together. It breaks down everything from the outline, structure, plot, and character development into easy-to-manage steps. There’s even integrated writing coaching for when you begin to feel overwhelmed. It could be one of the best tools for indie authors out there, especially if you struggle with turning ideas into action.
The Simpler Options
YWriter is free and designed for Windows. It helps you organize your work by breaking it down into chapters and scenes while keeping track of your progress. If you’re used to using Word and like to keep things simple, this could be the writing tool for you.
This one has been around for a few years now, but it’s not as well-known as some. Plottr lets you easily create and follow visual outlines. If you are more visual and like things to be straightforward, and simple to use, this may be the planning tool for you.
Some Tools for Indie Authors that Assist with Organization
Maybe organization is a stumbling block for you? I know I tend to work a lot better and get more done when I keep everything organized. Yes, I’m even a spreadsheet user. These tools for indie authors are super helpful if you find yourself feeling a bit disorganized and it’s keeping you from being more productive.
One of my tips for staying on top of content creation is to keep a notebook or notes app available for those aha moments. Well, Evernote is for notes and more, all in one place! It keeps track of notes, schedules, and tasks and it’s easy to navigate. If you struggle with organization and streamlining your schedule this may become one of your favorite tools for indie authors.
Trello is similar to Evernote, but the free version offers a to-do list with unlimited storage, customizations, and an activity log. It’s a project management tool but at the free level, it’s all you’ll need as an individual to get organized and stay on task.
Marketing Tools that Will Focus Your Energy in the Right Place
Because book marketing can easily become overwhelming, focusing your energy in the right place can make a big difference in creating a sustainable plan. The tools below will save you time and put you on the right track when you’re ready to start marketing your book.
Google Search Console can be used to “ monitor, maintain, and troubleshoot your site’s presence in Google Search results.” You don’t have to sign up for it, and it’s free. I think it’s one of those overlooked but valuable tools for indie authors that are worth checking into because it’s an easy way to know what’s going on with your website and to see how it’s performing.
This can be interesting to play around with and it’s pretty simple to use and more streamlined than searching via Amazon Books. What does it do? It helps you more easily find possible keywords and book niches that can increase the discoverability of your book. It could also be useful for finding comparable titles and covers, and assisting with your marketing copy.
Now, Publisher Rocket is a paid tool for indie authors but the fee is relatively low and one-time, and then it’s yours for life. So, if you plan on writing multiple books, it’s even more worth it. It helps you optimize your book listings on Amazon, which increases their visibility in a big way.
We Could All Use a Little Help!
I think any one of these helpful tools for indie authors could really make a big difference in your output by helping you remove distractions, keeping you organized, or helping you focus your marketing tactics.
If you’re also interested in resources for indie authors you can check out this list from the Monkey C Media blog. These resources will help you stay informed, and connect you with community and opportunity!
