​Writing Tip Wednesday: Helpful author tools that are worth the money

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