Academic Writing Software
Currently, there is no software specifically designed for academic writing, but there is quite a bit of software that was designed for fiction writing that works well for academic writing.
Writing software is typically designed for long-form writing--books and articles, but it can be used for papers or any writing.
Why writing software has grown in popularity:
- helps with the development of process for writing
- provides a variety of options for organizing and managing writing
- provides sophisticated outlining features
Scrivener
Scrivener was originally developed for fiction writing. Increasingly it is the most popular writing software among academics.
Scrivener must be purchased, once. The price is reasonable; updates are typically free. Try it before you buy it! The free trial is for a generous 30 uses or opens, not 30 days. Scrivener is downloaded onto a particular computer and Scrivener-produced files can be stored in the Cloud.
Olin Library offers workshops at least once a semester. (Cornell graduate students, contact me if you would like a customized Scrivener workshop offered in your department). I'm available to Cornellians for one-on-one meetings to help with Scrivener, or for workflow & productivity consultations, or if you have questions about alternatives to Scrivener. (Sorry Cornellians only!)
Recommended resources for teaching yourself Scrivener:
- highly recommended: Tutorials from Literature and Latte
- Scrivener's YouTube channel
- Extensive interactive tutorials and a PDF user's manual are included as part of the download of Scrivener
- Scrivener for Dummies by Gwen Hernandez
- Cornell’s subscription to LinkedIn Learning includes tutorials on Scrivener
- Tips: Scrivener with Zotero
