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Writing a book is hard. I’ve written seven books and at some point during each one I had the thought, “There has to be a tool, a piece of book writing software, that would make this easier.”
Every writer should have cloud (or internet-based) storage where they keep their works instead of storing all of it only on a computer's hard drive. Dropbox is among the best personal cloud storage app, file synchronization, and client software for writers, along with GoogleDrive. Using Dropbox is safe and no one can easily steal your information.
Bad news/good news: writing a book will always be hard, and the best piece of writing software in the world won’t write your book for you. But the good news is there is book writing software that can make the process a little easier.
In this post, we will cover the ten best pieces of software for writing a book and look at the pros and cons of each.
FREE eBOOK: Every professional has a set of tools at their disposal that not only makes their job possible, but makes them better at doing it. Writing is no different, and while the right software is important, it’s just one of the many tools you need as a writer. That’s why we published this free 22-page eBook, 7 Tools to Help You Write a Novel. You can download it for free here. Enjoy!
Click the links below to get our review on the best writing software.
Best Writing Software: ContentsWorst Pieces of Software for Writing a Book
First, though, let’s cover software you should avoid, at least while you’re writing a book:
Set aside time for your writing every day and then stay focused!
If you need a game, make writing your daily word count your game.
If you want more “likes” on social media, imagine how great getting five-star reviews on your book will be.
If you need to check your bank balance several times a day, think about what your bank balance will be when you stop checking it constantly, finish your book, and become a successful author.
The 10 Best Pieces of Book Writing Software
No piece of writing software will write your book for you, but these ten will help. Let’s look at the pros and cons of each.
1. Scrivener (Word Processor)
Scrivener is the premier book writing software. It is made by writers for writers. Scrivener’s “binder” view allows you to break up your book into chapters and sections and easily reorganize it. Project targets let you create word count goals and then track your progress daily. Its composition mode can help you stay focused by removing all the clutter. Plus, it allows you to format for publishing (e.g. on Amazon or Barnes & Noble).
There are some problems with Scrivener. Formatting is more complicated than it needs to be and collaborating isn’t easy, meaning it loses its effectiveness as soon as you bring on an editor. But it more than makes up for that by being so helpful in the early stages of the writing process.
In fact, we believe in Scrivener so much, we published a book about how creative writers can write more, faster using it. It’s called Scrivener Superpowers. If you’re using Scrivener or want to save yourself time as you learn how to use it for your creative writing, you can get Scrivener Superpowers here. The next edition comes out on Tuesday!
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Cost: $49 for Mac, $45 for Windows
You can get a copy of Scrivener here, or learn more about how to use the software with one of these resources:
2. Google Docs (Word Processor)
While Scrivener is the best book writing software, once you get to editing and getting feedback, it begins to fall short.
That’s why Google Docs has become my second go-to piece of book writing software. It’s free, very easy to use, and requires no backups since everything is in the cloud.
Best of all are its collaboration abilities, which allow you to invite your editor to the document and then watch as he or she makes changes, tracked in suggestion mode, and leave comments on your story (see screenshot below).
Cost: Free!
Where to find it: Get started with Google Docs here
3. Google Sheets (Spreadsheet)
If you’d told me when I was first trying to become a writer that one of my most-used tools in my book writing software toolkit would be a spreadsheet, I would have told you I didn’t major in English to have to use a spreadsheet.
But now, as I’m finishing my twelth book, I realize that I’m using spreadsheets almost daily.
Spreadsheets allow you to get a sense of the elements of your book at a glance, and when you’re working on a 300-page document, distilling it down to useable information becomes very necessary.
You might use spreadsheets for:
Google Sheets is perfect for this because it’s free and you can quickly share your documents with your writing partners, editors, or beta readers to get feedback. Microsoft Excel is another great option, but for writers, I suggest Google Sheets.
Every Writer App For Macbook
Cost: Free!
Where to find it?Get started with Google Sheets here
4. Vellum (Book Formatting/Word Processor)
If you want to turn your book into an eBook, it’s not that hard. Scrivener, Word, Pages, they all can make eBooks. But that doesn’t mean they’ll look good. In fact, it takes a lot of skill and effort to make an eBook look good on any of those word processors. That’s why I love Vellum so much.
Vellum makes beautiful eBooks.
Vellum picks up where Scrivener, Word, and Pages leave off, giving you a tool to make great looking eBooks every time.
The most important part of this is the previewer (see the image below), which lets you see how each formatting change or book edit you make will appear on Kindle, Fire, iPhone, Nook, and other eReaders.
It also has stripped-down, option-based formatting, which is perfect for designing eBooks.
I really love this app!
UPDATE: Vellum recently expanded into formatting for paperback books! I haven’t tried it yet but it looks awesome!
Cost: $199 for eBook generation, $249 for Paperback Formatting
5. Freedom (Productivity App)
One question writers always ask me is, “How can I stay focused enough to finish what I write?”
I have too many thoughts on this for this article, but as far as writing software to encourage focus, I recommend Freedom.
Freedom allows you to block your biggest distractions online, including both websites and mobile apps, for a set period of time. So when you mindlessly escape your book to scroll through Facebook, you’ll find the site won’t load.
You can also schedule recurring sessions, so that at a scheduled time (e.g. Mondays from 6 am to 10 am), you won’t be able to access the sites on your blocklist, even if you try.
There are other apps like this that we’ve written about before, notably Self-Control for Mac and StayFocused for Windows. Best app to create invitations on mac. But Freedom goes further, allowing you to block sites on both your computer and your phone, and enabling recurring sessions.
You can learn more about how writers can get the most out of Freedom on our review here.
Cost: $29 / year for Pro version, which I use and recommend (Free trial available)
Where to find it:Get started with Freedom here
6. Microsoft Word (Word Processor)
Again: no piece of book writing software is going to write your book for you. If you’re looking for the next “shiny new toy” to help you write your book, it might be an excuse to avoid doing the hard work of writing.
Most of us learned how to use computers by using Microsoft Word, or a program like it. Word gets the job done. Sure, Scrivener is a little better for books, but I wrote my first book on Word and it’s fine.
I wrote a long review of the pros and cons of using Word to write books—the main problem is that as your document grows, it becomes more and more difficult to work with, whereas with Scrivener, it becomes easier—but the point is, if Word is what you have, don’t let that stop you from finishing your book.
As Jeff Elkins said in his review of Word, “If you aren’t already putting in the hard work to be the kind of writer you want to be, it doesn’t matter what new writing software you invest in. It is not going to help.”
Cost: $69 / year from Amazon (includes Excel, Powerpoint, Outlook, and other Microsoft software)
7. Ulysses (Word Processor)
When I’m writing for a long time, I like to get up and go for a walk. Sometimes, I wish I could continue writing while I walk. Other times, I come up with an idea while I’m walking, type it up on my phone, and then want to easily move what I wrote to my laptop without having to go through the hassle of emailing it back and forth to myself.
That’s where Ulysses comes in.
Ulysses is a word processor for Mac that allows you to sync between all your devices, so you have what you need wherever you are. Scrivener recently released their iOS app which allows you to do this as well, but the process is clunky and requires you to purchase both the desktop and iOS apps. Ulysses’ sync makes the process much more seamless.
Like Scrivener, it has a binder-like sidebar that allows you to move documents around. Ulysses is not designed specifically for books so it takes a little configuring to make it work for you, but once you have it set up the way you want it’s very intuitive.
Free Writing Apps For Mac![]()
And while I hate Markdown, I actually like the paired-down formatting options Ulysses gives. Overall, I’m not going to convert from Scrivener to Ulysses any time soon, but I think it’s a great option for most writers.
Cost: $45
Where to find it: App store, or here (Mac only)
8. Microsoft Excel (Spreadsheets)
As Jeff Elkins says in his review of Microsoft Excel, it’s great, but “it’s a little like bringing a bazooka to a knife fight. You will need only a small fraction of its capability.”
If you have Excel and love it, great. Otherwise, use Google Sheets, especially if you’re sharing your sheet with a collaborator or editor.
Cost: $69 / year from Amazon (includes Word, Powerpoint, Outlook, and other Microsoft software)
9. ProWritingAid (Grammar/Spell Check)
Can book writing software replace an editor?
Definitely not. But if you ask Alice Sudlow, our in-house editor, she’s tell you, “If you don’t have access to an editor (or if you do, but you don’t want to hire them to edit your emails or Facebook posts), grammar checking software like ProWritingAid is an accessible, affordable alternative.
If you struggle with grammar, sentence structure, spelling, or even writing style, ProwritingAid can help. It goes far beyond your built-in spell-check.
You should still learn grammar skills, but ProWritingAid can help you start to see the patterns and grow as a writer.
There’s a free version that’s very good. It can even be installed into your browser or Word processor, so you can check your grammar wherever you write. The paid version, just $60 a year (less than half of what Grammarly costs), gives you additional support on sentence structure, style, and vocabulary.
Learn more about how writers can get the most out of ProWritingAid here.
Cost: Free! (Premium version is $60 / year)
Where to find it: Get started with ProWritingAid here
10. Hemingway App (Grammar/Style Checker)
Most writers think their sentences are easier to read than they are. You think you’re coming across clearly, that your writing makes sense, but then someone reads it and comes away with something totally different.
Hemingway App helps with that.
Hemingway App is a free website that checks readability. You can copy and paste your writing into the website’s input box. Then it will grade your writing based on your used of adverbs, passive voice, and sentences as units.
Hemingway App is useful, but even the best book writing software can’t replace a good editor.
Cost: Free!
The 7 Tools Every Writer Needs
Every professional has a set of tools at their disposal that not only makes their job possible, but makes them better at doing it. Writing is no different, and while the right software is important, it’s just one of the many tools you need as a writer.
That’s why we published a free 22-page eBook, 7 Tools to Help You Write a Novel. In this short guide, we’ll cover some of the basic tools that form the foundation of a writing life.
https://gvdgej.weebly.com/mac-photos-app-remove-duplicates.html. You can download it for free here. Enjoy!
The Most Essential Book Writing Software
Imagine it’s three thousand years ago. You’re sitting around a campfire with some of your family and friends, tired from the day’s work. You begin to tell a story. It’s one you’ve told before, told a hundred times. You can see faces around the fire, the children with their eyes wide, the men and women who have heard the story before but still enjoy it because it brings meaning to their lives.
Storytellers—writers—have existed since the beginning of humanity. They didn’t always have book writing software. They didn’t have the printing press or the internet. They didn’t always even have the alphabet to write their stories down.
Instead, storytellers had their imaginations, their voices, and a rapt audience.
You don’t need book writing software to write a great story. Book writing software can make the process a little faster or easier, but the truth is great stories will always exist, no matter what kind of software we have.
The only three things essential to writing a great book:
That’s all you need. Do you want to write your book? If you do, then do it. Write it. Nothing is stopping you except you. So go get writing.
What pieces of book writing software do you use? Let us know in the comments.
PRACTICE
The world is full of powerful software to help you write your book. In the end, though, all these tools are just that—tools. The stories you imagine and your discipline to put the words on the page are far more important.
So for this practice, set aside all the fancy software. Eliminate all the bells and whistles and open up your computer’s native text editor (TextEdit for Mac or Notepad for Windows). Take fifteen minutes to write without any distractions. Threema app for mac. Continue your work in progress, or start a new story based on this prompt:
A student discovers one of their teachers is not what they appear to be.
When you’re done, share your writing practice in the comments. And if you share, be sure to leave feedback for your fellow writers!
Joe Bunting is an author and the leader of The Write Practice community. He is also the author of the new book Crowdsourcing Paris, a real life adventure story set in France. It was a #1 New Release on Amazon. You can follow him on Instagram (@jhbunting).
I don't consider myself a techie by any stretch of the imagination, but I do have a smartphone, and, to my surprise, I've found that it's a pretty useful little tool for the aspiring author. You know that annoying catchphrase, 'There's an app for that?' Well, it applies to the writing process, too. There are several writing apps that are not only helpful, but downright indispensable. Good news if you're a perpetually procrastinating, chronically disorganized creative type. (Hey, when you've got your sights set on writing the next great American novel, sometimes organization seems overrated.)
That's why I've compiled this list of apps for writers that are actually useful. The last thing you need is one more app that you never use clogging up your home screen. (I'm looking at you, Game Center.) It may seem counterintuitive to put your writing aids on your phone when chances are it's your biggest distraction, but actually, the writing apps will act as social media deterrents. You're going to feel pretty guilty tapping on that Facebook app when Pomodoro is right next to it.
Read on for a list of writing apps that will help with everything from the dreaded writer's block to synonym searches.
MindNode
Available for: iOS
What it'll cost you: $10
What it does: This brilliant little app literally lets you map out your thoughts. Obviously this isn't just limited to the thoughts you have about your novel, but it is uniquely suited for those. The map starts out with your central thought (or plot premise) and then branches out from there, with different characters, plot points, or settings having different branches. You can also color code, highlight, and customize the branches.
Why writers need it: It's amazing how much more sense your ideas make when you can actually see them in front of you. I can't tell you how many times I've lost the perfect phrase in the jumble of other thoughts careening around in my head. This app will let you organize all those brilliant ideas in an easy-to-follow, intuitively laid out format. This is a must-have app for the visual thinker.
Story Tracker
Available for: iOS
What it'll cost you: $9
What it does: Keeps track of your submitted stories, novels, poems, scripts, articles, blog posts.. you get the idea. Not only does the app record when you submitted a piece, it can also be tagged with sent/response due/response dates, income earned, and other important details.
Why writers need it: Especially if you're a freelancer, keeping track of what pieces you submitted when, to whom, and for how much, can get overwhelming fast. And if you're submitting a manuscript to several different agents or publishers, it's pretty embarrassing to query the same person twice.
The Brainstormer
Available for: iOS
What it'll cost you: $2
What it does: Cures writers block. OK, maybe it won't cure it, but these exercises will definitely help get your creative juices flowing again. Plus it's fun to use, you just spin the wheel to randomly combine a plot, a subject, and a setting or style. Either use the included wheels, or edit the wheels to build entirely new scenarios (like with your own characters and settings).
Why writers need it:Writer's block can be crippling. A really bad case can throw you off your game for weeks, and this app can help. Even if you don't use the exact scenario the wheel chooses, it may get your brain going on a whole new brilliant story line. The mind is a mysterious thing, and sometimes we need all the help we can get because..
Pomodoro Timer
Available for: iOS and Android
What it'll cost you: $2
What it does: I don't know about you, but I am seriously lacking in time management skills, so whatever might help me with that, I try. Pomodoro is the most effective 'focus-booster' I've found. Basically, you allot 25 minutes for a certain task — let's use writing as an example. You set the Pomodoro timer to 25 minutes, write 'til the timer goes off, take a short 3-5 minute break, and then get back to work. Every four 'Pomodori' you get a longer, 15-30 minute breather.
Why writers need it: I'm not sure if there's something scientific behind it, maybe it all goes back to Pavlov, but for some reason this works. If you use it correctly and faithfully, it will boost your writing productivity.
Agent Obvious
Available for: iOS
What it'll cost you: Nothing! https://gvdgej.weebly.com/blog/how-do-i-allow-a-app-download-on-mac.
What it does: Gives you a little tough love and insight into the publishing world via literary agent Laurie Abkemeier, who spent six years as an editor at a major publishing house before turning agent. She dishes on everything from contract negotiations to crafting an effective query. And she's funny. For example: 'Editors and agents check email after hours and on weekends, but we don’t want to find anything there.'
Why writers need it: The publishing industry is a complicated, competitive beast, and any insight is helpful. The app is based off of Abkemeier's popular Twitter feed. She gives good advice on a wide variety of topics, and if the end goal here is to get published, any and all inside scoops are welcome.
WordBook
Available for: iOS and Android
What it'll cost you: $3
What it does: This may seem obvious, but a really excellent dictionary and thesaurus is a must-have app for every aspiring writer. Word book has etymological information, a built-in spell checker with pop-up suggestions, a thesaurus and word links connecting words semantically, bookmark and history management, and — get this — a professionally recorded pronunciation for every single entry.
Why writers need it: Misspelled words are the mark of the lazy. If you have any doubt, go to the authority. Plus, the thesaurus is nothing short of magical.
Goodreader
Available for: iOS
What it'll cost you: $5
What it does: This is the best app I've tried for on-the-go editing. All you have to do is save your manuscript as a PDF. Then you can go nuts marking up your draft using sticky notes, highlighting text, inserting edits, or all of the above. It's also super easy to import, sync, and manage your files.
Why writers need it: You can edit anytime and anywhere, on any iOS device. Now rather than sitting on your train, or subway, or bus agonizing about all the editing you need to do, you can get down to business wherever you are.
Index Card
Available for: iOS
What it'll cost you: $3
What it does: Well, the name kind of says it all, but the best part of this nifty app is the user interface. It's literally a little corkboard, specifically designed for touch screens so that you can touch and drag each one of your color-coordinated note cards. You simply tap on a card to write or edit.
Why writers need it: This app is perfect for recording you ideas on-the-go. When inspiration hits while you're jogging or standing in line at the grocery store, all you have to do is pull up a notecard. Whether you're tweaking a plot point or adding a completely new one, this app makes it easy and keeps everything organized.
Spotify
Available for: iOS and Android
What it'll cost you: Free with ads. Subscription is $9.99/month with no ads, music available on any device at anytime, and no Internet connection needed.
What it does: Gives you access to millions of songs. You can make your own playlists, or browse ready-made playlists by mood, genre, artist, you name it. Plus, you get introduced to all kinds of great new artists and music based on the stuff you already love.
Why writers need it: Duh, music is our muse. I've created playlists by character, scene, setting, genre, and the list goes on. I find that it gets me in the mind of a particular character and helps me get to know them better. Plus, you can use your playlists for other things as well, like rocking out on the treadmill per your New Year's resolution.
Coffitivity
Available for: iOS and Android
What it'll cost you: Nothing!
What it does: Research suggests that it may be more difficult to be productive in a totally noise-free space. This is why some people are in their creative element in the middle of a bustling, chatter-filled Starbucks. Coffitivity offers the soothing background noise of a coffee shop in the comfort of your own home. Plus, the coffee is free at your place.
Why writers need it: Maybe music's not your thing, or maybe you just need to switch it up. Hey, if you're staring hypnotized at your blank computer screen, you're probably willing to give just about anything a try. Who knows, maybe all you needed was the familiar hustle and bustle-sounds of your neighborhood coffee shop to get you in the zone.
Lists For Writers AppWriters App
Available for: iOS
What it'll cost you: $.99
What it does: Writers App is great for getting started on a story. Basically it helps you build a blueprint, from establishing a premise to organizing all the major plot points, while also aiding in developing setting and performing in-depth character analyses.
Why writers need it: Sometimes it's hard to get the ball rolling. Having a great idea is one thing, but actually building an entire story around it is another. This will help you get the basics down and keep them organized. Plus you can export the contents as a .txt file. Did I mention that it's pretty cheap?
Lists for Writers
Available for: iOS and Android
What it'll cost you: $3
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What it does: Provides inspiration in a quick, user-friendly format. Can't think of the perfect name for you protagonist? Don't know what kind of occupation your knight in shining armor should have? Stuck on the spelling of some obscure South American city? Lists for Writers can help.
Why writers need it: Mainly because it will allow you to research without opening Google. Otherwise known as the world's No. 1 time-suck.
Beautiful Tarot
Available for: iOS
What it'll cost you: $2
What it does: Gives you an alternative inspiration source for character development and plot scenarios. Basically, you give your characters a tarot reading. There are nine spreads available to discover your MC's 'path to understanding.' You simply touch the cards to slide, flip, and arrange them as you wish, and you can also customize the card interpretations by replacing the text with your own. Added bonus: You can email the reading to yourself when you're done.
Why writers need it: Because it's fun — it's a different and unexpected way to get a little deeper into your character and discover her path to enlightenment.
Dragon Dictation/Dragon Remote Microphone
Available for: iOS and Android
What it'll cost you: Nothing!
What it does: Essentially, let's you take hands-free notes. Use Dragon Dictation when inspiration hits while driving, walking down the street, or any other activity where you should have your hands free and your eyes off the screen. This handy little app lets you dictate everything from character development to emails. And, yes, you can update your Twitter Feed, you procrastinator.
Why writers need it: If you have to choose between getting down the idea for the above mentioned great American novel, or keeping your eyes on the road, odds are you're going to sacrifice your driving record before you give up your shot at literary fame. This app eliminates that scenario, and it's free.
iA Writer Pro
Available for: iOS
What it'll cost you: $10
What it does: The 'sentence syntax control' feature sets Writer Pro apart from the rest of the content creation and organization apps. This amazing little miracle-worker highlights your adjectives, nouns, adverbs, verbs, prepositions, or conjunctions, allowing you to control and streamline your writing style. Different views (and colors) for the Write, Edit, and Read functions also help you focus on different aspects of your work during different phases of the writing process.
Why writers need it: Self-editing is a difficult, arduous process, but this app promises to make it easier. Being able to clearly identify and simplify your writing style is a crucial part of being a successful editor.
Images: Fotolia; Erin Enders; Giphy(7)
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