The 11 Best Software Tools for Writing Books

Book Writing Software is essential for many professionals, but it is also present in our daily lives. Nevertheless, the people with the most intimate relationship with this craft are book writers who spend hours, days, weeks, months, and even years of their lives writing.

Indeed, writing can take up a lot of time, but luckily, there are ways to simplify and streamline the process. More specifically, technology can help book authors improve their writing skills and perfect their craft in the long run. Without further ado, here are the eleven best software tools for writing books.

How to Choose the Right Tools?

Before looking for book writing software that fits your needs, you should decide how to choose your writing software tools.

Here are some things to consider about your book-writing tool:

• What Is Your Budget? – You can look for free book-writing software or paid book-writing software. If it doesn’t matter to you, you can consider all writing software tools regardless of cost.
• Which System Do You Use? – There are book-writing software tools for mobile devices, but there is also writing software for desktop devices. Likewise, there are writing software programs for Mac and those for Windows, Linux, etc.
• Which Features Do You Want? – There is writing software for distraction-free writing, but there is also writing software just for formatting. Maybe you need a word processor or an editor, or you want to format a manuscript print Ebook, or you need real-time collaboration.
• Do You Have a Stable Internet Connection? – If you choose a software book writing software tool or app that requires an Internet connection, you won’t be able to use it offline.
• Do You Have Time to Learn? – The writing software beginners use differs from the book writing software designed for advanced users. If you are looking for book writing software beginners can use, you will have a smaller pool of tools to choose from.
• Have You Used Writing Software Before? – Some book writing software writing tools have a steep learning curve, so you might need to spend more time learning to use them. On the other hand, if you already have some experience with writing software, it could be easy to master a new app.

By considering all of these points, you can find the writing software writing tools that best suit your needs. You can gradually improve your writing skills through hard work, but these tools will also be helpful. If you need free book-writing software, look for free tools. If you have a budget to spend, consider paid tools and If you want book formatting, word processing and real-time collaboration features, look for tools that have them.

In other words, know your priorities to find the specific writing app that will be the best choice for you. This list of writing software book tools will be a good starting point for you.

How is Book Writing Different from Other Types of Writing?

Book writing is just one of the many forms of writing, but when you want to write a book, it won’t be the same as writing a blog post.

This is why choosing an app or tool ideal for you to write your book might take more time. You may need to look for a word processor or a word counter, but you could also look for word analysis and word-checking tools.

Moreover, there are other programs that could help you write a good book, including:

• Time Tracker
• Blocking App
• Word Research Tool
• Word and Style Analysis Tool

To write a book, you may need more than one writing tool, which is why there are different types of programs on this list, not just writing software. Microsoft Word and Google Docs are writing programs that will help you write and even format it from scratch. Grammarly and Hemingway Editor will help you check and improve your book after you write it. Scrivener, Atticus, and Bibisco will be useful for planning and writing your book.

Publisher Rocket will help you write your book, but it will be even more useful for marketing later. ProWritingAid will take your book proofreading and editing to a whole new level. Freedom will help you eliminate distractions while you are writing your book. Ulysses will give you an opportunity to write on different Apple devices.

As you can see, each writing tool will assist you in some way. Though they have somewhat different purposes, they are all valuable for writing.

Remember to write your book. You will need to be patient and focused on your writing. You may have to sacrifice some things to write a truly great book. But as a writer, you probably have a passion for writing for hours and hours. And if you get writer’s block and can’t write anything, you can always take a break and return to your book later.

Just remember to write consistently and let these tools help you.

1. Microsoft Word

Microsoft Word is the most well-known writing software for all kinds of writing. This word processor is both free and powerful. Microsoft Word has a wide variety of cost-free features, which is why this software writing tool is widely used. Moreover, this word processor is compatible with all systems and platforms (Windows, Mac, Linux, etc.), so you can use it both on desktop and mobile. You also have the option to use Office 365, which is the online version of Microsoft’s services. This allows you to save and store documents online.

Using Office 365 also means having real-time collaboration features, making it easy to work with co-writers or editors. When using the regular version of Microsoft Word, you can turn off all your notifications and only focus on your writing to get a distraction-free experience. This software writing tool also lets you export documents in different formats, so you can turn your text into a manuscript print Ebook hour after you finish writing.

Top Tip: You can integrate Grammarly with Microsoft word.

Pros

• Perhaps the biggest advantage of this tool is that it comes cost-free. However, there’s a catch.
• Office 365 is free, but the regular offline version of the word processor is paid.
• Another pro is that Microsoft Word has many features for formatting, word processing, and other activities.
• Most people have used this at least once, so it will be relatively easy to get started, even for beginners.
• When using the online version (Office 365), you can benefit from real-time collaboration and work with co-writers, an editor, etc.
• If you master the formatting features of Microsoft Word, you can professionally format your book and self-publish it online.
• Microsoft Word is also compatible with nearly every operating system, from Windows to Mac.

Cons

• While Microsoft Word has numerous advantages, there are also some downsides.
• For instance, there’s the fact that it isn’t an entirely free book writing and editing tool. You need to pay for the regular word processor version even though you can use it for free online.
• The number of available features is awe-inspiring, but they can be an issue if you want a distraction-free experience.
• You could constantly be trying to edit your text when writing just because you have these formatting features.
• The differences between an older version of Microsoft Word and the newest one are quite big, so you will need to update your old version if you already have it.
• If you have never used this writing software, it may be a little intimidating before you learn how to use it.

2. Google Docs

Another popular option is Google Docs. In fact, Google Docs and Microsoft Word are often compared because of all their similarities in functionality and besides, they are both widely used by writers of all kinds. Google Docs word processing software is an online app which is completely free. In this regard, it is similar to the online version of Microsoft Word available in Office 365. The features offered in this range from word processing to formatting to many others.

Though the functionality is less diverse than in Microsoft Word, this writing tool still has quite a few features. One great thing about Google Docs is that multiple people can access and edit the document simultaneously so that you can work with other writers or editors. For instance, you can hire professional writers from the writing services reviews site Top Writing Reviews to co-write your book with you using Google Docs. To use Office 365, you will need to have a Microsoft account. And similarly, to use Google Docs, you will need to have a Google account that you can create for free. You can also use other Google services like Sheets and Slides.

Unfortunately, you might not have a completely distraction-free experience because you will need an Internet connection to use this writing software, so you won’t be able to turn off notifications.

Pro

• The biggest benefit of using Google Docs is that it has a wide range of features, including formatting, word processing, exporting, and others (much like Microsoft Word).
• The access and collaboration features allow you to work with beta readers, writers or an editor when using Google Docs.
• Unlike Microsoft Word, Google Docs is free, and you only need a free Google account.
• Google Docs is easy to master if you have used Microsoft Word or a similar software tool, so the learning curve isn’t too steep.
• Docs from Google is just one tool out of the many offered by Google, so you can benefit from more services if you like.
• Because you will be using this writing software online, you can say that it is compatible with every operating system, including Windows, Mac, Linux, etc., and a mobile app is available.

Cons

• Like Microsoft Word, Docs from Google has many features that could distract writers from the writing process.
• The formatting in Google Docs is similar to Microsoft Word documents. Still, users have noticed that it can be slightly off, making the two programs not entirely equivalent.
• You can only use Google Docs online, so there is no desktop version.
• Docs from Google has many features, but they are still relatively limited compared to writing software like Microsoft Word. Still, Google Docs is a good option for book writing.

3. Grammarly

When it comes to free book writing software for proofreading and editing, there are no equals to Grammarly. This free book grammar checker is essential for all writers who want to ensure their work has no mistakes. This online app allows you to input text and sees all the grammar, spelling, punctuation, word choice, etc.

In other words, you may not even need an editor to check your book because you can use Grammarly to edit yourself. Grammarly is free to use and won’t cost you anything. There is a premium version for additional features, including advanced checking, plagiarism checking, and others.

Grammarly is great as a free book-writing software tool because it is available for anyone and everyone and has a plugin you can use on other websites. Moreover, this book writing app has quite a few optimization options that allow users to set up the app how they want it to work (i.e. choose English type, style of voice, etc.)

Grammarly is regularly being improved, so even though this writing software is already incredibly accurate, it is getting better every year.

Pro

• The Grammarly plugin can be used on different websites and integrates with other tools and services such as Google Docs or Gmail. This makes it easy to use wherever you want to utilize it.
• For instance, if you prefer using Google Docs for writing your book, you can activate the Grammarly plugin to check your text as you type it.
• Writers can choose from different features for proofreading, including English type (US, UK, etc.), formality, style of voice, and so on.
• By having an account to use Grammarly, you can access the past texts you checked.
• You don’t need to learn how to use Grammarly because it is quite beginner-friendly.

Cons

• The free version of the software is already quite functional, but if you want advanced features, you will need to pay for the premium version.
• Grammarly only works with an Internet connection, so you won’t be able to use it offline.
• There is a word limit for every text you check, so you can’t input your entire book at once. Still, you can check it piece by piece.
• Grammarly is ideal for books and other writing forms so that all writers can use it.
• That being said, some types of writing (e.g. technical writing) won’t be checked as thoroughly because the tool isn’t so advanced.
• To add on, Grammarly still misidentifies mistakes in texts sometimes, so you need to be careful when accepting the changes it suggests.

4. Hemingway Editor

Hemingway Editor, also known as Hemingway App, is quite similar to Grammarly because it helps writers check their books by proofreading and editing them. However, there is a difference. Hemingway Editor identifies adverbs, passive voice, complex phrases, and complicated sentences. By addressing these, writers can improve the overall flow of their writing.

The reason why Hemingway App is called that way is that it got its name from none other than Ernest Hemingway, who was famous for having a simple yet engaging writing style. This is what the software aims to help writers with. When you simplify your sentences, you can make your work more accessible to readers of more levels of education.

Hemingway Editor is unique because not many other tools take a similar approach to editing books. The tool is free for anyone and everyone to use – and you don’t need to register. Just input your text and start editing it. Because it won’t cost you anything, Hemingway Editor might be one of the best tools for writing a book.

PROS

• Hemingway Editor is free, so it won’t cost you anything to use it as much as you wish.
• This writing software accurately detects anything from passive voice to adverbs to complex sentences.
• You will get a readability score, so you will have a read-depth review of your text and know how difficult it is to comprehend.
• The software suggests the edits, so you don’t have to worry about finding the right changes.
• You can use this software from any operating system – Windows, Mac, etc. – because it is an online tool.

CONS

• You can’t use Hemingway Editor without an Internet connection.
• If you want to use this to write offline, you can get the desktop version of Hemingway Editor. However, it will cost you $19.99 because it isn’t free.
• Not all the changes suggested by the software might be right for you. Perhaps you want to have longer sentences, or you want to use adverbs in some places.
• Using Hemingway App could help you simplify your writing, but it could also make your work lose its uniqueness from your personal writing style.
• Hemingway Editor can help you improve your piece book writing, but it isn’t perfect because it is still just a tool.

5. Scrivener

Scrivener is well-known in the book writing community because it offers ideal features for book planning. If you are writing a book with the help of a ghostwriter, then you can also ask them to use this tool. You can hire professional writers from the writing company reviewing the site Rated by Students to ghostwrite your book.

And if you are writing a book yourself, you can also use this software, as it will definitely be valuable to you at all stages of book writing. This software comprises several parts, including the typewriter, ring binder, and scrapbook. The features of Scrivener include a corkboard (for ideas), templates, preset formatting, film importing, metatags, automated document listing, and others. Not only is it great as book writing software, but it is also useful for screenwriters and other types of writers.

It cannot be easy to start, but you will quickly learn how to use this software.

Pros

• Scrivener has a 30-day free trial which lets you use all of its features, including the paid ones.
• A fellow book writer created the software, and you will notice this once you click start and begin using the software.
• Scrivener has various customization options and features for writing and planning.
• You can choose from pre-set templates, including Novel, Short Story, Screenplay, Stage Play, and Recipe Collection.
• Scrivener offers official tutorials, so it is easier to start using this software by learning once you click start.

Cons

• Scrivener isn’t free to use and will cost you a different price depending on the type of license you want to buy.
• You will need to purchase separate licenses for the platforms you want to use Scrivener.
• Unfortunately, when Scrivener releases a new version, you will have to purchase the license again if there are major updates in the new version. However, it will cost you less this time around.
• It might take time to master this writing software, and it could be quite confusing the first you use it.
• Scrivener is an interesting writing software, but it may not be suitable for everyone.

6. Atticus

Atticus has been compared to Vellum, another book-writing tool. Both tools are good for book writing, but Atticus is often favoured for being more affordable. This writing software is used for word processing and book formatting, including writing, editing, and exporting. You can either type your book or import it if you have already typed it elsewhere.

Atticus lets you create chapters and front and back matter, which are essential for your book. You can click different tabs on your dashboard left to switch between the chapters. Atticus can be used on different operating systems, offers pre-built templates, and even lets you build your own template.

Using this writing software, you can autosave your books and store them in the cloud. You can even use Atticus offline, but you will have to log in the first time you use it. There are quite a few importing and exporting options which make using the software easier. You can also preview your work in different formats or devices.

You can set writing goals to motivate yourself. There is also a word and chapter breakdown for a good read review of your book.

Pros

• Atticus has very many features – and they can be used offline.
• The option for setting goals is ideal for motivating you to write a book faster.
• This writing software easily integrates with ProWritingAid, another popular writing tool.
• Atticus is well-known and trusted by many book writers, so you know that you can rely on it.

Cons

• This writing software is not free, though it is still more affordable than software like Vellum.
• Some of the features developers are still working on have not been introduced yet.
• If you want to use this software offline, you will first need to log in and import your book at the start.
• You can be confused about many features when using the software for the first time.

7. Bibisco

One more writing software you should check out is Bibisco. It is somewhat similar to Atticus, Vellum, and Scrivener because they are all used to “build” books. Bibisco has features for planning how you will write your book, including characters, locations, etc. You can also use different exporting options, font customization, etc.

This book-writing software is mostly known for being ideal for planning books, but you can also use it during the writing process.

Pros

• There is a 30-day free trial available to try the software’s features.
• Bibisco has some unique features not offered by other writing software tools, free or paid. For example, you can create relation diagrams for evaluating problems.
• This software can be used on Windows, Mac, and Linux systems.
• The software is available in multiple languages, including English, French, Spanish, German, Dutch, Russian, and others.
• If you click around, you will find features for reducing distractions, such as the full-screen and dark modes. These are great if you want to reduce your writing time.

Cons

• Bibisco isn’t free, so you must pay for the book-building software.
• You won’t get access to all the features even when using the free trial.
• The software lacks important features like read depth because it isn’t for word processing or editing purposes.
• While Bibisco looks relatively modern, some users might find this writing software’s interface a bit outdated.
• Though the software offers multiple language options, that list is still limited.

8. Publisher Rocket

Publisher Rocket is a book writing software loved by both fiction and non-fiction book writers. You can use it yourself or hire a writer from the writing service Trust My Paper who writes your book for you. They can use this software to help them during the process.

Publisher Rocket book marketing is the software’s most famous aspect. It is not so much for actual writing but rather for research. To put it simply, Publisher Rocket can help you prepare to write your book with the help of four main features.

You can perform keyword research, competitor analysis, category search, and AMS keyword search.

Pros

• You can use the keyword search, and the AMS keyword search features to find every word and phrase you should use to help your book rank higher in Amazon search results and to launch successful AMS advertising campaigns.
• The competitor analysis feature will help you check how your competitor’s book is doing on the market. This is essential for book writing because it helps you write your book more smartly.
• The category search feature helps you decide which categories to use for your book when publishing it.
• You can use this software for any work, including fiction, non-fiction, and poetry.
• This book writing software is designed for self-publishing on Amazon, so it is essential for authors who want to be independent.

Cons

• This software is not for the actual writing of your book but rather for marketing it. Yet, you can still use it for writing (e.g. when choosing keywords).
• The software is not free, but a 30-day money-back guarantee is included.
• There is no option for paperback ISBN extraction.
• You can’t filter or sort the columns with the metrics.
• If you are looking for writing software, not marketing software, then Publisher Rocket may not be your best choice.

9. ProWritingAid

ProWritingAid is a book writing software with many features. It isn’t free like Grammarly, but it is still popular for proofreading. There are so many features for writing your book that you will definitely have good work. Some of the most notable features include a contextual thesaurus, a word explorer, grammar checking, style suggestions, and integration with other tools.

Perhaps the most notable is reporting. You can get all kinds of read-depth reports of your work in just one click, including writing style, word usage, sentence length, pacing, alliteration, and more. Such features can help you write a book that is better than any work you have written before by making small changes to your writing.

Pros

• To write a book ready to be published, you will need to make sure that every word is correct – and ProWritingAid is ideal for this.
• This book-writing software isn’t free, but it is definitely worth its price, thanks to all the book-writing features.
• The word cloud feature is interesting because it visualizes your book, while the readability report is ideal for improving your book comprehension level.
• ProWritingAid is book writing software ideal for professional writers who need powerful software to write book after book with no linguistic mistakes.
• Though it isn’t free, ProWritingAid is worthy of attention.

Cons

• ProWritingAid isn’t free, making it look unfavourable compared to software like Grammarly.
• The pricing is tiered, so you don’t have to pay more if you are fine paying less.
• There is a money-back guarantee if you don’t like the software.
• You need to buy the plagiarism checker separately.
• When checking a big book, you might experience lagging.

10. Freedom

Freedom is an unconventional software for book writing. This software will make your writing process more enjoyable and comfortable for you. Despite its name, Freedom isn’t free, but you can try it for free before you purchase it (if you decide to do so).

Book writing doesn’t have to be complicated, which is what Freedom aims to do – simplify how you write a book.

Pros

• The main benefit of Freedom is its primary purpose – blocking out distractions.
• You can choose the websites and apps to block while writing your book.
• By setting a timer, you can also choose how long your writing sessions are.
• You can also choose when you start blocking while writing your book. In other words, you can schedule the blocks.
• The software is straightforward and will help you focus on your book writing.
• You can block distractions on all devices while writing your book (Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, and Chrome).

Cons

• Freedom is not free, so you will eventually have to purchase the software.
• You might depend on this blocking software for concentration while writing your book.
• If you know how to focus, you don’t need this software for your book writing.
• This software could have more features and options for eliminating distractions.
• If you have never used a word counter when writing your book, then you might not know how to schedule your blocking sessions for the most effectiveness.

11. Ulysses

One more book-writing app to try is Ulysses which is available for Apple devices. In fact, it is one of the most well-known writing tools for Mac and iOS. There is a feature for proofreading and editing your book, which supports over 20 languages.

Other features will help you improve your book writing and develop positive habits through writing sessions.

Pros

• There is a useful word and character counter to track your writing progress. You can also set a target word count for your session and see the average session time for your writing.
• There are multiple book exporting formats, including PDF, DOCX, Text, HTML, and ePub.
• You can turn your book into a professionally-edited document with design features.
• The in-built proofreader will check every word and help you correct linguistic mistakes.
• You can keep your notes and inspirational images for book writing at hand.
• You can publish your writing directly to WordPress, Medium, Microblog or Ghost.
• You can access your book from any Apple device anytime.
• Multiple additional writing features like nesting groups, keyword searches, etc.

Cons

• There is a 14-day free trial, but you must pay for this writing tool’s subscription.
• You can’t write your book on non-Apple devices because Ulysses doesn’t support them.

Final Thoughts on Writing Tools

Choosing the best software writing book tools for your needs takes time, and it may not be as easy as expected. But you can still do it and find the one that’s right for you.

You will need to consider the features you want, your budget, and other factors to find the software for your situation. Use this list of paid and free book-writing tools to start your research.