Best Book Writing Software: a Complete Guide

Still writing your book in one giant Word file? That slows you down.🥱

Book-writing software organizes chapters, research, and exports so you can write faster and finally publish.

The benefits of book-writing software?

• Direct chapter/scene navigation
• Centralized notes & research
• Automatic formatting & templates — front matter, TOC, styles handled for you.
• One-click export — PDF, EPUB, DOCX, Kindle.
• Version history — snapshots let you test changes and roll back safely.
• and many more

Book writing software grants you a structured manuscript that’s ready for publication.

Many tools exist, but each one has its ideal use cases.

To make your choice easy, 😎 I’ve evaluated each tool’s strengths so you can pick the best one for your project and the kind of book you’re writing. I've got for you:

• Top 6 book-writing tools, sorted by use case
• 3 editing & polishing tools every pro writer uses
• 3 productivity & research tools to speed up your writing
• 2 publishing & layout tools (for Mac and IOS only)

I summarized each tool, so you can easily pick the best match for you and jump straight to that section😉

Let's see:

Top 6 book-writing tools based on your needs

Scrivener — For research-heavy and complex works: history, biography, academic theses, technical manuals, and multi-volume fiction. Great if you need to juggle hundreds of notes, references, and chapters while keeping everything in one place. Ideal for authors who value deep organization over simplicity.

Atticus — For self-publishers in any genre — from self-help and business books to memoirs, health guides, and novels. Best when you want one app to take you from draft to polished, formatted book ready for Kindle, print, or PDF.

Dabble — For writers who value simplicity: personal memoirs, travel diaries, light non-fiction, and shorter novels. Good for people who want light plotting tools and easy goal tracking without spending weeks learning software.

Ulysses (Mac/iOS) — For Apple-based writers working on articles, essays, blog-to-book projects, poetry, or cleanly formatted non-fiction. Great if you prefer a minimalist interface and Markdown formatting, with direct publishing to WordPress or Medium.

yWriter — For budget-minded authors writing anything from historical fiction to instructional guides, who want to break projects into scenes/sections. Helpful if you like seeing clear structure — characters, locations, or topics — without paying for premium software.

Squibler — For speed-focused creators: course materials, quick-turn non-fiction, short guides, or genre fiction. AI tools help with brainstorming and rewriting, while Kanban boards keep track of multiple projects or collaborations.

3 editing & polishing tools every pro writer uses

Microsoft Word — For writers who need universal compatibility: journalists working with editors, corporate authors creating reports, or consultants producing proposals. Industry standard for Track Changes, comments, and real-time co-authoring, with styles/templates and reliable DOCX/PDF export.

Grammarly — For any writer who wants continuous language quality control: business professionals, content marketers, academics, or authors refining tone and clarity. Offers real-time grammar, style, and tone checks, plus AI-assisted drafting and rephrasing across most apps and browsers.

ProWritingAid — For self-editing authors and non-fiction writers aiming for professional polish: business books, health guides, academic work, or history. Delivers in-depth reports on style, pacing, repetition, and structure, plus plagiarism checks. Integrates with Word and Chrome for seamless editing.

3 writing productivity & research tools to speed you up

SeekFast — For research-heavy writers: historians, academics, technical authors, or anyone with notes spread across dozens of files. Searches Word, PDF, Excel, PowerPoint, TXT, and more instantly, with in-context previews and phrase ranking — no indexing required.

Notta — For writers working from spoken material: journalists transcribing interviews, academics recording lectures, or authors dictating drafts. Offers accurate live transcription for Zoom/Google Meet, multi-language support, and collaborative editing with easy export.

Evernote — For writers who gather diverse research: cookbook authors, non-fiction researchers, travel writers, or biographers. Web Clipper, OCR for scanned material, and powerful tagging make it a searchable, organized hub before drafting.

2 publishing & layout tools for clean exports

Vellum (Mac) — For self-publishers on Mac producing polished interiors: novels, memoirs, self-help, or photo-heavy books. Templates with instant device/print previews for Kindle, Apple Books, Kobo, and reliable EPUB/PDF exports.

Apple Pages — For Apple users creating simple, attractive layouts: short non-fiction, family histories, newsletters, or workbooks. Includes templates, basic page design, iCloud collaboration, and export to EPUB, PDF, or DOCX.

With that said, let's walk you through all the tools step by step.

Here you will definitely find your best match:

Top book writing software

1. Scrivener

Best for: Comprehensive Book Organization and Manuscript Writing

Operating Systems: Windows, macOS, iOS

Pricing:

• Free Trial: 30 days.
• Permanent license for $69.99.
• Educational Discount: 15%.

Scrivener is like a Swiss Army knife for writers. It lets you break big projects into manageable pieces—chapters, scenes, notes—and rearrange them with drag-and-drop ease.

The Corkboard view makes plotting feel visual and intuitive, while split-screen mode keeps research and writing side by side.

You can compile your writing straight to Word, PDF, or EPUB, ready for Kindle or print. It’s not the simplest tool to learn, but once you do, it’s hard to imagine writing without it.

How to Install and Use Scrivener

1. Download and install the software.
   
2. Pick a template and click "Create".
   
3. Write and edit - dive into the editor, which allows distraction-free writing.
   
4. Organize chapters - use the corkboard to arrange and rearrange your scenes.
   
5. Save and export - convert your work into popular formats like DOCX, PDF, or EPUB.

Pros

• Intuitive project organization.
• Suitable for all types of writing.
• Flexible export options.

Cons

• Slight learning curve for beginners.
• No collaboration features.

2. Atticus

Best for: Self-Publishing Authors Seeking an All-in-One Solution

Operating Systems: Windows, macOS, Linux

Pricing: Permanent license for $147

Atticus is best for indie authors who want to skip the tech headaches and go straight from draft to polished book.

You can draft, format, and export print-ready PDFs or Kindle EPUBs in minutes. The software works both online and offline, so you can keep writing whether you’re at home or on the move.

Built-in collaboration and streamlined formatting help you go from draft to publish-ready without extra software or costs.

Quick Guide to Using Atticus

1. Get Atticus: Visit the Atticus website.
   
2. Purchase the software: You can use it online or install it for offline access.
   
3. Create a book: Launch Atticus and click "Start a New Book."
   
4. Fill out book details: Input the title and author's name.
5. Write and organize: Start writing your book using the editor and organize chapters with drag-and-drop tools.
   
6. Format your book: Choose a template and customize styles. Preview the layout for various devices.
   
7. Export: Save and export the book as EPUB, PDF, or DOCX.
8. Publish: Upload to publishing platforms like Kindle or IngramSpark.

Pros

• Streamlined formatting tools.
• Easy process of self-publishing.

Cons

• The cost may deter casual users.
• No trial is available.

3. Dabble

Best for: Writers Looking for a Cloud-Based Tool

Operating Systems: Browser-based

Pricing: Subscription for $7 per month

Dabble is best for fiction writers who want a simple, intuitive workspace without a steep learning curve.

Its Plot Grid helps you organize multi-thread storylines, while word goals and progress tracking keep you motivated. Everything syncs automatically across devices.

You can export your work to DOCX or TXT anytime. Dabble keeps the tools minimal but effective, making it ideal for writers who want plotting help without a steep learning curve.

How to Install and Use Dabble

1. Go to the Dabble website and click "Get Started Free."
   
2. Create your account.
3. Click the plus (+) button to create a blank project.
   
4. Name your project and start writing in the editor.
   
5. Use the Plot Grid to plan your story and add notes for characters and settings.
   
6. Track your progress with word count goals.
   
7. Export your story as a Word or text file when you're done.

Pros

• Easy-to-use interface.
• Cloud synchronization allowing access from everywhere.
• It has a desktop version.

Cons

• Limited customization.

4. Ulysses

Best for: Writers within the Apple Ecosystem

Operating Systems: macOS, iOS

Pricing: Subscription for $5.99 per month

Ulysses is best for Apple users who want a clean, distraction-free space to write anything from blog posts to full books.

It uses Markdown for fast, fluid formatting and keeps everything organized in a unified library. Your writing syncs across iPhone, iPad, and Mac without missing a beat.

When you're ready to publish, export to PDF, Word, or EPUB in seconds. Ulysses is minimalist on the surface but powerful under the hood—perfect for focused, long-form writing.

Quick Guide to Using Ulysses

1. Download the application from the App Store.
   
2. Go to File -> New Sheet to create a new document.
   
3. Use simple markdown codes for formatting.
   
4. Organize your work into folders or groups.
5. Set writing goals to track word or character counts.
   
6. Export your work in PDF, Word, or other file format.
   
7. Enable iCloud to sync your projects across devices.
8. Connect to WordPress or Medium to publish directly from Ulysses.

Pros

• Seamless Apple ecosystem integration.
• Focused writing experience.

Cons

• There is no version for Windows users.

5. yWriter

Best for: Simplifying Lengthy and Complex Manuscripts

Operating Systems: Windows, macOS, Linux

Pricing: Free

yWriter is best for authors who think like engineers and want to break their novel into structured, trackable pieces.

It treats your book like a project—divided into chapters, scenes, characters, and locations—with tools to track progress, POV, and word counts. Everything is laid out logically to help you focus on story structure.

The interface is utilitarian, but the functionality runs deep. yWriter is ideal for plot-heavy fiction writers who love planning as much as writing.

How to Install and Use yWriter

1. Download the application and install it.
   
2. Launch yWriter and click "Create Empty Project."
   
3. Name your project and choose where to save it.
   
4. Go to the "Chapters" tab and click "Create new chapter."
   
5. Select a chapter and click "Add Scene" to start writing.
   
6. Add characters by highlighting the name. Then, right-click and select "Create character from selection."
   
7. Do the same process for the setting, but click "Create location from selection."
8. Use the "Characters" and "Locations" tabs to add details.
9. Check your word count to track progress.
10. Export your work when done.

Pros

• Lightweight and straightforward.
• Completely free.

Cons

• Basic design and limited features.

6. Squibler

Best for: Streamlined Writing and Story Planning

Operating Systems: Windows, Android, iOS

Pricing:

• Free Version
• Pro version subscription for $29 per month

Powered by AI, Squibler is best for writers who want to draft faster and stay organized—ideal for novelists, screenwriters, and content creators alike.

Its Smart Writer can generate scenes, outlines, or entire drafts from a prompt, helping you get started fast. Meanwhile, drag-and-drop chapters, character boards, and story templates keep your project structured.

It’s fully cloud-based with real-time collaboration, making it perfect for solo or team writing—just keep in mind it needs internet and may lag with heavy files.

Quick Guide on Using Squibler

1. Go to the Squibler website and sign up with your email.
   
2. Click "Create Draft" to start.
   
3. Select a title for your project and start writing.
   
4. Track your progress with word count.
   
5. Use the Smart Writer feature on the sidebar to assist you in the process.
   
6. Export the text as a Word, PDF, or text file.

Pros

• Offers AI-assisted writing.
• Allows real-time collaboration for teams.
• Supports multiple export formats.

Cons

• Restricted word count.
• There is no grammar check.

Editing

Strong editing sharpens your writing, and the right tools make it easier. From grammar checks to style improvements, here are the best tools to polish your work.

7. Microsoft Word

Best for: General Word Processing and Document Formatting

Operating Systems: Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Online via Microsoft 365

Pricing:

• Free Version with limited features via Microsoft Online
• Paid Version subscription for $6.99 per month

Microsoft Word is best for writers who want a familiar, versatile editing tool.

Its built-in Editor catches grammar, spelling, and style issues, while Track Changes and comments make feedback easy to manage.

With strong formatting options and smooth DOCX/PDF exports, it’s a dependable choice for polishing most types of writing.

Quick Guide to Using Microsoft Word

1. Open or Create a Document - start with a blank page or select from templates.
2. Format Text - use the built-in styles for headings, paragraphs, and lists.
   
3. Track Changes - collaborate by enabling track changes.
   
4. Export - save your work in Word or PDF format.
   

Pros

• Widely used and supported.
• Rich formatting tools.
• Real-time collaboration.

Cons

• Subscription cost for advanced features.
• Limited book-specific tools.

8. Grammarly

Best for: Grammar, Style, and Clarity Improvements

Operating Systems: Windows, macOS, Browser extension

Pricing:

• Free Version for basic grammar checks
• Premium subscription for $12 per month

Grammarly is best for writers who want real-time, AI-powered editing across any type of writing.

It checks grammar, punctuation, clarity, tone, and even offers style suggestions based on your audience or intent.

Whether you’re working in Word, your browser, or Google Docs, Grammarly integrates seamlessly to catch what you might miss.

Quick Guide on Using Grammarly

1. Download and install Grammarly and sign in.
   
2. Paste or Write Text - Grammarly automatically detects grammar and style issues.
   
3. Apply Suggestions - accept or reject each correction.
   

Pros

• Real-time suggestions.
• Supports multiple platforms.

Cons

• A subscription to the Premium version is required for advanced suggestions.
• Sometimes, it doesn't recognize the correct meaning of the sentence.

9. ProWritingAid

Best for: Comprehensive Editing and Readability Analysis

Operating Systems: Windows, macOS, Browser extension

Pricing: Subscription for $20 per month

ProWritingAid is best for writers who want in-depth feedback on style, structure, and readability—not just grammar.

It offers detailed reports on pacing, sentence variety, overused words, and more, helping you strengthen your writing at every level.

With integrations for Word, Google Docs, and Scrivener, it’s a powerful choice for authors and content creators who want a thorough editing tool.

How to Install and Use ProWritingAid

1. Go to the ProWritingAid website and sign up.
   
2. Create a New Project - click "+New Doc" to start a new document.
   
3. Start Writing - if you already have a draft, you can also upload the document.
   
4. Check Your Work - click "Critique" -> "Critique Report" to get feedback on your writing style, plot, strengths, and more.
   
5. Save Your Work - export or copy your corrected text.

Pros

• In-depth analysis of writing style.
• Improve copy readability.

Cons

• Some features require a learning curve.

Searching

When you’re buried in documents, losing just one important file can derail your whole workflow. Default search tools are slow, clunky, and often miss what you’re looking for.

A dedicated search tool keeps every note, draft, and idea at your fingertips—instantly.

Here’s the one I trust to make finding anything effortless.

SeekFast

Best for: Searching Text Across Multiple Documents Efficiently

Operating Systems: Windows, macOS

Pricing:

Free Version with limited searches

Paid Version - permanent license for $47

When you’re writing, ideas live across dozens of files—notes, drafts, research, outlines. Digging through them with the default search wastes time and breaks your flow.

SeekFast is built for writers who need to find the right line, quote, or idea now. It searches through all your documents at once—Word, PDF, text, even Excel—and shows results ranked by relevance, just like Google. No setup, no indexing—just instant answers.

With intelligent search by word combinations, SeekFast helps you stay focused, avoid rewriting old content, and keep your creative momentum. If writing is your craft, SeekFast is the tool that keeps your thoughts connected.

Quick Guide to Using SeekFast

1. Download and install it.
   
2. Select the search folder - click the "Browse" button to choose it.
   
3. Search Keywords - type your search words and press "Enter" to find specific content in seconds.
   
4. Open the corresponding documents or view the text by clicking the search result.
   

Searching through documents can get complex, and there’s much more to explore on our blog.

If you’re on Windows, don’t miss our in-depth guide on searching files in Windows, and if you are a Mac user, you will find a lot of helpful information on searching on Mac.

Pros

• Saves time during research.
• Easy-to-use interface.

Cons

• Limited free version features.

Publishing

Publishing is one of the most complex parts of the writing process. From organizing drafts to formatting and editing, having good software is crucial in ensuring your work is ready to be shared.

Here are some of the best tools to help with publishing.

Vellum

Best for: Creating Beautifully Formatted E-Books and Print Books

Operating Systems: macOS

Pricing:

• E-books - permanent license for $199.99
• Press - permanent license for $249.99

Vellum is best for authors who want to create beautifully formatted books without complex design tools.

It’s a Mac-only app that lets you import your manuscript and instantly turn it into a professional-looking ebook or print book. Just choose a style, tweak a few settings, and preview your final product in real time.

Vellum shines in its simplicity—no formatting headaches, no technical fuss. If polished bookstore-quality design is a priority, Vellum is the go-to.

How to Install and Use Vellum

1. Download and install the application.
2. Open Vellum and click "New Book" to start a project.
   
3. Add your manuscript by pasting text or importing a Word document (.docx).
4. Choose a design template under the "Styles" tab to set the book's look.
   
5. Preview your book in the built-in viewer to check its appearance on various devices.
   
6. Export your book by clicking "Generate" and selecting your desired formats.
7. Save and upload the files to your chosen publishing platform.

Pros

• Simplifies the book formatting process.
• Provides real-time previews.
• There are no recurring subscription costs.

Cons

• Exclusivity to macOS.
• Inserting images may be challenging.
• Customization options are limited.
• Lack of collaboration options.

12. Apple Pages

Best for: Simple, Seamless Writing Across Apple Devices

Operating Systems: macOS, iOS, Browser-based

Pricing: Free on all Apple devices

Apple Pages is best for Mac and iOS writers who want a free, user-friendly tool for both writing and light editing.

It offers clean templates, real-time collaboration, and strong formatting options for documents, ebooks, and PDFs. Everything syncs seamlessly across devices via iCloud.

While it lacks the deep organization of pro writing software, Pages is a solid choice for writers who need simplicity, portability, and cost-free access.

How to Download and Use Apple Pages

1. Open the App Store from your Dock. You can also search for it through Spotlight.
2. Search for "Pages" and hit Enter. Click "Get" or the cloud icon to download.
   
3. Enter your Apple ID credentials (if asked).
4. Launch the application and choose a template or start a blank document.
5. Use the toolbar to change fonts or styles.
   
6. Click Share to collaborate with others.
   
7. Save and export your work as PDF or Word via File > Export.
   

Pros

• Free and cost-effective.
• Seamless integration with the Apple ecosystem.

Cons

• Limited compatibility with Windows.
• Learning curve for new users.

Voice-To-Text

Voice-to-Text lets you speak your ideas instead of typing, making it easier to get words on the page quickly, stay in the flow, and write anywhere, anytime.

Here are my top tools:

Notta

Best for: Effortless Transcription and Note-Taking

Operating Systems: Windows, macOS, Android, iOS

Pricing:

• Limited free version
• Premium subscription for $14.99 per month

Notta is a writing tool that uses advanced voice-to-text technology to turn spoken words into clear, accurate text.

It makes it easy to work in multiple languages with built-in bilingual transcription. Nota also connects with tools like Zoom and Google Meet, automatically transcribing your virtual meetings as they happen.

You can easily collaborate with others—Notta lets you share transcripts, assign roles, and edit together in real time.

Quick Guide to Using Notta

1. Go to the Notta website.
   
2. Sign up for an account - click "Sign Up" and enter your details.
   
3. Choose a transcription method - on your dashboard, select whether you want to transcribe live audio or upload a pre-recorded file.
   
4. Edit the transcription - review and make edits if needed.
5. Export your text - once done, save or export the text as needed.

Pros

• High transcription accuracy.
• Reduce transcription time.
• Easy to use.

Cons

• Punctuation and capitalization errors.

Note-taking and sharing

Evernote

Best for: Organizing Research and Brainstorming

Operating Systems: Windows, macOS, Android, iOS

Pricing:

• Limited free version
• Premium subscription for $99 per month

Evernote is a powerful writing and research tool built for writers who need to organize notes, drafts, and sources in one place.

Its Web Clipper saves articles and screenshots directly to notebooks, keeping research tidy and accessible.

With advanced search—even through handwritten notes—Evernote makes it easy to find anything fast, no matter how big your archive gets.

How to Install and Use Evernote

1. Visit Evernote's download page and install the app.
   
2. Sign up for a new account.
   
3. Create a Note - click "New Note" to start typing, add images, or record audio.
   
4. Organize - use "Notebooks" to group notes and "Tags" to categorize them.
5. Search - use the search bar to find notes by keywords quickly.

Pros

• Excellent for organizing research.
• Seamless note-sharing.

Cons

• Not designed for manuscript writing.

Conclusion

Writing a book is a journey—and the right tools are your best travel companions.

Whether it’s organizing chapters, polishing prose, finding that one perfect line, or turning your draft into a finished book, there’s a tool here to make the road smoother.

Choose the ones that feel right for your style, and let them handle the hard parts so you can enjoy the best part—bringing your story to life.

Which tool is your favourite? Let me know your thoughts in the comments 🙂

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Do I really need book-writing software, or can I just use Word? You can write a book in Word, but specialized tools make it easier to organize chapters, track research, and format for publishing. They save time and help you stay focused.

2. What’s the best free book-writing software? For zero cost, yWriter is a strong choice for structured drafting, and Apple Pages is great if you’re on Mac. Google Docs is also solid for simple, collaborative writing.

3. Which software is best for self-publishing? Atticus and Vellum are the top picks for formatting and exporting ready-to-publish ebooks and print books. Atticus works on most systems; Vellum is Mac-only.

4. What tools help with editing? Grammarly, ProWritingAid, and Microsoft Word are popular for grammar, style, and clarity checks. They also integrate with most writing platforms.

5. How do I choose the right tool for me? Start with your needs:

• Organization & planning → Scrivener, yWriter, Dabble
• Fast formatting → Atticus, Vellum
• Editing & polishing → Grammarly, ProWritingAid
• Research & productivity → SeekFast, Evernote, Notta

6. Can I use multiple tools together? Absolutely. Many writers draft in one program (like Scrivener), edit in another (like ProWritingAid), and format in a third (like Atticus or Vellum).

7. Are these tools only for novelists? No—these tools also work for nonfiction authors, screenwriters, bloggers, and academics who need structure, editing, or publishing support.