Top 10 Best Book Writing Software for Writers in 2025

Writing a book sounds romantic, but it is often daunting. Because it is so easy to get lost and so hard to persevere, many people stop writing halfway. So half-written ideas end up gathering dust in drawers or computer folders. To be honest, I am no exception - my Google Drive is filled with half-written novels and unfinished outlines.

But then I realized that what really stuck me was the lack of a writing tool that could help me sort out my thoughts and stay focused. Writing a book depends not only on inspiration and perseverance, but also on a "good partner".

Since I started trying professional book writing software, my creative efficiency and completion have improved significantly. They are not as scattered as ordinary document tools, but are tailored for writers to understand every moment when you can't write.

In this article, I have compiled the 10 most worthwhile book writing software to try in 2025, hoping to help you rekindle your passion for writing and keep those stories from being forgotten.

List of best book writing software

Software	Best For	Key Features	Platform	Free?
Scrivener	Novelists, long-form writers	Chapter organization, corkboard, character notes, offline support	Windows / macOS	Paid (Free trial)
Atticus	Self-publishing authors	All-in-one writing + book formatting, export to publishing-ready formats	Web / macOS / Windows	Paid
Dabble	Beginners & planners	Cloud sync, plot grid, daily goals, autosave	Web / Desktop	Subscription (Free trial)
Novlr	Minimalist writers	Offline writing, chapter tracking, writing analytics	Web	Subscription
LivingWriter	Storytellers	Plot templates (e.g., Hero’s Journey), collaboration, visual structure	Web / iOS / Android	Subscription (Free trial)
yWriter	Tech-savvy authors	Scene-based writing, autosave, detailed word tracking	Windows	Free
Campfire	World-builders	Character webs, map creation, timeline and lore systems	Web / Desktop	Freemium (some features free)
Ulysses	Mac-focused writers	Clean writing interface, Markdown, focus mode	macOS / iOS	Subscription
FocusWriter	Distraction-free writers	Full-screen mode, daily goals, typewriter sounds	Windows / macOS / Linux	Free
Google Docs	Collaborative writers	Real-time collaboration, autosave, commenting & editing	Web / App	Free

Find the writing software that works for you

Format export

A truly professional book writing software should allow your work to smoothly transition to the next stage of typesetting, publishing or sharing. Whether you plan to upload your novel to Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP), publish it as a PDF, or print it as a paper book, the software should support multiple export formats, such as .epub, .mobi, .docx or .pdf. I often have to manually adjust the typesetting and formatting after writing is completed-until I encounter a writing tool that can export neatly formatted documents with one click, I really realize the importance of this function.

Project management function

The process of writing a book is actually like executing a long-term project, including planning, execution, modification, repeated polishing and other stages. A good writing software should have certain project management functions, such as visualization of writing progress, chapter status labels (draft, revision, completed) and to-do reminders. Such functions can help you avoid missing key details and give you a better sense of control during long-term writing.

Customizable interface

Everyone's writing rhythm and way of thinking are different. Some people like a minimalist writing interface with only a cursor and keyboard sounds, while others need multiple side-by-side panes to display character settings, outline notes, and chapter lists. Therefore, I think a customizable interface is very important - it allows the software to truly serve you, rather than forcing you to adapt to its logic.

Writing safety and automatic backup

Nothing is more frustrating than writing thousands of words with great effort only to lose the content because the program crashed. Autosave, historical version backtracking, and cloud synchronization are now one of the first features I check when choosing a writing tool. A trustworthy software should not only help you write, but also protect your results.

Support for mobile devices

Inspiration often does not come when you sit in front of the computer. Sometimes it is on the subway, in a cafe, or late at night when a dialogue suddenly comes to mind. A writing tool that can run on a mobile phone or tablet allows me to record ideas, modify text, or check outlines anytime, anywhere - this is also a point that modern writers pay more and more attention to.

Our 10 Best Book Writing Software Recommendations

1. Scrivener

Suitable for: novelists, long-length writers

 

Scrivener is a writing tool that is popular among professional writers, especially for long-length novels that need to deal with complex structures and a large amount of content. Its biggest advantage is that it can split the entire work into multiple chapters and scenes, which allows you to freely combine and adjust the order. It also supports the centralized management of character settings, plot outlines, and research materials, making it a powerful assistant for large-scale creation.

Scrivener Advantages

• Supports modular writing, easy to manage chapters and scenes
• Rich organizational tools, such as outline cards, character settings, research notes
• Supports multiple export formats (such as .epub, .mobi, .docx)
• Can set word count and goal tracking to help keep writing progress
• Multi-platform synchronization, you can continue writing anytime, anywhere

Scrivener Disadvantages

• It is difficult for beginners to get started and it takes time to adapt
• The interface is relatively complex, with many functions but not concise enough
• The price is high, you need to buy the full version

2. Atticus

Suitable for: self-published authors

 

Atticus is designed for writers who have self-publishing needs. It can not only help you write, but also directly format and export after the creation is completed, so that it can be uploaded to platforms such as Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP). The simple interface and integrated publishing functions make it the tool of choice for emerging writers.

Atticus advantages

• One-stop writing and formatting functions, support for export in multiple publishing formats
• Easy to use, suitable for beginners
• Support cloud synchronization, you can write anytime, anywhere
• Efficient formatting function, eliminating complex formatting steps
• One-time payment, lifelong use

Atticus disadvantages

• Currently only supports Mac and Windows, not mobile
• Some functions are not as powerful as Scrivener, suitable for self-publishing rather than complex creation
• The price is high, not suitable for users with limited budget

3. Dabble

Suitable for: novice writers, inspirational writers

 

Dabble is a minimalist writing software with a clean interface and simple functions. It is especially suitable for writers who like to record inspiration as soon as it comes. Dabble allows you to organize stories through outline cards. It also provides basic functions such as word count tracking and plot management to help you gradually improve your novel from the general framework to the details.

Dabble Advantages

• Clean and simple interface reduces distractions when writing
• Supports cloud synchronization and can be switched between different devices at any time
• Outline cards help organize story plots
• Supports word count and writing goal setting
• Free trial available, suitable for entry-level users

Dabble Disadvantages

• Relatively basic functions, suitable for short stories or beginners
• For novels, some functions may be insufficient
• Currently only web version, no desktop version

4. Novlr

Suitable for: writers who pursue minimalist style

 

Novlr provides a clean and simple writing platform, focusing on helping writers concentrate on writing. It provides writing statistics, plot management, and daily progress tracking, which is suitable for writers who want to maintain their writing habits and continue to create.

Novlr Advantages

• Minimal writing interface, easy to focus on writing
• Supports progress tracking and daily word count
• Automatically save to the cloud, you can continue writing anytime, anywhere
• Supports multi-device synchronization, can be used on mobile phones and tablets
• Free trial available, suitable for beginners

Novlr Disadvantages

• Basic functions, suitable for small-scale creation
• Currently only supports web version
• Advanced functions require paid subscription

5. LivingWriter

Suitable for: creators who love story structure

 

LivingWriter is a writing tool that is particularly suitable for plot designers. It provides a variety of writing templates, such as three-act plays and hero's journeys, which can help you plan the plot effectively. In addition, it also supports chapter dragging, character management, cloud synchronization and other functions, which is a good helper for novel writing.

LivingWriter Advantages

• Provides a variety of writing structure templates to help design plots
• Supports cloud synchronization, seamless writing across devices
• Rich organizational tools, such as character settings, plot grids, etc.
• Allows team collaboration, suitable for co-authored projects
• Offers a free trial

LivingWriter Disadvantages

• Subscription fee, long-term use costs are high
• Some functions are slightly simpler than more professional software such as Scrivener
• The interface is relatively basic and lacks more customization options

6. yWriter

Suitable for: technical writers, writers with programmer backgrounds

 

yWriter is a writing tool developed by a programmer novelist. It divides the writing process into multiple "scenes" to help you effectively manage the creation of each paragraph of text. The advantages of yWriter are lightweight and fast, and the disadvantage is that the interface is relatively simple, which is suitable for users who do not have too high requirements for the tool itself.

yWriter Advantages

• Completely free, no need to purchase a license
• Lightweight, fast response
• Supports scene management, easy to switch between chapters
• Powerful word count function to help track progress
• Suitable for writers with programming backgrounds

yWriter Disadvantages

• The interface is relatively simple and the functions are not modern enough
• Only supports Windows operating system
• Not friendly to beginners, requires a certain learning cost

7. Campfire

Suitable for: Authors who value worldview construction

 

Campfire is a tool designed for writers who build complex worldviews, suitable for fantasy, science fiction and other novel types. It can not only help you design characters, races, and magic systems, but also allow you to manage complex timelines, relationship networks, etc., to help you build a complete virtual world.

Campfire Advantages

• Focus on world view construction, support detailed design of characters, races, and magic systems
• Multi-function module, help manage timelines, relationship diagrams, etc.
• Support cloud synchronization, data is not easily lost
• Free trial is provided

Campfire Disadvantages

• Subscription fee, long-term use cost is high
• Complex interface, beginners may need time to adapt
• Not suitable for short stories or simple creations

8. Ulysses

Suitable for: writers who need a simple design and a smooth writing experience 

Ulysses is a minimalist writing tool, especially for those who focus on the writing process and don't want to be disturbed by redundant functions. Its interface is refreshing, and its functions are focused on text editing and organization, which is suitable for daily writing and long-form creation. Ulysses also provides powerful export functions, which can export documents to multiple formats, including PDF, Epub and Word formats.

Ulysses Advantages

• Minimal interface helps improve concentration
• Support cloud synchronization, switch between different devices at any time
• Powerful organization function, can easily manage outlines, chapters and scenes
• Support export to multiple formats, suitable for multi-platform use
• Provide task management and progress tracking functions to help stay motivated

Ulysses Disadvantages

• Only Apple platforms (Mac, iPhone, iPad)
• Subscription fee, long-term use cost is high
• May be slightly insufficient for writers who need some advanced functions

9. FocusWriter

Suitable for: writers who pursue the ultimate focused writing experience

 

FocusWriter is a free tool that focuses on "distraction-free writing". It is suitable for writers who are easily distracted and want an immersive writing environment. It provides full-screen mode, typewriter sound effects, and custom backgrounds, allowing you to focus on writing in an atmosphere that seems like the "typewriter era".

FocusWriter Advantages

• Full-screen distraction-free writing interface, effectively improving concentration
• You can set daily writing goals (number of words or time)
• Support typewriter sound effects to enhance the writing atmosphere
• Customizable themes and backgrounds to create a personalized writing environment
• Free, cross-platform (Windows / macOS / Linux)

FocusWriter Disadvantages

• Does not support chapter management and writing outlines
• Cannot be synchronized with the cloud, need to be saved and backed up manually
• Lacks collaboration and editing suggestion functions
• The functions are relatively basic, suitable for simple writing rather than long-term project management

10. Google Docs

Suitable for: writers who need real-time collaboration and online editing

 

Google Docs is a comprehensive and easy-to-use online document editing tool suitable for short writing, blog creation or team writing projects. Its biggest advantage is the real-time collaboration function, which allows editors to view and comment on content instantly, which is particularly suitable for writing work that requires multiple people to review or edit.

Advantages of Google Docs

• Free to use, no software installation required
• Automatically save to the cloud in real time to prevent data loss
• Powerful multi-person collaboration and commenting functions, suitable for editorial communication
• Can be integrated with external tools such as ProWritingAid
• Supports voice input and export to multiple formats (such as PDF, Epub)

Disadvantages of Google Docs

• A stable network connection is required for online use
• Chapter organization and outline planning are not supported during the writing process
• Long documents are prone to freezes and delays
• Lack of creative assistance functions such as progress tracking and writing goal setting

How to Use Voice-to-Text Tools to Write a Book?

Writing a book is a long process - from conception to final draft, and then to rounds of revisions, inputting tens of thousands of words is really exhausting. Staring at the screen and typing for a long time is not only inefficient, but also easy to cause wrist fatigue and dry eyes.

Is there an easier and faster way to write? Of course there is - oral writing.

You heard it right, the book "spoken" is just as wonderful.

On average, we speak three to four times faster than typing. This means that when you are inspired, you don't have to be slowed down by typing - just open a voice-to-text tool and tell the story to your computer or mobile phone.

For example, VidText is a very useful voice-to-text tool. It not only transcribes in real time, but also automatically recognizes pauses in tone, converts them into paragraphs, and provides accurate transcripts, which is suitable for recording novel plots, character dialogues, and even sudden inspiration fragments. You can also continue to "write a book" while walking, doing housework, and commuting, so that writing can truly integrate into your daily life.

 

Click "Record" to speak and VidText will dictate and transcribe what you say.

Wrapping up

Every writing software has its highlights. The key is to find the one that best suits your style and habits. Don't be afraid of trial and error. Try a few or look at other authors' experience. Inspiration may be hidden in a certain function. I hope you can find a powerful tool to make writing easier and your stories more touching. Write, the world is waiting to hear your stories.