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Writing a book can be a major job that calls for a great deal of imagination, organisation, and dedication on the part of the author. It is possible to make this process easier and more productive by utilising the many different software solutions that are available for book writing. In this post, I will look into some of the greatest book writing software options and highlight the essential qualities that you should take into consideration when selecting the ideal tool for your journey as a writer.
I came to the realisation that writing a book would be a voyage that was not only difficult but also fascinating. Not only would it require my undivided concentration, but it would also require a methodical strategy and a reliable writing tool. I found that book writing software became my indispensable friend since it provided me with the tools and features I required to properly manage my writing process, organise my thoughts, and generate manuscripts that were satisfactory to a professional standard.
It is important to select the appropriate software for your writing endeavours, regardless of whether you are an accomplished author like myself or just beginning your journey into the world of writing. This can have a huge impact on your productivity and creativity.
Best Book Writing Software Comparison Table
Picking the right book writing software is very important for writers like me who want to speed up the writing process, keep our ideas organised, and turn in manuscripts that look like they were written by professionals. I’ll look at some of the best book writing software choices on the market right now, focusing on their main features, platform compatibility, pricing models, collaboration tools, writing tools, export formats, and customer service. Finding the right tools can make you much more productive and creative, whether you’re a novelist, an academic writer, or a content creator.
| Feature | Microsoft Word | Scrivener | Google Docs | Ulysses | Evernote |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pricing | ???? $139.99 (one-time purchase) or subscription options | ???? $49 (one-time purchase) | ???? Free | ???? $49.99/year or $5.99/month (subscription) | ???? Free or Premium plans |
| Platform | ????️ Windows, macOS, iOS, Android | ????️ Windows, macOS, iOS | ???? Web-based, Windows, macOS, iOS, Android | ???? macOS, iOS | ????️ Windows, macOS, iOS, Android |
| Collaboration | ???? Yes | ???? Yes | ???? Yes | ???? Yes | ???? Yes |
| Writing Features | ???? Rich formatting, track changes, templates | ???? Corkboard, outlining, character sheets, templates | ???? Basic formatting, commenting | ????️ Distraction-free writing, Markdown support, themes | ????️ Note-taking, organizing, templates |
| Export Formats | ???? DOCX, PDF, ePub, HTML, more | ???? DOCX, PDF, ePub, Markdown, more | ???? DOCX, PDF, ePub, HTML, more | ???? PDF, DOCX, ePub, HTML, more | ???? PDF, DOCX, HTML, more |
| Customer Support | ℹ️ FAQs, forums, support tickets | ℹ️ FAQs, forums, support tickets | ℹ️ Help Center, forums, support tickets | ℹ️ FAQs, tutorials, support tickets | ℹ️ Help Center, forums, support tickets |
Best Book Writing Software
The tools you use as a writer can have a big effect on how creative you are and how much you get done. These days, software for writing books has many tools to help you write faster, organise your thoughts, and make your stories come to life. We’ll look at the main features, perks, and unique features of each of the best book writing software options in this in-depth guide.
Microsoft Word
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Pricing | $139.99 (one-time purchase) or subscription options |
| Platform | Windows, macOS, iOS, Android |
| Collaboration | Yes |
| Writing Features | Rich formatting, track changes, templates |
| Export Formats | DOCX, PDF, ePub, HTML, more |
| Customer Support | FAQs, forums, support tickets |
| Visit Website |
In the moment that I consider writing, the first thing that comes to my mind is Microsoft Word. This option is a time-honored one that I have relied on for many years. My experience with the UI is very familiar, and it is loaded with all of the tools that I require, such as options for formatting, a spell checker, and a word count monitoring system.
As an author, I have found that it is my go-to tool because of its accessibility and compatibility, despite the fact that it may not have all of the bells and whistles that are included in advanced writing tools.
The Good
- Familiar interface and widely used.
- Rich formatting options for documents.
- Track changes and commenting features for collaboration.
- Extensive templates library.
- Integrates well with other Microsoft Office apps.
The Bad
- One-time purchase or subscription required.
- Not specialized for long-form writing or complex projects.
Scrivener
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Pricing | $49 (one-time purchase) |
| Platform | Windows, macOS, iOS |
| Collaboration | Yes |
| Writing Features | Corkboard, outlining, character sheets, templates |
| Export Formats | DOCX, PDF, ePub, Markdown, more |
| Customer Support | FAQs, forums, support tickets |
Scrivener, on the other hand, has totally changed the way I approach writing. Writing and organisational tools that are thorough are included in this product, which is designed exclusively for authors like myself. I have the ability to effortlessly manage complex tasks, including outlining and character development, as well as research organisation and the exporting of manuscripts without any problems.
Scrivener is a programme that I enjoy using for a variety of tasks, including novels and non-fiction writing. Some of the reasons I enjoy using it include the customisable interface and the distraction-free writing mode.
The Good
- Comprehensive tools for novelists and long-form writers.
- Corkboard and outlining features for planning.
- Customizable workspace and templates.
- Compile options for exporting in various formats
The Bad
- Steep learning curve for new users.
- Windows version may lack some features
Google Docs
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Pricing | Free |
| Platform | Web-based, Windows, macOS, iOS, Android |
| Collaboration | Yes |
| Writing Features | Basic formatting, commenting |
| Export Formats | DOCX, PDF, ePub, HTML, more |
| Customer Support | Help Center, forums, support tickets |
In terms of collaborative work, Google Docs has proven to be an important tool. Working with other people, whether they are co-authors, editors, or beta readers, is made much simpler by the collaborative features of this software. Because my work is stored in the cloud, I am able to access it from any location as long as I have an internet connection.
Although it might not have all of the advanced writing tools that are available in dedicated software, the fact that it is so easy to use and has the ability to work with others is a significant advantage for writing tasks that include collaboration.
The Good
- Real-time collaboration with others.
- Automatic saving and version history.
- Seamless integration with Google Drive.
- Basic formatting and commenting tools.
The Bad
- Limited offline functionality.
- Less robust formatting options
Ulysses
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Pricing | $49.99/year or $5.99/month (subscription) |
| Platform | macOS, iOS |
| Collaboration | Yes |
| Writing Features | Distraction-free writing, Markdown support, themes |
| Export Formats | PDF, DOCX, ePub, HTML, more |
| Customer Support | FAQs, tutorials, support tickets |
When I need to concentrate on writing, I typically turn to Ulysses. My experience of writing is improved by features like as support for markdown, goal monitoring, and easy integration with publishing platforms.
Its minimalist style helps to keep distractions at away. When it comes to my writing tasks, the unified library and organisational tools make it simple for me to maintain proper organisation and maximise my productivity.
The Good
- Distraction-free writing environment.
- Markdown support for efficient formatting.
- Organizational tools like sheets and groups.
- Syncs across macOS and iOS devices.
The Bad
- Subscription-based pricing model.
- Limited collaboration features.
Evernote
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Pricing | Free or Premium plans |
| Platform | Windows, macOS, iOS, Android |
| Collaboration | Yes |
| Writing Features | Note-taking, organizing, templates |
| Export Formats | PDF, DOCX, HTML, more |
| Customer Support | Help Center, forums, support tickets |
Through the use of Evernote, I have developed a virtual notebook that I use to record ideas, research materials, and character outlines. I am able to retrieve my notes and inspiration whenever and wherever I require them because to its tagging system, web clipping tool, and cross-platform synchronisation capabilities. Evernote is not a writing software in the traditional sense; yet, due to its organisational features, it has become an indispensable companion for my voyage through the world of writing.
The Good
- Note-taking and organizing capabilities.
- Syncs across devices and platforms.
- Web clipping and document scanning features.
- Collaboration tools for team projects.
The Bad
- Free version has limitations on uploads and features.
- Interface can be overwhelming for some users.
Key Features to Look for in Book Writing Software
When selecting software for authoring books, it is important to take notice of the following major features:
- Organization: Look for software that offers robust organizational tools such as outlining, character profiles, and manuscript structuring to keep your writing project well-structured.
- Writing Tools: Ensure the software provides essential writing tools like spell check, word count tracking, formatting options, and distraction-free writing mode.
- Collaboration: If you work with editors, co-authors, or beta readers, prioritize software with collaboration features like real-time editing, commenting, and version history tracking.
- Exporting and Publishing: Choose software that allows easy exporting of manuscripts into popular formats like PDF or Word, and seamless integration with publishing platforms for a smooth publishing process.
- Compatibility: Consider software that is compatible with your preferred devices and operating systems, ensuring a seamless writing experience across different platforms.
Questions and answers
Microsoft Word or Google Docs are great choices for beginners because they are easy to get started with and include all the writing tools you need. With these tools, writing is easy because they don’t have too many features.
A lot of people think that Scrivener is the best way to organise big writing jobs. It has powerful tools for organising things like outlining, character development, study management, and structuring a manuscript without any problems.
Yes, a lot of tools for writing books, like Google Docs and Scrivener, lets you work with other people. Real-time editing, commenting, and tracking of version history let you work together with editors, co-authors, or beta users.