Are you working on a book and looking for the best software to help you write it? There are many different book writing software programs available, and it can be difficult to decide which one is right for you. In this article, we will discuss some of the best novel writing software programs, writing apps, and other word processors available and why they might be a good fit for your needs.
Summary
The best book writing software can make the process of writing a book easier and more enjoyable. Based on your needs, you may want a word processor with specific book writing features, or you may prefer an app that helps you stay organized and on track. There are many writing tools available, and the best writing software for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences.
Top Picks
Scrivener
Scrivener is a powerful app that helps writers of all kinds through every step of the book writing process. It provides everything you need to start writing and keep writing, including tools for outlining, drafting, and editing. It's a robust book writing software program that can help you write your book more efficiently and effectively.
Scrivener is a powerful app that helps writers of all kinds through every step of the book writing process. It provides everything you need to start writing and keep writing, including tools for outlining, drafting, and editing. It's a robust book writing software program that can help you write your book more efficiently and effectively.
Key Features
- The Corkboard helps you to plan your writing project by representing each section as an index card.
- Outliner tool that helps you view and organize your draft.
- Side-by-side document views.
- Distraction-free writing environment for focus mode.
- Compile your book into multiple formats including ePub, Kindle, and PDF.
Other Features
- Saves your work as you go, and can back up your projects automatically.
- Use the "snapshot" feature in a word processor to save different versions of a document so you can return to an earlier version if needed.
- Set writing goals and track your progress.
- Non-fiction writers can use Scrivener to write papers in various formats and easily reference research materials.
Software Type
Mac, Windows, and iOS app.
Pricing
- 30-day free trial available.
- After free-trail, one-time payment of $49.
Autocrit
AutoCrit is an editing software that brings the expertise of a veteran book editor to your work, adding an edge that will take you beyond anything before seen in this industry and leave worries behind for good!
Key Features
- Fully-featured word processor and editing suite.
- Guidance based on extensive research into real-world publishing standards.
- Expert comparison tool that compares your manuscript to the best writers in your genre.
- Helps you identify dialogue tags and adverbs in your writing so that you can eliminate the excess and make your prose more polished.
- Pacing and Momentum review helps you identify and review slow-paced paragraphs to improve clarity
- Summary Reports give you an overall score based on the number of areas it suggest your should consider revising.
Other Features
- Free spelling & grammar checker.
- Step-by-step recommendations to improve your manuscript.
Software Type
Web-based app.
Pricing
- Free basic plan with very limited features (not all features listed above are available on this free version).
- Paid "Professional" plan is $35 a month.
- Annual "Professional" plan is $297 with all the features of the monthly plan, plus you get access to two more courses.
Ulysses
Ulysses is a brilliant creative writing app for those who want to write and organize their books. It's a writing tool with an incredibly simple interface that makes creating scenes or parts of your story easy, without compromising the power needed when juggling multiple files on different devices with other writing programs.
Key Features
- A beautiful and uncluttered interface that helps you focus on your writing.
- Built-in proofreader and editing assistant
Other Features
- Sync work between multiple devices.
- Turn your texts into beautiful PDFs, Word documents, ebooks and even blog posts.
Software Type
Mac, and iOS app.
Pricing
- $39.99 annual plan
- $5.99 monthly plan
- Reduced pricing for students
Campfire
Book writing software programs can be great, but if you're looking for a program that has both storytelling modules and world building modules, Campfire is the app for you. It's specifically designed for world building and plotting, making it the perfect book writing software for fantasy and science fiction writers.
Key Features
- "Build your own software" modularity by purchasing add-ons to your subscription.
- Characters Module lets you keep track of all the important information about your story's characters.
- Maps Module lets you make interactive maps and integrate them with your story.
- Manuscript Module helps you write your story by letting you check your notes without leaving the page.
Other Features
- Work privately or together on your projects without having to pay and add collaborators with ease.
- Customizable panels for whatever content you need.
- Share your story with others via the Campfire Explore community.
Software Type
Web-based app.
Pricing
Campfire's platform is an "a la carte" system of different modules to choose from. You only pay the monthly fee for the modules you want to use. Learn more about Campfire's pricing.
Their most popular modules' pricing:
- Characters – $1 per month
- Locations – $0.75 per month
- Timeline – $1 per month
- Relationships – $0.50 per month
- Manuscript – $1.50 per month
Free Writing Software
Notion
Personal Favorite
Notion is a workspace software that allows you to organize your life and your story with a customizable workspace. Build knowledge bases, wikias, databases, and documents the way you want.
There can be a steep learning curve with using Notion's full potential, but the amount of customizability and integrations make it my preferred method of story and world building organization.
Hemingway Editor
Hemingway Editor is an online editing tool that gives tight and crisp writing style and helps you to write more concisely.
Evernote
Evernote is a cross-platform app that allows you to take notes and save them in the cloud. Premium version available with more advanced features.
Google Docs
Comparable to Microsoft Word, Google Docs is a word processing application that allows you to create and format text documents. Access your documents from any device your Google account is signed in to.
Conclusion
As a writer, you need the best book writing software to help you create your next masterpiece. The right book writing software tools will make your life easier and help you improve your writing. With so many different options available, it can be tough to choose the right one for you. But with this guide, you should be well on your way to finding the best novel writing software for your needs.
