by Angie Pollock

Created on: July 25, 2010

The Apple iPad has become a useful tool for writers. Whether you are writing your first big novel or you freelance, the iPad can be used to write while away from home. The best iPad apps for writers are those that can make the iPad more than just a useful tool – it turns the iPad into everything a writer needs to convey a writer’s thoughts into the written word.

My Writing Nook
Cost $4.99
For most any writing project, the My Writing Nook app is a basic tool for writing on the go. The app creates “a distraction-free writing environment, so you can focus on getting the words out of your head and into your manuscript”. Simply put, this app turns the iPad into a writer’s working environment.  The app auto-saves work, has word count, spell-check, a dictionary and thesaurus lookup, and a variety of font-sizes to fit a writer’s needs. This is not a replacement for MS Word or other writing software that has all the bells and whistles but it’s a great tool for working away from your PC or laptop.

Pages
Cost $9.99
Created by Apple Inc., the Pages app is often referred to as the best word processing app available for the iPad. However, some people do have problems when importing their work to another word processing program. This app is a re-design of the Pages application available for the Mac.

Almost everything used to create stunning documents is available with the Pages app – templates, formatting, layout, and much more. There are different options available to transfer work from the iPad to other devices including a home computer. For people that intend to use their iPad for a lot of writing, this app is one of the better choices available.

Notably
Cost $2.99
For simple note taking, the Notably app is a simple tool for anyone to utilize including writers. Rather than keep small papers in your pocket, notes can be kept safe on the Notably app. Whenever inspiration hits, those thoughts can be added to the Notably app for safe keeping. There are a few extras added like auto-save, formatting, and notes can be emailed so they can be transferred to another computer.

Writer’s Studio
Cost $0.99
An app truly worth its weight in gold is the Writer’s Studio app. This app offers a variety of functions at an incredibly cheap cost. This app does have all the bells and whistles including the ability to add graphics and even sound. Your creation can then be instantly transferred to YouTube for the world to see. Writers may spend hours just absorbing the different element tools available with the Writer’s Studio app.

AP Stylebook
Cost $24.99
Professional journalists and writers reference the AP Stylebook regularly. Rather than carrying the bulky AP book, the app can be downloaded to the iPad so it’s available in one convenient location. Along with having updated information, the AP Stylebook app allows users to make custom entries, add notes, and bookmark listings that may be frequented.

Advanced English Dictionary & Thesaurus
Cost $0.99
All writers need a thorough dictionary and thesaurus. There are many of these types of apps available for free however; the Advanced English Dictionary & Thesaurus offers both in one app and no Internet connection is needed to use the app. This app offers more than just definitions like example sentences that show users how to use the word correctly.

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