Indie Author Tools: Google Docs

When it comes to eBook collaboration for indie authors, nothing beats making the process easy and free - and that's what you get with Google Docs. Not only can you collaborate with other authors, editors, and various contributors, Google Docs allows you to share and collaborate on multiple file types, including:

• Documents
• Spreadsheets
• Presentations
• Drawings
• Web forms

According to Google, additional file types are supported through Google Drive add-on apps. "With Google Drive you can view and open almost any file type including .doc, .xls, docx, .odt, .xlsx, .ppt and others," explains their website. Benefits of Google Docs Real-time collaboration. Rather than waiting for the other person to make changes and waiting for files to be emailed, both authors can be logged in simultaneously, making changes together. It can be great for collaborating authors, author and editor collaboration, and author collaboration with cover artists. Access anywhere. Because your files are stored in the cloud, you log in with your Gmail and literally work on your eBook from anywhere, on any device. Think of a great plot twist while you're waiting for a doctor's appointment? Log in with your phone and jot it down. When you log in later from your laptop, your updates will already be there. Never lose your work. You don't have to remember to save your work as you go or worry that a system crash will wipe out the last hour's effort you've put in. Google Docs will save automatically, with every change you make, so you never risk losing anything. And because your work is stored in the cloud, you won't run the risk of losing everything you've ever done should your hard drive crash. Google Docs is a powerful and cost-effective tool for indie authors.