Image credit:Photo by Mathew Schwartz on Unsplash 
Written by Lia McQueeney

Are you like the many authors we know who are endlessly frustrated with the amount of things to do (writing, marketing, signing, shipping, touring, tracking taxes, and on and on) and the difficulties it takes to accomplish some of them? Even though you might be struggling to keep up with the ever increasing technological advancements and you may even think they are detrimental to the literary world, there are many ways you can use technology to your benefit.  There are specifically a great number of apps, like the ones we’ll walk you through below, that can help writers and authors improve their habits, augment their talents, just get more stuff done.

READING

When reading, it can be helpful to track your reading habits, progress, and goals, and there are many different apps that can help with that! Some apps even allow you to read and buy a wide variety of books right on your phone or computer. Here are a few:

Goodreads

Goodreads is currently one of the most popular book apps, and for good reason! Through Goodreads, you can track books you’ve read, rate and see other people’s ratings on books, and get recommendations based on your favorite genres and authors. What makes it even better is that the app fosters a sense of community with readers just like you! You can join groups with similar reading interests, connect with your friends and see what they’re reading, participate in reading challenges that keep you motivated, and get updates on your favorite authors and book releases. Plus, the reader reviews, and occasional author chime-ins, are excellent entertainment on their own. Goodreads is a free service that can be downloaded as an app on your phone or accessed online at goodreads.com. 

Libby

Libby is a reading app that can be accessed by logging in with your local library and library card. Just like when you’re at the library in person, you can browse ebooks, audiobooks, and magazines that you want to borrow and read online. This app can be a great way to stay connected to your local library while reading off of your device from the comfort of your own home. As long as you are a member of a library, you can use this app for free to find thousands of great books that are available at your fingertips! 

Epic!

Epic is one of the best online sources for fun, safe, and educational kids’ books (ages 3-12). While the app requires a subscription ($10 a month), it is free to use for educators and students during school days. The app includes features such as educational videos, audiobooks, quizzes, reading buddies, and badges that are awarded for reading. All of these features keep kids motivated and engaged in what they are reading and learning, which is why Epic is the ultimate app for kids reading!

ThriftBooks 

Thriftbooks is a great, and financially responsible, way to purchase books from the comfort of your own home! The app sells new and used books with reduced prices of up to 90% off of the listed book price. You can even earn rewards points after purchases that add up to get you a free purchase of your choice. The app is great for book lovers, as it is an easy and cheap way to buy books on your reading list without spending your entire paycheck. While some might be suspicious of purchasing books online, Thriftbooks is a very trustworthy app and consists of customers who have been greatly satisfied by their purchases before. 

Book of the Month

Book of the Month is one of the best, and easiest, ways to discover and purchase new books! Each month, the app releases a list of fiction books that you can pick from, and they will send your choice right to your door! The only cost comes from the subscription, which is around $13. Many Book of the Month users rave about their quality book choices, interactive app features, and customer service when it comes to any issue. This app can be a great way to read the best new fiction, even before it hits the shelves. 

WRITING

When writing, thoughts can get jumbled and characters/storylines can get lost, which is why it can be helpful to organize your thoughts electronically. On these apps, you can easily access and organize your book to make the writing process easier and smoother. 

Fortelling

Fortelling is a great app for writers who want to organize their thoughts when it comes to plots, characters, and storylines of their books! The app allows you to link all of your story’s elements together in order to keep track of all the jumbled ideas you may have in your head. Not only that, but if you please, you can write your book right in the app itself. This can be a great way to keep your plans coherent with your actual writing. The app also includes special features such as writing prompts and community exercises that help you stay motivated to write and allow you to get feedback from your peers. 

Writing Prompts - Daily 

Writing Prompts - Daily can be a great way to keep yourself motivated to write. The app provides daily prompts based on your writing preferences (for fun, for practice, or even for your book). Many people find themselves inspired by the prompts and appreciate the app for helping them stay consistent with their writing. Communities within the app will help you improve your writing, which can be a great way to receive unbiased feedback.  

Grammarly 

Grammarly is a very popular extension used by writers, as it automatically checks spelling, grammar, punctuation, and stylistic mistakes in your writing. You can connect the app right to your preferred writing platform (Google Docs, Word, Pages, etc.) and use it during your writing process or after you are finished. Grammarly even checks for plagiarism which is greatly important when you are using sources for your writing and don’t want to steal someone else’s work. 

Writing Space: Books & Scripts

Writing Space is a great way to write on the go! You can download the app onto your phone and work on your writing goals from somewhere other than your usual writing space. It carries all of the usual writing tools you will need, which is why it can be a great resource for your writing process. The app and most of its features are free, but if you decide you like the app and want to see more of what it offers, you can pay for the premium subscription.

Poetizer: A Poetry Writing App

Poetizer is the ultimate app for poetry readers and writers. In the app, you can write your own poems, publish them for others to read, and read the work made by those in your community. Poetizer can be a great way to stay consistent with your poetry, as the interactive community motivates you and gives you feedback that can better your writing skills. The app offers a 14-day free trial before it requires you to purchase a subscription, which can be a great way to test out what the app offers before committing to it.

While some technological advancements may seem intimidating, these 10 effortless apps can truly transform your reading and writing goals with no intricate learning process. Never be afraid to try something new, even if it is potentially out of your comfort zone. You might even find that you are able to better appreciate and leverage the tools that are provided to you. As always, stay motivated, achieve your goals, and embrace your expanding technological mind!

 Lia is a lifelong reader and writer who is currently a student at Siena College pursuing a degree in English. Her passion for English merges with her commitment to supporting and educating others, which is why one day she hopes to find her place either in the world of publishing or in early childhood education.