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Free Software Options for Writers
By Thursday Bram
A writer doesn't necessarily need much more than pen and
paper to make a living. But additional tools do make the
work go faster. Most writers use computers to speed up their
writing process, depending on a word processing program like
Microsoft Word. But there are software programs available that
make Word look only marginally more advanced than pen and
paper. Even better, many of these programs are available for
free as downloads from the Internet — far cheaper than the
cost of a license for a Microsoft program.
WriteRoom: As writers have transitioned to working on computers,
many have struggled with ignoring all of the distractions that
a computer — and its Internet connection — offers. WriteRoom
(hogbaysoftware.com/products/writeroom)
is a word processor
which eliminates a writer's view of her desktop and its
distractions while writing. It is available as a free download,
although the creators of the software invite happy customers to
purchase a copy in order to support future development. While
WriteRoom is only available for computers running Mac, DarkRoom
provides the same functionality for Windows users
(they.misled.us/dark-room).
Celtx: Screenwriters have a wide variety of software options
to choose from. These software programs can help organize
plot points and notes, and even automatically format text as
scripts. Final Draft is one of the best known options and
costs $229 — more than many writers feel comfortable spending.
However, Celtx (celtx.com) offers almost all
of the features
of Final Draft as a free download. Celtx is available for Mac,
Windows and Linux users.
Sonar: It can be a struggle remembering which submissions went
to which publications, not to mention tracking payments and
rights. However, Sonar (spacejock.com/Sonar_Download.html)
is
a tool writers can use to track submissions. This Windows-only
program includes options for tracking markets, responses and
even payments. It's not the prettiest piece of software
available, but it does get the job done.
Google Docs: On the surface, Google Docs (docs.google.com)
seems to be nothing more than an online version of Microsoft
Word. The important difference, at least for writers, is that
Google Docs makes it easy to share documents with other people
— like editors. Even better, multiple people can edit a document
at once, making it easy to determine what changes an editor
wants in a story or an article and make them immediately. Google
Docs is a web application and requires no download. It can be
used with any operating system.
Backpack: For writers in need of a way to organize multiple
projects, Backpack (backpackit.com) may
be the answer. Backpack
is a web application that allows users to save notes, create
task lists, and save files and pictures all in one place. The
application can also send reminders about upcoming due dates,
as well as offers a calendar to track a project's progress.
Users can even manage multiple projects at once, although
free accounts are limited to five projects at a time; there
are multiple levels of premium accounts, which allow for
varying numbers of projects at each price level. It's
especially convenient for writers who shift between computers
regularly.
There are many more software options available online. Some
are free, while others charge a fee. But many of these
software packages offer tools for writers that go far beyond
simple word processing: there are options that can help a
writer with every task from developing a plot to handling the
business side of the profession. It's just a matter of looking.
BIO
Thursday Bram is a freelance journalist of over five years'
experience. She blogs about the business side of freelance
writing at thursdaybram.com .
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