A passion of Pen Dames is to help other writers by sharing tips and insights we have learned along the way. Today, Pen Dames author Katherine Eddinger Smits provides An Author's Toolkit, a list of 20 invaluable writing resources. Check them out! Bookmark the page! There is gold in these, and we know you will find them beneficial to your writing process.
An Author’s Toolkit:
20 Resources to Rely On!
Katherine Eddinger Smits
This month, I’m sharing 20 of my go-to
resources for authors—including blogs, organizations, tools, and podcasts.
These are things I use and love in my daily writing life. Most are free, offer
a free tier, or are affordable.
Whether you're just starting your
writing journey or already multi-published, there’s something here to make your
path smoother and your process easier.
Here they are in alphabetical order:
1. AllAuthor
The entire idea of AllAuthor is based
upon bringing authors and readers together on a simple, direct and interactive
platform.
I’ve had an AllAuthor account since my
first book. The paid plan gives you cool tools like a review GIF maker (great
for sharing blurbs), automated tweets, and weekly cover mockups. If you’re
unpublished, you can join as a reader for free.
2. ALLi –
Alliance of Independent Authors
A global membership association
empowering writers to create great books, reach more readers, and build
successful publishing businesses.
I’m not a member yet—but I plan to
join soon. Even without membership, their newsletter is packed with industry
news and updates.
3. AutoCrit
Empowering writers with the knowledge,
connections, and tools to improve their skills and manuscripts.
AutoCrit is a powerhouse editing tool.
Even the free plan offers helpful insights. I’m using it now to revise my sixth
novel—starting with a full manuscript analysis and now working chapter by
chapter. Among other things, it highlights passive voice, filler words,
adverbs, clichés, and my biggest issue: repetition.
4. BookFunnel
Delivers 2+ million ebooks monthly and
offers secure downloads for readers.
Great for group promos and reader
magnets, BookFunnel makes downloads easy on any device and even helps readers
troubleshoot.
5. Canva
Design, generate, and print anything.
I used Canva’s excellent free tier for
years before upgrading to Pro, which I now use almost daily for social media
graphics, blog visuals, and even early cover concepts.
Award-winning author of erotic romance
and editor extraordinaire.
Delilah blogs daily and welcomes guest
posts—perfect exposure for authors. She also edited my two indie novels and is
a joy to work with.
7. Dawné
Dominique – Dusk Till Dawn Designs
Professionally designed book covers
that bring your vision to life.
Dawné is my cover designer and a true
artist. She’s also an author, so she “gets” writers on every level.
8. Fictionary
Helping fiction writers turn drafts
into compelling stories.
Fictionary’s story arc visualizer
compares your manuscript to classic story structure. There’s a free plan and
trial for premium features.
9. Florida Writers Association
Membership benefits include a
conference, awards, critique groups, publications, and more.
I’ve been a proud member for 10 years.
I’ve judged both their Collections contest and the Royal Palm
Literary Awards, which offer detailed, rubric-based feedback—a mini
developmental edit. You don’t have to live in Florida to join!
Helping authors publish with
professionalism and heart.
This is my publisher! They’re a small
press open to agented and unagented authors. If accepted, you’ll receive
personalized guidance through every step.
11. Hidden
Gems
Known for ARC and beta reader
programs, but I love their weekly blog. It covers everything from craft to
marketing in a friendly, insightful way.
12. Jane Friedman
Electric Speed newsletter: Digital
tools and publishing insights every two weeks.
Jane’s newsletter is free and packed
with pro-level industry advice. She’s an expert worth following.
13. Joanna
Penn – The Creative Penn
A weekly podcast for writing,
publishing, and book marketing.
I never miss an episode—Joanna offers
practical tips and interviews on all aspects of writing life.
14. K.M.
Weiland
Blogger and author of top-tier writing
guides.
Her blog dives deep into structure and
character arcs. I often refer to her breakdowns of story beats and themes.
Interviews with bestselling authors
and publishing pros.
I listen during my daily walks—each
episode is packed with insights for self-publishing success.
16. Marketing
for Romance Writers (MFRWIO)
A helpful networking group that
supports authors at all levels.
You can ask for advice or just learn
by lurking. It’s not limited to romance writers either—any fiction author will
benefit.
17. ProWritingAid
Another fantastic editing tool like
AutoCrit or Fictionary. The free version is robust, and the paid one is even
better.
Award-winning blog on writing craft by
a freelance editor and coach.
Her posts are incredibly detailed and
insightful. If you want to level up your writing, her blog is a must-read.
A daily blog by thriller and suspense
writers on craft, marketing, and publishing.
I read TKZ a day late just to catch
the lively comments. It’s consistently engaging and useful across genres.
Free site by the creators of the
Thesaurus Collection and One Stop for Writers.
Their articles, worksheets, and tools
are game changers. I especially love their Emotion Thesaurus and timeline
features.
Final Thoughts
Every one of these resources has
helped me in some way—from crafting better scenes to marketing my books. I hope
they help you too.
Which ones do you use? Got a favorite
I didn’t list? Share it in the comments—I’m always looking for new tools to
try!
