In my opinion, obviously. But they are probably worth trying out. Most have a free trial, and for those that don't, they are often subscription services that you can pay for one month, then cancel.
 
Scrivener
This is a word processor application that can also format your book into an ePub and paperback. The basics are pretty intuitive, like Microsoft Word or Google Docs, but the more advanced options (like the formatting) usually require using the in-app tutorials or finding YouTube videos to show you how it's done. I love how easy it is to leave notes to yourself while drafting and editing, move scenes and chapters around, and generally navigate compared to most other word processors.
 
Cost: One-time fee of $60 for Mac or PC. $24 for iOS app. Free trial (at least for computer-based version).
 
ProWriting Aid
I prefer the paid version of PWA to all the others I've tried. It's more intuitive, offers fewer suggestions that ruin the voice of your writing, and has lots of handy features that can help you learn grammar and improve your overall writing. It is NOT a magic bullet, and will best serve you if you have a strong foundation in grammar, but the same can be said for most grammar apps. 
 
Cost: $30/month, $120/year, $400 lifetime. They usually offer a 25-40% discount on the annual subscription in the spring and in the summer, and a 50% discount on the lifetime license at the end of November. 
 
StoryOrigin
StoryOrigin is an author services site, helping authors distribute reader magnets for newsletter signups, ARCs, and finding newsletter swaps (kinda like free advertising among authors). The big name in this realm is BookFunnel, but I prefer StoryOrigin. I will have an entire post soon on why and give you the pros and cons to each so you can pick which you prefer. In addition to the above, StoryOrigin also offers custom links, basic website builds, a LinkTree type service, direct sales, an interface to get feedback on beta copies without sending your document directly, and a free goal tracker.
 
Cost: There's a free option with limited services (goal tracker, universal book link, and unlimited file delivery) and a paid version for $10/month or $100/year.
 
Canva
This is an online graphic design app that you can use to create almost anything you need for your author business. Book covers, bookmarks, ads, social media posts, book trailers, banners, stickers, chapter header art, signs, merch. It's intuitive and everything comes with a commercial license, so if you design using the elements Canva provides, you shouldn't run afoul of copyright laws. You can upload your own pictures and pictures you've licensed from other sites, as well.
 
Cost: You can use Canva for free with limited elements (but there's a lot you can do within those limits). CanvaPro ($120/year) gives you access to their entire library of elements, including templates, auto-resizes, allows scheduling, more storage, and brand kits, where you can pick out colors and fonts for your brand. For a middle-of-the-road option, you can purchase credits that you can use on a single element for one project. Fall in love with a premium font that's perfect for a design – you can unlock it for one project for a minimal amount (1 credit = $1).
​#WritingTipWednesday

Selena is a prolific author with several adult novels and some kids books out! Her next book, Cousins - All We Got Is Us! comes out April 16, 2024. It's a compelling young adult novel set in the DC area in the 1980s following a family of cousins who always have each other's backs. You can find Selena at www.booksbyselena.com and on most social media @BooksBySelena, including YouTube. https://www.amazon.com/Cousins-All-We-Got-Us-ebook/dp/B0CZZGQMRW

Tell us about Cousins – All We Got Is Us!
Cousins is a story about five cousins who grow up in Washington, DC during the 80s and 90s. A tragic event happens that ultimately reveals a dark family secret. The idea was loosely-based on my time growing up on Capitol Hill with my cousins. I chose the setting of Washington, DC because that's my hometown. I delve into what used to be present throughout the city before the gentrification took place. Readers will be able to relate to the different landmarks I mention in the book as well as historical events that took place during that time. No book is easy to write. The ideas are easy to come up with, but bringing those ideas to fruition takes a lot of effort, at least for me. This particular book project was fun overall because it sparked nostalgia and took me back to a moment in time. On the other hand, it challenged me because of the different characters and sensitive topics I tried to address.
 
What's a favorite line?
"Go and get yourself a life."
 
What's a core memory that made you want to be a writer?
I always had a vivid imagination. I didn't know what it was, but I realize it was my gift from God. I was also drawn to books at a very early age. By the time I got to high school and I read, Judy Blume's books, especially "Forever," I knew I wanted to be a writer. 
 
What was your favorite book as a child?
Judy Blume's "Forever." There were so many layers to this story, but the overall theme was that when you're young you think love will last forever. Your emotions are very strong, and the bond you form with the one you love feels unbreakable. The book sparked me to write romantic themes in my books.
 
What was your last five-star read?
Razorblade Tears by S.A. Cosby. I felt like I was watching an action-packed movie. The characters were well-developed. The story was suspenseful and kept me on the edge of my seat. It was also funny at times, and it helped to lighten things up a bit. 
 
What finally made you decide to write a novel?
I have been writing stories since junior high school. I started taking it seriously by high school, when my English teacher Mr. Sutton said I had creative talent. 

What is something you'd like readers to know about you as a person?
Although I write fiction, I read a lot of non-fiction. I love history, memoirs, and I watch documentaries. I'm also a huge basketball fan. I love the Boston Celtics even though I'm from DC. 

What are you working on right now?
Cousins Part 2 when the characters become adults. 
 
When did your last book come out?
My last book was a children's book, She Can Dance. 
https://www.amazon.com/She-Can-Dance-Selena-Haskins-ebook/dp/B0BPR5NQYG

​#MeetTheAuthor