The 10 Best Notebooks for Writers
Ask any writer and they'll say "you can never have too many notebooks." This is a true fact, and a hill I will die on. And as many writers know, quality counts and there is a difference between a notebooks and a good notebook.
Whether you like to make lists, practice bullet journaling, or write all your novels free-hand, I have recommendations for you. Which are the best notebooks for writers? Here are a few I love.
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The 10 Best Notebooks for Writers
A Notebook for the rule breaker
I'd be remiss if I didn't mention this notebook because I designed it myself! It was the first product I ever designed and made.
It was quite the process figuring out how to make them, and it was a really proud moment for myself in my business. Plus, I made this to inspire us ALL that there are NO RULES when it comes to writing and creativity.
There's even a little inspiration on the back cover. This hardcover notebook has perforated pages so you can easily detach a page without ruining the integrity of the notebook. A must for first drafting!
A notebook for the chaotic creative
I also designed this one, and I'm taking it with me as I revise my draft of my first novel.
The durable cover says "The Hotter The Mess, The Better The Second Draft," and I hope it rings true because my first draft was definitely a hot mess!
A great choice for writers working on some new ideas or messy work because it's a high-quality notebook for any level of writer.
A timeless Notebook for the classic writer
Moleskine notebooks are iconic -- the faux leather cover, expandable pocket, and elastic closure make it a great notebook for traveling.
They have faint, thin lines and the texture of the paper is perfect for ball point pens. It's a great option too if you want to decorate your cover.
I place my favorite stickers on mine! I've been gifted Moleskine notebooks several times and every time I use one up I think about how they are one of my favorite notebooks of all time.
a notebook to help you blossom
Rifle Paper Co. Stitched Notebook
If you know me at all, you know how much I love flowers and floral patterns. I really love Rifle Paper Co notebooks, especially these stitched ones.
The soft cover makes them an excellent choice for a travel journal because they can flex with your luggage.
They're thin enough that they're not intimidating to start using (anyone else feel like they have to really commit to finishing one notebook before opening another?) and they have such beautiful art and patterns as cover. These make a great gift for any writer (including yourself!).
a notebook for that first draft
Ban.Do "Rough Draft" Spiral Notebook
There is a time and a place for spiral-bound notebooks, and the time is now and the place is here.
I use spiral notebooks exclusively for planning out my business, taking notes in meetings, and brainstorming content ideas for social media.
The Ban.Do notebooks have funky, fun, and bright covers which I love because it gives me a little extra boost–I believe my work notebook does not have to be boring!
A notebook for the on-the-go writer
They also make left handed notebooks! As someone who is right-handed, I don't know the specific pains of writing with your left hand and smudging ink everywhere.
I smudge ink everywhere anyway, but I had no clue that left-handed notebooks were a thing! These field notebooks are so cute - at 3.5 x 5.5 inches they're pocket sized and perfect for any purse, backpack, or tote bag so you can jot down character ideas and essay quotes on-the-go.
Small notebooks are a must to take with us when we're people-watching (aka character development research).
A Notebook for the digital guru
As a conventional paper person, I was skeptical about smart notebooks or anything digital.
My sister-in-law gave me a Rocketbook set a few years ago for Christmas and I was surprised how much I loved it.
The notebook has a thick paper that is reusable because you can wipe it clean with a damp cloth. You just need to use any Pilot FriXion pen which are awesome because they are erasable on any type of paper!
They're some of the best pens I've ever used. The Rocketbook notebooks also have an app so that you can take a picture of your page and upload it to your cloud -- never lose your work again!
A notebook for the open minded creative
When I first started journaling regularly in college, I used a blank, unlined notebook.
As someone who was suffering with perfectionism, the unlined paper gave me a thrilling sense of freedom to be imperfect and it really helped me change the way I saw writing and journaling.
These unlined notebooks are the best option for people who want to color outside the lines a little bit. There are a variety of colors for the cover and all the notebooks have acid-free paper.
They come with an elastic band and a ribbon to help mark your page so you can pick up where you leave off. Let the blank pages be your inspiration!
a notebook that gives back
Denik Notebook with Dotted Paper
This notebook is called "Written in the Stars" and has dot grid paper instead of lined. It's hardback and lay-flat, which makes it great for long writing sessions.
Denik is a really cool brand because part of their profit is donated to help fund schools and education projects worldwide. Plus, you can design custom notebooks with them so you can always have the perfect notebook.
a Notepad for the professional thinker
This may seem like a surprising choice for writing but legal pads are my top pick when it comes to outlining and making to-do lists!
Both activities are part of my creative process.
This set of 12 legal pads is a great value and you can have a legal pad for every part of your daily life. A perfect choice for anyone who saves notebooks because they're too pretty.
These are functional and easy to start using in different ways. Plus, it gives you a professional look -- or at least it makes me feel that way! I'm ready for anything!
Ultimately, the best choice of notebook is one that will inspire you to write.
Sometimes writing tools really are that simple. A good pen and a good notebook might be all you need to get moving on your writing project.
If you're giving a notebook as a gift, remember that while each writer has a personal preference for the style of notebook they use, we are always touched when someone thinks of us and our writing.
Don't be afraid to remind your beloved writer friends that their stories matter and they need to tell them.
