23 Best Book Writing Software Similar to Microsoft Word
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Writing a bestselling book is challenging now more than ever because there are millions of books published every year.
But, thanks to technology, there are several amazing (and free) book writing applications that can help you create that stunning book with minimal effort.
I’m going to talk about the entire length of a novel or book creation. We begin with the tools and software that you can use to actually write the content. We will also discuss tools used to publish your work.
It’s also important to learn about the various free and paid software suites available for you. Next comes proofing and editing, and it’s so much more than just a regular grammar and spelling checkup. We discuss what software can help you there.
In case you’re aiming for an eBook release as well, as is the trend nowadays, we’ll also be going over eBook editors and creators.
So, without further ado, let’s dive right into it.
So, which is the best software for you?
As a writer, I’ve decided to review the top 23 book writing applications that you can use to write your next book.
I’ll give a brief review of each writing tool, and tell you the pros and cons while adding a link for each app.
On the internet, you’ll find many good reviews of the best creative writing alternatives to Microsoft Word, but none is as curated and genuinely thorough as this one.
Best Book Writing Software
You can easily organize, edit and create your novel using book writing software. Also, you’ll save time and effort, so you can focus on being creative.
We’ve reviewed the top 23 tools so that you don’t waste your valuable time on less effective programs for your novel writing. It’s important to choose the right software available because there are plenty of them available today.
To find your own book writer application and publish your novel as soon as possible, go through this article thoroughly.
Paid Book Writing Software
First of all, we’ll review the top 3 programs novel writers love to use.
Not only do these make writing genuinely enjoyable, but are also known worldwide as excellent writing software for authors with unparalleled book formatting functionality.
Creating beautiful content is easy with these.
1. Scrivener
Scrivener is an all-in-one book writing software. It includes project management, formatting tools, and an advanced word processor.
Because of its many useful features, it’s always the number one writing tool for most writers.
If you have the right idea and want to publish as soon as possible, this is what you should go for.
Scrivener is built for writers and has everything to compose, edit, research, organize and finish a book in an efficient way for a reasonable price.
Pros
- You can choose from many templates for non-fiction and fiction.
- It has easy drag-and-drop features for rearranging.
- You can access and store the files and notes in the project “binder”
- You can choose between many formats for eBooks and print (.mobi, .epub, .docx, and .pdf)
- It has a Corkboard with split screen, outliner working view and index cards which make it easier for more complicated and long books.
- It’s very affordable, with many features, compared to its competitors.
Cons
- You might take some time to learn all of Scrivener’s features.
- No web app.
- No native collaboration features.
Link:
https://www.literatureandlatte.com/scrivener/overview
2. Ulysses
Ulysses is a powerful and customizable app for writing. However, only Apple users can enjoy the benefits of this book writing software.
You can sync work between different Apple devices and have your work with you on the go.
It is the most distraction-free writing app for Mac that combines ease of use and elegance.
If you want complete flexibility with a minimal interface, Ulysses is the book writing software for you. It’s beautiful and user-friendly.
Pros
- Clean interface without a lot of distractions
- Easily export to.docx, .pdf, or .epub
Cons
- Not for PC users
- You might take some time to learn it if you are not familiar with markdown
- Price is a monthly or yearly subscription model
Link
3. Microsoft Word
Perhaps the most famous and commonly-used book writing software is Microsoft Word. It works for both, Windows and Mac users.
Microsoft Word is designed for writing in general and not specifically for writing books. So, you can use Microsoft Word for short writing jobs but for writing longer books, you might face some redundant troubles.
One of the best software for creative writing available today, Microsoft Word is an exceptionally good piece of software for every place and requirement.
Many celebrated novelists and screenwriters prefer Word for all kinds of things and produce really high-quality work.
Pros
- Many book editors prefer Word documents
- What you see is what you get
- On OneDrive (web app) and smartphones, a free version of Word is available, using which, you can also run Word for free on Linux distributions
Cons
- Not easy to use if you’re not working in a linear fashion
- You must use a separate ebook formatting tool like Calibre
- Cumbersome for writing long books & novels.
Link
https://products.office.com/en/word
Free Book Writing Software
Don’t worry if you don’t want to purchase a book writing software, you can always choose one of these FREE awesome programs and still create a wonderful book.
1. Google Docs
Google Docs & Google spreadsheets are amazing online based free software that you can use to create the book. You can easily edit, organize and outline your book and store it online for free.
Pros
- It saves files automatically.
- You can access the files anywhere easily online and offline.
- Export to .pdf, .epub or .docx.
- You can work with others easily.
Cons
- It’s useful for short writing but not the best for long writing.
Link
https://www.google.com/docs/about/
2. Ywriter
yWriter is a free app. Surprisingly, an author has created this best FREE fiction writing software.
Only PC users can enjoy this amazing software. For smartphones, luckily an app has been released for Android & iOS.
Pros
- Stores snapshot backups of your work automatically.
- Breaks down novels into chapters and scenes.
Cons
- Does not come with templates.
- Must use a separate tool, such as Calibre, to create ebooks.
- Does not work on Mac computers yet.
Link
http://www.spacejock.com/yWriter6.html
3. STORYSHOP
If you’re looking for software that creates the elements, worlds, and characters in the novel, then StoryShop is what you’re looking for.
Simply, it’s an online app the storytellers designed to make it fun creating stories.
Pros
- Character cards allow you to keep track of character relationships and attributes.
- Comes with many story templates to help you write the story faster
- Create story beats, build worlds, and write the book using one application
Cons
- The free version doesn’t include many features as the subscription models
- The book can only be exported as a .docx
Link
4. Pages for Mac OS
It’s the default program in macOS. Pages has the easiest-to-use interface of any advanced book writing tool. It’s all that many Mac and iOS users will ever need to create an amazing novel.
However, it’s not like Microsoft Word when it comes to automation features and advanced formatting.
Whether you’re a seasoned writer or someone just beginning, it’s important to have a user-friendly interface and Pages gives you that.
Pros
- Spacious and convenient interface.
- Visually dazzling templates.
- Apple’s graphics tools provide high-tech features (like transparent backgrounds for inserted photos) with one-click ease.
- Smooth import and export of Microsoft Word documents.
- Can switch between traditional word processor mode and page-layout mode.
Cons
- Can’t change the chosen template for a document.
- Lacks a draft view to view text without showing page headers and footers.
- No match for Microsoft Word in advanced features like endnotes and footnotes in the same document; no search/replace for text formats like italic.
- No built-in mail merge.
- Can’t set Word format as default for saving.
- Lacks access to advanced typographic features in OS X.
Link
https://www.apple.com/eg/pages/
5. FocusWriter
FocusWriter is a simple distraction-free word processor. It is specifically and perfectly designed to help creative writers and authors put their ideas to paper (or screen).
There are many free book writing software available but only a few can compare to FocusWriter when it comes to clarity and elegance.
Pros
- Blocks out all distractions
- Enables you to focus on a single paragraph or sentence
Cons
- Not useful for editing
Link
https://gottcode.org/focuswriter/
6. WriteWay
WriteWay guides you through each step of the creation of your novel. Simply, it is one of the best book writing software programs out there.
It’s an incredibly better tool for all sorts of book writers and for any purpose from short story writing to long-form novel writing.
Pros
- Word count tracking chart.
- Character profiles, which can allow you to brainstorm and create character details.
- You can add photos to these profiles and develop other background areas.
- Storyboarding feature and the option to organize what you write by dragging and dropping chapters.
- Chapters are displayed in a sidebar menu.
- A sleek user interface.
- Easy-to-use features to help you create and write a novel.
Cons
- Lacks genre outlines and a character name generator.
- WriteWay is Windows-only, and this is its major flaw.
Link
http://www.writewaypro.com/index.php
7. FastPencil
FastPencil allows you to develop every aspect of your writing yourself. It includes editors and graphic designers to help create your masterpiece.
This writing application provides a complete editor that includes a diversity of tools that help you work out the final outcome in your writing.
Pros
- You can notify your friends and followers apprised of new projects using Twitter and Facebook with a single update to your social profile. It’s never been easier to publish your novel writing updates socially!
- Fastpencil provides a forum for writers and authors to help each other. It’s one of the best services for authors to be part of a community. It helps them think more, relax, and talk about general things all the while they process new information for their novel.
- It has a list of useful videos that can be of great help.
Cons
- Payouts from third parties can take a long time.
Link
8. Sigil
Sigil is a unique and outstanding software application for editing and creating ePub eBooks, backed by a wide variety of practical customization settings and options.
Pros
- It is free to use.
- Users can edit the metadata of eBooks.
- You can create and design covers.
- It has an automatic spellchecker that supports multiple languages.
- The interface is clean and intuitive.
- For both PC and Mac users.
- Clipboard history that allows users to insert any recorded clips into text.
- ePubs can be validated with FlightCrew, while stylesheets can be validated with W3C.
Cons
- it takes a while to get used to all of Sigil’s features and configuration parameters
Link
https://sigil.en.softonic.com/
9. OmmWriter
OmmWriter Dana II lacks several features found in other full-fledged word processing software.
However, it provides a distraction-free and pleasurable reading experience that keeps you focused on writing your novel.
Probably not the best writing software for authors, it’s effective and highly functional.
Pros
- Free (at the time of this writing).
- Distraction-free work environment.
- Streamlined interface.
- Pleasant visual themes and music.
- Automatically blacks out second screens.
Cons
- Lacks a printing option.
- Can’t save files as PDF from option bubble (you need to use toolbar).
Link
10. Evernote
Evernote has continuously been one of the best productivity apps. Although increasing costs have reduced the value proposition, long-time writers will have a hard time finding a suitable replacement.
Find an idea – start a story. With Evernote, it’s as simple and beautiful as that.
Pros
- Great features.
- Effortless note-taking and syncing.
- Incredible search.
Cons
- The free subscription is too restrictive.
- Expensive Premium plan.
Link
11. Apache Open Office
Open Office was the first genuine free contender to Microsoft Office.
Now, it has lost that spotlight in current years to stronger alternatives like Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides, and its own spinoff software “Libre Office”.
The open source suite includes word processing (Write), presentation (Impress) spreadsheets (Calc), and database management (Base) applications, along with math and drawing apps that don’t have a direct Microsoft corollary.
Pros
- Familiar, Microsoft-like interface
- Excellent Microsoft Office compatibility
Cons
- No Mobile apps
- No Native cloud storage and email support
Link
12. LibreOffice
LibreOffice Writer combines all the features you need from a functional, full-featured word processing or desktop publishing software.
It’s manageable enough for a quick memo but great for longer work that involves more content, like novel writing.
Pros
- It could redraw the MS-Word-created diagrams.
- LibreOffice can do 90%+ of what Microsoft Office can do, and it is FREE!
- Excellent compatibility with Microsoft Office formats
- Familiar Office-like interface
Cons
- No Integrated cloud storage
- No Real-time co-authoring
Link
https://www.libreoffice.org/discover/writer/
13. WPS Writer
If you’re looking for a free book writing software, the WPS Writer is your no-commitment productivity office suite. You can use all the features and word functions at no cost.
Pros
- Customizable interface
- 1GB cloud storage for sharing files
- Excellent Office compatibility
Cons
- No Real-time co-authoring
Link
https://www.wps.com/office-free
14. Notion App
Notion is the all-in-one workspace for writers and authors. From tasks, notes, wikis, to databases, Notion is really all you need. It works great for individuals and teams. You can use it on the browser, Windows, iOS, and Mac.
Notion 6 is an easy-to-use app and has excellent editing and music tools, better than any other notation app we reviewed.
It comes with everything you find to be essential and central to your writing while providing better ways to create content for bloggers, book writers, and special book writers.
Pros
- User-friendly and simple to use
- Lightweight and unrestrictive
- Clean, unobtrusive and customizable UX
· BEST & most powerful editing interface hands down
· Perfect balance of tools
Cons
- No browser extension, no handwriting support
- No way to organize random snippets
- No usability, UX, functionality or other cons
Link
15. AbiWord
AbiWord is a free and open source word processing software created and developed by a group of volunteers from all over the world to manage a wide variety of word processing tasks.
Supporting various languages and operating systems, AbiWord is a part of a larger project known as AbiSource, an open source project that was started by SourceGear Corporation and intended to develop a cross-platform office suite.
Pros
- Highly Interoperable
- Multilingual Support
- Create Professional-Looking And Fun-To-Read Documents
- A Fully Cross-Platform Word Processing Tool
- Mail Merge And Command Line Capabilities
- Extensible Plugin System
Cons
- Print preview requires an external image viewer program
Link
16. SoftMaker FreeOffice
SoftMaker FreeOffice is quicker than its free competitor LibreOffice.
However, it is not as powerful overall; on the other hand, it has amazing Microsoft-Office-like features that LibreOffice doesn’t have.
Pros
- Free, fast, efficient office suite with all basic features.
- Effective export and import of Microsoft formats.
- Password-protected files.
- Clear, traditional interface.
Cons
- Limited presentations features.
- Lacks mail-merge (form-letter) features.
- No modern graphics features for Spreadsheets.
Link
https://www.softmaker.com/en/softmaker-office-textmaker
Best Book Editing Softwares:
1. Grammarly
Grammarly is an online free editing tool that finds punctuation, spelling, and grammar mistakes. You can install the extension on Google Chrome for instant corrections, or download the app on your computer.
Pros
- Free version seems satisfactory
- You can install the browser extension to instantly check your online writing.
- It underlines errors, gives an explanation, and suggested corrections.
- You can store your files are stored in the cloud
Cons
- It does not work with Google Drive apps.
- File upload has a size limit of 4 MB, 60 pages, and 100,000 characters
Link
2. Hemingway Editor
Hemingway Editor is an amazing editing software that enhances the clarity of your writing.
You can use it through their website or download the Hemingway Editor desktop app.
The Hemingway app is particularly popular among editors and professional proofreaders.
Pros
- You can copy and paste or type directly into the Hemingway Editor.
- It grades your readability by reading level, such as Grade 6
- It highlights passive voice, adverbs, complex words, and sentences that are challenging to read.
- The errors are color-coded and highlighted (e.g., green are passive voice).
Cons
- It doesn’t suggest how you can improve your writing
Link
3. Prowritingaid
Finally, ProWritingAid is another online editing program that you can use to check overused words, spelling, readability, grammar, and clichés.
Pros
- Identifies “sticky sentences,” which often include useless filler words.
- Makes recommended changes you can accept or refuse.
- Gives many reports and data that are easy to use to instantly enhance your writing.
- The premium version can operate with Google Docs, Scrivener, and Microsoft Word.
Cons
You can only edit up to 500 words at a time with the free version.
Link
Top Most Useful Ebook Writing Software
Reedsy
Reedsy is a brand innovative platform that allows you to connect with editors, designers, and marketers who have a great experience in the publishing and book writing space.
Now, there are more than 5,000 authors and writers who are using the platform.
Pros
- A professional team guarantees that those who apply for your job are actually super legit and worth the money.
- Having a high-level editor that will create a much stronger book in the long run.
- If you can’t manage the cost of a professional book cover designer, you still have other options.
- Easy finding a top-notch creative freelancer to finish your publishing project.
Cons
- Reedsy doesn’t give you any email addresses or contact information until you get into official collaboration with an editor or a designer.
Link
To sum up, writing a book is challenging, and you need a functional book writing software to make the journey easier.
That’s why I took the time to review the top 23 tools authors and writers use to create their masterpiece.
Which of these book writing apps do you use?
Are you using software other than the ones we mentioned above, then, share your experience in the comment section below! Have fun writing!
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