Top Tools and Resources Every Writer Should Know About (2025 Edition)

by Edie Melson @EdieMelson

It’s been a while since I’ve done a round-up post of things I find valuable in my everyday life as a writer. I was recently at a conference and had several people ask me for tips about things/resources that help me. Maybe not everyone of these is something you could use, but hopefully you’ll find something new that’s fun and helpful!

Basics Resources for Every Writer

I have certain non-negotiables when I work with clients and accept submissions. These are those requirements

1. Microsoft Word. I know, there are other options—some free and some not. But the fact is, when you’re submitting—especially for editing (that would be to a publisher, agent, guest post, article, etc)—you need Microsoft Word. Saving a document in other programs as a word program will mess up your formatting and can even cause worse issues. Just bite the bullet and buy the program. I use the monthly option and am very satisfied because I never have to upgrade, Microsoft does it for me. 

2. Canva Pro. We all need to be able to work with graphics. Many of us are bloggers and/or write guest blogs and need to find LEGAL images to illustrate posts. Canva is your best—safest bet. Although there is a learning curve, Canva Pro can help create graphics for everything from social media to business cards (I love their printing service). Canva also makes excellent PDFs for handouts and giveaways and does about everything else except clean your house. 

3. Professional Email. I don’t mean you have to pay for an email service (at least not yet). But the email you choose should be the name you write under, not something like—gigglinggrandma @ hotmail.com. I have a paid email account that comes with my website edie@ediemelson.com. I also have a gmail account that has my name. 

4. Website. I know, it’s not easy. And if you have someone else do it for you, it’s not cheap. But it’s critically important to have a place to build your email list. That place is NEVER social media!

Other Online Resources I Find Valuable for Writers

1. Chat GPT or another AI program. Don’t let AI create your product, but use it for social media, marketing, brainstorming, and organizing your author life. I came kicking and screaming into using AI and now I find it’s the virtual assistant I’ve always been looking for! 

2. Numerous Blogs, Websites, and Podcasts. There is just so much incredible value to be found—for FREE—through these resources. Don’t discount the education you can get through 15 to 30 minutes a day of reading. I subscribe to 100s of these, so I have too many to share. I judge which ones to read on any given day by looking at the subject line and title.

3. Social Media. It’s important for almost every author to have a vibrant social media presence. Social media is also a great place to make connections and learn from others. 

4. Pixabay.com. This is one of my go-to sites for free and copyright free images. 

5. UnSplash.com. This is my other go-to site for free and copyright free images.

Valuable Groups for Writers to Join

1. CAN (Christian Authors Network). This professional organization is a wonderful place for traditionally published authors to connect and learn. It’s run by the AMAZING Susan U. Neal and she fills the resources full and overflowing with things authors need to be successful. 

2. CIPA (Christian Indie Publishing Association). Just like CAN, this is owned by Susan U. Neal and provides the same value for those who are independently published.

3. Word Weavers International. This is the gold standard when it comes to critique groups. There are physical chapters all over the US and digital chapter options for those who don’t live near a group. This is where I send writers when they ask for a group of fellow writers to connect with. 

4. AWSA (Advanced Writers and Speakers Association). Sorry gentlemen, this is a women-only group. It was started and still led by the indomitable Linda Evans Shepherd. It is a group of women (over 800 strong) who share insight, encouragement, and opportunities. This is my community and I love doing the writing life with these women!

5. Blue Ridge Conference Writers Facebook Group. You knew I’d have to add this one! It’s completely free to join this private group. I started it as a way for those who attend the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference to make connections before and after the yearly conference. It has morphed into a gathering place for writers. We seek to answer questions, offer valuable links and resources, and encourage each other—no matter where we are in our writing journey. 

6. ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers). I love this group! There are numerous resources in the members only area—from classes to groups. I joined this early in my career and even though I wasn’t working as a fiction writer, the storytelling tools I learned here are some of what have made me an good nonfiction writer. 

Apps that I Find Helpful for Writers

1. Social Media apps. Several (like Instagram and even Facebook) work best on a cell phone. I also like to separate my social media from my office (computer time). 

2. Snapseed. This is a photo editing app. It’s a great place to do quick edits when you’re out. This is great when you’re sharing photos at an event or on the go. It even has several tools that help fix up those selfies!

3. Wordswag. This is a paid app, but I love it for creating memes. It has options to use Pixabay or UnSplash free and copyright free images or your own. 

4. Kindle or Other Ebook Readers. It doesn’t matter whether you use Kindle or the library apps. Having access to ebooks on your phone is super helpful. I use these apps to house my writing-craft library for instant access to information I need. 

5. Music app like Apple Music, Amazon Music, Pandora, Spotify, etc. I use these apps for music (of course) but also for podcasts. If you aren’t listening to podcasts, like our own Your Best Writing Life, you’re missing out on valuable publishing information and encouragement. 

Other Valuable Things for Writers

1. Smart Phone. These little computers are invaluable for writers. They help us stay on top of social media, keep our calendars organized, and connect us to others. It’s also a great camera—way better than the cameras I started out on years ago. Learn to use the one you have and find out how to simplify your life. 

2. A good laptop computer. We could get into the whole Apple vs. PC argument, but why would we? Just find one you like, learn to use it, load Microsoft Word on it, and get started writing!

3. A good backpack/computer bag. I’ve bounced between rolling options, backpacks, and messenger versions. My latest favorite is one I found on Amazon thanks to the amazing Barb Roose. Here’s a link to my favorite computer backpack for writers.

4. A good water bottle. Folks, we’ve got to stay hydrated. Find a cup, bottle, whatever and drink your way healthy!

5. Bullet journal. I’m a fan of bullet journaling and my favorite place to purchase journals is from Archer and Olive. The paper in the journals is thick enough to use watercolors on and they have a lay flat binding. 

6. Good Pens. We all have our favorites. Some of us only use gel pens, others prefer ballpoint. Here is a link to the brand I love best, Tul pens. I prefer fine point, gel, but they have tons of options.

7. Transparent Sticky Notes. Yep, you read that right. I’ve fallen in love with these valuable little gems. Here’s an amazon link to my favorite color options for Transparent Sticky Notes.

8. An iPad or Tablet. I find my iPad invaluable. It's more portable than my laptop computer and smaller. 

One Final Thing

I have found a super helpful marketing book from my friend, Susan Neal. There are tons of other books, but this one was recently rewritten and released so it's on my mind. I think every author should own a copy of How to Sell 1000 Books a Month: Strategies to Improve Sales. 

Truthfully I could go on and on, but I think I’ve got most of my favorites here. Now it’s your turn. What do you find most valuable? Share and we’ll all benefit! Leave your own suggestions in the comments below. 

Don’t forget to join the conversation!

Blessings, 

Edie

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Top Tools and Resources Every Writer Should Know About (2025 Edition) from @EdieMelson (Click to Tweet)

Edie Melson is a woman of faith with ink-stained fingers observing life through the lens of her camera. No matter whether she’s talking to writers, entrepreneurs, or readers, her first advice is always “Find your voice, live your story.” As an author, blogger, and speaker she’s encouraged and challenged audiences across the country and around the world. Her numerous books reflect her passion to help others develop the strength of their God-given gifts and apply them to their lives. Connect with her on her website, through Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.