Writing a book is no cakewalk. I ought to know—I’ve done it nearly 200 times.
Write complex documents. As part of the document planning, it’s important to understand what requirements there may be. Document requirements may include content, style, general standards or file inputs, as described here. You may need to comply with internal or external reporting guidelines, to meet audience needs, or to meet legal guidelines.
But plenty of quality tools help make this challenge easier.
The right book writing software can help you:
Software writing programs you may 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 to where I would recommend them even if I didn’t get a dime!)
15 Book Writing Software Programs That Can Make Your Life Easier
Scrivener is the ultimate book-organization tool.
It allows you to view your notes, research, outline, and writing all in one place, and you can print your whole manuscript with the click of your mouse.
There’s a bit of a learning curve, but Scrivener comes with tutorials, and many other such aids are easily found online.
It may look overwhelming at first (I’m still learning it myself), but it’s worth the time and effort.
Just give yourself time to get familiar with the basics.
Pros:
Cons:
*I benefited from great teaching programs likeLearn Scrivener Fast, plus Scrivener itself 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 a great collaborative tool. My team and I are literally a thousand miles from each other, and we use this program virtually every day.
It’s 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.
Just as with Track Changes in Word, an agent or editor or accountability partner can help fine-tune your work-in-progress in Suggestion Mode. You accept or reject the suggestions, and you can both comment in the margin.
Other advantages:
Cons:
Manuscripts 1 1 4 – Writing Tool For Complex Documents Needed
Price: Free
Click here to start using Google Docs.
Freedom allows you to temporarily block apps, websites, and social media across all your devices so you can focus on writing (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 writing.
If you’re like me, you’ll be glad for the freedom from online distractions where “just a few seconds” turns into hours of unproductive net 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 $129 lifetime fee.
Want to block distractions while you write?
Click here to get Freedom.
ProWritingAid offers grammar, style, and writing suggestions as you write—for you to accept — or reject — at the click of a button.
It integrates with the apps and programs you use most, like:
Other pros:
Con:
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 get more info on ProWritingAid.5. Grammarly
Similar to ProWritingAid, Grammarly can help fine-tune your writing.
It automatically checks spelling and grammar, whether you’re writing a book or an email.
The premium version also:
Other pros:
Cons:
Cost: $29.95 per month, $59.95 per quarter, or $139.95 per year.
Try the free version first.
Click here to get Grammarly.6. Novel Factory
A creative writing software that guides you through the novel writing process.
Novel Factory prompts you to:
It offers:
Novel Factory is designed for Windows and is currently unavailable for Mac.
Cost: $39.99
Click here to start using Novel Factory.7. Hemingway Editor
Focuses less on grammar and spelling and more on writing style.
It highlights:
Pros:
Cons:
Cost: Free if used on the Hemingway Editor website (you can then copy/paste into your document), $19.99 to purchase your own version.
Click here to start using Hemingway Editor.8. Evernote
A note taking app that allows you to:
Cost: Basic Evernote free, Premium $7.99/month, Business $14.99/month
Click here to start using Evernote.9. yWriter
Designed by a writer for writers, yWriter is a word processor that helps organize your novel into scenes and chapters.
The program:
YWriter currently runs only within Windows.
Cost: Free
Click here to start using yWriter.10. Ulysses
A simple word processing software for Mac users.
Pros:
Con: does not assist in developing characters or plot.
Cost: App download free, subscription $4.99/month or $39.99/year
Click here to start using Ulysses.11. Vellum
Allows your 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.
Pros:
Cons:
Cost: $199.99 for publishing unlimited e-books, $249.99 for publishing unlimited e-books and paperbacks
Click here to start using Vellum.12. Focus Writer
A bare-bones word processor.
In full-screen mode, toolbars disappear until you scroll over them.
Pros:
Cons:
Cost: Free
Click here to start using FocusWriter.13. Milanote
Hailed as “Evernote for creatives,” a visual story-telling tool for Mac users.
It enables you to:
Other Pros:
Cons:
Cost: Basic version free, premium version $9.99/month
Click here to start using Milanote.14. FastPencil
Offers tools for self-publishing.
Pros:
Cons:
Cost: Free, with additional paid publishing packages
Click here to start using FastPencil.
…an all in one project management tool for your novel.
It acts as a word processor, organizer, and a creativity guide all at the same time.
For Outliners, bibisco allows creativity in your organization. You can interview your characters, create a timeline of events, and track your chapters in one place.
It works for Mac, Windows, and Linux.
Pros:
Cons:
bibisco has a free version and a premium version that starts at 15 euro for a one-time purchase.
Click here to start using bibisco.
If you’re a writer looking for a better way to write on your smartphone or mobile device, this post will help.
Using a text app or word processor just won’t cut it if you’re doing heavy duty writing on a mobile device.
These tools can help whether you have an Android or Apple device.
1. IWriter
iWriter is a writing tool that functions excellently on Android and iOS. It is the best app for writing articles, books, or taking detailed notes. iWriter is a simple and elegant text editor.
You can download it via iTunes or Google Play. You can check out iWriter subscription pricing here.
2. JotterPad
Jotterpad makes it possible to convert files from PDF to WORD and some other popular formats. The app supports Markdown. It includes text styling, a thesaurus, a built-in dictionary that’ll even help you rhyme.
It has essential features such as snapshots, typewriter scrolling, undo/redo, night vision, universal dark theme, and phrase finder. JotterPad supports full Cloud integration with Google Drive, Microsoft OneDrive, and Dropbox. You can write anywhere on the go even if you’re offline.
Manuscripts 1 1 4 – Writing Tool For Complex Documents Template
Jotterpad is free and you can download it via Google Play or Amazon.
3. Final Draft Writer
Final Draft is a screenwriting software used for writing and formatting screenplays. Every user can share the final version in many formats. This is the world’s go-to software for screenwriters.
Final Draft offers a free trial here.
4. Writer
Writer is the first typewriter software that turns your thoughts into text. This writing application is perfect for taking notes on your phone or tablet. It is basic simulator lets you try your creative composition skills.
You can download it for free here.
5. Lists for Writers
List for Writers help with research and writing. Students and writers who are working on novels will find this tool very useful. It provides a quick and friendly user format.
This writing tool gives you an easy access to the program and gives you a list of ideas such as plot lines, character traits, occupations, action verbs, and obsessions. You can even use it offline.
You can download it here on IOS or Android for only $2.99.
6. Index Card
Index Card is a corkboard app that helps you organize and compile your ideas. This tool allows you to use bullet lists to make your craft simple and easy to allocate story elements, characters, backgrounds, and locations. It’s perfect for storyboarding and plotting.
You can select the font style and font size to display. You can also edit the card title, text, notes, synopsis, and color labels.
You can download it for only $2.99 at iTunes.
7. Audible
Audible is an application that allows you to listen to audiobooks anytime and anywhere you want.
You can get a special deal with two free audiobooks from Audible here.
8. Evernote
Evernote is a mobile application for creating, storing, and searching through notes in a very sophisticated way. The best thing is that you don’t need to type everything manually. You can access all your notes in any of your devices. It allows you to search even the handwritten words and can share it with your friends and family.
Evernote is a powerful tool for writers, researchers, and anyone who wants to organize lots of notes and research.
It starts free and you can always upgrade if you want their extra fancy features.
9. Ulysse
Ulysses is an app that creates a document out of fragments and makes it a complete story. This tool has a feature that inserts words with automatic synchronization, and any programmers would probably love this function. It lets you work anytime and anywhere you want.
You can download its 14-day trial here. Check product pricing here.
10. Text Expander
Text Expander is a tool that saves you time and energy if you have to type the same thing often, like emails or responses to common questions.
It creates powerful snippets to save your time, and it also styles your snippet text and adds links and images.
You can check their pricing plans here.
11. WriteRoom
WriteRoom is a text editor created for distraction-free writing. This app syncs notes across multiple devices. It has a variety of background themes that you can choose from.
You can check and download it here.
12. My Writing Nook
My Writing Nook is an application that has many wonderful themes. It has the ability to share content online. It gives an opportunity to activate the auto-correction of English grammar and spelling. It offers a thesaurus dictionary and automatic spell-checking, password-protected writing, an auto-save feature, and a word counter.
You can use it in any orientation including portrait and landscape.
You can download it for free here.
13. ManuScript
ManuScript is an Android and iOS app based that help to develop an action plan when creating an outline. It is a writing tool for research documents that contains research paper options. It can help you edit, plan, and share your work.
Manuscript is totally free, and you can download it here.
14. MonoSpace Writer Beta
MonoSpace Writer Beta is an application that has a stylish interface and user-friendly features. It gives an opportunity to collect and organize hashtags instead of an uncomfortable folder system. This tool allows you to focus on writing without any distractions and it supports DropBox integration.
You can download it here.
15. Drafts 4
Drafts 4 is an application for iOS devices such iPhone and iPad. It’s a quick writing automation tool, handy editor, and notebook. It lets you turn text into action and it’s a convenient writing app.
You can download it here.
16. Write
Write is a writing application for iOS. This software allows you to share content. It is an elegant workspace to write projects and texts of any kind, create notes, and to-do lists.
You can try the free trial and continue to the full version for only $24.95. You can check it here.
17. Pro Writing Aid
Pro Writing Aid is a free online proofreader and editor. This app fixes your notes and leaves no space for grammar mistakes. It solves complex grammar problems like incomplete sentences, wordiness, repetitiveness, jargon words, and passive voice. It compares your writing to the best writers in your genre and highlights style issues. It helps you find the best way to express your ideas.
You can sign up for free here or check their Premium Plans here.
18. yWriter
yWriter is an Android and iOS application that has a user-friendly and powerful design with features novelists will love. It is a word processor that breaks the novel into scenes and chapters, and it can track your work while your mind is free to create. This tool suggests plot ideas and is a great aid for any fiction writer.
You can download it through Playstore.
19. Bubbl.us
Bubbl.us is an application that helps with brainstorming ideas and concepts. Start a research paper, short story, novel, or an essay simpler with exclusive editing and drafting. This tool is available on both Android/iOS and websites. Simply bookmark this page or add it to your home screen. There is no need to download or install it.
You can start a trial for free and can avail Premium plan for more features for only $4.91/month. You can check their pricing here.
20. Q10
Q10 is an application that lets you reach any part of the document faster, developed to release hidden potential, and prevent distractions. For those persistent typing errors, this app has unlimited autocorrection entries to fix. For frequently used words or phrases, like character names, and places, it offers unlimited quick text lists to choose from.
You can download the latest version here.
Tom Corson-Knowles is the founder of TCK Publishing, and the bestselling author of 27 books including Secrets of the Six-Figure author. He is also the host of the Publishing Profits Podcast show where we interview successful authors and publishing industry experts to share their tips for creating a successful writing career.
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