writing a book is not a piece of cake. I should know: I’ve done it almost 200 times.
but lots of quality tools help make this challenge easier.
You are reading: What do authors use to write books
The right book writing software can help you:
- organize your writing
- gain self-confidence
- write more clearly
software authoring programs you might want to check out:
(full disclosure: if you buy any of these I get a small commission at no cost to you. but these tools have helped enough writers that I’d recommend even if I didn’t make a dime!)
15 Book Writing Software That Can Make Your Life Easier
1. scribe
scrivener is the best book organization tool.
allows you to view your notes, research, outline, and writing all in one place, and you can print your entire manuscript with a click of the mouse.
There is a bit of a learning curve, but scrivener comes with tutorials, and much other similar help is easily found online.
It may seem overwhelming at first (I’m still learning it), but it’s worth the time and effort.
Just give yourself time to get familiar with the basics.
advantages:
- virtual corkboard feature for note card organization
- drag & drop outliner
- works with windows, mac, ipad and iphone
- easily applicable within microsoft word and many other programs
cons:
- steep learning curve*
* I benefited from great teaching programs like learn scrivener fast, plus scrivener comes with a built-in tutorial.
price: $49 for mac and $40 for pc
click here to buy scrivener.
2. google docs
google docs is an excellent collaboration tool. my team and I are literally a thousand miles from each other, and we use this program pretty much every day.
is a free standard word processor that allows multiple people to work on the same document simultaneously. I’m working on this document in google docs right now.
As with track changes in word, an agent, editor, or responsible partner can help you adjust your work-in-progress in suggestion mode. accept or reject the suggestions, and you can both comment in the margin.
See Also: How to Send Books to Inmates (2022 Guide) – Algrim.co
other advantages:
- Easily share your work in progress via email or link
- Access from any device
- Free
cons:
- performance slows when tracking changes on documents 80 pages or more
- cannot toggle between made changes and final version without accepting all changes
price: free
click here to start using google docs.
3. freedom
freedom lets you temporarily lock apps, websites, and social media across all your devices so you can focus on typing (don’t worry, people can still reach you in an emergency).
You can even schedule the app to work automatically when you need it most, when you’re typing.
If you’re like me, you’ll be glad you don’t have online distractions where “just a few seconds” turn into hours of unproductive web surfing. freedom can help you focus and increase your productivity.
and it works on all devices.
cost: $6.99 per month, $29 per year, or a lifetime fee of $129.
Want to block out distractions while you type?
click here to get freedom.
4. writing help
prowritingaid provides grammar, style, and writing suggestions as you type, for you to accept or reject with the click of a button.
integrates with the apps and programs you use most, like:
- google docs
- google chrome
- microsoft word
- scrivener
See Also: How to Send Books to Inmates (2022 Guide) – Algrim.co
other advantages:
- detailed explanations
- built-in thesaurus
- context-focused grammar checker
- free version
with:
- you need a premium account to access its best features
price: $50 for 1 year, $75 for 2 years, $100 for 3 years, or $175 for life
I recommend trying the free version first.
click here to learn more about prowritingaid.
5. grammatically
Similar to prowritingaid, grammarly can help you fine-tune your writing.
automatically checks spelling and grammar, whether you’re writing a book or an email.
the premium version too:
- checks sentence structure
- monitors word choice
- protects against plagiarism
- examines style
- and much more
See Also: How to Send Books to Inmates (2022 Guide) – Algrim.co
other advantages:
- free version
- google chrome plugin for easy use on the web
cons:
- no scrivener integration
- does not work on mobile devices
- you need a premium account to access its best features
cost: $29.95 per month, $59.95 per quarter, or $139.95 per year.
try the free version first.
click here to learn grammar.
6. novel factory
a creative writing software that guides you through the process of writing a novel.
novel factory asks you to:
- write the premise of your story
- develop characters
- take notes
- follow the outline of the hero’s journey
offers:
- a built-in word processor
- a split screen view
novela factory is designed for windows and is currently not available for mac.
cost: $39.99
click here to start using novel factory.
7. editor hemingway
focuses less on grammar and spelling and more on writing style.
highlights:
- phrases to edit, whether long and complex, passive or unnecessary
- overused words
advantages:
- easy to understand and use
- suggests alternatives to overused words
- allows text to be formatted
- teaches much more concise writing and direct
- suggests edits and offers tips to improve overall writing style
- classifies your writing by grade level
cons:
- eliminates most adverbs
- does not take voice or style into account
cost: free if used on the hemingway editor website (then you can copy/paste into your document), $19.99 to buy your own version.
click here to start using the hemingway editor.
8. evernote
a note-taking app that allows you to:
- synchronize with other devices
- share notes with anyone who has access to your account
- save screenshots, web articles, and pdf files in one place
- search easily within the program
- customize templates
- scan and save documents
- integrate with other programs (such as google docs)
cost: evernote basic free, premium $7.99/mo, business $14.99/mo
click here to start using evernote.
9. ywriter
Designed by a writer for writers, ywriter is a word processor that helps you organize your novel into scenes and chapters.
the program:
- tracks words by chapter and total word count
- allows for scene breakdown, note taking, character description, and scene details and goals on separate tabs within each chapter
ywriter currently only runs inside windows.
cost: free
click here to start using ywriter.
10. ulysses
a simple word processing software for mac users.
advantages:
- a distraction-free interface
- keep everything you write in one place
- easily sync documents with other devices
- split-screen view
- auto save and backup
- allows you to set and track writing goals
- allows you to publish directly to wordpress and medium
See Also: 1632 series reading order – Eric Flint
con: does not help in the development of characters or plot.
cost: free app download, subscription $4.99/month or $39.99/year
click here to start using ulysses.
11. vellum
allows you to professionally format books for publication.
Available for Mac users only, the software is free, but you must purchase a package before exporting a file for publication.
advantages:
- allows you to design and format a book
- a variety of styles
- easy import capabilities
- in-app editing
- allows preview of printed or electronic books
- simple export
- allows unlimited exports, depending on the program purchased
cons:
- no word processor
- more expensive than similar tools
- available only for mac
cost: $199.99 to publish unlimited ebooks, $249.99 to publish unlimited ebooks and paperbacks
click here to start using vellum.
12. focus writer
a basic word processor.
In full screen mode, the toolbars disappear until you hover over them.
advantages:
- simple and customizable design
- auto save
- allows you to track writing goals (by time or number of words)
cons:
- available for text only
- no spell checker
cost: free
click here to start using focuswriter.
13. kite
Hailed as “evernote for creatives”, a visual storytelling tool for mac users.
allows you to:
- organize all your notes in one place
- use as a whiteboard or storyboard
- upload images
- save images, text, and web links
- upload images and text from your phone
other advantages:
- flexible drag and drop
- enables team collaboration
cons:
- limited export options: pdf, png image, word file, or plain text
- available on mac and web only
cost: free basic version, premium version $9.99/month
click here to start using milanote.
14. quick pen
offers tools for self-publishing.
advantages:
- write within the platform or upload a manuscript
- format your book
- publish to e-book and print (isbn and retail barcode included)
- distribute and sell your book worldwide
- manage sales and royalties
cons:
- cannot be used offline
- more expensive than writing, designing and formatting
cost: free, with additional paid publishing packages
click here to start using fastpencil.
15. bibisco
…an all-in-one project management tool for your novel.
acts as a word processor, organizer and creativity guide, all at the same time.
For liners, bibisco enables creativity in your organization. you can interview your characters, create a timeline of events, and keep track of your chapters all in one place.
works for mac, windows and linux.
advantages:
- creative tools to develop characters, places, elements and events in the world of your story
- free version without many restrictions
- easy to use, almost no curve of learning
- simple design
- excellent organizational tool for liners
- 30-day money back policy
cons:
- the paid version says “pay what you want”, but the minimum is 15 euros, which will be a bit more in US dollars
- open source software still gets updates (make sure to save frequently, even with autosave)
- no mobile app
bibisco has a free version and a premium version that starts at 15 euros for a one-time purchase.
click here to start using bibisco.
See Also: 8 Best Sausage Making Books – Top Picks for 2022 – Italian Barrel