Unlock your writing potential with the top five book writing software products. Streamline your creative process.

The 5 best book writing software products

Writing a book requires dedication, creativity, and the right tools to bring your ideas to life. In the digital age, book writing software has become an invaluable asset for authors, providing a range of features to streamline the writing process. In this article, we'll explore the best book writing software products available and how they can enhance your writing journey.

What is book writing software?

Book writing software is a specialized tool designed to assist authors in crafting their literary works. These software programs provide a variety of features, including word processing, organization tools, distraction-free writing environments, and grammar checking capabilities. They aim to simplify the writing process and enhance productivity for both novice and experienced writers, whether they’re focused on screenwriting or crafting a non-fiction best-seller.

Do you really need software to write a book?

While it's possible to write a book using traditional methods such as pen and paper or a basic word processor, like Google Docs or Microsoft Word, book writing software offers numerous advantages. It provides specialized tools tailored to the needs of authors, making the writing process more efficient and organized. From automated word count tracking to grammar checking and template-based formatting, book writing software can significantly enhance your writing experience.

The pros of using book writing software

Book writing software has revolutionized the way authors approach their craft, offering a plethora of advantages that can enhance the writing process and bring manuscripts to life. With the advent of sophisticated tools specifically designed for authors, writers now have access to a wide range of features that streamline and simplify their work. For example, book writing software can help with the following:

• Organization and structure — Book writing software allows you to organize your ideas, chapters, and scenes in a structured manner, making it easier to navigate and manage your work in progress.
• Distraction-free writing — Many book writing software programs offer distraction-free writing environments, eliminating distractions such as notifications and web browsing, allowing you to focus solely on your writing.
• Grammar and spell checking — Built-in spelling and grammar checkers help improve your writing by highlighting grammatical errors, suggesting alternatives for headings, passive voice, adjectives, and adverbs, as well as enhancing readability.
• Productivity tools — Book writing software often includes features like word count tracking, writing goals, and progress indicators, boosting your motivation and productivity throughout the writing process.
• Formatting and templates — Book writing software offers pre-designed templates and formatting options, ensuring your manuscript meets industry standards and saving you time on formatting tasks.

Best book writing software products

When it comes to writing a book, having the right tools at your disposal can make all the difference. Fortunately, the market is brimming with exceptional book writing software products that cater to the needs of authors, offering a wealth of features to streamline the writing process and boost productivity. Here are five of the best book writing software products available to help you decide which one is best suited for your needs.

1. Scrivener

Scrivener is a popular writing tool among authors, known for its comprehensive set of tools and features. Available for both Mac and Windows, Scrivener offers a user-friendly interface, flexible organization options, a corkboard for visual planning, and the ability to split your writing into manageable sections. It's particularly favored by fiction writers and those working on complex writing projects.

2. Ulysses

Ulysses is a powerful writing app for Mac, iPhone, and iPad, known for its minimalist design and focus on distraction-free writing. It offers a clean and intuitive interface, advanced writing features, and seamless synchronization across devices. Ulysses also integrates with publishing platforms and supports export to various file formats, making it a great choice for authors who prioritize simplicity and a seamless writing experience.

3. Vellum

Vellum is a book formatting and self-publishing software designed specifically for Mac users. It simplifies the process of creating professional-looking e-books, allowing book writers to focus on their craft while Vellum takes care of the formatting. With its customizable styles, easy-to-use interface, and seamless integration with Kindle Direct Publishing and other platforms, Vellum is an excellent choice for authors who intend to self-publish their work.

4. FocusWriter

FocusWriter is a powerful and user-friendly word processing application designed to enhance productivity and creativity. With its sleek and minimalist interface, FocusWriter promotes distraction-free writing by hiding all menus and toolbars, leaving only a clean, customizable workspace when in focus mode. Writers can set word count goals, track their progress, and receive motivational prompts, providing an added level of motivation and accountability. The application also offers customizable themes and typewriter sound effects, creating a personalized and immersive writing experience.

5. Speechify

By utilizing advanced speech synthesis technology, Speechify can read text aloud with remarkable accuracy and naturalness. This feature is invaluable for writers who want to proofread their work or listen to their writing to identify any errors or areas that require improvement. Furthermore, Speechify offers a wide range of customizable settings, such as voice selection and speed adjustment, allowing writers to tailor the listening experience to their preferences. With free and paid plans, Speechify provides writers with an efficient and convenient way to enhance their editing process and ultimately improve the overall quality of their work.

Free book writing software

There are also free alternatives available that can be valuable tools for aspiring authors. These free book writing software programs offer a range of features that can support your writing journey without requiring a financial investment. While they may not provide all the bells and whistles of their premium counterparts, they still offer valuable tools for authors who are starting out. The best writing software and editing software that’s free or offers a free plan include:

Notion

Notion is a multifunctional note-taking and organization app that can be utilized for writing projects. It provides a customizable workspace where you can create structured documents, set up writing goals, and organize your ideas with ease. Notion's flexibility and user-friendly interface make it a popular choice for writers who prefer a more dynamic and adaptable writing environment.

Evernote

While not specifically designed for book writing, Evernote is another versatile note-taking app that allows you to capture and organize ideas, research materials, and snippets of your book. It can be a useful tool for writers to jot down ideas, create outlines, and keep track of research materials. With its synchronization across devices and robust search functionality, Evernote assists in keeping your writing process organized and accessible.

Hemingway Editor

The Hemingway Editor is a powerful free writing tool and Grammarly alternative that helps writers improve the clarity and readability of their text. The Hemingway app analyzes the writing and provides real-time suggestions for simplifying complex sentences, eliminating unnecessary adverbs, and highlighting passive voice usage.

OpenOffice

OpenOffice is a free and open-source software suite that includes a word processor, Writer. Although it may not have all the advanced features of premium options, it provides a reliable and capable environment for writing. OpenOffice's Writer supports essential features like formatting, spell checking, and word count tracking, making it a viable choice for writers on a tight budget.

ProWritingAid

ProWritingAid is a comprehensive online writing tool that offers a wide range of features to improve the quality of your writing. From grammar and spelling checks to style suggestions and readability analysis, ProWritingAid provides detailed insights and recommendations to polish your work. With its intuitive interface and integration with popular writing platforms, ProWritingAid is a valuable companion for writers of all levels, helping them refine their writing and achieve greater clarity and effectiveness.

Google Drive

Google Drive is an invaluable tool for authors, offering a convenient and accessible platform to store, organize, and collaborate on their writing projects. With its cloud-based storage, authors can securely save their manuscripts and access them from anywhere with an internet connection. The collaborative features of Google Drive allow authors to easily share their work with editors, beta readers, and co-authors, facilitating seamless collaboration and feedback exchange.

yWriter

yWriter is a free feature-rich software designed specifically for novel writing, providing a range of tools, including features like character development tools and virtual index cards, which allow authors to arrange scenes or chapters easily. With yWriter, authors can visually map out their novel writing process, rearrange scenes, and track the progression of their story, providing a flexible and intuitive approach to planning and writing a novel.

What to look for in a book writing software

When searching for book writing software, there are several key features and considerations to keep in mind and look for to ensure a smooth book writing process, including:

• Text editor — A robust and user-friendly text editor is essential for efficient writing. Look for software that provides formatting options, spell check, and other writing aids.
• Compatibility — Check if the software is compatible with your operating system, such as Linux, IOS, macOS, Chrome, Android, Apple, or Windows, to ensure seamless integration and ease of use. Make sure the program you sign up for has a desktop app or mobile app, depending on which you prefer.
• Auto-save — A reliable auto-save feature is crucial, ensuring that your work is automatically saved at regular intervals to prevent data loss.
• Offline capability — Consider software that allows you to work offline, enabling you to write and edit your book even without an internet connection.
• Affordable pricing — Look for a platform with affordable pricing and determine whether it offers or requires a free version, one-time purchase, or premium version.
• Creative writing support — For authors focusing on creative writing seek software that offers specialized tools tailored to their needs, such as character development, brainstorming, storyboarding, or world-building features.
• EPUB Export — If you intend to publish your book in electronic format, look for software that supports EPUB export, enabling you to create e-books easily.
• Social media integration — Some software may offer social media integration, allowing you to share excerpts or updates about your book directly from the writing interface.
• Tutorials — Look for software that provides tutorials or help documentation to get you started quickly and maximize your productivity.
• User-friendly interface — Ensure the software has an easy-to-use user interface that doesn’t require a steep learning curve. Software that supports drag-and-drop functionality makes it easier to rearrange sections or chapters of your book effortlessly.

Speechify — A must-have tool for authors

Speechify is a must-have tool for authors, revolutionizing the way they interact with their written work. With its advanced speech synthesis technology, authors can listen to their writing aloud, making it easier to catch errors, improve flow, and enhance the overall quality of their work. Whether it's proofreading, editing, or simply gaining a fresh perspective, Speechify provides a convenient and efficient method for authors to engage with their writing and elevate their craft. Try Speechify for free today and see how it can take your writing to the next level.

FAQ

What is the best writing software?

The best book writing software ultimately depends on your personal preferences, writing style, and specific requirements. However, you can read above for our top recommendations.

Where can I sell my novel online?

You can sell your novel online through various platforms such as Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, and Smashwords, each providing opportunities to reach a wide range of readers and maximize your book's exposure.