What Software Do Authors Use to Write Books? Explore 17 Software

Writing a book is a major creative project and the right writing software can make or break your experience.

Whether you’re planning your first novel, a nonfiction guide, or a memoir, the right tools can help you brainstorm, organize, and polish your ideas faster.

In this guide, we’ll find the answer to the question “what software do authors use to write books,” explore 17 of the best book writing software options authors actually use in 2025, and what makes each one unique for your writing goals.

Even if you’ve loved a particular writing software, you can spark motivation with a new one.

What Software Do Authors Use to Write Books? Explore 17 Writing Tools 

No sweat, we’ve got you the answer to the question: “What Software do authors use to write books?”

Let’s start with one of the most popular tools for authors, especially novelists and long-form writers:

1. Scrivener

This writing software is more than a writing app!

It’s a full-blown writing system designed for authors.

With Scrivener, authors can plan, write, plot, and revise. 

For longer and more complex work, use this software.

What Makes it Special:

• Scene and chapter management: Using the binder or corkboard view, you can write in small, manageable chunks and swiftly rearrange scenes effortlessly.
• Separate sections for everything: You can keep your character profiles, research, manuscript, and notes all in a single place—you don’t have to juggle between apps.
• Word count goals: This software can help you track your progress with time and set daily targets.
• Export flexibility: Excitedly, you can export to PDF, Word, MOBI, EPUB, and more.

Did you know? Many bestselling authors, including Neil Cross (creator of BBC’s “Luther”), have credited Scrivener for helping them organize complex plots effortlessly.

While Scrivener has a learning curve, it becomes an indispensable writing partner when you can lay your hands on it. 

Best For:

Fiction and nonfiction authors who write in scenes, juggle large amounts of research, outline heavily, or even long-form nonfiction writers.

Related: Is Scrivener Worth It for Authors? Full Review

2. Google Docs

Google Docs has quickly become a modern favorite for writers.

This is specifically true for writers who value access-from-anywhere convenience and real-time collaboration.

It’s entirely cloud-based, meaning your writing project is saved automatically, and you can pick up right where you left off from any device.

What Makes it Special:

• Live editing and comments: This feature is perfect for working with beta editors, readers, or co-authors. Everyone can track changes in real-time.
• Cloud storage with Google Drive: With Google Docs, you can’t lose your work due to a crashed computer or unforeseen events. 
• Cross-device access: You can write from your laptop, desktop, tablet, or phone.
• Version history: You can easily revert to earlier drafts and track any writing evolution.

Google Docs isn’t feature-rich for large-scale structuring like Scrivener. Nonetheless, it’s fantastic for short-form writing, first drafts, and teamwork.

Google Docs has become the go-to writing tool for collaborative authors like journalists and ghostwriters who need real-time editing.

Best For:

Google Docs is excellent for writers who prioritize cloud syncing, flexibility, and easy collaboration—especially when working side by side with editors.

3. Atticus

We found out about Atticus very recently. 

It’s no wonder we’d call it the new kid on the block. 

But if you check the popularity score, it’s becoming the favorite software among authors and publishers. 

Atticus is gradually becoming one of the few tools that allows an author to format, write, and export a book for ebook and print—everything in one place. 

What Makes it Special:

• Write and format simultaneously: As a writer or an author, the view you see is what your reader will get. There wouldn’t be any need to jump from one writing software to another formatting tool.
• Templates for beautiful books: It has professionally designed styles for headings, chapters, and front/back matter. 
• Cross-platform: It works perfectly on Windows, Mac, Chromebook, and Linux—just open your browser and get your attic on. 
• Cloud-based and offline access: You can also write from anywhere, even when you are off the grid.

While it’s built with indie authors in mind, it’s becoming a one-stop shop for authors and publishers.

Best For:

Self-publishing authors who desire a streamlined writing-to-publishing workflow without needing a separate formatter.

4. Ulysses (Mac only)

We thought this wouldn’t offend our friends on Windows. 

We trust it wouldn’t.

Ulysses is designed just for Apple users as a beautiful minimalist writing app.

The idea is to help authors focus entirely on the words—without distractions or clutter. 

With seamless iCloud sync and support, this app is a dream for authors who write across several Apple devices.

What Makes it Special:

• Distraction-free writing: Full-screen mode, clean interface, and minimal menus that will keep you in the zone.
• Markdown support: You can format your writing while not breaking your flow.
• Built-in goal tracking makes it easy to set word count goals and monitor writing habits.
• Organization made simple: Filters, tags, folders, and smart folders are designed to keep you on top of large projects.
• Export options: You can creatively export to PDF, Word, ePub, Medium, and even HTML directly.

There are no overloads of whistles and bells—it’s purely focused writing in a gorgeous, intuitive workspace.

Best For:

iPad, iPhone, and Mac users who desire a clean, distraction-free writing environment with powerful organization and export options.

5. LivingWriter

This software is a cloud-based writing platform designed with fiction writers in mind, especially storytellers.

It presents a modern, intuitive interface loaded with features that assist with planning, organizing, and executing one’s book from idea to final draft.

What Makes it Special:

• Drag-and-drop chapters and scenes: Authors can easily restructure their books as they evolve.
• Built-in story templates: You can guide your story using classic structures or a Three-Act story. 
• Cloud saving + device sync: You can access your project anywhere. 
• Plot board and sidebar notes: Keeping timelines, character arcs, and research right next to your writing is easy.
• Dark mode and focus mode: you can enjoy distraction-free writing day or night. 

LivingWriter offers a balance of simplicity and powerful planning tools, making it a strong alternative to Scrivener.

Best For:

Fiction and nonfiction writers desire a user-friendly platform with templates, plotting tools, and cloud access—all without the steep learning curve.

6. Dabble

This software is designed for fiction writers who excel with visual storytelling tools.

It comes with powerful plotting features and a simple interface. 

Want to structure without being overwhelmed? This is an excellent option.

What Makes it Special:

• The plot grid comes with a visual timeline that allows you to map out character arcs, plots, and subplots in a drag-and-drop layout.
• Goal tracking: You can also set word count goals, stay motivated with streak tracking, and track your daily progress.
• Cloud syncing: This writing software can allow you to access your project from any device.
• Distraction-free writing: Clean interface with minimal clutter to help you focus on your words.
• Collaboration-ready: You can share your manuscript with editors or bet readers easily.

Dabble is becoming popular because of its focus on motivation and momentum.

Best For:

Fiction authors—those writing series or large stories—need a goal-oriented and visually organized writing space. 

7. NovelPad

NovelPad is a browser-based novel-writing tool designed for simplicity, speed, and flexibility. 

Fiction writers will enjoy how it pays attention to scenes instead of chapters, giving them the freedom to structure and restructure their stories easily.

What Makes it Special:

• Scene-based writing: You can easily merge, rearrange, or split scenes with drag-and-drop tools.
• Character and location tracking: It is designed to keep your entire story organized without switching tools.
• Minimalist interface: The overall design is distraction-free, sleek, and keeps your mind on what you are writing.
• Plot board and notes: You can easily jot down ideas, tag scenes, or track timelines—all of these can occur within the same workspace.
• Cloud-based with autosave: You wouldn’t have to worry about losing your project. Your manuscript will always be up to date.

NovelPad is streamlined and innovative—you will enjoy it! 

Best For:

Writers need a web-based writing tool focusing on lightweight, clean design and easy scene management.

8. yWriter

This software was designed by a novelist who was doubling as a software developer.

Thus, it’s strictly made by a writer—for writers. 

It’s a desktop application that splits your novel into scenes and chapters. 

Thus, you can keep your story more organized.

What Makes it Special:

• Scene-based organization: You can view and manage an entire novel by scenes, making it easy to navigate long manuscripts.
• Detailed metadata: It’s possible to track character involvement, goals, locations, and notes for each scene.
• Progress tracking: Authors can view daily word counts, writing sessions, and targets.
• Autosave and backups: Reliable saving features preserve your project even on older machines.
• Lightweight and fast: yWriter won’t slow your system down. Thus, it’s ideal for writers with low-spec devices.

The fact is, yWriter might not win beauty contests, but here’s the gist: what it lacks in design, it makes up for in practicality.

Best For:

Writers who want a simple, no-cost writing software to plan and organize their novels by scenes and chapters without bloat or distraction.

9. Microsoft Word

To your question: What Software do authors use to write books, we’d call Microsoft word the king of word processors! 

Of course, it’s not alien to most authors and even newbies. 

Microsoft Word is the most widely used tool in the writing industry. 

It’s been around for decades and has evolved to support the needs of professional authors, writers, editors, and publishers.

What Makes it Special:

• Universally accepted: Word is nearly always the default format (.docx).
• Robust editing tools: Features like “Comments” and “Track Changes” make collaboration and editing a breeze!
• Custom formatting and style: You can set up styles for chapters, headings, and more, making your manuscript super neat and professional.
• Templates available: Word has built-in and downloadable templates to help you start almost without prior knowledge.

Best For:

Word is great for authors working with traditional publishers, editors, or agents. 

It is also perfect for anyone who needs impressive, time-tested functionality.

10. Reedsy Book Editor

This is a free online writing and formatting tool. 

It is built specifically for authors who desire professional-quality results without technical problems.

It’s distraction-free, sleek, and perfect for self-publishers. 

What Makes it Special:

• Professional formatting: You can automatically style your book for ebook and print. Hence, it’s possible to publish right after writing.
• Clean writing interface: There are no clutter or distractions—just you and your manuscript.
• Track changes and comments: You can enjoy the freedom of working with freelance editors or collaborators in real-time. 
• Export options: Generate beautifully print-ready PDF files and typeset EPUB. 
• Browser-based: You don’t have to download or save; all your work is stored securely in the cloud.

Reedsy also connects users with a marketplace of designers, editors, and marketers.

Best For:

Indie authors who need streamlined writing and formatting tools that offer ready-to-publish files right from the browser.

11. Notion

This is a highly flexible, all-in-one workspace for planners, writers, and organizers.

While this app isn’t strictly a word processor, several authors swear by it for outlining, brainstorming, character development, and even writing their first drafts.

What Makes it Special:

• Custom templates: You can build your own novel world-building hub, dashboard, or chapter tracker.
• Linked databases: You can also track timelines, characters, settings, and plot threads with smart tags and filters.
• Embeds and checklists: It’s possible to add research links, inspiration boards,progress checkboxes, research links, or mood boards. 
• Team collaboration: It’s great for working with a support team or Co-writing.
• Cross-device sync: Use it on tablet, desktop, or phone.

While Notion isn’t perfect for final manuscript formatting, it excels as a command center for your entire creative process.

Best For:

Writers who desire an organized, customizable workspace for everything.

12. FocusWriter

I’d call this the definition of “less is more.” 

It’s a distraction-free writing environment covering your entire screen, hiding everything—including the toolbar—so the only thing you will be seeing are your words. 

What Makes it Special:

• Full-screen writing: It eliminates visual clutter and helps you lock in on what you are doing.
• Custom themes: It helps you set up your writing space with relaxing backgrounds, your favorite font, or typewriter sounds. 
• Timers and daily goals: You can track your writing sessions without being bored by data.
• Autosave and session tracking: You wouldn’t have to worry about losing progress while engaging in deep writing sessions.
• Cross-platform: It’s available for Mac, Windows, and Linux.

FocusWriter is just about writing and only writing.

Best For:

Writers who desire a zen-like, full-screen writing space that limits distractions at bay and creativity flowing.

Quick Tip:
Try pairing your writing software with a note-taking tool like Notion or Evernote. Many authors use one app for drafting and another for world-building or research tracking—it keeps creativity flowing without cluttering your manuscript.

Explore: How to Start Writing a Book About Your Life

FAQs About Book Writing Software

1. What software do most authors use to write books?
Most authors use tools like Scrivener, Google Docs, or Microsoft Word because they combine simplicity with powerful editing and formatting options.

2. Is Scrivener better than Word for authors?
Scrivener offers better project organization for large manuscripts, while Word is ideal for editors and publishers who prefer industry-standard formats.

3. What is the best free writing software for beginners?
Google Docs, Reedsy Book Editor, and FocusWriter are excellent free tools that balance usability and accessibility.

Final Thoughts

Now that you’ve found the answer to the question: What software do authors use to write books? What’s next? 

Find the software that fits your brain, workflow, and your writing goals! 

You might only have to try a few that work and pick the best for you. 

What’s the best software for authors? The one that actually works and gets you to the finish line! 

Ready to take your writing further?

At The Exquisite Writer, we help aspiring authors turn ideas into polished manuscripts that stand out in today’s publishing landscape.

Explore our author support services to start your next chapter with confidence