Writing Lessons & Advice: Word Processors
- Aug 3
- 6 min read
Think about the tools of a trade. Those in culinary professions have cookware. Construction works with machines and material specially for building projects. Many scientific fields use equipment that supports their research. Actors often have props, sets, and scripts. Meanwhile, many writers produce their work with a word processor.
A word processor is simply a device or program that supports the act--and sometimes even the art--of writing, often on a computer or similar mechanism. It is essentially a generic term that encompasses applications like Microsoft Word, Google Docs, Apple Pages, among others. In an era that leans heavily into computer usage and digital technology, some people may even be acquainted with a few word processors without realizing it or giving it much thought.
Some of the social media writing groups I’m connected to often discuss merits and matters of different word processors. Many are available, offering an array of features, and each writer approaches their work a bit differently than the other. So I hope my own digging into some of the options helps you determine which might suit you. Please note though that this list is subjective and by no means exhaustive. More details on these and others are offered in the sources. All prices are in US currency; costs and details are presented as found at the time of writing in summer 2025.
Microsoft Word (or similar programs)- This is a good “basic” processor. It supports most writing-related needs, formats, or projects. So it's not strictly geared towards book-writing or publishing like other programs out there, but it can still suffice if it's your preference or all you can access. Most people might have even had some kind of “start” with Microsoft Word or something like it. As in, it was very likely the go-to when learning how to type, use a computer, or to write assignments for education and/or business. Word is part of a whole Microsoft Office suite that is standard across Windows PCs and products. If used on a personal basis, one may find they have access to Word (and other suite programs) for a limited time before the trial period runs out. At which point may come the consideration to either invest in a Microsoft 365 subscription or find an alternative. The subscriptions Microsoft offers can be paid monthly or yearly, with a few options offering varied benefits. Straight from Microsoft, a family plan supports one to six people for $130 a year or $12.99 a month and a personal plan is $100 a year or $9.99 a month. A home office plan is also available with a one-time purchase of $150 but is only the Microsoft Office suite. Outside retailers like Amazon or Walmart may have cheaper options.
If Microsoft is not in your budget, a free off-brand that I like is Open Office Writer. It looks very much like Microsoft and is even compatible with documents that originated in the Microsoft program.
Google Docs- This, of course, is Google’s word processor that can be used for free. It has a basicness like Word but is also a step-up with more/better collaborative features than others--as long as all parties are connected to the internet and Google. If one has a project “outside” Google Docs/Drive, it can be uploaded there for sharing or continued work. Conversely, work done in Docs can be downloaded in a few different formats, so one might have a version they can work with offline or saved wherever else they might want it. I’m also very partial to Google Docs for its accessibility and cloud-based storage; I can start a project in Docs from my home computer and add to it later at work or from my phone when I’m out and about!
Scrivener- a popular software that The Write Practice touts as “the premier book writing app made by writers for writers.” It is geared towards book-writing--or even screenwriting--more than others on this list. Scrivener is a combination of word processor, outliner, and personal coach/cheerleader. Scrivener promotes appeal to both pantsers and plotters, claiming to have a virtual corkboard, outliner features, an integrated interface, and easy ways to move ideas around within a work. It also offers options for project targets/goals and a mode that limits distractions so a user can stay focused on writing itself. However, some elements of Scrivener are seen as complicated and collaboration is difficult. Scrivener’s developers offer a trial version and a paid full version for $60.
ProWritingAid- This is another highly regarded program. It does a lot, describing its functions as “a grammar guru, style editor, and writing mentor in one package.” It's another all-around program (like Word and Docs) but it offers something for everyone. It checks spelling and grammar; offers dictionary, thesaurus, and word suggestion tools; fine-tunes according to a specific style; provides reports on certain elements; assists with writer’s block, and offers options to either compose within the processor or integrate with your processor of choice or as a browser add-on. The free access gives you a handful of these benefits; premium access is unlimited for $10 a month, and premium pro offers unlimited access and some AI features at $12 a month. Yearly and lifetime payments are also an option, but get a bit hefty if budget-conscious. If there are any other pitfalls with this one, it may be that its feedback could be a little overwhelming and internet access is needed most of the time. Albeit, this program might be worth some consideration since proofreading is an important step in the writing process. But even if you don’t want to fully commit to it, their guidance is also available on their website as a blog and grammar guide.
Low-tech or distraction-free options- There is a humorous quote that says, "Being a good writer is 20% hard work and 80% not getting distracted by the Internet." Some apps and devices are designed to support focus on composition, like AlphaSmart or FreeWrite portable word processors. The idea of them is to maintain the flow and focus of writing. They appear to be essentially digital keyboards or typewriters with simple, low-tech screens that show only the text of a work-in-progress. They operate with battery power and little to no internet connection, so there is no potential to get sidetracked by extra formatting buttons or additional tabs of research rabbit holes! That makes them easier to manage some focused writing while on-the-go too. The work done on them can be exported to another device or the cloud. A couple of caveats I find with these are that users say they are better for brainstorming or initial drafts. The FreeWrite devices are pricey--$500 to $1000! Meanwhile, the AlphaSmart ones are discontinued but floating around Amazon or Ebay (at much more affordable costs).
Of course, more traditional processors like typewriters, paper, and writing utensils are still available. Editing may not be as easy with these means but they’re sure to help one stick to their drafting progress if it suits them.
Apps for distraction-free writing are much like their device counterparts in that they offer slimmer, simpler interfaces that help direct more of your attention to putting words on paper. Positively-touted ones include Freewrite.io, iA Writer, FocusWriter, and Calmly. Even Google Docs and Scrivener have distraction-free options or potential. Check out links and sources for price and specification details.
Word processors are common tools of the writing trade. They are the main means by which modern writers put pen to paper and do so in a number of ways. Several offer very generalized support to composition and development while others cater more specifically to book or novel-writing ambitions. A few are analytical to help you polish your prose while others have more simple orientations to help you stay in the writing zone. As a master works best with reliable tools, these word processor options are pretty dependable contrivances for those who work largely with words.
I hope this helps you find the writing tools that will elevate your process, style, and experience!
Which word processor(s) do you prefer? What do you like about it? Which one interests you? Feel free to use the comments, chat feature, or socials to share these ideas or other topics you want me to cover!
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