To each skill, its tools. This is basically how it works in the corporate world and almost everyone with a skill has tools that help them to get work done. The same applies to every writer; while it looks like you only need a pen and a book or just a notepad to send out a piece of writing, it goes beyond just that. To maximize your skills and productivity, there are essential tools that make the job easier. Many times, it is possible to think that you can do your job as a writer without using these tools but you never know how much you need them until you decide to start trying them. 

Why do I need tools as a writer? My Computer alone should work 

You can think that your computer alone should work but you are not sure. Instead of taking too much time to read your articles or essays over and over to check for grammatical errors, a writing tool can save you time by pointing out the areas that need correction, then you go right there to make changes. You have not only saved yourself some time but some energy too. 

Usually, writing jobs may require you to send your work to an editor. Collaboration and communication tools help you to do this better because you can share and edit documents, and drop comments and suggestions. 

You cannot just always write on your notepad and move on because you may find it difficult to name it or find it some other time. Writing tools come with so much organization that you can back up your writings, save them, rename them, and even revisit them to effect some updates later. Another good thing is that some of these tools help you to get creative such that you can insert graphical content into your work to make it look more appealing and relatable. 

If you are someone who thinks their writing is so good and would want the world to see, then you can not keep your work to yourself. Some tools can help you blow your trumpet and this is why you should never sleep on them. 

See the tools you need

While there are different tools, they serve varying purposes. So, whether you are a writer who goes to the office every day or you work from home, these tools can help you to be productive and excellent in your career: 

Google Docs

Many years ago, writers used MS Word which was never a bad idea. But, fast forward to now, Google Docs makes even more sense and has become a better choice for most writers. This tool allows you to do your work in real time. Multiple users who have been added to an article or project can work on the same document simultaneously. You don't have to start sending screenshots of a part of the work to your team members because they can be added to the document as co-authors. You can edit and also provide feedback. 

If you didn't save a work on MS Word, you may never find it again. However, Google Docs automatically saves your changes as you work, reducing the risk of having to lose your work or progress. 

Grammarly

Grammarly is a tool that helps you to check your grammar and spelling while writing, although it has some other special features such as the plagiarism checker. You can go ahead to keep writing while Grammarly identifies a word you've written wrongly or a text that appears too complex and incomprehensible. To fix this, it offers suggestions that can be used to restructure the sentence, word choice, and readability. If you are digressing from the proper tone, Grammarly can help you stay on track and let you know when you are using too much or passive words or when you need to incorporate more active words. Writers will most likely want to check their work for plagiarism, and Grammarly allows you to do just that, highlighting content that is not original and suggesting that you rewrite it. 

Slack

Slack is a communication and collaboration tool that writers can also leverage. You can create slack channels for different topics or projects enabling real-time communication with other writers or workers in your team. You can share updates, findings, and suggestions. Writers can use Slack to communicate or receive feedback, and reviews, and send drafts of their work. If you are a work from home writer, slack may be most important for you as the notification feature helps you to stay informed about project updates, deadlines, and other important information. The tool is easy to use and you don't have to rack your head around trying to navigate it. 

Notion

Notion is a tool that you can use as a writer if you are heavy on organization and management. The tool can be used to map out publishing workflows from drafting to editing, formatting, and then releasing.  Over time, when you get an idea as a writer, Notion gives you a space to pour out what you know and organize it into a concept that can be valuable to other people. This means that you can also retrieve it whenever you want. Another interesting feature of this tool is that it offers customizable templates for different writing tasks and a bank where you can store and organize your research materials, links, and references. 

Canva

Many times, you have to incorporate graphical content into your work. With Canva, you can create visual content such as social media banners, and illustrations to complement the written content and make it more appealing to the readers. Also, if you mostly write blog posts, you can use Canva to design the cover photos or marketing materials. Writers can have a brand of their own and Canva is a tool that can also be used to create logos, business cards, and promotional materials that reflect their writing style. If you don't know much about how to use Canva, several templates can provide you with what you need, such that you don't have to stress it. 

ChatGPT 

Every proper piece of writing requires thorough research. ChatGpt is a research tool that provides information, evidence, and context to support your ideas and make your writings credible and informative. While Google may be a general go-to for most writers, you can always try ChatGpt. The most important thing is to feed the tool with the right prompt on the information you need and trust it to come through. 

Payoneer

For most Nigerian writers who work for international clients, payment has always been a challenge. Payoneer is a payment solution that is widely used by most Nigerian freelancers who work with international companies and clients. Regardless of the payment method your client may be proposing, Payoneer operates globally and can receive multiple payments and currencies. So, as a writer, you don't have to worry about how you get paid when you can use this tool. 

There are tons of tools that writers can explore but here are simple, yet effective ones you can use regularly to get through work as a writer. 

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