By John Bond

We are living in a Golden Age of technology for authors. But sometimes these new or improved tools can be intimidating. Here are some simple steps for getting started on considering these tools that might improve your writing output and quality.

Before we start, take an inventory:

• Currently am I making the best use of my time?
• Will new tools make me more productive?
• What’s wrong with your current tools?
• What is available to you now through your institution?
• What’s your motivation for a change?

Let’s take a look at some popular or important tools for authors. The most popular or market leader (based on my very modest research) if there is one, will be noted in italic:

Reference Manager Software

• EndNote
• Mendeley Reference Manager
• Zotero
• Paperpile

Note: Some people use their word processing program to manage references.

Grammar Checking Software

• Most people use their word processing program to check grammar (make sure it is optimized in the Settings area)
• Grammarly
• Hemmingway Editor
• ProWritingAid

Video Editing Software

• iMovie
• Camtasia
• Adobe Premiere Pro
• DaVinci Resolve
• Clipchamp
• SnagIt

Book Formatting Tools

• Microsoft Word or Mac Pages
• Kindle Create
• Reedsy Book Editor
• Adobe InDesign
• Vellum
• Scrivener

Note: Don’t spend too much time on this.  Consider outsourcing this if you need it.

Originality or A.I. Checkers

• Turnitin
• EasyBib
• Grammarly
• Scribbr
• PlagScan
• iThenticate

Note: Most people are not using one type of checker, and this category is developing rapidly.

A.I. Chatbots

• Chat GPT/Open AI
• Microsoft Copilot
• Google’s Gemini
• Anthropic/Claude

A.I. Image Generators

• DALL-E3
• Midjourney
• Stable Diffusion
• Dream Studio
• Starry A.I.
• Canva A.I.

Password Manager

• LastPass
• 1Password
• BitWarden
• NordPass

Note: Please, please use a password manager, even if it is the one provided by your browser. And use their auto generated passwords composed of a string of numbers, letters, and symbols. Get started today!

Journal Selection Tools

• Cabells Journalytics
• AJE Journal Guide
• Clarivate Manuscript Matcher
• Edanz Journal Selector
• Elsevier Journal Finder
• Genamics Journal Seek
• IEEE Publication Recommender
• Springer Nature Journal Suggester
• Ulrich’s Periodicals Directory

Note: Be aware of any of these tools owned or operated by a publisher. Their results might favor their publications.

Finally, before implementing any change, some suggestions:

• Prioritize your need or interest. Implement one change at a time, unless they are interconnected.
• Do your research first. Talk to your institution, colleagues, IT/training group.
• Watch some videos (not from the tools provider).
• Develop a plan and timeline to transition.
• Look for pro tips or hidden functionality.
• Embrace Change!

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John Bond is a publishing consultant at Riverwinds Consulting. His new book is: The Little Guide to Getting Your Book Published: Simple Steps to Success. He is also the host of the YouTube channel “Publishing Defined.” Contact him at jbond@riverwindsconsulting.com