Your book is all about your great idea and your mastery of your craft. But the act of writing a book is one that hinges heavily on the tools you use to shape that idea into a finished manuscript. 🖋️
The best book-writing software for authors is like blueprints for an architect. The correct book-writing tool will be your steady partner, whether you are working on your next bestseller, creating a memoir, or writing an objective summary.
From idea organization to tracking your development and improving your grammar, these tools and other writing apps are meant to simplify the book-writing process. But given so many choices, how do you decide which writing app is best?
This article will explore the basic features of book writing software and highlight the best tools available in the market today.
15 Best Book Writing Software for 2025
- What Should You Look for in Book Writing Software?
- The 15 Best Book Writing Software
- 1. ClickUp (Best for AI-powered writing, collaboration, and project management)
- 2. Google Docs (Best for real-time collaboration and accessibility)
- 3. Microsoft Word (Best for advanced formatting and professional document creation)
- 4. Grammarly (Best for enhancing writing clarity and correctness)
- 5. Evernote (Best for note-taking and organization)
- 6. Scrivener (Best for project management in long-form writing)
- 7. Hemingway Editor (Best for improving readability and conciseness)
- 8. yWriter (Best for structuring novels with scene and chapter management)
- 9. ProWritingAid (Best for writing analysis and style improvement)
- 10. Ulysses (Best for distraction-free writing on Apple devices)
- 11. Bibisco (Best for structured story development)
- 12. Dabble (Best for cloud-based novel writing with integrated plotting tools)
- 13. Vellum (Best for professional book formatting on macOS)
- 14. Atticus (Best for all-in-one writing and formatting)
- 15. Freedom (Best for distraction-free writing across devices)
- Special mentions
Summarize this article for me please⏰ 60-Second Summary
Here’s a quick overview of the best book-writing software:
- ✅ ClickUp: Best for AI-powered writing, collaboration, and project management
- ✅ Google Docs: Best for real-time collaboration and accessibility
- ✅ Microsoft Word: Best for advanced formatting and professional document creation
- ✅ Grammarly: Best for enhancing writing clarity and correctness
- ✅ Evernote: Best for note-taking and organization
- ✅ Scrivener: Best for project management in long-form writing
- ✅ Hemingway Editor: Best for improving readability and conciseness
- ✅ Writer: Best for structuring novels with scene and chapter management
- ✅ ProWritingAid: Best for writing analysis and style improvement
- ✅ Ulysses: Best for distraction-free writing on Apple devices
- ✅ Bibisco: Best for structured story development
- ✅ Dabble: Best for cloud-based novel writing with integrated plotting tools
- ✅ Vellum: Best for professional book formatting on macOS
- ✅ Atticus: Best for all-in-one writing and formatting
- ✅ Freedom: Best for distraction-free writing across devices
Summarize this article for me pleaseWhat Should You Look for in Book Writing Software?
When selecting book writing software, consider the following key features to enhance your creative process:
- User-friendly interface: Opt for writing software with a user-friendly interface that ensures smooth navigation and minimizes technical distractions
- Organizational tools: Use organizational tools with outlining features, character development aids, and timeline management to structure your narrative more effectively
- Compatibility: Verify that the software works across your preferred operating systems, such as macOS and Windows, and devices
- Collaboration features: Select collaboration software that supports real-time collaboration and document sharing if you work with co-authors or editors
- Export options: Look for options that let you export your manuscript in multiple formats, like PDF or ePub, to meet publishing requirements
- Distraction-free environment: Choose a platform with a distraction-free writing experience to help maintain focus and productivity
- Budget considerations: Decide whether free tools meet your needs or if premium software with advanced features justifies the investment
🔍 Did You Know? In 1964, IBM released the Magnetic Tape Selectric Typewriter (MT/ST), which merged the functionality of a Selectric typewriter with magnetic tape recording, allowing for text modification and storage.
Summarize this article for me pleaseThe 15 Best Book Writing Software
The right book writing and editing software will give you the ideas and writing prompts needed to remain innovative yet disciplined.
This section will explore the top 15 book writing software options that cater to a wide range of writing styles, objectives, and budgets.
1. ClickUp (Best for AI-powered writing, collaboration, and project management)
ClickUp is the everything app for work that integrates AI-powered writing, collaboration, and project management features, making it ideal for authors seeking comprehensive book writing software.
ClickUp Brain is an AI-powered assistant that brings everything together—tasks, documents, people, and tools—in one place.
It streamlines workflows and simplifies your daily tasks. Whether you need help with context, content, or automating routine work, ClickUp Brain helps you save time and focus more on your creative work.
ClickUp Docs acts as your creative playground. It’s a collaborative space to draft, edit, and organize your work. With the ability to create wikis, nested pages, and shared documents, ClickUp Docs ensures you and your team remain focused and productive.
Plus, ClickUp’s Collaboration Detection feature makes sharing ideas, receiving feedback, and working together easy in real time—no matter where your team members are.
That’s not all!
ClickUp also offers a range of brainstorming templates that take the guesswork out of structuring your writing projects. For instance:
Plot, organize, and easily manage your book using the ClickUp Book Planning Template. It’s got pre-built views for chapters, novel details, and the entire writing process—making sure your novel is as structured as your best plot twist.
The ClickUp Book Proposal Template also helps authors create professional proposals with pre-built sections for topics, target audiences, and marketing strategies—perfect for pitching to publishers.
Here’s what Cristina Willson, Director of Content at Graphite, has to say about ClickUp:
ClickUp best features
- Use ClickUp Chat to enhance communication, enabling real-time collaboration and synchronization with instant messaging and updates
- Brainstorm, plan, and organize in real time to boost collaboration with ClickUp Whiteboards
- Organize project schedules effectively using Gantt charts and timeline views
- Automate repetitive tasks, track milestones, and keep the team on schedule with ClickUp Automations
- Customize task statuses with ClickUp to simplify book writing and track each stage from drafting to approval
ClickUp limitations
- New users face a learning curve due to the wide range of features
- The mobile app is missing a few desktop features
ClickUp pricing
- Free Forever
- Unlimited: $7/month per user
- Business: $12/month per user
- Enterprise: Contact for pricing
- ClickUp Brain: Add to any paid plan for $7/month per user
ClickUp ratings and reviews
- G2: 4.7/5 (9,000+ reviews)
- Capterra: 4.6/5 (4,000+ reviews)
💡 Pro Tip: Want to turn your recipe collection into a polished cookbook? The ClickUp Cookbook Template is your secret weapon! With sections for ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and design planning, this template eliminates the hassle of organizing your culinary creations.
2. Google Docs (Best for real-time collaboration and accessibility)
Google Docs is a free word processor that enables users to create, edit, and collaborate on documents in real time. Its cloud-based nature ensures accessibility from any device with an internet connection, making it a convenient choice for writers and teams.
The light and dark modes allow writers to customize the look and feel of the word processor accordingly.
Google Docs best features
- Work simultaneously with others on the same document, with changes reflected in real-time
- Edit and view documents from any device with internet access
- Use the document version control feature to monitor changes and revert to previous versions if needed
Google Docs limitations
- It may lack some advanced formatting and editing tools compared to desktop word processors
- Full functionality requires a stable internet connection, which limits access in areas with poor connectivity
Google Docs pricing
- Free
Google Docs ratings and reviews
- G2: N/A
- Capterra: 4.7/5 (28,000+ reviews)
💡 Pro Tip: Listen to writing-focused podcasts to get various perspectives and techniques, generate new ideas, and improve your creative process.
3. Microsoft Word (Best for advanced formatting and professional document creation)
Microsoft Word is a widely used word-processing application known for its comprehensive features that cater to basic word processing and advanced document creation needs, whether a book, objective summary, or report.
Its rich formatting options and integration with other Microsoft Office applications make it a preferred word processor for professional writing.
Microsoft Word best features
- Access a vast array of formatting tools, including styles, fonts, and page layouts
- Use advanced editing features such as comments and grammar-checking
- Work with other Microsoft Office applications like Excel and PowerPoint to enhance productivity and data integration
Microsoft Word limitations
- Access to the full suite of features requires a paid subscription
- The extensive range of features might be overwhelming for new users
Microsoft Word pricing
- Word Only: $179.99
Microsoft Word ratings and reviews
- G2: 4.7/5 (1,800+ reviews)
- Capterra: 4.7/5 (2,000+ reviews)
A G2 user says:
4. Grammarly (Best for enhancing writing clarity and correctness)
Grammarly is an AI-driven proofreader, writing assistant, and grammar checker designed to improve the clarity, correctness, and overall quality of your writing.
It offers real-time grammar and spelling checks, style suggestions, and tone detection, making it a valuable tool for polished and professional content.
Grammarly best features
- Receive instant feedback on grammar mistakes and spelling errors
- Access suggestions to improve sentence structure, word choice, and overall readability
- Use the plagiarism detection tool to compare your content against a large database
Grammarly limitations
- Certain suggestions may not align with the intended context
- Documents exceeding more than 100,000 characters need to be split into smaller parts
Grammarly pricing
- Free
- Pro: $30/month per user
- Enterprise: Custom pricing
Grammarly ratings and reviews
- G2: 4.7/5 (9,000+ reviews)
- Capterra: 4.7/5 (7,000+ reviews)
5. Evernote (Best for note-taking and organization)
Evernote is a versatile note-taking application that allows users to detail, organize, and easily access information across multiple devices.
It is a centralized hub for personal and professional organizations with advanced features like document scanning, web clipping, and task management.
Evernote best features
- Create notes in various formats, including text, images, audio recordings, and web clippings
- Sort notes into notebooks and assign tags for efficient categorization
- Utilize advanced search capabilities to find text within images and scanned documents
Evernote limitations
- The free version limits monthly uploads and device syncing
- Evernote Free accounts are restricted to one device at a time
Evernote pricing
- Personal: $14.99/month
- Professional: $17.99/month
- Team: $24.99/month per user
- Enterprise: Custom pricing
Evernote ratings and reviews
- G2: 4.4/5 (2,000+ reviews)
- Capterra: 4.4/5 (8,000+ reviews)
A G2 user says:
6. Scrivener (Best for project management in long-form writing)
Scrivener is a writing software designed for authors, researchers, and screenwriters engaged in extensive writing projects. It offers a suite of organizational tools that enable the management of complex manuscripts, from initial drafts to final publication.
Scrivener best features
- Use the Binder feature to structure your manuscript into chapters and scenes
- Employ the virtual corkboard to arrange and rearrange synopses of your sections
- Enhance productivity by viewing and editing multiple documents simultaneously using the split-screen functionality
Scrivener limitations
- Users must purchase separate licenses for each platform
- Extensive projects may experience occasional freezing and slower load times
Scrivener pricing
- iOS: $23.99
- Educational License: $50.99
- Standard License: $59.99
- Bundles: $95.98
Scrivener ratings and reviews
- G2: 4.6/5 (80+ reviews)
- Capterra: 4.7/5 (200+ reviews)
A G2 user says:
7. Hemingway Editor (Best for improving readability and conciseness)
Hemingway Editor is a free writing app designed to improve the clarity and readability of your text. This book writing software guides writers toward more concise and impactful prose by highlighting complex sentences and common errors.
Hemingway Editor best features
- Identify lengthy or convoluted sentences with suggestions to enhance readability
- Detect instances of passive voice and replace them with more engaging language
- Adapt content to the appropriate audience with the readability grade level
Hemingway Editor limitations
- More optimized for shorter pieces of writing, such as articles
- Lacks comprehensive grammar and spell-checking capabilities
Hemingway Editor pricing
- Individual 5K Plan: $10/month
- Individual 10K Plan: $15/month
- Team 10K Plan: $15/month per user
Hemingway Editor ratings and reviews
- G2: 4.4/5 (40+ reviews)
- Capterra: Not enough reviews
A G2 user says:
🧠 Fun Fact: Ernest Hemingway, the renowned author, preferred to write while standing, typically using a typewriter on a chest-high shelf at his Havana home.
8. yWriter (Best for structuring novels with scene and chapter management)
yWriter is a free writing software developed by author Simon Haynes, designed to help novelists organize their manuscripts by breaking them down into chapters and scenes. This structure encourages efficient project management and enhances the actual writing process.
yWriter best features
- Divide your manuscript into manageable sections
- Set and monitor word count targets for individual scenes or chapters
- Maintain detailed records of characters, locations, and items
yWriter limitations
- The macOS and mobile versions offer reduced functionality
- Not ideal for collaborative writing as it is primarily designed for individual writers
yWriter pricing
- Free
- Silver Registration: $11.95
- Gold Registration: $24.95
yWriter ratings and reviews
- G2: Not enough reviews
- Capterra: Not enough reviews
9. ProWritingAid (Best for writing analysis and style improvement)
ProWritingAid is a writing program and assistant that offers in-depth analysis to enhance grammar, writing style, and readability. This book-writing software provides detailed reports and suggestions, offering comprehensive solutions for writers to refine their work.
ProWritingAid best features
- Access over 20 writing reports that evaluate aspects such as grammar, style, readability, and more
- Receive suggestions to simplify complex sentences, reduce passive voice, and eliminate redundancies
- Integrate with platforms including Microsoft Word, Google Docs, Scrivener, and browser extensions
ProWritingAid limitations
- The free version has a word limit of 500 words per document
- Requires an internet connection to function
ProWritingAid pricing
- Free
- Premium: $30/month
- Premium Pro: $36/month
ProWritingAid ratings and reviews
- G2: 4.5/5 (40+ reviews)
- Capterra: 4.7/5 (400+ reviews)
A G2 user says:
10. Ulysses (Best for distraction-free writing on Apple devices)
Ulysses is a premium writing app that offers writers a clean and focused environment. Its minimalist interface and powerful organizational tools make it a preferred choice for a distraction-free writing experience.
Ulysses best features
- Concentrate solely on content with a clutter-free workspace
- Utilize a library system to optimize document management for easy categorization
- Set word count targets and monitor progress
Ulysses limitations
- Available only on macOS and iOS
- Lacks built-in real-time collaboration tools
Ulysses pricing
- Paid Subscription: $5.99/month
Ulysses ratings and reviews
- G2: 4.5/5 (20+ reviews)
- Capterra: Not enough reviews
A G2 user says:
11. Bibisco (Best for structured story development)
Bibisco is an open-source novel writing software that helps authors develop and organize their stories, focusing on character and plot development. It offers a range of tools to structure novels effectively, making it valuable for both novice and experienced writers.
Bibisco best features
- Use detailed character sheets and interviews to create well-rounded characters
- Organize your work into chapters and scenes for easy navigation and restructuring
- Analyze the distribution of characters, locations, and other elements across the novel
Bibisco limitations
- Offers basic formatting capabilities
- The absence of a mobile app restricts flexibility for on-the-go writing
Bibisco pricing
- Community Edition: Free
- Supporters Edition: $59
Bibisco ratings and reviews
- G2: Not enough reviews
- Capterra: Not enough reviews
12. Dabble (Best for cloud-based novel writing with integrated plotting tools)
The next book-writing software is Dabble, an online tool for authors packed with features to help you write and plot your book.
Its cloud-based design lets you access your work from desktop to mobile, offering the perfect flexibility and organization for your creative process.
Dabble best features
- Utilize tools to generate outlines, develop characters, and maintain detailed notes
- Access and edit your work from any device with an internet connection
- Set word count goals and track progress for a clear path toward project completion
Dabble limitations
- Lacks integrated book formatting for direct uploads to online retailers
- Specifically designed for book writing and may not suit other writing forms
Dabble pricing
- Basic: $9/month
- Standard: $19/month
- Premium: $29/month
Dabble ratings and reviews
- G2: 4.3/5 (15+ reviews)
- Capterra: Not enough reviews
A G2 user says:
13. Vellum (Best for professional book formatting on macOS)
Vellum is a specialist book formatting program designed for authors who want to make visually appealing eBooks and printed books.
Known for its user-friendly interface and high-quality output, it makes the complex book formatting process accessible to consumers—even those with less technical know-how.
Vellum best features
- Use a variety of professional templates and styles to produce visually appealing books
- Create various file types, including ePub and PDF, for distribution across multiple platforms and print-on-demand services
- Automatically generate a table of contents to simplify navigation and organization
Vellum limitations
- Only available on macOS
- Requires a significant upfront investment
Vellum pricing
- Vellum Ebooks: $199.99
- Vellum Press: $249.99
Vellum ratings and reviews
- G2: Not enough reviews
- Capterra: Not enough reviews
14. Atticus (Best for all-in-one writing and formatting)
Atticus is the all-in-one tool that takes the stress out of writing and formatting your book. This web-based software combines powerful writing features with pro-level formatting, helping authors move from draft to publication hassle-free.
Atticus’ simple interface eliminates the need for various software applications, resulting in an efficient and smooth workflow.
Atticus best features
- Generate and format manuscripts within a single platform
- Use on various devices and operating systems for added flexibility in different environments
- Set targets and monitor your writing habits
Atticus limitations
- Needs an internet connection for full functionality
- Copying and pasting content from other programs may cause unpredictable behavior due to external formatting issues
Atticus pricing
- One-Time Payment: $147
Atticus ratings and reviews
- G2: Not enough reviews
- Capterra: Not enough reviews
➡️ Read More: 11 Best AI Script Generators
15. Freedom (Best for distraction-free writing across devices)
Freedom is a productivity program that helps users stay focused by blocking distracting websites and apps on various devices.
Ideal for professionals, students, and writers, Freedom creates a controlled work environment by syncing sessions across devices. This helps users maintain productivity on their phone, tablet, or desktop.
Freedom best features
- Synchronize block sessions across all your devices for a distraction-free experience
- Create personalized lists of websites and apps to block
- Schedule block sessions in advance to help establish productive routines
Freedom limitations
- Freedom focuses on blocking distractions and does not provide productivity analytics
- Setting up and managing blocklists requires navigating both the desktop app and the online dashboard
Freedom pricing
- Monthly Premium: $8.99/month
- Yearly Premium: $3.33/month
- Forever: $199
Freedom ratings and reviews
- G2: Not enough reviews
- Capterra: Not enough reviews
🔍 Did You Know? Before the digital age, J.K. Rowling wrote the original Harry Potter manuscript by hand, demonstrating that great stories can begin with pen and paper.
Special mentions
- LivingWriter: Offers intuitive planning tools, customizable templates, and cloud integration to help authors organize, write, and track progress
- Novlr: Keeps authors organized and motivated with cloud syncing, goal tracking, and customizable writing spaces
- FocusWriter: Embrace the clean, customizable interface, letting authors stay laser-focused and productive
- Squibler: Helps to organize ideas, set goals, and track progress, streamlining the entire writing process from start to finish
- LibreOffice Writer: Offers powerful writing tools, advanced formatting, and multi-format compatibility
Summarize this article for me pleaseBegin Your Writing Journey with ClickUp
The best book writing software boosts creativity and gives you all the tools to organize and polish your manuscript. These modern innovations are intended to support authors and bring their stories to life.
That said, ClickUp distinguishes itself by providing more than a writing platform. With its powerful project management capabilities, collaboration features, and customizable content writing templates, it’s the ideal companion for a successful author who wants to keep themselves organized and productive.
Explore ClickUp’s features and see how they improve your writing experience and efficiency.
Sign up for free today and take your book writing skills to the next level.
Everything you need to stay organized and get work done.
