Let’s face it, the internet loves giving us the same list of writing tools: Scrivener, Grammarly, Google Docs. And while they’re solid, I’m here to tell you that there’s a whole world of tools beyond the usual suspects.

I’m a developmental editor, author, and writing systems geek, and I’ve spent the last decade testing tools so you don’t have to. I work with writers of every kind: novelists, researchers, content creators, memoirists, and even the odd poet battling their latest existential crisis. Every one of them benefits from specific tools that most “lists” conveniently leave out.

This is Part 1 of my curated list of 50 hidden writing tools that can absolutely transform your workflow, especially if you’re a serious writer ready to level up.

So whether you need a focused writing space, an AI co-pilot, or a long-form novel planner, this list has something for you. Let’s dive into tools 1–25.

1–5  AI‑Powered Writing Assistants

1. Sudowrite – AI fiction partner: https://www.sudowrite.com/ linkedin.com+6sudowrite.com+6sudowrite.com+6
2. Sudowrite Muse – Fiction‑focused model: https://www.sudowrite.com/muse sudowrite.com+1docs.sudowrite.com+1
3. Effidit – Tencent’s AI writing assistant: https://effidit.qq.com/en editor.sudowrite.com+10effidit.qq.com+10syncedreview.com+10
4. Phraselette – AI tool for poets: https://arxiv.org/abs/2503.06335
5. PEER – Collaborative AI editor (link pending)

6–10  Distraction‑Free & Minimalist Editors

6. FocusWriter – Minimalist full‑screen editor: https://gottcode.org/focuswriter/
7. iA Writer – Clean Markdown interface: https://ia.net/writer
8. OmmWriter – Ambient, focused writing space: https://www.ommwriter.com
9. Byword – Mac/iOS Markdown simplicity: https://bywordapp.com
10. TED Notepad – Compact Windows text editor: https://tednotepad.sourceforge.net

11–15  Novel & Long‑Form Writing Tools

11. yWriter – Scene/chapter-focused novel planner: http://www.spacejock.com/yWriter.html
12. Dabble – Cloud-based novel writing workspace: https://www.dabblewriter.com
13. The Novel Factory – Structured novel software: https://www.novel-software.com
14. LivingWriter – Cloud writing with templates: https://livingwriter.com
15. Storyist – Novel & screenplay combo: https://storyist.com

16–20  Academic & Technical Writing Platforms

16. Overleaf – Collaborative LaTeX editor: https://www.overleaf.com
17. Authorea – Research + data + code: https://www.authorea.com
18. Writefull – Academic feedback tool: https://www.writefull.com
19. Document360 – Knowledge-base platform: https://document360.io
20. SnagIt – Screen capture & annotation: https://www.techsmith.com/screen-capture.html

21–25  Organization & Productivity Tools

21. Workflowy – Infinite outline notes: https://workflowy.com
22. Tinderbox – Notes + plot planner: https://www.eastgate.com/Tinderbox/
23. Bear – Markdown note-taking app: https://bear.app
24. Evernote – Cross-device note organization: https://evernote.com
25. Notion – All-in-one note/task workspace: https://www.notion.so

There you have it: 25 powerful, often-overlooked tools that can ease your writing life. From AI tools like Sudowrite to simple, soothing editors like OmmWriter, we’ve only just scratched the surface.

In Part 2, we’ll explore the rest of this list, focusing on editing tools, plotting software, collaborative platforms, and some wildcards you’ll wish you’d known about sooner.

Bookmark this post, share it with a writing friend, and get ready to supercharge your creative process.
Ready for the next 25 tools? [Click here for Part 2 → Coming next]