Check out my favorite tools of 2013 that made writing & editing easier or more fun for me this year. Note: Superstition dictates that I can’t have a list of 13 items, so mine will include 13.5.

1. Scrivener

When I started writing UNBREAKABLE, I converted to Scrivener. I love how it allows me to break a manuscript into chapters, find things quickly, & organize my research all in one program. If you get one writing-related gift for yourself or another writer this holiday season, make it Scrivener.

2. Scanmarker

Ultra-portable and a huge time saver, this digital highlighter scans text directly into your computer. It’s the perfect tool for collecting information from research books and working on revisions.

3. Write or Die 2

Write or Die forces you to stop procrastinating by playing an annoying sound or even deleting the text if you stop typing for too long. For me, it eliminates my tendency to edit while I’m writing. This is how I finished the first 100 pages of the sequel to UNBREAKABLE.

4. Dragon Dictation – Naturally Speaking

This is the premier version of Dragon’s software, which converts dictation into typed text. I love Naturally Speaking because it doesn’t turn everything I say into crazy gibberish. It’s a great tool for getting work done when you are tired of typing or writing by hand, and a lifesaver for anyone with carpal tunnel.

5. Livescribe 3 Smartpen

This gadget looks and writes just like a normal ballpoint pen, but it automatically syncs everything you write by hand to your tablet or smartphone. Then you can tag and search it — or simply convert it to text. Since I only use three fingers to type (there’s a video out there somewhere), this definitely helps me reach my word count faster.

6. iTypewriter

The iTypewriter is one of my favorite iPad accessories yet. I collect vintage typewriters, so I had to have this external typewriter-style keyboard that works with a tablet.

7. Belkin Ultimate Keyboard Case

As cool as the iTypewriter is, it’s not exactly portable. That’s where this keyboard case comes in. Switch it out for your normal cover, & your iPad becomes a lightweight laptop for writing in coffee shops or on short trips.

8. Evernote

Evernote is a must-have research tool for writers. You can organize web pages, notes, images, files, & anything else you need for a project or WIP into different notebooks that sync across all your devices — digital organization at its best.

9. Pandora

This free internet radio site is awesome for musical inspiration either before and after you write, or while you’re writing. You can customize and create your own stations in moments, saving tons of time you might otherwise spend crafting the perfect playlist on iTunes.

10. Scrivener for Dummies by Gwen Hernandez

A lot of writers want to start using Scrivener, but they’re not sure how to get started or navigate all the technical aspects. Even though Scrivener’s tutorials are great, I’m the kind of person who needs something visual in front of me to learn the ins and outs. If I need to figure out how to use one of Scrivener’s many cool features, I can find the answer in this user-friendly book.

11. Revision & Self-Editing for Publication by James Scott Bell

This is one of my go-to writing books. It’s basically my dog-eared bible for revisions. If you don’t already own this book, I highly recommend you pick up a copy.

12. Tailwind Analytics

I am a self-confessed Pinterest addict. I love to create inspiration boards for my novels, characters, & more. Tailwind is an awesome tool that allows me to see which of my boards and pins are the most popular. Though I really use Pinterest for myself, it’s fun to see what interests my readers and fellow pinners most.

13. Cool Notebooks

You should always have the basic writing tools on hand, like a cool notebook to write down your ideas. Because if you’re anything like me, you’ll forget them five minutes later. These are journals I love, and they would make great gifts for the writer in your life (even if that person happens to be you). See more on my Pinterest Board: Stuff for Writers & Readers.

Journals: 1 – 2 – 3

13.5. Pilot Dr. Grip Pens

For people who like to write by hand, this is by far my favorite pen. Once you’ve tried out this insanely comfortable pen, you’ll want to buy them in bulk.

Are any of these tools for writing and editing going on your wish list? Do you  have any other recommendations? Let me know in the comments.

If you missed my Top 13.5 Tech Gadgets & Tools of 2013 for Writers, you can see it here.