The Best Book Writing Software for Beginners
When it comes to book writing software, there are so many tools available today that it can be difficult to know where to start. Scouring through Word processors and specialized writing software can be hugely overwhelming and make one crave the simplicity of the typewriter. Having written 28 books, I can tell you which writing software I’ve found worth the price tag.
Writing Software for Writers
No ‘how to write a book guide‘ would be complete without discussing writing software. I’m a Microsoft Word fan – even though I work on Mac, I pay for the MS Office package because I’m a linear writer, I’m not a fan of Apple’s Pages, and because most of my editors prefer to work in Word (tracked changes for the win!) Word is great for linear writers, which I am. Google Documents is also great if you work remotely, but I find it comparable enough that I prefer to stick with what I know.
Software for Novels Specifically
If you are looking at software for novels, specifically, the two names I’ve come across most are Scrivener & Atticus. I’m a Scriv girl. Yes, I know that I’ve already mentioned I write in MS Word, but I use Scrivener for everything else. I track characters, places, and magic systems. I outline, make notes, and use Scrivener as a kind of mind map when working on larger projects that require a lot of world-building.
Developed by Literature and Latte, think of Scrivener as a giant management system that keeps track of even the smallest detail of your novel. You can use it on a 30 day free trial to see if you enjoy the interface. That’s thirty days of use, not necessarily consecutively. I strongly recommend, however, that you have a dummy project in mind and make full use of the thirty days to get a proper feel for the functionality. Don’t just dabble… dive right in and try everything as though it was a full month’s worth of work. Be warned, however, that the trial version will stop working after 30 days of use and your data could be lost, so ensure you have back-ups!
I would recommend Scrivener for its outlining and plotting functions, and its affordability (a once-off fee of around $59) but I am hearing more and more of Atticus as a worthy rival rising in the software market. I haven’t used it, so I cannot speak from experience, but let’s compare the features and benefits of each.
Scrivener Writing Software
Scrivener was recommended to me by a friend and I haven’t been disappointed, even though I don’t use it to write, only for record-keeping.
It’s easy to navigate and has an array of functions perfect for novelists – mostly for keeping organized records. Some of the more popular features include:
- Binder: the binder function allows you to organize your manuscript into parts, and can be broken down into sections, chapters, or scenes.
- Corkboard: the corkboard is exactly what it sounds like – a virtual board onto which you can pin index cards. It’s a great tool to get a story visual and shuffle plot points around.
- Outliner: the outliner includes your manuscript’s metadata, such as up-to-date word counts and completion status.
- Research Integration: you can store all your research in one place, rather than bookmarking tabs and exporting PDFs. Instead, these can be saved inside the relevant project’s Scrivener file.
- Snapshots: Constant updates allow you to move between previous and later versions. That way, if you’ve changed your mind about changes made, you can always restore an earlier version.
Scrivener Pros and Cons
| SCRIVENER PROS | SCRIVENER CONS |
| Well Organized | Complex /overwhelming |
| Highly Customizable | Cost (not free) |
| Multiple Export Options |
Atticus Writing Software
As I mentioned before, Atticus is newer than Scriv, but I’ve found it streamlines the writing process. From what I can tell, it also formats your manuscript. I’ve always used Vellum for formatting (because I don’t enjoy Scrivener’s export function) and I find it super easy to use, but the allure of a software program that does both is hard to resist. And though I don’t have personal experience with it, I believe that Atticus is the writing app to watch.
Some of the popular features of Atticus include:
- Write and format: you can write and format your manuscript all within the same app.
- Templates: Atticus offers multiple templates for different genres.
- Collaboration: Unlike Scrivener, Atticus makes project sharing easy.
- Cloud-Based: Ensures that your work is available from multiple devices.
- Exporting: Like Scrivener, Atticus supports multiple export formats such as ePub, PDF, and MOBI.
| ATTICUS PROS | ATTICUS CONS |
| All-in-one | Limited Features |
| Easy to Use | Internet Dependent |
| Affordable | New to the market |
Atticus VS Scrivener
I think either of these software options would be a valuable tool in any writer’s arsenal, especially if you plan to make writing a career. Atticus is easier to use and has superior formatting capabilities, making the transition from writing to formatting more seamless. Scrivener has a steep learning curve but is excellent for organization, details, and novel structure. If you are co-writing, however, Atticus is the way to go, as it allows multiple users to work on the same project.
As for cost, both Atticus and Scrivener are paid programs, but where Scrivener is a one-time purchase, Atticus offers subscription plans.
Vellum Formatting Software
Vellum is a formatting software that does the job of a layout artist. It creates beautiful print books and ebooks for every platform. I used to format my books in MS Word, with templates from Kindle Direct Publishing and it would take days to complete. With vellum, I can do the same in a matter of minutes.
I so badly wanted this software that I transitioned from Windows to Mac to get it. Vellum, in my opinion, is the only book formatting software you’ll ever need, but it is only available on Mac. Plus, I cannot speak for Atticus, which might be better. It makes a bold claim: that it is just as good but that, unlike Vellum, it works on all operating systems and is more affordable. I cannot testify to that, but it is certainly rising fast in the ranks and gaining popularity amongst writers across the globe. A good friend and fellow author, Ian Tennent, recently switched over to Atticus, so I’ll have to give him a few months before I hound him for a product review.
Until then, I can vouch for Vellum. It is easy to use and efficient. The only downside is that the price tag isn’t viable for single-book authors. It’s only really worth it if you plan to release multiple books.
Which is the Best Software for Writers
Ultimately, you must decide which program works best for you. I use a Word>Scrivener>Vellum combo, but you might find Atticus is all you need, or that you enjoy Google Docs for the art of writing, but Scrivener for world-building. Whatever you decide, the key is to remember that the software is only a tool. The real work is done by you, the author, and that’s the true magic. No software in the world will write your book for you…Unless you’ve crossed a line to a place I cannot follow 😉
Until next time, write hard!
MD x
At this point it is unlikely. Vellum developers have been quite insistent that Vellum will only ever be available for Mac users.
Both are equally as good. With Google Docs, you can save your work remotely and have access to it from multiple devices. If I was braver, I’d write in Google Docs, but I’m a creature of habit, so I won’t.
Only if you plan on writing many more after that first one. Vellum is expensive. On the bright side, you can find dozens of freelancers on Fiverr who will format your book on Vellum for a very reasonable fee. Bear in mind, though, that Vellum does have limited functionality, which is why formatting with Vellum is more affordable than going through a professional typesetter.
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