Smartphones have evolved way beyond just making calls or sending texts. Today, they’re a key part of creative work for many people. This is especially true in writing. Writing books on a phone is now a practical option, thanks to the advanced capabilities of modern mobile devices.
This might sound surprising, but with the right apps and tools, your phone can be a powerful writing companion. It’s all about turning those ideas in your head into pages of a book, anytime and anywhere, right from your phone.
So, let’s dive into how to write books on your phone. We’ll explore the best ways to write a book on your phone, from choosing the right apps to organizing your chapters. Writing your next book could be at your fingertips, literally.
How to Write Books on Your Phone?
We will go through several steps that you should take into consideration when writing on your phone. We’ll recommend some apps that are perfectly optimized and that can help you do everything on the phone, and then we’ll offer all-in-one solution that does it all in one click.
So let’s dive in!
The One-Click Solution: AI Automateed
For those who find the idea of writing a book on your phone appealing but daunting, AI Automateed offers a simpler solution.
This advanced tool is designed to take care of the entire book creation process with just one click.
Furthermore, it extends beyond just writing. AI Automateed handles the initial stages of research, structures your book thoughtfully, and goes on to write the chapters.
Additionally, it enhances the manuscript by adding relevant images, aligning with the content’s tone and context. All 100% original and unique.
The standout feature of AI Automateed lies in its editing and proofreading capabilities. Unlike traditional writing apps that leave you with a raw draft, AI Automateed delivers a refined product.
It thoroughly checks and corrects grammar, ensuring readability and coherence in the text. This aspect is particularly valuable for aspiring authors who may find the editing process daunting or for those who are constrained by time.
Despite its comprehensive automated processes, AI Automateed is built to respect and accommodate the author’s creative vision. As a writer, you have the flexibility to influence the direction of your book. You can set specific guidelines for the content, tone of the book, your audience and who the book is being written for.
This tool is especially beneficial for those looking to swiftly bring their book ideas to life without being lost in the extensive and tiring work of writing.
AI Automateed represents a fusion of technology and creativity, offering a unique approach to book writing. It’s particularly suited for individuals eager to explore authorship but hesitant about the intricacies of the writing process.
The tool does the heavy lifting, but the essence of creativity and the final shaping of the book remain in the hands of the author, ensuring that the personal touch in storytelling is not lost.
And the best thing?
You can try it for free.
However, if you are willing to invest more time into doing all this manually, here are the steps you should take:
1. Choose the Right Writing Apps
Picking the right app can make a huge difference in your phone-writing experience. There’s a bunch of them out there, each with its own set of features. Here are a few standouts:
Google Docs
This app is a straightforward choice for those who want simplicity.
Its interface is user-friendly, making it easy to just open and start writing.
The real advantage lies in its cloud-based nature, allowing you to access your work from any device. So you can easily start writing your book on your phone, and then later pick up on your laptop or desktop computer.
Now, it’s not packed with advanced writing tools, but its collaboration feature is a big plus if you’re working with an editor or a writing group.
Microsoft Word
Something that we’re all familiar with – Word offers a comprehensive set of writing tools.
Its mobile version tries to replicate the desktop version, and provides a range of formatting options. It’s a solid choice if you’re used to Word’s interface and prefer a more traditional approach to writing.
The app integrates well with OneDrive, which, for you, means easy storage and access to all the documents.
Scrivener
Scrivener stands out for its organizational capabilities. It’s particularly useful for longer writing projects like novels or research papers.
The app allows you to break down your writing into manageable sections and offers a corkboard view to rearrange elements of your manuscript.
Scrivener is more complex than some other apps, but its detailed features are invaluable for keeping track of large projects.
And if you are set on writing a book, this just might be what you need.
Evernote
While primarily known as a note-taking app, Evernote can be quite handy for writers.
It’s a great tool for jotting down ideas, research, and outlines. The app organizes your notes in notebooks, making it easy to keep all your writing-related material in one place.
However, it’s less focused on long-form writing and more on capturing and organizing ideas and information, which can be useful if your creative juices start flowing when you’re in a situation where you can’t really sit and get it all out on the paper.
Or screen, in this case.
Ulysses
Ulysses is designed for a distraction-free writing experience.
It uses a clean and minimal interface, which can be appealing if you want to focus solely on your words.
The app supports markdown, which is helpful for writers who prefer this style of formatting. Ulysses also offers good organizational tools, though its system might take some getting used to.
When choosing a writing app, consider factors like ease of use, syncing capabilities, and whether you need advanced formatting tools. The right app should align with how you work and help streamline your writing process, not hinder it.
2. Organize Your Writing
Writing a book on your phone isn’t just about typing words; it’s also about organizing those words effectively.
Here’s how to keep your writing structured and organized, even on a small screen:
Start with a Clear Outline
Before diving into writing, sketch out a basic outline of your book.
This could include chapter titles, key plot points, or major themes.
Apps like Evernote or Google Keep are great for this stage, allowing you to jot down and rearrange your ideas easily.
Use Dedicated Writing Apps for Structure
Once you have an outline, move to a writing app like Scrivener or Google Docs.
Scrivener is particularly good for complex structures, as it lets you break down your writing into sections and rearrange them as needed.
For a more linear approach, Google Docs lets you create a simple document structure that’s easy to navigate.
Regularly Update Your Outline
As your book evolves, so should your outline. Make it a habit to revisit and update your outline regularly. This keeps you on track and ensures your writing stays aligned with your initial vision.
Utilize Note-Taking Apps for Spontaneous Ideas
Inspiration can strike anytime, so having a note-taking app handy is crucial.
Quick notes or sudden plot ideas can be captured in apps like Bear or SimpleNote. Later, you can integrate these into your main writing app.
Back Up Your Work
Regularly backing up your writing is crucial, especially when working on a mobile device. Utilize cloud storage options offered by apps like Google Docs or use external services like Dropbox or iCloud.
Organizing a book on your phone might seem challenging at first, but with the right approach and tools, it can be a streamlined and efficient process. The key is to keep your structure flexible and accessible, allowing your creativity to flow without getting lost in the chaos.
3. Dealing with Screen Size, App Switch, Eye Strain
Writing on a phone certainly comes with its own set of challenges, but don’t worry, there are ways to tackle them effectively.
Dealing with Screen Size
The compact screen of a phone can be limiting, especially for a task like writing a book. One way to mitigate this is to use an external keyboard.
This not only gives you the feel of a traditional typing setup but also frees up screen space since you won’t need the on-screen keyboard.
Many portable keyboards are available that connect to your phone via Bluetooth.
Minimizing Distractions
Phones are a hub of distractions – from social media notifications to endless apps.
To keep your focus on writing, make use of focus modes or do-not-disturb settings available on most smartphones. These features allow you to mute notifications and calls for a set period, helping you concentrate on your writing.
App Switching
Constantly switching between different apps (like note-taking, writing, and research apps) can be disruptive.
To tackle this, look for apps that integrate multiple functions or allow split-screen views. This way, you can have your notes and your draft open side by side, reducing the need to switch back and forth.
Eye Strain
Staring at a small screen for prolonged periods can strain your eyes.
To combat this, adjust the display settings on your phone. Many smartphones offer a ‘blue light filter’ or ‘night mode’ which can reduce eye strain. Also, take regular breaks to rest your eyes.
While these challenges might seem daunting at first, with a few adjustments and the right tools, you can turn your phone into an efficient and comfortable writing device. The key is to set up your environment in a way that minimizes these obstacles, allowing you to focus on the creative process.
4. Use Mobile Tools
Your phone can be a treasure trove of tools to spark and organize your creative ideas. Here’s how you can enhance your creativity using various mobile apps:
Mind Mapping Apps
Apps like MindNode or SimpleMind help you visualize your ideas in a non-linear format. They are fantastic for brainstorming, plotting out storylines, or exploring character relationships. Mind maps can break down complex ideas into manageable chunks, making them easier to weave into your narrative.
Research Apps
When you need to look up information or verify facts, having research apps is invaluable. Apps like Pocket can be used to save articles, videos, or other content that you might want to reference while writing. Evernote also shines here, allowing you to clip web pages and organize them into your research notes.
Inspiration and Idea Generation Tools
Sometimes, all you need is a little push to get the creative juices flowing. Apps like Brainsparker or Writing Prompts provide random prompts, quotes, or suggestions to help overcome writer’s block or spark new ideas.
All-in-One Convenience
One of the biggest benefits of using mobile tools is having everything on a single device. This centralization means you can switch from researching to writing to mind mapping without missing a beat. It not only saves time but also keeps your creative flow uninterrupted.
Portability and Accessibility
With all these tools in your pocket, you can work on your book wherever you are. Whether you’re in a café, on a train, or just lounging at home, your entire creative suite is with you. This accessibility ensures that you can capture and work on ideas whenever inspiration strikes.
By leveraging the power of these mobile tools, you can significantly enhance your creative process. They provide new ways to brainstorm, organize, and visualize your ideas, making the journey of writing a book on your phone not just feasible but also enjoyable.
5. Editing and Formatting on a Phone – Simplified
Editing and formatting your book on a smartphone can be quite manageable with the right tools and approach. Here’s how you can tackle this crucial stage:
Choosing Editing Apps
For the editing phase, apps like Grammarly or Hemingway Editor can be invaluable. They help with grammar checks, sentence structure, and readability. Grammarly, for instance, integrates with many writing apps and provides real-time suggestions to improve your writing.
Formatting Your Manuscript
When it comes to formatting, apps like JotterPad or Microsoft Word offer decent capabilities. They allow you to adjust elements like margins, spacing, and font, which are essential for preparing your manuscript for publishing. JotterPad is particularly useful if you’re aiming for a specific format, like a screenplay or novel.
Utilizing Voice-to-Text Features
If you’re revising your draft and find typing on a phone cumbersome, consider using voice-to-text features. This can speed up the process of making changes and can also provide a new perspective by hearing your words read aloud.
Syncing Across Devices
If you prefer doing some of the heavy editing on a larger screen, ensure your app syncs across devices. This way, you can make substantial edits on a computer and minor tweaks on your phone without losing any progress.
Regular Backups
Consistently back up your work. Most writing apps automatically save your work to the cloud, but it’s good practice to manually back up your manuscript to services like Google Drive or Dropbox.
Editing and formatting on a phone require patience and attention to detail, but with these tools and strategies, it can be a surprisingly smooth process. The key is to find a workflow that suits your style and to make the most of the mobile tools at your disposal.
Publishing Your Phone-Written Book
Click to watch a short mini course on publishing on KDP
Taking your book from the phone to the readers involves a few important steps.
Once you’ve completed your manuscript, the first task is to ensure it’s polished and ready for publication. If you’ve used a tool like AI Automateed, your book will already be well-edited and formatted, but a final personal review is always beneficial.
When it comes to publishing, the digital era offers various mobile-friendly self-publishing platforms.
Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) is a popular choice, allowing you to easily publish eBooks and paperbacks.
There are also platforms like Draft2Digital and Smashwords, which distribute books to various eBook retailers. These platforms are designed with user-friendly interfaces, making it feasible to manage the publishing process directly from your phone.
Preparing your book for publication typically involves fine-tuning the formatting to meet platform-specific requirements and designing an eye-catching cover. Thankfully, most platforms provide detailed guidelines and templates to help you get everything just right.
The actual publishing step is pretty straightforward – uploading your manuscript and cover, filling out your book’s details, and setting a price.
But your journey doesn’t end with hitting the ‘publish’ button. The next crucial phase is marketing your book. Utilizing digital marketing strategies, leveraging social media, and engaging with online reading communities can significantly boost your book’s visibility.
The ease of self-publishing today, especially with mobile-friendly platforms, opens up a world of opportunities for aspiring authors.
Conclusion
Embarking on the journey of writing and publishing a book directly from your phone is more than a possibility—it’s a reality embraced by many aspiring authors.
With the right apps and tools, the entire process from the initial draft to publication can be navigated with ease and efficiency. Embrace the convenience and innovation of today’s technology and let your creative aspirations take flight, turning your smartphone into a powerful conduit for your literary voice.
