Editorial chaos is real — missed deadlines, scattered feedback, and “who’s editing this?” on repeat. If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone. The best project management tools for editorial teams and newsrooms are built to bring order to the madness — keeping your content pipeline smooth, your team aligned, and your stories on schedule.
Here are 10 tools that do exactly that.
- StoryChief – All-in-one editorial workflow & content distribution
- Asana – Visual task management for editorial teams
- ClickUp – Versatile project management with customizable views
- Trello – Simple kanban boards for content planning
- Wrike – Advanced project management for larger editorial teams
- Airtable – Flexible database for editorial content management
- Monday.com – Customizable workflows with communication tools
- Notion – Flexible workspace for documentation and project management
- Basecamp – Simplified project management for teams
- Quintype – Digital publishing platform for newsrooms
1. StoryChief – All-in-One Editorial Workflow & Content Distribution
StoryChief is designed for content teams, offering a centralized platform to plan, create, and distribute content across multiple channels.
Why it’s great for editorial teams:
- Centralized content hub: Plan, write, edit, and publish content across multiple channels from a single platform.
- Collaborative workflows: Assign roles, set deadlines, and manage approvals seamlessly.
- SEO optimization: Built-in tools provide real-time SEO and readability suggestions.
- Multi-channel publishing: Distribute content to websites, newsletters, and social media with one click.
Pros:
- Real-time editing feedback enhances collaboration.
- Seamless CMS integration streamlines publishing.
- Multi-channel publishing ensures broad content reach.
- Analytics tools provide insights into content performance.
Cons:
- Some users may find the interface requires a learning curve.
2. Asana – Visual Task Management for Editorial Teams
Asana offers a flexible platform to manage tasks and projects, making it easier for editorial teams to track progress and meet deadlines.
Why it’s great for editorial teams:
- Customizable workflows: Use boards, lists, or timelines to manage content production stages.
- Integration capabilities: Connect with tools like Slack, Google Drive, and more.
- Task assignments: Clearly define responsibilities and deadlines for team members.
Pros:
- User-friendly interface with customizable workflows.
- Supports multiple project views: list, board, calendar, and timeline.
- Integration with various tools enhances functionality.
Cons:
- Users of Asana tend to find the amount of email notifications they receive excessive.
3. ClickUp – Versatile Project Management with Customizable Views
ClickUp is an all-in-one project management tool that offers a high level of customization, suitable for editorial teams with diverse needs.
Why it’s great for editorial teams:
- All-in-one platform: Manage tasks, docs, goals, and chat within a single app.
- Customizable dashboards: Tailor views to fit editorial workflows.
- Automation features: Automate repetitive tasks to save time.
Pros:
- Highly customizable dashboards and workflows.
- Built-in time tracking and goal-setting features.
- Real-time collaboration tools enhance team coordination.
Cons:
- Performance issues, such as slow response times and occasional crashes, are a major concern, especially when handling large projects.
- Certain integrations might need extra setup.
4. Trello – Simple Kanban Boards for Content Planning
Trello provides a straightforward, visual approach to project management, ideal for editorial teams seeking simplicity.
Why it’s great for editorial teams:
- Visual boards: Organize content ideas and production stages using cards and lists.
- Ease of use: Quick to set up and intuitive for team collaboration.
- Power-ups: Enhance functionality with integrations like Calendar, Google Drive, and more.
Pros:
- Intuitive drag-and-drop interface.
- Customizable boards and cards for various workflows.
- Integration with numerous third-party apps.
Cons:
- Users experience delays in notifications, difficulties integrating with email clients, and challenges in managing notifications across multiple boards, potentially resulting in missed deadlines and important updates.
- Users consider Trello's file management limiting due to restrictions on file sizes and the number of attachments.
5. Wrike – Advanced Project Management for Larger Editorial Teams
Wrike offers robust project management features suitable for larger editorial teams handling complex projects.
Why it’s great for editorial teams:
- Detailed reporting: Track project progress with real-time analytics.
- Custom workflows: Design workflows tailored to editorial processes.
- Collaboration tools: Facilitate communication with built-in chat and document sharing.
Pros:
- Detailed project tracking with Gantt charts and time logs.
- Customizable dashboards and workflows.
- Integration with a wide range of tools and platforms.
Cons:
- Users note that frequent updates to Wrike can occasionally introduce bugs or necessitate additional training, leading to disruptions and challenges in adapting to platform changes.
- Users mention that Wrike's email notification system can be overwhelming due to limited customization options.
6. Airtable – Flexible Database for Editorial Content Management
Airtable combines the simplicity of a spreadsheet with the complexity of a robust database, offering flexibility for content management.
Why it’s great for editorial teams:
- Customizable tables: Organize content calendars, assignments, and assets in a spreadsheet-database hybrid.
- Views and filters: Switch between grid, calendar, and Kanban views to suit your workflow.
- Integration options: Connect with various apps to streamline processes.
Pros:
- Highly customizable tables and views.
- Supports attachments, links, and rich text fields.
- Integration with various apps and services.
Cons:
- Reviewers note that Airtable limits the number of records, fields, and attachments per base, which can hinder scalability for larger projects.
- Users report that managing permissions and access levels in Airtable can be confusing and occasionally restrictive.
7. Monday.com – Customizable Workflows with Communication Tools
Monday.com offers a flexible platform with visual project tracking, making it easier for editorial teams to manage content production and collaboration.
Why it’s great for editorial teams:
- Visual project tracking: Utilize boards, timelines, and calendars to oversee content schedules.
- Automation features: Automate repetitive tasks to save time.
- Integration capabilities: Connect with tools like Slack, Google Drive, and more.
Pros:
- User-friendly interface with customizable templates.
- Robust integration options enhance workflow efficiency.
- Automation features save time on repetitive tasks.
Cons:
- Many users find monday.com's email notifications overwhelming due to the high volume they receive.
- Users feel that the free trial period is too short and limiting, which doesn't give them enough time to fully explore and understand the platform's features.🔗 Visit Monday.com
8. Notion – Flexible Workspace for Documentation and Project Management
Notion combines note-taking, databases, and task management, providing editorial teams with a centralized workspace for content planning and collaboration.
Why it’s great for editorial teams:
- Customizable templates: Create tailored workflows for content calendars, editorial guidelines, and more.
- Integrated documentation: Maintain all editorial documents and resources in one place.
- Collaboration tools: Real-time editing and commenting facilitate team coordination.
Pros:
- Highly adaptable to various editorial processes.
- Combines multiple tools into a single platform.
- Customizable templates for tailored workflows.
Cons:
- Performance issues with large databases or extensive content.
- Lacks built-in time tracking and advanced project management features.
9. Basecamp – Simplified Project Management for Teams
Basecamp offers a straightforward approach to project management, focusing on communication and task tracking, which can benefit editorial teams seeking simplicity.
Why it’s great for editorial teams:
- Centralized communication: Message boards and real-time chat keep discussions organized.
- Task management: To-do lists and schedules help track content production.
- File storage: Easily share and store documents and media assets.
Pros:
- User-friendly interface with minimal setup required.
- Combines communication and project management tools.
- Centralized communication with message boards and real-time chat.
Cons:
- Lacks advanced features like time tracking, task dependencies, and Gantt charts.
- Limited customization options and integrations.
- No support for task prioritization or labels.
10. Quintype – Digital Publishing Platform for Newsrooms
Quintype is a digital publishing platform designed specifically for newsrooms, offering tools for content creation, distribution, and monetization.
Why it’s great for editorial teams:
- Headless CMS: Facilitates content creation and management across multiple platforms.
- Multi-channel distribution: Publish content seamlessly to websites, apps, and social media.
- Analytics and monetization: Gain insights into content performance and implement subscription models.
Pros:
- Tailored for the needs of digital newsrooms.
- Supports multilingual content and regional publishing.
- Headless CMS facilitates content creation and management across multiple platforms.
Cons:
- May require technical expertise for initial setup.
- Pricing information is less transparent compared to other tools.
- Limited flexibility for teams seeking broader project management features beyond publishing.
Final Thoughts: Best Editorial Project Management Tools
Selecting the best project management tools for editorial teams and newsrooms can significantly enhance the efficiency and collaboration of editorial teams and newsrooms. Here's a quick comparison to help you choose:
Best for...
- All-in-one editorial workflow: StoryChief
- Visual task management: Asana
- Customizable workflows: ClickUp
- Simplicity and ease of use: Trello
- Large teams with complex projects: Wrike
- Flexible content management: Airtable
- Integrated communication tools: Monday.com
- Documentation and note-taking: Notion
- Simplified project management: Basecamp
- Digital publishing needs: Quintype
FYI: With StoryChief, reporting and analytics are seamlessly integrated into one powerful tool, making it easier than ever to track and optimize your content performance. Create a free account and start optimizing content today. 🙌
