Writing Tools - GT #25
15 little-known but very useful tools for writers, journalists and indie creators. (Mostly free)
Welcome to a new edition of Good Tools.
I write this newsletter to help indie entrepreneurs like me, find alternative, free or quasi-free tools that can help us save significant time and money.
It has become increasingly difficult to find alternatives tool to mainstream apps through traditional search and product review sites as they are all very partial in showing what best benefits their business interests.
The only reliable way to find them is to follow dedicated tool curators (like
, , , and many others) who make of their own passion, a shareable knowledge base for others to use.This issue focuses on readers’ preference from the last poll: writing tools.
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Useful Tools for Writers
Hand-curated collection of useful free or quasi-free tools for authors and writers that I have had the opportunity to use or test out.
Writing Assistants
Lex.page
Excellent tool to provide feedback to your writing, do specific checks on grammar, style, conciseness, readability. It leverages latest and best performing AI LLMs available on the market. Offers directory of ready-to-use prompts for many different writing needs. Integrates an AI chatbot that can do anything you ask to your draft outline or almost final text. Suggests titles and headlines.
Free version - unlimited docs - Non-premium AI models - daily / monthly limits.
Podsqueeze
Voice and audio notes summarizer. It takes your recorded audio note or podcast and it synthesizes and extract all key concepts and ideas in different editorial formats (full transcription, outline, newsletter, email, social media post, blog post, etc.).
Free version - Pro starts at $18/mo
DeepL Write
Focuses on improving clarity, tone, and word choice in texts. It’s great for polishing drafts and making sure the writing flows smoothly. Unlike general-purpose grammar tools, it excels at refining style, especially for non-native English speakers.
Free version + Free trial Pro 30 days - Pro starts at $16.50/mo
Reedsy Studio
Web-based writing and formatting tool for book authors. Uses boards as a canvas for planning and outlining your manuscript. Offers ready-made templates. Automatically formats your texts.
100% free (will become paid in the future)
Minimalist Editors
Calmly Writer
Minimalist, distractions-free text editor. Allows basic formatting, images and lists. Can save and export to HTML, text, Markdown and Word .docx. Has web and cross-platform downloadable desktop. Word, character counter and reading time.
Free version - no limits - Buy desktop version for apx $15 one-time - unlimited updates and you can use it across 3 different computers.
Web-based distraction-free writing tool offers basic formatting and linking. Saves in markdown, HTML, text, full screen mode, dark/light UI, target word count.
100% free
Frostwriter
Minimalist, distraction-free writing editor with music. Web-based and downloadable desktop versions. Offers templates and immersive background music / moods for writing. Clean, easy to use, no need to create accounts. Cleanest UI. Commands only via shortcuts. Try web version by clicking on one of the themes cards that appear on this page.
100% free
Title Generators
Sharethrough Headlines
Title analyzer. Input a title and application (ad, blog post, social, email, PR) and receive an objective analysis and alternative title options that can drive more readers and engagement. Works in English and French.
100% free
Title, tagline and USP generator for products, apps and service descriptions. Specify product, target audience, communication style and tone. Can be used also for newsletter descriptions or downloadable information products.
100% free
Title Formats
A short list of 60 valuable and tested title formulas, with examples, that can be applied to any topic and editorial need.100% free
Focus Sounds
Noisli
Background sound generator allows to play multiple sounds together while controlling each individual volume. Offers 16 basic natural sounds from rain to train, while integrating a session timer and many useful sound combo presets.
Free version - Pro adds more sounds, text editor, playlists, and more for $12/mo
Mini-app offering 14 different sound atmospheres ranging from “floating” to “blessing”, white noise, underwater, rain, forest and more. I use it regularly to focus, relax and get in the flow when writing.
100% free
SoftMurmur
10 natural ambient and nature sounds for focusing and tune out distractions. Allows to mix and match sounds according to your preference. Rain and crickets? Waves and thunders? You pick and choose.
Free version - Pro version adds 15 extra sounds for $14.99/year
Outliners
Workflowy
Powerful outliner helps to jot down ideas, thoughts, writing topics and block drafts and to easily re-arrange and organize them. Can also be used to manage tasks and projects. Intuitive. Fast. Definitely my favorite outliner.
Free version (all features with monthly bullet limit) - Pro version $8.99/mo
Speare
Modular writing app lets you organize ideas into “cards” you can move around to structure content. Great for brainstorming, outlining, and writing simultaneously, especially for complex topics.
14-day trial - then $10/mo paid annually
Transcriptions
oTranscribe
Web-based basic transcription tool for audio and video files. Journalists and content creators can easily transcribe interviews or videos for free, with intuitive playback controls. Exports to Markdown, plain text and Google Docs. Integrated audio-video player.
100% free
Special
Calligraphr
Transform your handwriting into your own personal font (standard TTF / OTF format). Once created and downloaded font is yours and you can use it anywhere, on any device and in any app.Free version (fully working) - Pro $8/mo includes adv. features (ligatures, letter spacing, variants, max number of font characters (75 free vs 200 pro).
I hope you have found this selection of alternative, little-known tools for writers, useful.
I have been searching and reviewing tools for communication professionals for over 20 years.
I do this because I enjoy searching, verifying and organizing useful resources.
I love to create lasting collections that can be useful to others.
Please consider supporting this work (like, recommend, subscribe).
I’d love to keep on searching.
from sunny Koh Samui (TH)
Robin Good
Dear Robin, thank you for bringing this to my attention. I hadn't encountered Calmly Writer before, and it seems quite interesting to incorporate into my workflow.
I am a psychotherapist interested in how AI is changing the field. There is much to reflect on and calmly write about.
I love iA Writer . Only for Mac, but is blissfully minimalist and powerful.
Appreciate your work here.
Ever consider doing a deeper dive video tutorial on your fave tools? If you have already, apologies: imma new subscriber.