Most authors still use Microsoft Word. But other writing tools have their fans.

Most authors still use Microsoft Word. But other writing tools have their fans.

If you’re used to writing in Microsoft Word, stick with it. Familiar tools make writing flow more easily. In my survey of nonfiction authors, 61% used Word as their primary tool. Google Docs has its adherents. It makes sharing files easier (and for the same reason, makes keeping track of stable file versions harder). Where…

Using Google Docs to collaborate on a book? Learn to use access control.
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Using Google Docs to collaborate on a book? Learn to use access control.

Google Docs is a pain for book collaboration. That was the general sentiment in a recent discussion I had with a bunch of writers, editors, and ghostwriters. If you’re going to use Google Docs, learn about access control. That’s the key to collaborating without driving each other bonkers. The challenge writers and editors face with…

Rapid book collaboration with Google Drive, Docs, and Sheets

Rapid book collaboration with Google Drive, Docs, and Sheets

I’m editing a book at breakneck speed right now. The author and I interact multiple times a day, but rarely talk to each other. A carefully designed system based on Google Drive, Docs, and Sheets makes it possible. Let me be clear here about the problem I’m solving: We’re building a book out mostly existing…

Writing a book with Google Docs, Google Sheets, and Google Drive

Writing a book with Google Docs, Google Sheets, and Google Drive

I’ve been working on a collaborative book project with two other authors. On this project, I’m the principal writer; they are my clients. Here are a few things I learned about the superiority of Google Docs and Google Sheets for collaborative authoring. Using Google Drive for shared access to research My collaborators and I work…

3 ways Google Docs and Google Sheets can make you a better writer

3 ways Google Docs and Google Sheets can make you a better writer

If you’re writing anything interesting, you’re collaborating. And if you’re collaborating, Google Docs and Google Sheets are indispensable tools. Most of you work in organizations where Microsoft Word and Microsoft Excel are standard. They’re comfy and familiar. If you send a file in those formats to somebody, you know they can read it. So why bother…