The Write Fit: Finding the Perfect A.I. Tools for You
In our previous post, we explored working styles - what they are and how they shape the way fiction writers approach their craft.
How does that influence our writing tools?
Think of it this way – if I love working with others for ideas, support and social interaction, I’m going to pick tools which allow for that. So Google docs, Zoom, Reedsy, Ayoa – any tool which can gives me the ability to share my documents, my ideas.
Compare this to the person who likes to work independently. They’re not going to gravitate to tools which allow for lots of interaction. They’ll pick one because in today’s world that’s how you hold meetings. The tools they’ll use will allow them to write with no distractions. Like iAWriter, Ulysses, FocusWriter, Freedom.
Two different working styles – two different tool types wanted.
How do you figure out the best tool for you?
Matching Tools to Your Writing Style
Every writer has a unique approach to their craft, and the tools they choose should reflect their individual working style. In today’s world, this is easier to do than ever.
But which tool?
As of September 18, 2024, Capterra reported 484 AI Writing Assistant Tools. Each one with its unique strengths and function.
How do you narrow the list?
If you’re anything like me, you spend days reading reviews, comparing one tool against another, watching how-to videos, visiting community boards, asking for recommentations. At the end of it, you pick one and install it. Except that it doesn’t do things the way you want. And so, you try a different one from your list and so on until you find one whose quirks you can live with.
What if there was an easier way?
What if you could take the guesswork out of picking a tool? And what if you knew before making any investment of time or money the tool you’re interested in would fit your writing process?
You can. If you know what your worker writing style is.
Don’t get me wrong. There will always be a chance that even though the tool looks like is a perfect match, it isn’t. After all, a person may look perfect for you on the dating website and be a total dork in person. There’s always that risk.
But… knowing your working style will help steer you towards tools that fit your writing process – minimizing the amount of time and money you spend on tools not suited to you.
Let's explore how different writing styles might help you:
1. The Methodical Writer (Strategist)
The Methodical Writer approaches their craft with a strategic mindset. They thrive on structure and planning, often creating detailed outlines before diving into the actual writing process. These writers believe in the power of organization to streamline their creativity, ensuring that every element of their story has its place and purpose.
Preferences: Organization, structure, thorough planning
Example of Ideal Tools:
Scrivener: Offers robust outlining and research organization
Trello: Helps create writing schedules and track progress
Decision-Making Process: The Methodical Writer might start by listing requirements: strong outlining features, research organization capabilities, and project management tools. After scanning through the features of the various tools, they’ll eliminate the ones which don’t have qualities they want.
2. The Detail-Oriented Craftsperson
The Detail-Oriented Craftsperson is a perfectionist at heart, focusing on the minutiae of language to create polished, precise prose. These writers often spend considerable time refining individual sentences and paragraphs, believing that the beauty of a story lies in its carefully chosen words and impeccable grammar.
Preferences: Language nuances, grammar, sentence structure
Example of Ideal Tools:
ProWritingAid: Provides in-depth grammar and style analysis
Hemingway Editor: Helps simplify and clarify writing
Decision-Making Process: This writer would prioritize tools offering detailed grammar and style feedback. They might opt for ProWritingAid for its comprehensive reports and Hemingway Editor for its focus on readability.
3. The Creative Visionary (Innovator)
The Creative Visionary is driven by imagination and the thrill of exploring new ideas. These writers often work in bursts of inspiration, quickly jotting down concepts and plot twists as they come. They value tools that can keep up with their rapid-fire thoughts and help them make connections between disparate ideas.
Preferences: Imagination, innovation, brainstorming
Example of Ideal Tools:
Milanote: Supports visual mind mapping and idea organization
Sudowrite: AI-powered tool for generating ideas and creative prompts
Decision-Making Process: Creative Visionary would seek tools facilitating freeform idea generation. They are drawn to tools which allow for the most flexibility. Visual appeal, creative assistance are two of the sought-after features. ChatGPT and Claude are also tools which lend themselves to this category.
4. The Solo Scribe (Self-Starter)
The Solo Scribe is an independent spirit who thrives on autonomy. These writers are self-motivated and disciplined, often setting their own schedules and deadlines. They value tools that enhance focus and productivity, allowing them to immerse themselves fully in their writing without distractions.
Preferences: Independent work, self-discipline
Example of Ideal Tools:
FocusWriter: Provides a distraction-free writing environment
Toggl: Helps track writing sessions and manage time
Decision-Making Process: Focus and productivity are core features for the tools this writer needs. And so they would look for tools which are streamlined and simple to use while provide a robust set of integrated functionality. They might choose FocusWriter for its simplicity and Toggl for detailed time tracking. Notion would be another tool this writer would be drawn to.
5. The Collaborative Storyteller (Connector)
The Collaborative Storyteller flourishes in a community setting, drawing energy and inspiration from interactions with fellow writers. These individuals see writing as a collective endeavor, valuing feedback and diverse perspectives to enrich their work. They seek tools that facilitate easy sharing and communication.
Preferences: Feedback, collaboration
Example of Ideal Tools:
Google Docs: Offers real-time editing and commenting features
Reedsy: Provides a platform for community feedback and peer reviews
Decision-Making Process: Tools supporting interaction and feedback are at the top of the list of needs for this writer. And don’t make them too complicated. Google Docs for its ease of use in collaboration and Reedsy for its supportive community would certainly be on the list to try out.
Were you able to figure out your writing style? And the type of tools you work best with? Don’t fret. I have a tool to help you.
The AI Revolution in Writing Tools
Remember at the beginning of this post, I mentioned Capterra lists 484 AI Writing Assistant tools? All of them offer the benefits to writers. The question is how do you figure out the best tool(s) for you with the benefits you need without having to slog through hundreds of descriptions?
Are you looking for enhanced productivity through automated editing and suggestions? Or maybe help with ideas? Or organizational help using more intuitive categorization? Or a writing assistant to help you with a multitude of tasks?
With so many AI tools available, you can build a toolkit to suit your individual working style.
This is where I can help. I have mapped each tool to a Writer Working Style for each step in the writing process. Some tools are better at marketing and others better for research. When you finish the assessment, I send you my first tool recommendation. Others follow in subsequent e-mails.
What's Next?
If you haven’t done so, take the Assessment Quiz to find out your writing style. You’ll be on the list to receive e-mails with recommendations.
Remember, the right tools can significantly enhance your writing process, but they're not one-size-fits-all. By understanding your unique working style and needs, you can create a personalized toolkit that boosts your creativity and productivity.
Previous blogs in this series:
More Than Pantsing or Planning: Exploring Your Writer Working Style
What’s Your Writer Working Style: A Guide to Self-Discovery
So happy you dropped by!
Lorraine
Bestselling Author and A.I. Writing Consultant / Creator of The Writer Working Style Assessment
P.S. Don't hesitate to leave a comment below to share your thoughts. I read every one!
