I was asked to review a short story collection called NSFW by David Scott Hay, and in the process learned that, surprisingly, the manuscript was entirely written and edited on a smartphone.

Smartphones are capable of writing and editing stories. While they’re distinctly different from computers or desktops, phones are very effective tools when used to their full capabilities.

Here’s how (and why) to consider your smartphone as a writing device.

Why Write on a Smartphone?

I remember being on a deadline when my computer’s hard drive failed during the height of lockdown. A replacement computer would take weeks to replace, but the next deadline had was within only hours. As a result, that month’s blog for Bridge Base Online was typed entirely on a smartphone at a hotel.

Emergencies, portability, and convenience are good reasons to consider your smartphone a professional writing device. Small adaptations, like word processors and external keyboards, increase its potential capabilities.

Mobile Word Processors

Start with a mobile word processor and find one that’s easy for you: some authors prefer feature-heavy monsters, while others want distraction-free writing environments.

I’ve tried good ones, including Zoho Writer, LibreOffice Android, WPS Office for Android, and Hemingway App. You can also link directly to Google Docs with an app, or choose mobile Microsoft Word.

After downloading your word processor, change your keyboard size, or alter your font size for better visibility.

Connecting Gadgets and Powering Up

An external keyboard makes smartphone typing a quicker, more comfortable experience.

Simple USB keyboards for computer use can connect directly to smartphones using what’s called a USB-OTG cable. It converts the charging port to a USB-capable port, usable for memory stick storage or keyboards.

Smaller, portable mobile keyboards plug directly into charging ports.

A Bluetooth-capable keyboard is your other option for comfortable typing. Usually, you have to switch the keyboard on (with your phone’s Bluetooth-setting ON), “pairing” the device with a code that your phone will show.

Bluetooth devices use batteries, usually smaller ones like AA or AAA, which need regular replacement or recharging with regular use. Expect to run out of batteries at inconvenient times, and always have spares in your kit.

Smartphone battery life will also decline fast when using connected devices, multiple apps, or Bluetooth-settings. For this, I’ve always kept at least one fully-charged powerbank in the writing kit.

Voice-to-Text

Phones are also capable of easy, effective voice-to-text conversion. Speak your notes into your smartphone, and you have a hands-free means of getting your thoughts on paper.

Google services has voice-to-text already integrated into your device’s keyboard. Some avoid Google citing privacy concerns, for which you can also consider alternatives like Otter and Speechnotes

Expanding Your App Library

Smartphones are personal tools, and you’ll eventually prefer your own selection of apps stretching beyond word processors.

I’ve installed dictionaries like Merriam-Webster, Dictionary.com for Android, and Cambridge English Dictionary.

Add Post-It Android or Evernote for making quick accessible notes. Fade In Pro and Celtx is great for screenwriters, and Scrivener, though a paid tool, can be useful.

I can also recommend Adobe Scan and CamScanner for scanning documents, or for converting handwritten notes into text writing.

Get a trusted cybersecurity app. Bitdefender, Avira, or AVG are recommended choices.

Smartphone Tricks for Better Performance

Modern smartphones are more powerful than older computers, though can still develop issues like resource overuse or storage problems. The first common Android-related problem is storage running out.

Buy a sizeable external memory card, otherwise residual and downloaded files could become wasted space fast. Also, frequently clear apps’ stored information (via App Settings > Clear Cache), and delete your unused apps or old downloads.

Smartphones are far more powerful than DOS-based computers, typewriters, and the old-fashioned writing quill – and an increasing amount of authors are using their smartphones to write.

Bio: Alex J. Coyne is a journalist, author, and proofreader. He has written for a variety of publications and websites, with a radar calibrated for gothic, gonzo, and the weird. Sometimes, he co-writes with others.