Shopping List
This page contains Amazon affiliate links. If you click a link and make a purchase, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. This helps support the site — thank you!
What You Actually Need for Novel Writing
Writing a novel doesn’t require expensive equipment or complicated software—it requires focus, persistence, and the right tools to capture your ideas. Whether you’re drafting your first manuscript or refining your craft, having quality writing essentials helps you work more efficiently and maintain motivation through the long journey from blank page to finished book. This shopping guide covers the ten most valuable items that working novelists actually use, from writing software to physical tools that support extended writing sessions.
1. Scrivener Writing Software
Scrivener is purpose-built software designed specifically for long-form writing projects like novels, screenplays, and dissertations. It organizes your manuscript into manageable sections, allows you to split your screen for reference materials, and offers powerful tools for research management, character tracking, and revision. The software works on both Windows and Mac, and includes built-in compilation features that format your manuscript for self-publishing or submission.
Why beginners need it: Managing a 80,000-word manuscript in a standard word processor becomes chaotic quickly. Scrivener keeps all your scenes, notes, character bios, and research in one organized project that’s easy to navigate and revise.
What to look for: Check that it’s compatible with your operating system and consider whether you prefer a one-time purchase or subscription model. Many authors appreciate the corkboard view for visualizing story structure.
2. Mechanical Keyboard
A quality mechanical keyboard transforms the writing experience with tactile feedback and satisfying key response that encourages longer writing sessions. Mechanical switches provide better accuracy for fast typing and reduce finger fatigue during marathon writing sessions. Many novelists find that the physical feedback of mechanical keys helps them get into a deeper writing flow state.
Why beginners need it: Writing a novel means typing tens of thousands of words—your hands deserve a keyboard that feels good and reduces strain during these extended sessions. A mechanical keyboard makes the act of writing itself more enjoyable.
What to look for: Look for switches labeled as linear, tactile, or clicky based on your preference, and consider keyboard size and portability. RGB lighting is optional but many writers find it creates an inspiring workspace atmosphere.
3. Ergonomic Writing Desk Chair
An ergonomic chair with proper lumbar support, adjustable height, and cushioning makes the difference between comfortable writing sessions and painful ones. Your chair should support your back during the hours you’ll spend sitting and typing, with armrests that allow your shoulders to relax. A quality writing chair prevents the back and neck pain that can derail writing momentum.
Why beginners need it: Poor posture during writing sessions leads to back pain, neck strain, and fatigue that makes it harder to show up at your desk regularly. An ergonomic chair removes these physical barriers to consistent writing.
What to look for: Prioritize lumbar support and seat cushioning over aesthetics, and ensure the chair height adjusts to keep your feet flat and elbows at 90 degrees. Test it if possible, as comfort is highly individual.
4. Notebook for Planning and Brainstorming
A quality notebook captures ideas before they disappear, serves as your plotting space, and allows you to work through story problems away from your computer. Many novelists keep a notebook at their desk, bedside, and in their bag to capture story ideas whenever inspiration strikes. Handwriting plot points and character notes engages your brain differently than typing and often leads to creative breakthroughs.
Why beginners need it: Some of your best ideas will come when you’re not at your computer—a notebook ensures you capture them before they’re lost. Brainstorming on paper helps you think through story structure without the distractions of digital devices.
What to look for: Choose one with paper quality that feels good to write on, a size you’ll actually carry, and a cover that withstands frequent use. Dotted or blank pages offer more flexibility than ruled lines for plotting and mapping.
5. Grammarly Premium
Grammarly Premium catches grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors as you write, and offers suggestions for clarity, tone, and engagement. The software integrates with most writing platforms and web browsers, functioning as a safety net that lets you focus on story first and editing second. It also detects plagiarism and checks readability, helping you understand how your prose flows.
Why beginners need it: Self-editing is one of the hardest parts of novel writing, and Grammarly helps you catch mistakes that might otherwise slip through. Having a reliable grammar checker frees your mind to focus on plot, character, and voice during the drafting phase.
What to look for: The premium version offers significantly more features than free version, including plagiarism detection and tone detection. Consider whether you want an annual subscription or prefer to pay monthly.
6. Monitor Light Bar
A monitor light bar illuminates your workspace without creating screen glare, reducing eye strain during long writing sessions. Unlike traditional desk lamps, monitor lights sit directly above your screen and cast even light across your entire workspace. Many writers report that proper lighting reduces headaches and allows them to write longer without fatigue.
Why beginners need it: Staring at a bright screen in a dark room causes eye strain and headaches that cut writing sessions short. A monitor light bar creates better contrast, making text easier to read and allowing you to work comfortably for hours.
What to look for: Look for adjustable brightness and color temperature, and ensure it’s compatible with your monitor size. USB-powered models are convenient and eliminate the need for additional cables.
7. Writing Prompt and Idea Deck
A well-designed prompt deck provides daily story starters, character inspiration, and plot ideas when writer’s block strikes. These decks range from general creative prompts to genre-specific ones for fantasy, romance, mystery, or science fiction. Having a physical set of prompts at your desk means you always have a backup plan when you’re stuck.
Why beginners need it: Writer’s block often comes from too many choices or feeling stuck in a particular scene. Writing prompts jumpstart your creativity and get you writing again, breaking through the mental block that prevents progress.
What to look for: Choose prompts aligned with your genre or writing style, and look for sets with cards detailed enough to inspire real writing. Some decks include character development prompts, plot twist ideas, and dialogue starters.
8. Noise-Canceling Headphones
Quality noise-canceling headphones create a distraction-free writing environment by blocking ambient noise from your home, office, or coffee shop. Many writers use them even without music or audio, simply to create a psychological barrier that signals it’s writing time. The active noise cancellation technology eliminates the need to retreat to quiet libraries or expensive coworking spaces.
Why beginners need it: External distractions derail your writing flow and break your concentration just when you’re getting into the story. Noise-canceling headphones help you create a quiet, focused bubble wherever you are.
What to look for: Look for comfortable over-ear design for extended wear, effective active noise cancellation, and long battery life. Consider whether you want wireless or wired, and whether you’ll use them with music or just for blocking noise.
9. Writing Desk Organizer
A desk organizer keeps your workspace tidy with dedicated spots for notebooks, pens, reference materials, and other writing essentials. A clutter-free desk reduces mental distractions and makes it easier to find what you need while writing. Many writers find that an organized physical space supports an organized mental space for creative work.
Why beginners need it: A cluttered desk leads to a cluttered mind, and hunting for supplies interrupts your flow. A desk organizer ensures everything you need is within arm’s reach and keeps your writing space functioning smoothly.
What to look for: Choose one with compartments for different sized items, materials that suit your aesthetic, and a footprint that fits your desk size. Consider whether you want vertical storage to maximize limited desk space.
10. Manuscript Critique Software and Editing Tools
Specialized editing software like ProWritingAid goes beyond grammar checking to analyze your manuscript for overused words, repetitive patterns, pacing issues, and readability problems. It generates detailed reports showing where your prose needs strengthening and provides specific recommendations for improvement. Many professional novelists use these tools during revision phases to polish their manuscripts before submission.
Why beginners need it: Self-editing is nearly impossible without external tools—you become blind to your own patterns and mistakes. Manuscript analysis software reveals issues you’d never catch on your own, dramatically improving your manuscript quality.
What to look for: Look for tools that offer detailed analysis of word choice, sentence structure, pacing, and genre-specific suggestions. Consider whether you want cloud-based or desktop versions, and ensure they integrate with your primary writing software.
Budget-Friendly Tips
- Start with free alternatives like Google Docs, Hemingway Editor, and open-source writing software before investing in premium tools. Many successful novelists drafted entire manuscripts using free software before upgrading to specialized writing tools.
- Buy used or refurbished ergonomic chairs and keyboards from office furniture retailers and resale markets. Quality writing tools retain functionality long after purchase, and secondhand options can cost a fraction of retail prices.
- Prioritize the essentials that directly impact your writing—a comfortable chair and distraction-free environment matter more than fancy gadgets. You can always add peripherals later as your budget grows and you understand what you actually use.
Beginner vs Advanced Gear
Beginners should focus on establishing a consistent writing habit with comfortable basics: a functional chair, good lighting, and one reliable writing software platform. Advanced writers typically expand their toolkit with specialized editing software, multiple reference materials, backup systems, and ergonomic upgrades based on specific pain points developed over years of writing. The difference isn’t that professionals need fancier equipment—it’s that they’ve identified their personal preferences and invested in tools that support their individual writing style and process.
Ready to Sell Your Work?
Selling Platforms
Partner recommendations coming soon.