fiction writing software free

The 5 Best Free Book Writing Software For Your Novel

So you're writing a novel, but think free book writing software might be able to help you do a better job? You might be right. In this article, you'll discover five of the best free tools on the market.

• In this article, we'll show you that you really don't need to pay for software since you can get perfectly decent ones for free.

So read on!

The 5 Best Free Book Writing Software

Alright, let's get to it. Here's the big reveal, the 5 Best Free Book Writing Software!

1. Reedsy Book Editor (RBE)

A writing tool and editor in one, Reedsy provides a user-friendly experience to help you create a book that's pretty much ready to publish once you're finished (it typesets as you write, and you can save the file as an ePub or PDF). And it's a web-based app, so it saves in real time.

A few of its best features include:

• Easy-switching between pages;
• Personal goal-setting to keep you on track;
• Built-in spellchecker, or you can integrate Grammarly.

Another thing I really like is that it stores old versions of your manuscript , like Google Docs, so if you removed passages and find you want to go back and grab them to add them back in, you can easily do so.

While a lot of software is great for writing in general, Bibisco was created for novel writing specifically.

• It is much more than a writing tool; it helps you plan your story.

It features:

• Tools to help you design your characters, put together the story blurb, develop the setting, etc.;
• The Architecture Screen enables you to flesh out the different elements of your story;
• A minimalist interface that doesn't distract from the writing.

yWriter was created by a writer, which is really cool because it's like, writers supporting writers, and also, he designed it knowing exactly what he would have wanted when writing his own first novel.

• Designed to help you split your writing into scenes and chapters;
• The no-frills interface keeps things simple;
• 'Storyboard view' gives you an overview of your project

4. Zoho Writer

Zoho is a pretty basic solution for your writing. It isn't explicitly designed for story-writing, so it has no fancy add-ons or extraordinary features. But sometimes that's just what you need.

Zoho could be for you if you like the simplicity of a word processor like Microsoft Word or Google Docs but would enjoy a few added features.

Top marks for:

• Cloud software, meaning you can access it anytime and from any device;
• Clean and stylish interface;
• Floating menus that appear when you make a selection keep the screen nice and tidy.

5. Evernote

Evernote has both a free and paid version , but I'll just be reviewing the free version, but it's always handy to know there are extra perks available.

I wouldn't have listed Evernote as a tremendous book-writing software, but in my research, it was a popular option among many authors. So, I tried it myself, and I must admit that I agreed. What makes it so great is that it's the mother of all note-taking apps (in my humble opinion), and I'm an organization geek, so note-taking is one of my core values.

I'm unsure if I would use it as my one-and-only book-writing tool. Still, I would definitely use it alongside one of the software listed above, as it will enhance your clarity of mind tenfold before you start and as you continue the process of writing your book.

Do You Really Need Free Book Writing Software For Your Novel?

Getting to work on a novel is a specific kind of writing ; after all, a novel is one of the longest pieces of content out there. A word-processing document is usually all one needs to write a blog or essay, but you might have better options if you're writing a novel.

Imagine, for instance, that you were hundreds of pages in and wanted to return to a particular passage. It could take you hours! And time is definitely a factor when writing a book. Whether self-publishing or writing for a publishing house, you're probably on a deadline.

• Time is too precious, and even a few minutes saved can make a big difference.

That's one of the things writing software can help you with.

Some other benefits of using writing software to write your novel are:

• Tools to organize your novel
• Increase your productivity
• Keep everything in one place
• Having a visually appealing screen can help motivate you
• Stay focused

Now, of course, you don't want to prioritize choosing software over actually writing since the most crucial thing is actually getting started, and spending ages selecting the exact right tool can be just another way of procrastinating.

• Writing a book can be trying times , but it can be a fantastic experience as well .

That's where we come in! I'm giving you my five favorite free writing software for your novel in this article. There are many more out there, but at the end of the day, you only need one , so I've decided not to overwhelm you with tons of options. You'll find that five options are plenty.

What to Look Out For in Writing Software

Before we get started, I wanted to go over a few things. While I recommend the tools below, you must determine your own needs to pick the best software for you.

• First of all, I'm a big fan of using a free software - especially if it's your first book.

You don't know what you need yet. By all means, if you've got the disposable income to spend on writing software, shoot for the stars, but if there are other things you feel your money would be better spent on , then I can assure you you can get something very decent for the very low price of free.

Here are some great features to look out for in free book-writing software:

• Overview . Does the software give you a bird's eye view of your novel? Can you zoom out, as it were, and see how many chapters you've written and where you've taken notes? A very handy feature to help with organization.
• Table of contents generator . Some software will automatically generate a table of contents and keep updating it as you write. So, for instance, if you add a chapter, it'll automatically be added to the table.
• Character name auto-complete . This one's a bit nerdy, and you wouldn't think it saves that much time, but it really does! Set it up so that the software recognizes when you're typing one of your characters' names, and it will auto-complete it for you.
• Chapter and scene organization . Want to switch your chapters and scenes around? If your software comes with this feature, organizing your content is as easy as a simple click.
• Add notes . A criminally overlooked part of writing a novel is taking notes as you write. If a brilliant idea pops into your head while you're in the middle of a great paragraph, you might not have the capacity to think about where it should go or any of those minor details. You just need to jot it down while it's in your head and return to it later. A notes feature on your writing software will keep you from accumulating Post-it notes all over your desk.
• Auto-save . Most software includes auto-save nowadays (at least it does if it's online), but still, you'll want to make sure. If you were around before the days of cloud storage and online writing programs, you'd understand the distinct pain that comes with losing hours of work if your laptop runs out of battery or there's a tech glitch.
• Spell checker . There are many spellcheckers out there , and you may well have a fave one you like to use already. But if it's separate software, copying and pasting hundreds of words from one software to another. It's always a handy bonus if there's one integrated.
• User-friendly . This is a big one for me. I don't want to spend hours figuring out how to use the software. I want it to be intuitive. Is it just me?

Final Thoughts on Free Book Writing Software

So there you have it; my top-five free book-writing software. As I mentioned earlier, you might not need software. A good old word processor might just do the job for you.

But for me, using the right software can really enhance the experience and assist my creative juices in flowing. Not only that, if you're an app fiend like me and a sucker for trying a new tool, you might find that a nifty piece of software also increases your enthusiasm when it comes to the crunch.

Either way, you've got nothing to lose in trying one or several of these tools and seeing if one of them is the right one for you. But remember, don't let that distract you from getting started. The most important thing is actually to write.

If you found this article helpful, check out our blog for more info and tips to improve your writing.

Learn More:

• 12 Free Publishing Platforms for Writers to Publish Articles
• ‘Living Rent Free in Someone's Head’: Definition, Meaning, and Examples
• Writing Meditation: How to Use Writing as a Meditation Technique
• Grammar Book: Learn Basic English Grammar
• Don’t Judge a Book By It’s Cover': Definition, Meaning and Examples
• How to Write Height Correctly - Writing Feet and Inches
• ‘Writing’ or ‘Writting’: How to Spell It Correctly
• Language Register in English Writing: Definition, Meaning, and Examples
• How to Write an Inequality: From Number Lines or Word Problems
• How to Write a Monologue: Tips and Examples
• How to End an Email (Sign Off Examples)
• How to Write an Out-of-Office (OOO) Email
• How to Write a Professional ‘Thank You’ Email
• 41 Different Ways to Say 'I Love You'
• How to Sound Polite: Clever Words and Phrases

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Book Writing Software (2024): Top 10 for Writers

by Joe Bunting | 20 comments

Writing a book is hard. I've written fifteen books and at some point during each one I had the thought, “There has to be a tool, a piece of book writing software, that would make it easier to reach my writing goals.”

The good news is there  is  book writing software that can make the writing process and meeting your daily goals easier!

(The better news is that once you've found the right software, we have the best resources to help you finish your book, like this book idea worksheet , which will get you started on your book in just a few minutes. Get your free copy here. )

In this article, we will cover the ten best pieces of software for writing a book and look at the pros and cons of each. Click the links below to get our review on the best writing software.

Best Writing Software: Contents

• Google Docs
• Google Sheets OR Microsoft Excel
• ProWritingAid
• Publisher Rocket
• Microsoft Word
• Bonus: Note Taking Apps
• Bonus: Google Drive OR Dropbox

Worst Pieces of Software for Writing a Book

Before we discuss writing software that will help you write a beautiful book, it's important to understand (and eliminate) what will hurt your writing progress. At least while you're writing a book:

• Video Games.  Especially World of Warcraft (always, always, always!) but also Solitaire, Sudoku, Angry Birds, Star Wars Galaxy of Heroes, and Wild Rift/League of Legends.

• Facebook, TikTok, and Other Social Media Software.  Do I really need to say more? Fortunately there's a piece of book writing software for avoiding this very distracting software (see Freedom below). You can't write a book if you spend you writing time publishing social media posts.
• Other Productive Software Not Directly Associated With Your Writing.  Yes, it's good to reconcile your bank account on Quickbooks or make sure you're up to date on your calendar app, but responsible, well-meaning work can easily be an excuse for a quick distraction that turns into a major distraction from writing your book.

Set aside time for your writing every day and then stay focused. If you need a game, make writing your daily word count your game. If you want more “likes” on social media, imagine how great getting five-star reviews on your book will be.

If you need to check your bank balance several times a day, think about what your bank balance will be when you stop checking it constantly, finish your book, and become a successful author. Now let's talk about some book software for authors that can help you with your book writing process.

The 10 Best Pieces of Book Writing Software

First, there is no such thing as the perfect book writing software. No amount of key features or book writing templates or editing features will write a book for you. Still, these ten book writing software options can help. Take a look at the pros and cons of each:

1. Scrivener (Word Processor)

Scrivener  is the premier book writing app made by writers  for  writers. Scrivener's “binder” view allows you to break up your book into chapters and sections and easily reorganize it with drag and drop interface.

You can also get a high-level view of your book using the corkboard and outliner modes, allowing you to view book chapters, sections, or individual scenes as index cards. Project targets let you create word count goals and then track your progress daily. Its composition mode can help you stay focused by removing all the clutter.

Scrivener has formatting features for publishing (e.g. on Amazon or Barnes & Noble), as well as basic features for distraction-free writing, and has templates for novels, nonfiction books, screenplays, and more.

You can read our  full Scrivener review here .

To be fair, Scrivener also has its weaknesses. Formatting is more complicated than it needs to be and collaborating isn't easy, meaning it loses its effectiveness as soon as you bring on an editor (we recommend Google Docs for collaborating).

You can sync with your iPhone/iPad, but only through Dropbox, making it not as easy as it should be. It also has something of a learning curve, especially for its advanced features. But it more than makes up for that by being so helpful in the early stages of the writing process. Again, here are the pros and cons for Scrivener.

Pros of Scrivener:

• Easily manage a large book writing project (or screenplay) in the binder view
• Get a high-level view of your book's structure using corkboard and outliner views
• Manage your writing productivity with project targets and deadlines
• iPhone and iPad app

Cons of Scrivener: 

• Formatting can be overly complicated
• Learning curve
• ​Syncing with Dropbox isn't always easy
• No Android app

We believe in Scrivener so much, we published a book about how creative writers can write more faster using it. It’s called  Scrivener Superpowers .  If you’re using Scrivener or want a tutorial to save yourself time as you learn how to use it for your creative writing, you can  get Scrivener Superpowers here . You can also learn more about how to use the software with one of these resources:

• Scrivener Superpowers  by M.G. Herron
• 3 Reasons I Love Scrivener
• Microsoft Word vs. Scrivener

Cost: $59.99 for Windows, Mac

Scrivener  is the premier book writing app made by writers  for  writers. It's powerful set of tools allow you to write, organize, edit, and publish books.

• Easily manage writing projects
• Made by writers for writers
• Corkboard and outliner views
• Project targets and deadlines
• iPhone and iPad app
• Complicated formatting
• Steep learning curve
• ​Syncing isn't always easy

2. Dabble (Word Processor)

Similar to Scrivener, Dabble is a word processor that gives you the power to organize and rearrange scenes and chapters using drag and drop, manage your word count goals to keep to a deadline, and plot like a pro. (Screenshots seen here are in the optional dark mode.)

Dabble has a plot grid that allows you to easily see a macro view of your story. You can rearrange as needed, find plot holes easily, and make notes on each plot point as detailed as you like. 

Collaboration is easy. You simply add a co-author and they will be sent an invitation. They must also have a subscription or they will only be able to read the document. 

You can insert images in any scene or note, or add title images to chapters or full page images within or between chapters. You can even set cover art for the manuscript. 

Focus mode in Dabble is automatic. Simply start typing and everything else fades away. No need to worry about saving every few minutes either.

Dabble is cloud-based and automatically saves as you go. You can access your manuscripts everywhere: in your browser, on your phone, or in the desktop app. As you're writing, you can make notes and comments.

Don’t want to type? You can dictate. And when you’re done writing, there’s a Read to Me feature that reads your manuscript to you!

Cost : Subscription plans range from $10/month to $20/month; Lifetime access cost is $499; 14-day free trial 

Dabble is a word processor designed specifically for books. It gives you the power to organize and rearrange scenes and chapters using drag and drop, manage your word count goals to keep to a deadline, and plot like a pro. 

• Easy Learning Curve
• Streamlined collaboration
• Cloud-based syncing
• Built-in Dictation
• Easy Exporting
• Word count targets and deadlines
• Plotting tool
• Subscription service
• Lifetime access cost is high
• Only simple formatting options

3. Google Docs (Word Processing)

While Scrivener and Dabble are a great book  writing  software, once you get to editing and getting feedback, it begins to fall short. That's why Google Docs has become my go-to piece of book writing software for collaborating with editors, beta readers, and other writers.

It's free, easy to use, and requires no backups since everything is in the cloud.

Best of all are its collaboration abilities, which allow you to invite your editor to the document and then watch as they make changes, which are tracked in suggestion mode, and leave comments on your story (see screenshot below).

I also like the outline feature in the left sidebar. You can display it by clicking View > Show Outline. Then format the chapters and main sections of your manuscript as headings to make them appear in the document. You can then easily visualize and even click through your book to navigate it. This feature isn't as useful as Scrivener and Dabble's binder, but it makes navigating your book much easier.

While not the best for brainstorming, writing, or organizing your book, Google Docs, the free word processor available in Google Drive, is the single best word processor for collaborating with co-writers, beta readers, or editors.

• Real-time collaboration with editors, beta readers, or other writers
• Suggestion mode
• Outline View
• Few large-document organization features
• No productivity features
• Usually requires an internet connection

4. Google Sheets OR Microsoft Excel (Spreadsheet)

If you’d told me when I was first trying to become a writer that one of my most-used tools in my book writing software toolkit would be a spreadsheet, I would have told you I didn't major in English to have to use a spreadsheet.

But now, as I'm finishing my fifteenth book, I realize that I use spreadsheets almost daily. Spreadsheets allow you to get a sense of the elements of your book at a glance, and when you're working on a 300-page document, distilling it down to useable information becomes very necessary.

You might use spreadsheets for:

• Character tracking
• Breakdown of scenes
• A Foolscap/Beat sheet

Google Sheets is perfect for this because it's free and you can quickly share your documents with your writing partners, editors, or beta readers to get feedback.

Microsoft Excel is another great option, but Excel lacks the real-time editing with other users and is overall lacking in the collaboration functions. Still, if you already have Excel, it's a great way to quickly get started plotting your book or managing your project.

• Real-time Collaboration : Work with editors, beta readers, or co-authors in real-time.
• Speed : It's fast and responsive, which is useful for quickly developing an outline or managing a project.
• Cost-effective : It's so cost-effective it's free!
• Handling External Spreadsheets : Managing spreadsheets from other sources like Excel can be annoying.
• Internet Dependency : Although there's an offline mode, the overall experience is better with an internet connection.

• Familiar : If you already own or have used Microsoft Office, it should be familiar to you.
• Advanced Feature : Excel is slightly more powerful than Google Sheets (although for most writing related tasks, you will likely not need advanced features).
• Offline Access : Unlike Google Sheets, Excel doesn't require an internet connection, which is handy for working on-the-go.
• Cost : Unlike Google Sheets which is free, Excel comes with a cost as part of the Microsoft 365 Office Suite.
• Collaboration : Although Excel has collaborative features, they're more streamlined in Google Sheets.

5. Vellum (Book Formatting/Word Processing)

If you want to turn your book into an eBook, it's not that hard. Scrivener, Word, Pages, they all can format eBooks and print books. But that doesn't mean they'll look good. In fact, it takes a lot of skill and effort to format a printed book that looks good on any of those word processors.

That's why I love Vellum so much.

Vellum makes beautiful books.

Vellum picks up where Scrivener, Word, and Pages leave off, giving you a tool to make great looking eBooks and print books, usually in under an hour. The most important part of this is the previewer (see the image below), which lets you see how each formatting change or book edit you make will appear on Kindle, Fire, iPhone, Nook, and other eReaders.

It also has stripped-down, option-based formatting, which is perfect for designing both eBooks and print books. I really love this writing app!

Vellum is a book formatting tool to quickly and easily create beautiful eBooks and print books, often within an hour. It features a book previewer which allows you to see how your book will look on various eReaders and in print, and offers a simplified, option-based formatting to format beautiful books faster.

• Ease of Use: Easy to navigate and use, even for inexperienced writers.
• Quick Formatting: The simplified, option-based formatting lets you create books in as little as an hour.
• High-Quality Aesthetics: Delivers visually beautiful books.
• Book Previewer Tool: View how your book will appear on various eReaders as you work.
• Platform Limitation: Restricted to Mac users.
• Style Restrictions: Limited design and styling options can be a drawback for some.
• Cost: Higher price point compared to some other formatting software.

6. ProWritingAid (Grammar/Spell Check)

Can a grammar checker replace an editor?

Definitely not. But if you ask Alice Sudlow, our in-house editor, she'll tell you, “If you don’t have access to an editor (or if you do, but you don’t want to hire them to edit your emails or Facebook posts), software that performs grammar checks like  ProWritingAid  is an accessible, affordable alternative.”

If you struggle with grammar mistakes, sentence structure, spelling, or even writing style, ProWritingAid can help. It goes far beyond your built-in spellcheck. You should still learn grammar skills, but ProWritingAid can help you start to see the patterns and grow as a writer.

There's a free version that's very good. It can even be installed into your browser or Word processor, so you can check your grammar wherever you write.

The paid version, just $96 a year with our discount link (33 percent less than Grammarly ‘s price), gives you additional support on sentence structure, style, and vocabulary. Learn more about how writers can get the most out of ProWritingAid here .

• Grammar and Style Correction: Gives "as-you-type" grammar corrections as well as comprehensive style analysis to help you write clearer, more engaging prose.
• Writing Insights: You can learn a lot about your writing style with their detailed reports on readability, sentence structure, and more.
• Integration: You can integrate it with nearly any other writing tool or word processor..
• Subscription Cost: While more affordable than other options, there is a subscription cost for for full access.
• Overwhelming Feedback: Not all the feedback is useful, and without knowledge of the book writing process, you may get distracted by the amount of feedback.
• Internet Requirement: You must have an internet connection for most types of feedback.

• Easy to Use: User-friendly design (slightly more easy to use than ProWritingAid in my opinion).
• Spell-Check and Grammar Check: Detailed spelling and grammar check functionality.
• Goal-Setting Feature: It can help you tailor suggestions based on writing goals.
• Broad Integration: Works with many platforms (the Google Docs integration isn't very good though).
• Cost: While the free plan is robust, the premium plan is more expensive compared to ProWritingAid.
• Google Docs Integration: Lacks a fully functional integration.
• Big Picture Feedback: Does not provide as much overarching edits and style-based feedback as ProWritingAid.

7. Publisher Rocket (Book Marketing App)

How do you know if your book will sell? Wouldn't it be nice to know if there is a market for your book  before  you start writing? How do you find the most readers on Amazon for your published book? For all of these questions, Publisher Rocket has an answer.

Read our  full Publisher Rocket review here .

Publisher Rocket a book marketing research tool that helps you understand what readers actually want  and  how to connect with them with your books. Here are some things you can discover in Publisher Rocket:

• What phrases Amazon buyers are actually searching for.
• The psychology of how readers choose to buy books.
• How much money readers are spending on certain niches and topics.
• How much money specific books are making per month (for example, books that might be competing with yours).

I've personally used Publisher Rocket to take mid-list books to #1 bestseller status on Amazon. It's an amazing tool, perfect for anyone working on a book.

We also like KD Spy, another Amazon research tool (check out our review here ). You can compare and contrast the two tools below:

• Target Popular Keywords: Helps writers find specific phrases readers are using on Amazon to discover books.
• Market Understanding: Offers a clear view of what books are competing with yours (and how many sales they make, historically).
• Category Identification: Find the most relevant Amazon categories for your book.
• Cross-Platform Compatibility: Works on both PCs and Macs.
• Learning Curve: May require some time and education to fully utilize all features.
• Cost: One-time purchase required.
• Amazon-Centric: Tailored for Amazon, may not be as effective for other platforms.

• Amazon Category Research : Analyze Amazon book categories to understand competition and profitability.
• Keyword Tools : Provides niche and seed keywords to help in market understanding.
• Competition Snapshot : Ability to get an overview of your competitors.
• Traffic Light System : Visual cues to understand keyword difficulty and category competitiveness.
• Limited Keyword Data : Doesn't provide Amazon search numbers.
• Browser Extension : Limited to browser usage, not a standalone software.
• Basic Keyword Tools: Keyword functionalities are quite basic compared to Publisher Rocket.
• Dependent on Amazon : Insights are tailored for Amazon, may not apply to other platforms.

8. Atticus (Book Formatting/Word Processing)

Once you've  written  your book, how do you turn it into something people can actually  read ? If you're self-publishing, you need a tool like Atticus.

Atticus is a book formatting and word processing tool that allows you to take your manuscript and quickly and easily format it for publishing, including print and eBook formats.

But Atticus is more that just a formatter. It's an all-in-one solution for writers, giving you the organization features of Scrivener, the cloud collaboration features of Google Docs,  and  the book formatting abilities of Vellum. Yes, that's just as cool as it sounds!

It also works on all platforms, whether you're working on Windows, Mac, Chromebook, or even Linux. While I still love and use Vellum (see below), the benefit of Atticus is that it works for everyone, not just Mac users. Learn more about Atticus in my full review.

• All-in-One Solution : Combines writing and formatting capabilities seamlessly.
• Multi-Platform Availability : Available on PC, Mac, Linux, and Chromebook.
• Cost-Effective : Priced lower than some competitors like Vellum while offering similar capabilities

Cons: 

• Learning Curve : While intuitive, mastering advanced features may require some time.
• New Software : Being relatively new, it might have fewer features compared to established software, with some desired features planned for future updates.
• Crude Formatting : Out of the box formatting options aren't as refined as Vellum and will require more tweaking.

Atticus is a complete book writing and formatting tool that merges the capabilities of an online word processor with plug-and-play book formatting features. It can function as a one-stop solution for authors, with collaboration tools between authors, editors, and book designers, to take your book from idea to finished, publishable product.

9. Freedom (Productivity App)

One question writers always ask me is, “How can I stay focused enough to finish what I write?” I have too many thoughts on that for this article, but as far as using writing software to encourage focus goes, I recommend Freedom. It's my favorite writing tool for a distraction-free writing experience.

Freedom allows you to enter focus mode, blocking your biggest distractions, including both websites and mobile apps, for a set period of time. So when you mindlessly escape your book to scroll through Facebook, you'll find the site won't load.

You can also schedule recurring sessions, so that at a scheduled time (e.g. Mondays from 6 am to 10 am), you won’t be able to access the sites on your blocklist, even if you try.

There are other apps like this that we've written about before, notably Self-Control for Mac and StayFocused for Windows. But Freedom goes further, allowing you to block sites on both your computer  and  your phone, and enabling recurring sessions.

You can learn more about  how writers can get the most out of Freedom on our review here .

Freedom is a productivity app that can help writers in stay focused by blocking distracting websites and mobile apps for a designated period or during specific schedules, like during your morning writing time.

• Distraction Blocking : Helps you concentrate on writing by blocking distractions.
• Scheduled Focus Sessions : Schedule your focus mode in advance for recurring undistracted writing sessions.
• Mobile Device Syncing : Getting it working with mobile devices can be a bit challenging.
• Bypass Possibility : It's possible to find ways around its blockers if one tries hard enough.

Cost: $29 / year for Pro version, which I use and recommend (there's also a free trial available)

10. Microsoft Word (Word Processor)

Again: no piece of book writing software is going to write your book for you. If you're looking for the next “shiny new toy” to help you write your book, it might be an excuse to avoid doing the hard work of writing.

Most of us learned how to use computers by using Microsoft Word, or a program like it. Word gets the job done. Sure, Scrivener is a little better for books, but I wrote my first book on Word and it's fine.

I wrote a long review of  the pros and cons of using Word to write books —the main problem is that as your document grows, it becomes more and more difficult to work with, whereas with Scrivener, it becomes easier—but the point is, if Word is what you have, don't let that stop you from finishing your book.

You don't need a fancy tool to plan a book in the early stages, like if you draft a character description for your protagonist, or in the editing stages, like if you want to make comments on scene details.

As Jeff Elkins said in  his review of Word , “If you aren’t already putting in the hard work to be the kind of writer you want to be, it doesn’t matter what new writing software you invest in. It is not going to help.”

Microsoft Word is the industry standard word processing software. While limited in its features for writing books, it provides a familiar platform for writers to create, share, and review their work.

• Familiar Interface : Known and used by many, making collaboration easier.
• Extensive Features : Provides a wide range of writing and formatting tools.
• Cost : Requires a subscription to Microsoft 365.
• Lack of Book Writing Features : Despite its extensive feature set, it lacks specialized tools for book writing included with applications like Scrivener or Dabble.
• Lack of Real-Time Collaboration : While it offers some collaboration features, it falls short in real-time collaborative editing compared to some cloud-native applications like Google Docs.

Cost: $69 / year with Microsoft 365 (includes Excel, Powerpoint, Outlook, and other Microsoft software)

Note:  Another word processor we can't recommend is yWriter, which while it has a cult following and was designed by a fellow novelist, seems to be out of development and has no support for Mac/OSX.

BONUS #1: Google Drive OR Dropbox (Cloud Backup)

There's nothing worse that finishing a great writing session and going to save your work, then your computer crashes and you discover you've lost your best writing. It's enough to send any writer into the throes of grief and depression. There's a simple solution, though: save a copy of ALL your writing to the cloud using Google Drive, Dropbox, or BOTH.

Here's my process:  I have all my Scrivener book files saved on a folder on Google Drive on my computer. Then, Scrivener automatically backs up every few minutes to a Dropbox folder. That way, I know I will always have the document I need, no matter what happens. Best of all, both of these apps have free plans, making it extremely foolish NOT to use them.

Pros of Drive:

• Universal cloud backup
• Automatically syncs
• Free or inexpensive

Cons of Drive:

• Setup is a bit tricky the first time
• Maybe you WANT to lose your writing when your computer crashes

Cost: Free with Paid options

Sign up for Google Drive here »

Sign up for Dropbox here »

BONUS #2: iOS Notes OR Evernote OR Ulysses OR Bear (Note Taking)

When I'm writing for a long time, I like to get up and go for a walk. Sometimes, I wish I could continue writing while I walk. Other times, I find myself brainstorming ideas while I'm not at my computer, typing it up on my phone, and then wanting to easily move what I wrote to my laptop without having to go through the hassle of emailing it back and forth to myself.

That's where note taking apps like Ulysses and Evernote come in.

iOS Notes, Ulysses ,  Evernote , and  Bear  are note taking apps that allow you to sync between all your devices, so you have what you need wherever you are, ideal for jotting down ideas or thinking through your book while you're out and about.

While Scrivener recently released an iOS app which allows you to sync between devices, their process is clunky and requires you to purchase both the mobile and desktop apps. These note taking apps make the process much more seamless.

Like Scrivener, they all have a binder-like sidebar that allows you to move documents around. None of them are designed specifically for books, so they may take a little configuring to make it work for you, but once you have one set up the way you want, it's very intuitive.

And while I hate Markdown, a markup language that allows you to format your text, I actually like the paired-down formatting options Ulysses and Bear give, especially for brainstorming. Overall, I wouldn't convert from Scrivener to any of these apps, but as supplements, they work great.

Pros of Evernote:

• Sync notes between devices
• Write as you go
• Capture ideas

Cons of Evernote:

• Free plan is limited
• Becomes clunky as you get more notes
• Better for note taking than managing a large writing project

iOS Notes  Cost: Free with any iOS device

Get the app here »

Evernote  Cost: Free with Paid options

Ulysses Cost: $45 Note: Ulysses is only available for Mac, either in the App Store or from their website.

Bear Cost: $1.49 monthly / $14.99 yearly Note:  Bear is also only available for Mac, either in the App Store or from their website.

Bonus #3: Hemingway App (Style Checker)

Most writers think their sentences are easier to read than they are. You think you're coming across clearly, that your writing makes sense, but then someone reads it and comes away with something totally different. Hemingway App (sometimes called Hemingway Editor) helps with that.

Hemingway App is a free website that checks readability. You can copy and paste your writing into the website's input box. Then it will grade your writing based on your used of   adverbs , passive voice , and sentences as units . Hemingway App is useful, but even the best book writing software can’t replace a good editor.

Pros of Hemingway:

• Fast, easy style advice

Cons of Hemingway:

• Somewhat arbitrary advice
• Hemingway himself would fail

Cost: Free!

Try out Hemingway App here »

The 30+ Tools Every Writer Needs

Writing is no different, and while the right software is important, it's just one of the many tools you need as a writer.

That's why we published a list of all of our favorite tools for everything related to being a writer.

You can  download our tools for writers guide for free here .

The Most Essential Book Writing Software

Imagine it's three thousand years ago.

You're sitting around a campfire with some of your family and friends, tired from the day's work. You begin to tell a story. It's one you've told before, told a hundred times. You can see faces around the fire, the children with their eyes wide, the men and women who have heard the story before but still enjoy it because it brings meaning to their lives.

Storytellers—writers—have existed since the beginning of humanity. They didn’t always have book writing software. They didn't have the printing press or the internet. They didn't always even have the alphabet to write their stories down. Instead, storytellers had their imaginations, their voices, and a rapt audience. Y

ou don’t need book writing software to write a great story. Book writing software can make the process a little faster or easier, but the truth is great stories will always exist, no matter what kind of software we have.

The only three things essential to writing a great book:

• Your imagination
• A desire to tell your story

That’s all you need. Do you want to write your book? If you do, then do it. Write it. Nothing is stopping you except you.  So go get writing.

What pieces of book writing software do you use?  Let us know in the comments .

The world is full of powerful software to help you write your book. In the end, though, all these tools are just that—tools. The stories you imagine and your discipline to put the words on the page are far more important.

So for this practice, set aside all the fancy software. Eliminate all the bells and whistles and open up your computer's native text editor (TextEdit for Mac or Notepad for Windows).

Take fifteen minutes to write without any distractions.

Continue your work in progress, or start a new story based on this prompt: A student discovers one of their teachers is not what they appear to be.

When you're done, share your writing practice in the Pro Practice Workshop . And if you share, be sure to leave feedback for your fellow writers!

Joe Bunting

Joe Bunting is an author and the leader of The Write Practice community. He is also the author of the new book Crowdsourcing Paris , a real life adventure story set in France. It was a #1 New Release on Amazon. Follow him on Instagram (@jhbunting).

Want best-seller coaching? Book Joe here.

Join over 450,000 readers who are saying YES to practice. You’ll also get a free copy of our eBook 14 Prompts :

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Blog • Perfecting your Craft

Last updated on Feb 07, 2023

The Best Book Writing Software of 2024: Scrivener, yWriter, and More

There isn’t any writing software that can miraculously make you a professional author. However, plenty of digital tools can help you improve your writing, become more productive and publish a book. To help you sort through a sea of apps available on PC, Mac, and mobile, we’ll run through some of the best book writing software available today.

This post will help you find the best app for your particular needs as a writer.

Developing your craft

The best way to become a better writer is simply to write prolifically. But it might also help to have a kindly electronic tutor looking over your shoulder.

Price: Free online, or $19.99 to download the desktop app

The Hemingway app is for authors who want to bring out their inner Ernest by writing prose that’s “bold and clear.”

To help you improve your writing in real-time, the app highlights text with colors that indicate run-on sentences, passive voice, qualifiers, adverbs, and complex phrasing to reduce. Our full Hemingway app review discusses these functions in more detail, but one drawback is that it doesn’t exist as an extension to browsers and word processors. You either have to write your book elsewhere and import it onto Hemingway for an edit, or you write on Hemingway and forfeit other book-related functions like formatting tools and goal-tracking.

If you struggle to write consistently, sign up for our How to Write a Novel course to finish a novel in just 3 months.  

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ProWritingAid

Price: $120/year

ProWritingAid aims to improve your writing by providing language-checking features that spot not only grammar mistakes but also stylistic weaknesses like purple prose or passive voice — though these should be taken with a grain of salt. The app has integrations to most major word processors and browsers, so you can easily apply it to book writing software like Word or the Reedsy Book Editor. For a more in-depth analysis of its functions and uses (plus a discount code!), head to our ProWritingAid review .

Writing productivity

Inspiration is nothing without the discipline to complete your first drafts. The features on these apps are designed to help you become more productive writers.

FocusWriter

Price: Free

Sometimes even word processors like the ones discussed so far feel overwhelming and distracting with all of its formatting tools and features. What if you just want a clean slate with absolutely nothing to distract you from the flow of your words — not even a toolbar with unnecessary functions? FocusWriter can provide you with a virtual sheet of paper (cloaked in the theme of your choice). 

Now, you can access a toolbar with several features like a timer for writing sprints, and a daily goal tracker — but in its default state, this writing software tucks them safely out of view. Recent updates have made it possible to save your work as Word files, which means you can write with FocusWriter and easily share your manuscript with others for feedback.

Reedsy Book Editor

Designed to meet the key needs of authors, our Reedsy Book Editor is a free, all-in-one piece of book writing software . On its unobtrusive interface, you can write your book with the help of a built-in spell-check system (tailored to your preferred language) and a goal-tracking feature that will help you hit your deadlines. Simply enter your target length, tell the RBE which days of the week you intend to write, and the app will automatically set your daily word count goals .

FREE WRITING APP

The Reedsy Book Editor

Set goals, track progress, and establish your writing routine in our free app.

Price: $39.96/year

If you’re struggling to find enough discipline to make the Pomodoro method work, it might be time to call in the distraction-busting big guns. You can install freedom on one or all of your devices, and during your writing sprints, the app will cut off your access to your apps, the entire internet, or a self-selected collection of ‘distracting websites’ (Facebook, Instagram, OK Cupid, etc.).

Planning your story

Many writers love plotting out their books on corkboards and spiral-bound notebooks. But if you’re looking for tidier alternatives (or programs that can prompt you in the right direction), you may want to check these out.

Price : Free

yWriter looks a bit dated, and it’s not yet available to Mac users, but it’s a formidable piece of writing software for anyone writing science fiction or fantasy — or any project with a lot of complex worldbuilding details. By dividing your work into scenes (on which you can tag relevant characters and locations), yWriter helps you track every development in the manuscript as you write. 

Campfire Write

Price: Starting at $1.50 per month 

Another option for science fiction and fantasy writers is Campfire Write. Created with these genres in mind, this web-based book writing software lets you map your story by Elements (characters, locations, maps, species, cultures, philosophies, etc.), which can be purchased individually, as needed. Say you only subscribe to the manuscript writing feature, it’ll cost $1.50 a month. If you want to have several character profiles, a culture outline, and a couple of interactive maps, you can expect to pay $5.25 a month. 

Your work here can also be shared with an editor (who can leave comments on your work) or with the Campfire writing community at large. While it takes some time to familiarize yourself with its many details, Campfire can be a useful and fun tool for writers to build their universes. We've also reviewed Campfire Write in more detail.

For 20% off all lifetime purchases on Campfire, use the promo code REEDSY20 at checkout.

Price: $49 

Scrivener is a favorite among authors in no small part because it is one of the first writing programs created with authors in mind. With its corkboard function that allows you to see your whole project in one view, its split-screen mode for you to reference research as you write, and its clean-cut filing system, Scrivener gives authors a good workspace whether they need to outline their book before writing or figure out the big picture as they write.

Formatting your book

If you’re looking to join the self-publishing revolution and become the next big author on Kindle, you’ll need a way to turn your manuscript into a professional-grade ebook and paperback. Thankfully, there’s an app for that!

Oh look! A second appearance for the Reedsy Book Editor. But hey-ho: our site, our rules. 

With the RBE’s formatting abilities, you can import your manuscript from a .docx file and apply stylistic flourishes in minutes. Simply click ‘Export’ and choose a style — the Reedsy Book Editor will take care of aligning the text, inserting drop caps and chapter titles, and turning your work into an elegant EPUB or PDF file that can immediately be uploaded to ebook distribution platforms or printing services. It’s an effortless process that allows self-publishing authors to spend time and resources on other parts of their publishing projects.

At the end of the day, no app is going to be fully able to outline, write, or edit your book for you — but with these book writing software options in mind, you’ll at least be able to find something that makes the process easier, streamlined, and more enjoyable. Now get out there and start creating!

Continue reading

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Typewriter. Ring-binder. Scrapbook. Everything you need to craft your first draft.

Get your thoughts onto the page and explore the connections between them.

Join the conversation. Ask a question or just get to know your fellow users.

What we’re working on, interviews with users, and general prolixity.

Typewriter. Ring-binder. Scrapbook. Scrivener combines all the tools you need to craft your first draft, from nascent notion to final full stop.

Scrivener takes tools familiar to writers everywhere and integrates them in new and exciting ways.

Start a new chapter: Scrivener 3 is now available for macOS and Windows.

No matter what you write, Scrivener brings together all of your notes, research and writing so that it's always at hand.

For writing. And writing. And writing.

Scrivener is the go-to app for writers of all kinds, used every day by best-selling novelists, screenwriters, non-fiction writers, students, academics, lawyers, journalists, translators and more. Scrivener won't tell you how to write—it simply provides everything you need to start writing and keep writing.

Available for

Grow your manuscript your way.

Tailor-made for long writing projects, Scrivener banishes page fright by allowing you to compose your text in any order, in sections as large or small as you like. Got a great idea but don't know where it fits? Write when inspiration strikes and find its place later. Grow your manuscript organically, idea by idea.

MORE FEATURES

See the forest or the trees

Whether you plan or plunge, Scrivener works your way: hammer out every last detail before typing a word, or carve out a draft and restructure later. Or mix your methods and do a bit of both. In Scrivener, everything you write is integrated into an easy-to-use project outline. So working with an overview of your manuscript is only ever a click away, and turning Chapter Four into Chapter One is as simple as drag and drop.

Research within reach

Need to refer to research? In Scrivener, your background material is always at hand, and you can open it right next to your work. Write a description based on a photograph. Transcribe an interview. Take notes about a PDF file or web page. Or check for consistency by referencing an earlier chapter alongside the one in progress.

Getting it out there

Once you're ready to share your work with the world, compile everything into a single document for printing, self-publishing, or exporting to popular formats such as Word, PDF, Final Draft or plain text. You can even share using different formatting, so that you can write in your favorite font and still satisfy those submission guidelines.

Who uses Scrivener?

• Autobiographers
• Biographers
• Children's Authors
• Journalists
• Screenwriters
• Translators

I genuinely think this is the biggest software advance for writers since the word processor. Michael Marshall Smith , NYT best-selling author.

Scrivener gives you the freedom to make a mess, the confidence to know you’ll clean it up, and the semantic relationships to tie it all together in whatever way makes the most sense to you. Merlin Mann , indie writer, speaker, and broadcaster.

If there was a list of the top five greatest apps of all time in the Mac App Store, it would start with Scrivener and then there would be four other things. Andy Ihnatko , technology columnist.

As a writer's application, Scrivener is damn near perfect; it means outlines, treatments and then first drafts can be put together in the same application. Neil Cross , author and screenwriter.

Scrivener is worth every penny: quite simply, it’s the best writers tool there is. Zoe Margolis , best-selling author.

Scrivener is the biggest leap forward in writing software since the venerable days of WordPerfect, and believe me, I’ve tried them all. Antony Johnston , comics writer and novelist.

Scrivener has so many useful features, there’s almost too many to list. Mike Sussman , Writer-Producer.

I'd thought it was yet another hobby app at first but this is genuinely for working writers with real deadlines and monster workloads. Karen Traviss , #1 NYT best-selling author.

Scrivener 1.2.4 Requires iOS 12+ Release Notes

Scrivener 3.3.6 Requires macOS 10.13+ Release Notes

Scrivener 3.1.5.1 Requires 64-bit Windows 10+ Minimum display resolution 1024x768px Release Notes

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14 of the Best Free Book Writing Software on the Market

by tanisha | Dec 14, 2017 | Uncategorized | 4 comments

Remember back in the day when all you needed to succeed as a writer was skill, determination and pen and paper? Then word processors hit the scene as the best thing since sliced bread and no writer was complete without one. Now, just when you thought the task of writing a book couldn’t get any easier, brilliant minds have collaborated and graced authors with a hefty selection of free book writing software…..

Best Free Book Writing Software

Talk about book writing software and people will immediately mention brands like Scrivener and Ulysses. And to be fair, Scrivener and Ulysses are great writing programs. However, purchasing either one of them can take a nice chunk of change out of your bank account. And before you start throwing Microsoft Word around as the best option for writers – a program for all times, generations and ages, and a tool with which you can never go wrong, try to remember that the Office 365 subscription fee is not cheap. But nonetheless, do not despair. There are plenty of sufficient book writing software options on the market, and some even grant usability free of charge. In this article,  ChatEbooks  lists some of the best free book writing software to consider:

1. Google Docs

Though Google Docs is probably the last tool you’d consider in a quest for free book writing software, it’s actually the perfect application for collaborative work.

• Easily Accessible: This web-based application allows you to create, edit, store and access files from any location. You can even use it in Offline mode by enabling its “Offline Access” feature and it’ll sync as soon as you regain your connection.
• Additional Tools: Google Docs not only provides a free word processor for crafting your manuscript, but there is also a spreadsheet aspect available that can help you outline and keep track of your plots.
• Allows File Sharing: You can create URL’s of your files to allow for sharing with editors, agents, and publishers.
• This application is most effective for short writing and might not be as efficient when it comes to long writing.
• It has a limited number of Template documents. A large library of Template documents are available at a monthly charge or a small fee for each file

2. Grammarly

Grammarly is a godsend for anyone whose modest budget depends on free book writing software.

• Full Document Checking: This program isn’t just a sophisticated spellcheck. It will check your grammar, writing style and even the sentence structure. In addition, you’ll get detailed explanations for all your mistakes and weekly progress reports to keep you on track.
• Usability: It can be used as an online browser extension, a website, or an app to download on your computer.
• Grammarly follows spelling rules of US English, not British English or other English-speaking countries with spelling variants. It might turn into a double headache as they figure out which words are outright correct.

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yWriter is one of the simplest and most trustworthy book writing applications on the market today.

• Organization: This distraction-free tool allows you to organize and keep track of your stories, plots, characters, locations and even scenes.
• Interface: The program’s interface is designed around the structure of a novel and it is immensely straightforward in its use.
• Software Versions: The yWriter software was previously only available for PC use; however, an Android version was recently released and there is now a beta version for iOS.
•  yWriter doesn’t work with Mac yet and it doesn’t come with templates.

4. Hemingway Editor

Used as a website or desktop app, Hemingway Editor is an editing tool that improves the clarity of your writing.

• Focuses on Readability: Unlike Grammarly, Hemingway Editor prioritizes readability above all else. Like a portable beta reader, this nifty tool is designed to detect wordy sentences, dull or complicated words, adverbs and passive voice in a text.
• Color Codes: Hemingway Editor uses color codes so users can easily and quickly determine which areas in their writing they need to address.
• Provides Readability Grades: By simply copying and pasting your writing into the website’s input box, your written work will be graded based on your use of adverbs, passive voice and sentence structure.
• Tthe program doesn’t tell you how to improve your writing. It merely gives you a readability grade and highlights your errors.

LitLift is a hub of sorts for all your fiction writing needs.

• All-in-One Usage: With this free book writing software, you can write your stories, store them, organize them and even collaborate with other writers.
• Tools & Resources: LitLift has a treasure-trove of easily customizable resources like plot lines, character sketches, idea generators and more.
• The interface isn’t very eye-catching and users have complained that it’s difficult to personalize and navigate, and some functionalities are not user-friendly .

This free book writing application is ideal for shorter books. It has been around for more than a decade now and it keeps on being updated.

• Color Management: Scribus offers over 200 colors for you to choose from. Similar to Adobe Indesign, the color management system provides you with the freedom to control the display and conversion of color.  It also offers an emulation of color blindness. This feature helps to demonstrate how people with different degrees of blindness will perceive different pigments.
• Offline Installation: Once Scribus has been downloaded, you can install it on your device while offline.
• Supported on Several OS: The software can run on Linux, Free BSD, PC-BSD, NetBSD, OpenBSD, Solaris, OpenIndiana, Mac OS X, eComStation, Haiku, and Windows.
• It is not ideal for a large publication (400+ pages)
• Doesn’t have a Spell Check option
• Help resources are a bit disorganized. It can take a long time to get answers if you have questions or concerns

7. WriteMonkey

This free book writing app is perfect if you’re in need of a work space screen that distraction-free.

• Simplicity: The app’s user interface is easy to understand and use. With automatic syntax highlighting and organization, it can make your work much easier. WriteMonkey is light, fast, and perfectly handy for those who enjoy the simplicity of a typewriter.
• Portable App: The app can be used from a flash drive. This travel-friendly option will allow you to work from anywhere.
• Customizable: You can change the features of the app according to your own specifications. For example, the screen displayed, color scheme and the toolbar location can all be altered to your liking.
• Markup Support: WriteMonkey supports the use of Markdown, Textile, and WikiCreole, which all help in formatting syntax.
• The options menu may be organized in a way that’s not user-friendly. So for a new user, the app may be a bit hard to grasp.
• People with limited keyboard shortcut knowledge may find it hard to use.

8. FocusWriter

Focus Writer is noted as one of the best free book writing software in the “distraction-free” space.

• Distraction-Free: You can hide other apps in use while you write so you won’t get distracted or side-tracked.
• Customizable: You can customize the way the app is displayed on your screen. And you can also choose to add typewriter sound effects.
• Timers and Alarms: You can set daily writing goals using their timer and alarm features. This can help you tremendously with managing your time.
• Supported by many software: FocusWriter can run on Linux, Windows, and Mac OS enhancing availability.
• No real markdown support though it offers one tag as a divider to separate scenes or chapters

Bibisco is an open source free book writing software with a simple user interface that makes it easy for writers to navigate.

• Organization: This software will help you organize the chapters and scenes within your manuscript.
• Flow of ideas: Bibisco outlines how your characters, locations, and narrative strands are distributed across the chapters. This feature allows you to easily follow the flow of your story .
• Multiple OS: The software can run on Windows, Linux, and Mac Os.
• Different languages: The software supports a number of languages: English, Turkish, Spanish, Serbian, Russian, Portuguese (Brazil), Portuguese (Portugal), Polish, Italian, German and Czech.
• Large File Size: Bibisco’s file size is rather large so installation would require ample storage space on your computer.

10.  Writer’s Block

This application is meant to make a writer’s work simpler, faster and smarter. Like the name suggests, this writing software organizes your work into blocks for easier access and navigation.

• Unique user interface: Unlike most writing software, within this application you’ll have a constant full view of all chapters/scenes you’ve written. This will enable you to refer to previous thoughts while remaining in context.
• Easy organization: With the use of their “blocks” feature, you can easily link chapters/scenes to each other.
• No direction: Despite the application’s ability to organize work into chapters and scenes, it does not give clear direction as to which one follows the other.

11. LibreOffice

This program offers a word processor that has features similar to Microsoft Word.

• Full suites: LibreOffice provides full suites of office software thus writers can create different file formats for their work and link one suite’s work to another.
• Compatible with Microsoft Word: The file formats on LibreOffice can be opened using Microsoft office suites. This makes it possible to access the files on both software. Also, you’ll be able to edit, format or continue with your work on a third party platform like Google drive. The usability alone makes it one of the best book writing software for writers.
• Advertiser-free: There are no advertising or features hidden behind paywalls
• Installation: Updates of the software must be manually downloaded and installed
• Extra templates have to be downloaded and installed manually

Another office suite that’s free, easy to use and conveniently designed for different file formats (formerly known as Kingsoft Office).

• Multiple OS: This office suite can be used on several OS including Mac OS, Windows, and Linux.
• Cloud Support: 1GB cloud storage space is offered on the installation of this software on your device. This makes retrieving files easier and not limited to location.
• PDF conversion: You can convert your work into PDF format from a text document and vice versa.
• Portable: The app has mobile versions available for iOS and Android enabling you to write on the go.
• Customization: You can customize how the app will appear on your device. You can drag and drop paragraphs, which at times, can be practical.
• Ads: The software’s free version displays ads that delay the accessibility of some of its features. The paid version, which costs $30, has no ads.

13.  Fastpencil

This app is ideal for writers who prefer online platforms.

• Easy collaboration: With this cloud-based application, you’ll be able to collaborate with colleagues in real time.
• Easy publication: You can convert your publication to any ebook format. In addition, your work can be published by the FastPencil team, with a retail barcode included.
• E-Commerce: Once published, the distribution and selling of your ebook are done by the FastPencil team. This includes both print and ebooks with ISBN(s).
• Easy management of books: With FastPencil, you can track sales and royalty immediately as they happen worldwide. With these reports you’ll be able to determine which channel is most profitable.
• Social Media Marketing: You can automatically update your Facebook page or Twitter timeline whenever you start or finish a new project.
• Tracking: FastPencil incorporates an auto-edit tracking device to monitor your editing changes.  
• Added Cost: There are additional cost of formatting and publishing through them
• Late Payouts: Payouts from third parties can take a long time. Amounts are distributed quarterly and then up to 60 days from the end of that particular quarter. So, you could be waiting for up to five months for a payout if you made sales on the first day of any given quarter.

14.  Avalon Novel

This ideal app allows you to read, write and earn.

• Easy audience reach: Readers are referred to your work based on the keywords you’ve selected. This feature allows you to reach your target audience.
• Exposure: Using this app will allow you to gain exposure for your work even before it’s complete. Uploads are done chapter by chapter which makes it easier to determine how readers are responding to your book.
• Earn by chapter: You can choose to include a pay-to-read option. This will allow you to build capital before even before you publish.
• The mobile application only runs on the Android platform limiting the number of readers.

Writing can be a monumental challenge. Thankfully, there are plenty of tools on the market that can make writing a book easier by saving you time and frustration, without breaking the bank. Of course at some point during your journey to writing success you may want to invest in premium book writing software. But if you are just starting out, then the free book writing software mentioned above should do just fine.

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