Book Writing, Editing & Publishing
Links
Featured Sites
We recommend these tools for writing and formatting your work:
» Atticus.io (All operating systems)
» Scrivener
» Vellum (only for Mac)
» Google Docs, free, internet-based processor that can be used offline
» LibreOffice, free, downloadable office suite
» Microsoft Word ($), can download the phone or iPad app for free
» Open Office Writer, free, downloadable processor
» WPS Office Writer ($), an affordable alternative to MS Word
» WUR EXCLUSIVE: 3-Word Story Starter (Download)
» Eadverell: 30 Scene Ideas for Plot Development
» Masterclass: How to Develop a Fictional Character: 6 Tips for Writing Great Characters
» Now Novel: How to Develop a Story: 10 Steps to a Winning Plot
» Reedsy: Plot Development Writing Exercises
» Reedsy: 8 Character Development Exercises to Help You Nail Your Character
» Screen Craft: The Ultimate List of Story Development Questions
» Well-Storied: Develop Your Story Idea in Eleven Simply Steps
Editing
Edit Your Own Work
When editing your own work, you’ll not only need time, but you’ll need a great eye to catch standard grammatical, spelling, and continuity errors.
Catching issues, no matter how obvious they may be, isn’t always the easiest when checking your own work, but using an editing assistant will help you catch and correct most of the problems.
These are some of the most well-reviewed and recommended editors on the internet. Each come at their own price and offer various features, so be sure to check all of them out and utilize the ones that best reflect the needs of your work. Happy editing!
“Your personal writing coach. A grammar checker, style editor, and writing mentor in one package.”
Get in-depth reports on various aspects of your writing including but not limited to: overused words and cliches, transitions, diction, plagiarism, sticky sentences, repeats, and sentence length. Use our code KUZG9MS4PZ to get a discount on any premium plan
1-Year: $70
2-Year: $100
3-Year: $140
Lifetime: $240
Use the Free Web Editor
Purchase the Premium
Get 20% off ProWritingAid Premium!
“Easily take the guesswork out of great writing. Check Your emails, documents, essays, and more. Easily improve any text. Eliminate grammar errors.”
Use Grammaryly’s spell checker, grammar checker, vocabulary enhancement, and plaigarism checker.
Create a free account and download the extension on Chrome or purchase a premium plan!
Monthly: $29.95/mo.
Quarterly: $19.98/mo (billed as one payment of $59.95)
Annual: $11.66/mo. (billed as one payment of $139.95)
Gete specialized pricing with Grammarly Business! $12.50/member/month or ask for pricing for larger teams.
Get Grammarly!
“To make the best impression, it’s important to make sure your document is free from consistency mistakes. Consistency Checker scans your text for:
- Hyphenation inconsistencies
- Numbers that are both spelled out and appear in digits
- Spelling variations
- Compound words
- Abbreviations in two forms”
It’s completely free!
Use Consistency Checker
“Write better with Draft. Easy version control and collaboration to improve your writing.”
- You can save your work with your previously saved drafts on deck.
- Work on a collaborative paper and approve edits instead of an automatic override and leave comments.
- Publish your work to various other outlets such as WordPress, social media, MailChimp, and others.
- Create presentations.
It’s free, but donate to unlock certain features.
Use Draft
“Hemingway App makes your writing bold and clear. The app highlights lengthy, complex sentences and common errors…”
- Get graded on your readability
- Highlighted words and phrases tell you how to make your composition stronger.
The online app is free and the desktop version is a one-time payment of $19.99.
Use Hemingway App online
Get the Desktop Version
“The most powerful suite of writing tools ever assembled in one program.”
Songwriters and creative writers can use their inventory of synonyms, phrases, definitions, rhymes, and more!
Monthly: $9.95/mo.
1-Year: $99.95
2-Year: $149.95
Get Master Writer
“The Reedsy Book Editor is a free online writing tool allowing any author to format and create professional ePub and print-ready files in 20 seconds.”
Allows for collaborative editing using their online marketplace filled with expert editors. It’s also perfect for formatting your book while writing it!
Use the Reedsy Book Editor
SmartEdit is an online and Microsoft editing tool allows writers to plan their work, store research, integrate other scenes from notes and other writing programs, and polish their writing.
There is a free online version and a paid Microsoft integration.
SmartEdit for Word: $77
SmartEdit Pro: $139
Use SmartEdit Writer
Get SmartEdit for Word
Get SmartEdit Pro
“Thesaurus and word tools for your creative needs!”
Use this site to find synonyms, antonyms, definitions, rhymes, translations, and way more with this site!
Visit WordHippo
Download the App (iOS)
Use any of these guides to learn how to properly format your work and correct cite your sources:
» AP Style, Writing Explained
» APA Style, Purdue OWL
» Chicago Style, Purdue OWL
» MLA Style, Purdue OWL
Check out these helpful editing guides from reputable resources:
» How to Edit a Book: Your Ultimate 21-Part Checklist, Jerry Jenkins
» Self-Editing Tips: 6 Ways to Make Your Editor Stop Yelling At You, The Write Life
» What to Look for When Editing Your Manuscript, Writer’s Digest
Take the guesswork out of creating citations and use one of these automated citation creators:
» Easybib
» BibMe
» PapersOwl
» Citation Machine
» Cite This For Me
» Easy Tools
Editing is an integral part of the writing process. It can also be the hardest because it requires strong attention to detail and the acceptance that some of what’s written won’t make the final cut. Hiring an editor to do the grunt work for you will save you a load of time, but prepared to shell out some good money for the best ones. Here are some sites where you can solicit an editor at a price you can afford:
» ACES Editors
» Editorial Freelancers Association
» Fiverr
» Reedsy
» Upwork
*You can also post your project on any job board.
Indie Publishing
Self Publishing
Check out these lists of recommended independent publishers:
» Book Fox 30 Best Small and Indie Literary Publishers
» NewPages’ Directory of Independent Publishers & University Presses
» Writer’s Digest Directory of Self-Publishing Companies
Looking to start your own publishing company but want to learn the ins and outs of the business? Become certified!
» Arizona State University, Nonfiction Writing and Publishing
» Centennial College, Publishing
» City College of New York, Publishing
» Humber College, Creative Book Publishing
» Ryerson University, Publishing
» Washington State University, Editing and Publishing
Use these guides to help you prepare to publish your work:
» BookBaby: Free Guides for Author
» CNET: Self-publishing a book: 25 things you need to know
» Jane Friedman: Start Here: How to Self Publish Your Book
» NY Book Editors: A Beginner’s Guide to Self-Publishing
» PrintNinja: The Self-Published Author’s Guide to Finding a Children’s Book Illustrator
» SelfPublishing.com: Best Self-Publishing Companies [2020]: Top Publishing Companies Guide
Use any of these self-publishing platforms to release your work to the world!
» Apple iBooks
» Barnes And Noble Press
» BookBaby
» Blurb (Best for Photo Books)
» Google Play Books Partner
» Ingram Spark ($)
» Kindle Publishing Direct
» Lulu
Follow these basic steps to create your own publishing company:
- First, decide if creating your own publishing company is right for you. If you intend on publishing many books under your company or you make good money selling your books, a publishing would be a good option.
- Understand your tax benefits and responsibilities.
- Establish your business. Depending on the route you decide to go, you can establish a sole proprietorship, an LLC, a partnership, or even a corporation. Note: In some states, you may be required to establish a Fictitious Name or DBA.
- Choose your company name and register it with your state. Search your state’s website to confirm that your preferred name isn’t already taken. Unless you are a corporation, do not include “corp. or inc” in your business name. Register your business in your state’s system. Note: some states do not require sole proprietors to register a business with the state since the individual owner takes personal responsibility for all business dealings.
- Get an EIN number (not necessary if operating as a sole proprietor). EINs is a business equivalent to a social security number. When establishing official business accounts, you’ll need an EIN number. If you are a sole proprietor, you can still use your social security number to set up accounts, but it’s better to get an EIN.
- Get a business bank account (not always necessary if operating as a sole proprietor). You should set up an account that all funds will be paid to and withdrawn from so your personal funds are not affected. This is required for LLCs, partnerships, and corporations. Sole proprietors may decide to do business banking, but be mindful that all of your assets are at risk, regardless of whether you have a separate account.
- Get a website! Your website is your most important and powerful marketing tool. Purchase web hosting through HostGator, Bluehost, GoDaddy, or any other company, set up a WordPress website and create an email account. Consider even creating social media for your company, but only if you will be active. Social media can play an important role in getting your work seen, but it’s not the end all be all.
- Seek legal advice. This is important if you plan to work with other authors and hire employees. You should get help drawing up contracts that protect you and your clients and discuss any legal implications and ramifications that come with opening your business.
- Build your network. Now it’s time to get your name out there. Go to industry events or host events of your own!