10 Best Book Writing Software 2025: Tested and Trusted Tools

Do you also wrestle with words like me? Well, if you are ready to write a book, the right software for writing a book can make it a more enjoyable experience. No writing software will make you a bestselling author, but the right tools will help you keep your book organized and remove distractions. 

In this helpful guide, I will recommend and review the best book writing software in 2025. As a fellow writer, I will compare their features. pricing, shortcomings, and also share my tips to pick the right software. So, just continue reading this to write better.

Best Book Writing Software 2025 at a Glance

Software	Pricing	Platforms	Key Features
Scrivener	$59.99 (one-time); 30-day free trial available	macOS, Windows, iOS	Comprehensive project management, corkboard, outliner, split-screen editing, and export to various formats.
Atticus	$147 one-time payment; no subscription required	Web-based (PC, Mac, Linux, Chromebook)	Integrated writing and formatting tools, customizable themes/templates, export to print and digital formats.
Ulysses	$39.99/year or $5.99/month; 14-day free trial available	macOS, iPadOS, iOS	Markdown support, iCloud sync, distraction-free interface, and export to various formats.
Google Docs	Free; additional storage available via Google Workspace plans	Web-based; apps for Android and iOS	Real-time collaboration, cloud storage, version history, and offline mode.
FocusWriter	Free and open-source	Windows, macOS, Linux	Distraction-free writing environment, customizable themes, timer/goals, and automatic save.
yWriter	Free for Windows; optional registration for $11.95 (Silver) or $24.95 (Gold)	Windows	Tracks characters, locations, and modular parts management.
Bibisco	Free (Community Edition); Supporters Edition $25; 30-day free trial for Supporters Edition	Windows, macOS, Linux	Structured storytelling tools, character development, event timelines, and scene intensity analysis.
Vellum	$199.99–$249.99 (one-time)	macOS only	Professional ebook and print book formatting, templates, and export to various formats.
Dabble	$9.99/month; 14-day free trial available	Web-based	Plotting tools, story grid, character tracking, goal setting, and a clean writing interface.
ProWritingAid	Free (limited features); Premium: $79/year or $399 lifetime; 14-day free trial available	Web-based	Grammar and style checking, readability analysis, detailed reports, and a plagiarism checker.

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10 Best Software for Writing a Book 

While there is no ‘one-size-fits-all’ software for writing books and your story, each option will make the writing more efficient. They will help you organize chapters, help with distractions, and polish your final draft. 

While researching, we tried and tested the 50 best software to write a book on different aspects. Here are the top 10 software that can actually help you with your writing process:

Scrivener is one of the most widely used writing software programs for authors to write big projects. This tool allows you to organize your book into smaller parts, like scenes or chapters, and also offers you a separate place to collect your notes and research.

You can even view your projects differently to check their aesthetic appeal. After you finish your writing, you can also create a print or eBook version. Scrivener is very flexible, but beginners may find it difficult to navigate at the start.

Pros	Cons
Strong organization for notes, research, and chapters	Steep learning curve for beginners
Exports to many formats	Formatting/export can feel complicated
Ideal for long or complex projects	No full free version
Multiple view option to visualize progress

Atticus is the best of both writing and formatting software in one. It is one of the best book formatting software programs on the market. Atticus allows you to write your full manuscript, track progress, organize your chapters, and format your book for Kindle, EPUB, PDF, or print.

It is available on Windows, Mac, Linux, and even Chromebooks, making it accessible to most users. It also gives you a lifetime upgrade with a one-time purchase, making it financially reasonable over time.

Pros	Cons
Combines writing and formatting in one app	Some advanced features are still in development
One-time purchase with lifetime updates	Higher upfront cost
Works across multiple platforms	Formatting tools have a slight learning curve
Clean interface with solid export options

Ulysses is another good book writing software for those who love and appreciate simplicity. It provides a no-distraction interface with full system-wide markdown capabilities. You can write everything without worrying about formatting.

Plus, everything is synced via iCloud on all Apple devices. Ulysses has a distinct clarity that is unmatched, but you won’t find much in advanced plotting or research tools.

Pros	Cons
Minimalist and distraction-free design	Only available on Apple devices
Markdown makes writing and formatting simple	Subscription costs can add up
iCloud data backup and sync	Not ideal for very complex scripts
Supports export to eBook, PDF, and Word	Limited research and structuring tools

Believe me or not, I wrote this article on Google Docs. It is still one of the best free book writing software. It is great for drafting and collaboration. 

It saves your work automatically and keeps your version history, and you can have multiple editors to review or edit your drafts in real time. Although it is not made for novelists, many writers still use it for their early drafts and collaboration.

Pros	Cons
Free and easy to use	Lacks book-specific tools like character and scene tracking
Real-time collaboration with editors and reviewers	Formatting for publishing is limited
Autosave and version history prevent data loss	Dependent on the internet for the best experience
Works on any device via browser or app	Large documents can slow down

FocusWriter is the best free or open-source book writing software in 2025. It provides a comfortable writing slate and environment that can reduce distractions. You can write in full screen, hide the menu, and set your daily writing goals.

It is lightweight, which is very useful for older systems. Overall, it is perfect for writers who are looking for a simple draft-first tool, without the complexity of planning and formatting options.

Pros	Cons
Completely free and open-source	Lacks advanced tools
Goal setting and timer support for productivity	No built-in plotting tools
Runs smoothly on older computers	Requires another tool for formatting and publishing
	Minimal customization compared to premium apps

If you are looking for a program designed specifically for novelists, yWriter is the best free novel writing software. It was developed by professional author Simon Haynes to help make your writing manageable. 

You can split your books into chapters and scenes, keep track of your characters, locations, and word count. It is more functional than pretty, but it works, especially if you need structure.

Pros	Cons
Breaks projects into scenes and chapters	Outdated and less polished design
Free book writing software for beginners (donation-supported)	Export and layout options are limited
Good for writers who value structure	Lacks advanced collaboration features

Bibisco is designed specifically for storytellers who want to focus more on characters and narrative structure. It is one of the best novel writing software. You can build in-depth character profiles, organize a timeline, and analyze story arcs. 

The free version offers the essential features, while the paid version gives you extra export options and advanced features to analyze your work.

Pros	Cons
Strong character and arc development tools	The free version is limited
Clear story structure visualization	Desktop-only and weak cloud support
Beginner-friendly interface	Export options are limited
Offers narrative analysis and timelines

Vellum is the best book formatting software for Mac and is known for creating aesthetically formatted books. You can create an eBook and print-ready files for books that look professional without any hassle.

The templates will make you look more polished, while minimizing your effort. You don’t need any graphic design skills to make it happen. However, it is important to note that it is primarily a formatting tool.

Pros	Cons
Creates professional-quality layouts	Only available on Mac
Easy to use (even without design knowledge)	Very limited drafting and organization tools
Elegant templates and styles
Widely used in self-publishing

Dabble is designed for novelists with great cloud capabilities. It has built-in tools for plotting grids, story notes, character tracking, and progress goals. It is less intimidating than some other complex tools because of its clean interface. The best part is that you can write from anywhere with an internet connection.

Pros	Cons
Cloud based	The Internet is needed for the best experience
Combines plotting, tracking, and writing	Limited formatting and export tools
User-friendly and clean interface	Limited offline features
Free trial available

ProWritingAid is a sophisticated editing assistant. It analyzes style, grammar, pacing, readability, and repetitive words. It offers you detailed reports that help you make your writing better. It is almost like having a personal writing coach. You can use it for free for basic functionality, or pay a premium to utilize its full power.

Pros	Cons
Detailed reports on grammar, style, readability, etc.	Free plan has its limits
Affordable premium options, including a lifetime license	The Internet is required for most features
Vocabulary and consistency suggestions	No mobile app

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Honorable Mentions: Book Writing Software That Almost Made the List

Now you know my list of the best book writing software (2025), but they are not the only tools worth knowing about. Here are a few other honorable mentions that can help you with your writing journey:

1. Microsoft Word: It is reliable and familiar, which is still the industry standard. It is good for editing, but not the best for self-publishing due to formatting issues and subscription costs.

2. Novlr: It is a very clean and easy-to-organize tool. You can build a community and engage with active groups on Discord to support fellow authors. This is great for those who want to both focus and stay within a community.

3. Reedsy Studio: Reedsy Studio is a free novel writing software that makes it easy for authors to format their books. It is simple to use, and its marketplace helps authors with various editors, cover designers, and marketers. It is a great option for self-publishing authors.

4. Hemingway App: Hemingway is superb for making your writing concise. It tells you about your passive voice percentages, long sentences, and readability. It is a good option for short/mid-length pieces of writing.

You can always use more than one software to complement your writing. Many great authors use different tools and programs for their different writing needs.

Paid vs. Free Software for Book Writing: What Should You Pick?

One of the first decisions you need to make is whether to use paid or free novel writing software. Both can serve your purpose depending on your writing goals.

• Free Book Writing Software

  If you are writing casually or just beginning as a writer, free software is more than enough. They generally offer all the basics for writing, such as spell check and basic formatting. Many good options, like yWriter and Reedsy, provide you with a few advanced features as well.

  However, what’s missing are features like deep editing and advanced formatting. Also, if you run into technical problems, there is usually little to no support.

• Paid Book Writing Software

  Paid software is more suited for regular writers or someone planning a publication. They offer advanced tools for outlining, managing scenes, style check, and exporting to multiple formats. You will be able to manage larger projects smoothly, and there is usually a support service for you.

  The downside is that you have to pay a good sum for additional features. But for most professionals, the investment is worth it. It can save a lot of time and improve the workflow.

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How to Choose the Best Book Writing Software for You?

With so many options, it is very normal to get confused. The best writing software for novels depends on what type of book you are creating and your preferences. So, it is important to match the tool to your writing style.

Fiction writers like tools with character track, timelines, and world-building. Screenwriters prefer to use script-based software, and nonfiction writers should look for clear writing and editing support. When the software is tailored to your writing style, the process feels more natural and easier.

Apart from this, you should also look for the following features before finalizing the book-writing software:

• Organizability: It should be flexible for discovery writers and have a structure for planners.

• Affordability: Pay only for the offer you will actually use. Always test free trials before committing to a premium version.

• Multi-functionality: An ideal book-writing software should have research, notes, editing, and formatting in one place.

• Access: It should offer cloud support when required, but also allow the ability to write without the internet and other distractions.

• Collaboration tools: Sharing, commenting, and version tracking make life easier with editors or beta readers.

I would advise you to think of book-writing software as your creative toolbox. Choose the one that fits your style, genre, budget, and writing habits. The right tool won’t just help you write faster; it will make the process more fun.

How to Get the Most Out of Book Writing Software?

Now that you know how to pick the best software to write books, let’s take a look at some important tips to make the most out of it:

• Plan out the parts of your book before writing. It is important to create a roadmap for your chapters, major scenes, or primary ideas. After that, use the outlining tools to keep your plan organized and easy to adjust.
• Keep character information, research, and references inside your writing software. Use clear labels for drafts so that you don’t lose track.
• Enable autosave or version history (if applicable), and always have an extra backup in the cloud or computer. This helps you avoid the nightmare of lost chapters and mixed-up drafts.
• Use the best antivirus software to protect your progress from cyberattacks and prevent data loss.
• Eliminate all distractions while writing. Try to hide menus and panels you are not using and use the full-screen mode. 
• You can also make use of the Pomodoro technique for focus and productivity.
• Use tags, color coding, and similar features to track a character arc or plot threat. 

Furthermore, try to learn useful shortcuts to improve speed, drop features you don’t use, and adjust your process as your writing matures.

Final Thoughts

I think the best book writing software in 2025 is the one that suits your needs and wants. Some writers prefer simplistic and distraction-free software. Some prefer high functionality with advanced tools and AI integrations. 

The best one is ultimately the one you will open and use regularly. So, stop worrying about perfection; instead, focus on simply writing and producing content. And if you like this guide, please share it with your fellow writer friends.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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