As the winter holidays approach, you may be wondering what to gift the writer in your life. Perhaps it’s the middle of the year but you need a gift for a writer friend.
No matter when you’re looking for a present for a writer, and no matter your budget, here are some useful, versatile gifts for the writer(s) in your life!
All prices are in USD, and prices listed/availability are from time of publication. No affiliate links, though some of my own products/services are in the mix!
Gifts Under $20
1. Guided Writer’s Notebooks
I created two guided writer’s notebooks that offer distinct sections, questionnaires, and tons of dot grid pages so the writer can customize the notebook to their needs.
Both versions contain a self-editing checklist.
Both The Write Plan and The Write Way are available on Amazon for $10.99.
2. Zebra Midliners and/or Pens
I looooove Zebra midliners and pens. They’re perfect for all of my outlining and note-taking. The midliners add color without being overbearing (like fluorescent highlighters), and the pens write smooth without smudging.
Get a 15ct pack of Zebra Midliners on Amazon for $16.99.
Think a 15ct pack is too big? You can also get a 4ct pack for $6-8.
As far as pens, I like the 18ct pack of colored ballpoint pens, available on Amazon for just $8.45!
3. Productivity for Creative Writers
Productivity for Creative Writers: Refining Your Process and Building a System that Works for You is the book I wrote for creative writers looking to refine their workflow, improve their productivity, and still practice self-care and rest.
Purchase includes access to exclusive downloadable worksheets.
The paperback is $9.99, and the ebook is $3.99, both available exclusively on Amazon worldwide.
4. Self-Editing eBook
The Resourceful Writer’s Guide to Self-Editing is a printable 48-page ebook full of tips for editing your own work.
This book helps the reader understand the various types of editing, learn what to look for while self-editing, and provides insight into the editorial process.
This downloadable PDF is available for $8.99 in the Between the Lines Editorial shop.
5. Bookish Candles
I love that people and companies are now creating candles that tie back into books somehow. There’s nothing like having a candle burning while working on your story, so a bookish candle from your writer’s favorite story might be the perfect gift!
6. Bookstore Gift Card
Does the writer in your life have a favorite bookstore? A gift card to said establishment is always a good idea.
Etsy has a huge selection, and prices vary by size, store, and country of origin.
Gifts Under $50
1. Everything in the “Under $20” category
Surely this goes without saying! 😉
2. Navigating Portrayals of Mental Health in Publishing Webinar
Bestselling author and licensed therapist Samantha Heuwagen created this webinar with me to teach writers how to incorporate mental health challenges in fiction.
We teach viewers how to research mental illness and trauma, how to avoid common pitfalls when depicting these challenges in fictional stories, how to incorporate content warnings without spoiling the plot, and more.
The webinar is $40 and includes lifetime access.
3. Scrivener Software
Many fiction writers either use Scrivener or want Scrivener. It’s super versatile software that helps writers stay organized with their different projects.
For Windows, the standard license if $45. For Mac, the standard license if $49.
4. Panda Planner Pro
If the writer in your life likes to plan or is trying to make planning a habit, I can’t recommend the Panda Planner Pro enough (just look at my Instagram).
With monthly, weekly, and daily spreads, the Panda Planner is perfect for planning long-term writing projects and tracking progress.
Get it for $49.99 on Amazon.
5. Something from Litographs
Is the writer in your life a fan of the classics? Litographs is a website that sells art prints made from the words of the same novel.
These prints are available on posters, blankets, scarves, tote bags, pillows, and t-shirts.
Gifts for Indie Authors
This is a big jump in categories, but if you’re looking at gifts for an indie author, you might also consider gifting them a service.
Interested? Contact me and we’ll talk about your exact needs and budget!
1. Book Blurb Revisions
Blurbs–those little write-ups on the back of books–can be hard to write.
For $50, gift your writer (or yourself!) two rounds of revisions on a book blurb.
2. Author Services
I offer a range of author services available at $50/hour.
- Blog management: Writing and/or editing for up to three blog posts per month
- Author branding: Consultation call, branding board, and guidance for setting up social platforms
- Newsletter ghostwriting: Up to two newsletters per month
- Project management: Four weekly check-in calls per month to organize writing project(s)
3. Manuscript Critique
Manuscript critiques are a budget-friendly editing service (priced per word) that provide a high-level analysis of a manuscript and notes for revisions.
If a full critique is out of budget but this is something you’re interested in, I can also critique up to the first ten chapters.
Suggestions?
While this guide has some great options for authors and writers, I’d love to know if you have any special requests or go-to gifts for the writers in your life!
