Best Project Management Tools for Writers

As a writer, managing your projects and deadlines can be a challenge, especially when working on multiple projects simultaneously. That’s where project management tools come in handy. In this article, we’ll take a look at the best project management tools for Writers.

best project management software for writing
best project management software for writing

Trello

trello
Trello

Features

Trello is a visual project management tool that is easy to use and allows users to organize their projects using boards, lists, and cards. Some of its key features include:

  • Real-time collaboration: Trello allows users to collaborate with others in real-time, making it easy to share ideas and updates on projects.
  • Task assignments: Users can assign tasks to specific team members and set due dates to ensure that everyone stays on track.
  • Customizable boards: Trello’s boards are highly customizable, allowing users to create workflows that suit their specific needs.
  • Integration with other tools: Trello integrates with a variety of other tools, including Google Drive, Dropbox, and Slack.

Pricing

Trello offers a free plan, as well as paid plans starting at $9.99 per month.

Pros and Cons

ProsCons
Easy to useLimited reporting features
Highly customizableLimited functionality for complex projects
Integrates with other toolsLimited automation capabilities
Real-time collaborationLimited storage space on free plan

User Reviews

According to user reviews, Trello is highly regarded for its ease of use and flexibility. Users appreciate its visual approach to project management and its ability to help teams stay organized and on track.

Asana

Asana
Asana

Features

Asana is a powerful project management tool widely used by businesses of all sizes. Some of its key features include:

  • Task management: Asana allows users to create and assign tasks, set due dates, and track progress.
  • Project timelines: Users can create project timelines to help them visualize their workflow and stay on track.
  • Team communication: Asana includes communication tools that allow users to communicate with team members in real time.
  • Automation: Asana offers a variety of automation features, such as task assignments based on certain triggers.

Pricing

Asana offers a free plan, as well as paid plans starting at $10.99 per user per month.

Pros and Cons

ProsCons
Powerful task managementSteep learning curve for new users
Robust automation featuresLimited reporting capabilities
Real-time collaborationLimited customization options
Project timelinesAdvanced features only available on higher-priced plans

User Reviews

Asana is highly regarded for its powerful task management capabilities and its ability to help teams stay organized and on track. Users appreciate its automation features and its robust communication tools, although some find the learning curve to be steep for new users.

Monday.com

Features:

  • Monday.com is a highly customizable project management tool with a visual interface that allows users to create custom workflows, track progress, and collaborate with team members.
  • Its features include customizable templates, team collaboration tools, real-time updates, time tracking, and project reporting.
  • Monday.com also integrates with various other tools and platforms like Slack, Jira, and Dropbox, making it easy to sync data across different platforms.

Pricing:

  • Monday.com offers various pricing plans ranging from $8/month/user to $16/month/user, depending on the features and number of users.
  • There is also an enterprise plan for larger organizations that require more customization and support.

Pros:

  • Highly customizable with a visual interface that allows users to create custom workflows
  • Integrates with various other tools and platforms
  • Real-time updates and team collaboration features make it easy to work with remote teams

Cons:

  • Pricing can be expensive for small teams
  • The number of features and customization options can be overwhelming for new users

User reviews:

  • Positive reviews praise Monday.com’s ease of use and flexibility, while negative reviews often cite pricing as a downside.

Basecamp

Features:

  • Basecamp is a project management tool that focuses on team communication and collaboration.
  • Its features include project and task management, team communication tools, scheduling, file sharing, and time tracking.
  • Basecamp also offers integrations with various other tools and platforms like Google Drive, Dropbox, and Trello.

Pricing:

  • Basecamp offers a flat rate of $99/month for unlimited users and projects.

Pros:

  • User-friendly interface with a focus on team communication and collaboration
  • Flat rate pricing model makes it affordable for larger teams
  • Offers a free version for teachers, students, and non-profits

Cons:

  • Limited customization options
  • Lack of advanced features for complex project management needs

User reviews:

  • Positive reviews often praise Basecamp’s simplicity and ease of use, while negative reviews often criticize the limited customization options and lack of advanced features.

Notion

Features

  • Flexible organization: Notion allows users to organize their writing projects in a variety of ways, such as lists, tables, and kanban boards.
  • Collaboration: Multiple users can collaborate on the same project in real-time, with the ability to comment and leave feedback.
  • Task management: Notion includes task management tools such as to-do lists, due dates, and reminders.
  • Integration with other tools: Notion integrates with a wide range of other tools, such as Google Drive, Trello, and Slack.

Pricing

Notion offers a free plan with limited features, as well as two paid plans:

  • Personal plan: $4 per month (billed annually) or $5 per month (billed monthly)
  • Team plan: $8 per member per month (billed annually) or $10 per member per month (billed monthly)

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Highly customizable and flexible organization options
  • Great collaboration and task management tools
  • Wide range of integrations with other tools

Cons:

  • Steep learning curve for some users
  • Some features are only available in the paid plans

User reviews

Users praise Notion for its flexibility and collaboration features, but note that it can be overwhelming at first. Some users also mention that the free plan has limitations.

Scrivener

Features

  • Writing tools: Scrivener offers a range of tools specifically designed for writers, such as a corkboard for organizing ideas, a full-screen mode for distraction-free writing, and tools for outlining and storyboarding.
  • Formatting and compiling: Scrivener allows users to format their writing for different mediums (such as ebooks or print books) and compile their work into a final document.
  • Research tools: Scrivener includes tools for organizing research and reference materials.
  • Customization: Scrivener is highly customizable, allowing users to tailor the software to their specific writing process.

Pricing

Scrivener offers a one-time purchase for the software:

  • Standard license: $49
  • Education license: $41.65
  • Upgrade from previous version: $25

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Specifically designed for writers, with a range of writing-focused tools
  • Highly customizable to suit different writing processes
  • One-time purchase with no subscription fees

Cons:

  • Steep learning curve for some users
  • Less collaboration-focused than some other project management tools

User reviews

Scrivener is highly praised by writers for its writing-specific tools and customization options. Some users note that it can be overwhelming at first, but that it becomes easier to use with practice.

Google Workspace

Features:

  • Real-time collaboration: multiple users can work on a document simultaneously and see each other’s changes in real-time.
  • Document sharing and version control: users can share documents with others and track changes and revisions made to the document.
  • Integration with other tools: Google Workspace integrates with other Google apps such as Gmail, Calendar, and Drive.
  • Customization options: users can customize their workspace with themes and templates.

Pricing: Google Workspace has different pricing plans starting from $6 per user per month for the Basic plan, which includes email hosting, video conferencing, and 30 GB of cloud storage. The Business plan starts at $12 per user per month and includes more storage, advanced security features, and the ability to archive emails and chats.

Pros:

  • Robust collaboration features
  • Integration with other Google apps
  • Customizable workspace
  • Ample storage space

Cons:

  • Steep learning curve for some users
  • Limited offline functionality
  • May not be ideal for users who prefer Microsoft Office applications

User Reviews: Google Workspace has generally positive reviews, with users praising its collaboration features and ease of use. However, some users have criticized its limited offline functionality and occasional bugs.

Evernote

Features:

  • Note-taking and organization: users can create notes, organize them into notebooks, and tag them for easy retrieval.
  • Collaboration: users can share notes with others and collaborate on them in real-time.
  • Integration with other tools: Evernote integrates with other apps such as Google Drive and Microsoft Office.
  • Customization options: users can customize their workspace with themes and templates.

Pricing: Evernote has different pricing plans starting from the Basic plan, which is free and includes basic note-taking features and 60 MB of monthly uploads. The Premium plan starts at $7.99 per month and includes more storage space, offline access, and additional collaboration features.

Pros:

  • Powerful note-taking and organization features
  • Integration with other apps
  • Customizable workspace
  • Available on multiple devices

Cons:

  • Limited collaboration features on the Basic plan
  • No automatic syncing on the Basic plan
  • Premium plan may be too expensive for some users

User Reviews: Evernote has mixed reviews, with some users praising its powerful note-taking and organization features, while others criticize its limited collaboration features and occasional syncing issues.

Types of project management tools for writers

Project management tools are essential for writers who need to keep track of deadlines, assignments, and progress. There are various types of project management tools available, including:

  1. General project management tools: These tools are versatile and can be used by writers for project management, collaboration, and communication. Examples include Trello, Asana, and Monday.com.
  2. Writing-specific project management tools: These tools are designed specifically for writers and offer features such as story outlining, character development, and manuscript organization. Examples include Scrivener and Ulysses.
  3. Task management tools: These tools are focused on task management and organization. They are useful for writers who need to manage a large number of tasks and deadlines. Examples include Todoist and Microsoft To Do.
  4. Note-taking tools: These tools are ideal for writers who need to capture ideas, research notes, and other information. Examples include Evernote and Google Keep.

Writers can choose the type of project management tool that best suits their needs based on the features and benefits that are most important to them.

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Professor Emeritus of Educational Leadership University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill at Camford Publishing
Founder of On the Horizon (camford publishing)and The Technology Source, and professor of education at North Carolina at Chapel Hill; Dr. Morrison is author and co-author of over 200 publications focusing on educational planning and using information technology tools.Dr. Morrison has delivered numerous conference presentations and workshops for associations such as EDUCAUSE, AAHE, the College Board and others.He has served as a planning consultant to a number of colleges, universities, university systems, community colleges, educational agencies and public agencies such as the U.S. Department of Labor, and Department of the Army.His consulting activities focus on assisting organizations to integrate information technology tools in teaching and management.

The title of his Speech is “The Future of Distance Learning.” Professor Morrison will describe the driving forces that will affect education and distance learning in this decade and will focus on the implications of these forces for education and distance learning
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