Best Book Writing Software in 2025: Reviews, Comparisons, and Expert Tips

Want to write a book but don't know where to start? The right software can make all the difference in streamlining your workflow and organizing your manuscript.

This comprehensive guide compares the top book writing tools available in 2025 based on extensive market research, real-world author experiences, and insights from writing experts.

Discover the key features, strengths, and limitations of each platform to match the best software for your writing style and publishing goals.

Best Book Writing Software in 2025: Reviews, Comparisons, and Expert Tips

Quick Comparison: Top Book Writing Software of 2025

Scrivener: The Premier Planning Suite for Complex Projects

Best For: Detailed outliners, screenwriters, academics.

Scrivener is considered the gold standard for organizing long or multi-part book projects. Its robust set of tools allow you to break down your manuscript into sections, rearrange it visually on a corkboard, and track progress with project targets.

The software's extensive export and compilation features mean you can effortlessly transform your draft from scraps of text into a polished PDF, .epub, or print-ready file. Scrivener also offers built-in templates for common book types like novels, screenplays, and dissertations.

However, Scrivener's learning curve can feel steep for new users. The interface has a cluttered feel with multiple menus and views to navigate. Real-time collaboration capabilities are also limited compared to web-based tools like Google Docs.

"Scrivener is the premier book writing software made by writers for writers. Its powerful set of tools allow you to write, organize, edit, and publish books more efficiently than any other platform." - Natasa Lekic, Founder of The Write Practice

Price: $49 USD one-time license fee for Windows, Mac, and iOS

Atticus: Your All-in-One Writing and Formatting Solution

Best For: Self-publishing authors prioritizing design quality.

Atticus bills itself as "the world's first distraction-free book writing software with built-in formatting." The streamlined interface cuts down on clutter so you can simply write without worrying over styling.

One of Atticus' biggest strengths is its ability to output print-ready files with professional typesetting. The templates include all major book formats, from paperback novels to photo books. Collaborative editing and commenting make it easy to work with editors or beta readers right within the app.

As a relatively new platform, some of Atticus' more advanced features like split-screen view are still in development. However, their ambition to be an affordable "Vellum alternative" makes this an exciting up-and-comer for 2025.

"We designed Atticus to be the book writing software for authorpreneurs who want to 'write well, write once.' The built-in formatting engine saves authors time and money." - Ben Gribaudo, Founder of Atticus

Price: $89 USD one-time license fee

Reedsy: Hassle-Free Web Writing with Built-In Collaboration

Best For: Bloggers, collaborative writing teams, tight budgets.

Reedsy provides an impressive free online writing suite including document editing, built-in collaboration, and professional formatting options.

Although Reedsy Studio is web-only with no offline access, the clean intuitive interface and lack of installation makes it easy to start writing in seconds. Writers who work with editors will appreciate the seamless comment-based workflow.

For bloggers and authors publishing online, Reedsy shines with its distraction-free focus mode and ability to export directly to WordPress. The project goals feature lets you set progress targets and track daily word counts.

"Reedsy Studio is fantastic free writing software. With Dropbox import, easy collaboration, great formatting export, and quick Wordpress integration, it ticks all our boxes." - Pamela Wilson, Authorpreneur

Price: Free

Ulysses: Streamlined Writing and Organization for Mac/iOS Users

Best For: Novelists who love Mac products.

Boasting over 50,000 5-star reviews, Ulysses is a favorite book writing app—if you live in the Apple ecosystem. Unfortunately, the software is restricted to Mac, iPad, and iPhone devices only.

For iOS users, however, Ulysses delivers a best-in-class distraction-free interface using Markdown formatting. The adjustable library view makes it easy to organize chapters, notes, and images in a simple hierarchy.

Full integration with Apple tools like Spotlight, Safari, and Photos enhances the user experience. But the reliance on in-app subscriptions may turn off some writers.

"Ulysses is my desert island writing app: elegant, flexible, powerful, and interoperable with all my other tools." - Keith Blount, Author of Scrivener

Price: $5 USD monthly subscription

Novlr: A Social Platform for Authors Seeking Community

Best For: Writers who thrive with social accountability.

Novlr bills itself as "nanowrimo all year long" - providing a motivating online space for writers to connect in a social community. Key features include public or private writing goals, built-in sprints and contests, and group discussions.

The platform autosaves your draft in real-time to avoid lost work and hosts fun writing events like seasonal "camp nanowrimo" challenges. However, Novlr's formatting options remain more basic than standalone apps like Scrivener.

Novlr shines when used alongside another writing tool like Google Docs or Scrivener. The social aspect helps hold you accountable to daily writing goals while other software handles advanced project management.

"For new writers seeking accountability, Novlr's public goals and active community provide built-in motivation to hit your daily word counts." - Joel Stevens, The Write Foundry

Price: Starting at $6 USD monthly

Google Docs: Free Cloud-Based Collaboration

Best For: Real-time collaboration with beta readers or editors.

It may seem too obvious, but Google Docs remains a phenomenal free choice for drafting a book. Real-time simultaneous editing means you can work seamlessly with collaborators and beta readers.

While Docs works best alongside other writing tools, recent upgrades like page pagination and word count make it friendlier for manuscript creation.

Formatting options remain limited for final output, but add-ons like Paperpile help build bibliographies and Google Drawings integrate diagrams.

"I write the first draft of all my fiction in Google Docs. The real-time sharing and comments make collaborating with my editor painless." - Hugh Howey, Author of Wool

Price: Free

Matching Software to Your Book Writing Needs

The "best" book writing app depends on your unique goals and preferences. Here are some key questions to help determine which platform fits your needs:

Are you a detailed "plotter" or freewheeling "pantser"? Detailed outline creators will appreciate Scrivener's index card corkboard for visualizing your book. Discover novelists may resonate more with streamlined apps like Ulysses.

What's most important: Organization or distraction-free focus? Scrivener offers superior organization with its "binder" system but can feel visually busy. Ulysses limits formatting options to reduce clutter.

Do you need advanced features like footnotes, comments, or LaTeX? Scrivener and Atticus cater to academic writers with robust footnote and annotation capabilities. Reedsy also supports comments for smooth collaborations.

Will you self-publish or pursue traditional publishing? DIY authors will benefit from Atticus' or Scrivener's built-in ebook and print formatting. Trad-published writers often only need a basic .doc output.

What's your budget? Reedsy Studio and Google Docs offer full-featured free writing platforms. Scrivener costs $49 while Ulysses requires a monthly subscription.

Matching Software to Your Book Writing Needs

Expert Tips to Choose the Right Book Writing Software

Prioritize an intuitive interface and minimal learning curve

"Don't underestimate the value of an easy-to-navigate interface where you can start writing instantly. If a writing software has a high learning curve, you'll waste precious time figuring it out instead of working on your manuscript." - Alicia Dunams, The Writer's Cookbook

"I like to suggest new authors start with Google Docs or a basic program they already know, then explore more advanced software once they understand their own writing process." - Joel Stevens, The Write Foundry

Use separate tools for drafting vs. formatting/exporting

"The mistake I see a lot of new writers make is choosing complex software like Scrivener or Atticus for early drafts. You don't need perfect formatting when you're still creating!" - Natasa Lekic, The Write Practice

"My tip is to write your first draft in something simple like Google Docs, then later export into a publishing platform like Vellum for formatting." - Pamela Wilson, Authorpreneur

"Scrivener is overkill for early drafting. I use it later for compiling manuscripts and final output based on its excellent export tools." - Priya Doraswamy, Reedsy

Don't pay for software until you actually start writing

"Never purchase expensive writing software too early! First commit to consistently writing in a free tool like Google Docs or Reedsy. Once you've built momentum, then consider upgrading to paid tools that enhance your personal workflow." - Joel Stevens, The Write Foundry

Evaluate mobile app support if writing on the go

"If you envision writing on your phone or iPad, ensure your software has strong mobile apps. Scrivener finally added decent mobile support in 2022, but others like Ulysses have excellent iPad apps." - Priya Doraswamy, Reedsy

"I refuse to be chained to my desktop! All my book drafting happens on my iPad Pro using Ulysses - it's been a total gamechanger." - Ali Luke, Writer and Blogger

Expert Tips to Choose the Right Book Writing Software

The Future of Book Writing Software

Book writing tools will only get smarter as AI rapidly evolves. Here are some exciting directions we'll see in the next 5 years:

• Enhanced autocomplete and error correction: AI will help generate content and prose as you write, fixing typos and awkward phrasing on the fly.

• Feedback on structure, pacing, originality: Algorithms will start critiquing plot and narrative flow, suggesting improvements.

• Automated formatting and style suggestions: Software will intelligently apply formatting like scene breaks or dialogue italicization.

• Translation and content expansion: AI will translate manuscripts into other languages and generate additional related content.

• Algorithmic-assisted writing coaching: Think Clippy from Word, but an actually helpful AI mentor!

While concerns around originality and artistic integrity remain valid as technology encroaches creativity, the core appeal is clear: AI promises to handle the mechanical aspects of writing to help authors focus purely on storytelling.

The Future of Book Writing Software

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What's the best free book writing software?

A: Reedsy and Google Docs both offer excellent free writing platforms. For basic drafting needs, it's hard to beat Google Docs' real-time collaboration and platform agnosticism. Reedsy adds handy formatting options for bloggers and authors.

Q: Can I use Scrivener on Windows, Mac, and mobile?

A: Yes, Scrivener offers native apps for Windows, MacOS, iOS, and Android. The desktop and mobile apps sync seamlessly via Dropbox. Scrivener's cross-platform flexibility makes it easy to write on all your devices.

Q: Is novel writing software worth it?

A: It depends on your needs. Many novelists write comfortably in basic tools like Word or Google Docs. But apps like Ulysses provide useful organization, focus modes, and markdown support specifically for fiction projects. Test free trials before purchasing.

Q: How do authors share book drafts with editors?

A: The easiest collaboration integrates directly into your writing tool, like Google Docs' built-in comments or Reedsy's editor workflow. Otherwise, swap Word/PDF drafts via email or Dropbox. Avoid messy version control!

Start Writing Your Book Today

Ready to choose the book writing software that best fits your process? Here are some parting recommendations:

• Try Google Docs or Reedsy Studio for free, streamlined drafting.
• Leverage Scrivener or Atticus for deep organization and formatting.
• Use Ulysses (Mac/iOS) for minimalist focus on novels or long-form content.
• Experiment with complementary tools like Novlr for motivation.

The most important step is simply pressing "start" - no need to overoptimize your writing process early on. Choose a platform that feels comfortable to begin establishing your daily writing habit. The words themselves matter far more than the tool you typed them in.

What book writing software will you use to transform your story idea into a reality? Let your book take shape, one written word at a time.