14 Best Software for Writing a Novel

Best Software for Writing a Novel depends on an author’s individual needs and preferences; popular choices among authors include Scrivener, Microsoft Word, and Google Docs. Scrivener offers an impressive set of tools for organizing research, plotting, and structuring novels – an excellent option for authors who prefer an organized approach.

Microsoft Word, one of the world’s most popular word processing applications, is beloved for its ease of use and powerful formatting features. Its versatile nature enables it to accommodate a range of writing styles.

Google Docs is an ideal cloud-based platform for writers who prefer collaboration and access from any device with internet connectivity. However, the best software to write novels lies within whatever aligns best with your individual writing process and comfort level.

What is Novel Writing software?

Novel writing software is an online tool for creating, organizing, formatting and revising manuscripts. Your work must conform to industry-approved book formatting standards in order to submit them for agency or publisher consideration. Writers often need help with laborious formatting processes.

Novel writing software gives authors more time and flexibility when crafting stories by helping with formatting requirements. Furthermore, this tool offers effective yet practical features to keep writers on track as they write.

Worst Pieces of Software for Writing a Novel

While the suitability of software for writing a novel depends on personal preferences and needs, some software may not be well-suited for this purpose due to various limitations. Here are a few examples of software that may not be the best choices for writing a novel:

Notepad (or Text Editor): Basic text editors like Notepad or TextEdit lack essential novel-writing features such as organization, character tracking, and formatting. They offer a minimalistic interface but do not cater to the specific needs of novelists.

Spreadsheet Software: While spreadsheet software like Microsoft Excel or Google Sheets can be used for outlining and planning, they are not designed for writing and lack essential text formatting and management features.

Email Clients: Email clients, despite their simplicity, are not suitable for novel writing. They are designed for communication and lack the tools necessary for structuring a novel or managing long-form text.

Web Browsers: While web-based platforms like Google Docs can be useful, web browsers themselves are not writing software. They may introduce distractions, and it’s not a recommended environment for serious novel writing.

Presentation Software: Presentation software like Microsoft PowerPoint or Google Slides is primarily designed for creating slideshows and visual presentations, making them unsuitable for writing novels.

Code Editors: Text editors meant for writing code, such as Visual Studio Code or Sublime Text, lack the features needed for novel writing, like character profiles, research organization, and manuscript formatting.

Mobile Note-Taking Apps: Mobile note-taking apps are designed for quick notes and may lack the extensive features required for novel writing, such as scene organization and formatting.

While these software options have their uses in other contexts, they may not provide the essential tools and features novelists require. Dedicated writing software designed for long-form writing, organization, and novel-specific features is often a better choice for authors looking to create a novel efficiently and effectively.

Here is List Of Best Software for Writing a Novel

1. Scrivener
2. Microsoft Word
3. Google Docs
4. Ulysses
5. Evernote
6. yWriter
7. Novlr
8. Storyist
9. Hemingway Editor
10. FocusWriter
11. FreeMind
12. WriteMonkey
13. ProWritingAid
14. Final Draft

14 Best Software for Writing a Novel

1. Scrivener

Scrivener is a powerful and versatile software tool designed to meet the unique needs of novelists. It offers a comprehensive suite of features to assist authors at every stage of the writing process. With Scrivener, you can easily organize your novel into scenes or chapters, restructure your story with a simple drag-and-drop interface, and keep all your research, character profiles, and setting descriptions in one place.

The software’s distraction-free writing mode helps you focus on your creative flow, and when your novel is complete, Scrivener enables you to compile and export your work into various formats, including Word documents, PDFs, and e-books. Whether you’re a seasoned writer or just starting your novel-writing journey, Scrivener’s intuitive tools and customization options make it a valuable companion for turning your ideas into a beautifully crafted novel.

2. Microsoft Word (Best Software for Writing a Novel)

Microsoft Word is an accessible and well-known program for writing novels. With its user-friendly interface and familiar layout, this is an ideal option for authors. Word’s comprehensive formatting and editing features enable writers to focus on the creative process without getting bogged down in technical details.

Track changes for collaborative editing make collaboration easy while comment features provide feedback – making Word an indispensable partner when working with editors or beta readers. Microsoft Word may lack some of the specialized novel-writing features found in dedicated writing software, but its versatility, cross-platform compatibility and extensive user support make it an attractive option for authors looking for an easily accessible writing tool to craft their novels.

3. Google Docs

Google Docs is an attractive choice for novelists who appreciate the ease and convenience of cloud-based writing platforms like Google Docs. With real-time collaboration features that enable multiple authors or editors to work on one novel simultaneously, promoting teamwork and feedback exchange between team members. Google Docs allows writers to access their work from any internet-enabled device for an enjoyable, versatile writing experience.

Although Google Docs lacks some of the advanced novel-specific features found in dedicated writing software, its intuitive nature makes it ideal for structuring a novel quickly and efficiently. With version history allowing writers to track changes easily as well as go back and edit previous drafts, this modern, collaborative and accessible solution offers writers everything they need for efficient novel creation.

4. Ulysses (Top Software for Writing a Novel)

Ulysses stands out as an ideal software choice for authors looking for an elegant writing environment to complete their novels. With its minimalist design, Ulysses keeps focus on writing process. Ulysses offers an intuitive and distraction-free writing environment, creating an ideal canvas for creative writing.

Furthermore, its organizational features enable authors to easily create an outline, incorporate notes, and store research materials alongside their manuscript. Ulysses’ use of Markdown formatting provides efficient text styling without complex formatting menus, making it the ideal choice for novelists seeking a clean and efficient creative workspace.

5. Evernote

Evernote is an invaluable tool for novelists who rely on meticulous research and organization during the novel-writing process. Its flexibility enables authors to collect and manage a wide array of material ranging from text notes and web clippings to images and audio recordings. Evernote’s intuitive interface enables easy categorization and tagging of research materials, making it simple to find information at any moment’s notice.

Evernote provides writers with an ideal environment for gathering ideas, character sketches, plot details and on-the-go inspiration. Writers can seamlessly switch devices and access their notes anywhere – invaluable when working away from home! Although Evernote may not be specifically dedicated as a writing platform, its information management and inspiration gathering capabilities make it invaluable companion for novel-writers who rely on detailed research and organization as they pursue novel writing journey.

6. yWriter (Best Software for Writing a Novel)

yWriter is an ideal software choice for novelists who value an organized approach to writing. Created specifically to address novel writing needs, yWriter includes tools designed specifically for this process that enable authors to plan, outline and organize their works effectively. Software tools allow authors to break their novels down into scenes or chapters, making it easy to rearrange or restructure as necessary.

yWriter also features sections dedicated to character profiles, locations and items – helping authors gain a full grasp of their narrative. Tracking word count goals, character and location usage and other essential metrics makes yWriter an indispensable resource for authors who wish to maintain tight control over the story’s progression. With its user-friendly interface and focus on storytelling processes, yWriter makes for an invaluable writing companion who value a well-structured approach to novel writing.

7. Novlr

Novlr is an ideal online writing tool designed for novelists, providing an uninterrupted writing environment without distraction. Novlr’s user-friendly interface and clean design enable authors to focus on the creative process without being distracted by unnecessary features. Novlr also includes essential writing and formatting tools for structuring novels quickly.

Additionally, this software features cloud storage to enable access from any internet-enabled device, as well as collaboration features to facilitate working with editors or beta readers during revision processes seamlessly.

Novlr provides authors who appreciate a simple yet effective platform to craft novels with its in-app goal setting and word count tracking features, making it a valuable tool. Novlr’s singular focus on novel writing makes it an attractive option for authors seeking an uncluttered writing experience.

8. Storyist (Top Software for Writing a Novel)

Storyist is an advanced software solution tailored to meet the specific needs of novelists and screenwriters alike, offering powerful tools for story planning, character creation, manuscript formatting and formatting. Authors can create character sheets, plot arcs and story outlines in order to craft a well-structured narrative with this software. Furthermore, its distraction-free writing environment helps writers maintain focus.

Storyist offers project organization and real-time word count tracking that make it an indispensable tool for keeping tabs on your progress, while its compatibility with macOS and iOS devices ensures seamless cross-platform access to your work. Whether you are writing your first novel or have extensive writing experience, Storyist provides an all-inclusive platform for crafting engaging and well-structured tales.

9. Hemingway Editor

Hemingway Editor is a powerful writing tool designed specifically to increase clarity and readability in their prose. Unlike traditional software solutions, Hemingway Editor focuses on improving text quality through refinement of language use. This tool highlights complex sentences, passive voice, adverbs and other elements that impede readability, providing suggestions for improvement.

Authors can use this as an invaluable resource to craft more straightforward and impactful narratives. Hemingway Editor provides novelists with an indispensable way to perfect their writing style and craft books that engage readers more effectively and effortlessly. With an emphasis on simplicity and readability, Hemingway Editor helps writers make their storytelling shine brightly.

10. FocusWriter (Best Software for Writing a Novel)

FocusWriter is a minimalist writing software designed to provide novelists with a serene and distraction-free writing environment. With its clean and intuitive interface, writers can immerse themselves in the creative process without being distracted by unnecessary features. The software offers customizable themes and typewriter-inspired sound effects that help create an enjoyable writing environment.

FocusWriter allows writers to set daily word count goals and track their progress, providing an encouraging tool for writers aiming to maintain a steady writing practice. Though easy-to-use, FocusWriter supports various document formats so you can save and export work with no hassle – perfect for authors seeking an uncluttered, peaceful space to focus on writing novels!

11. FreeMind

Mind mapping software like FreeMind provides novelists with an innovative method for organizing their writing process that may prove invaluable to their creativity and organization. It is particularly suited for authors who prefer an nonlinear and visual method. This software empowers writers to craft intricate mind maps to visualize the structure, plot development and relationships within their novels as well as any character interactions or developments.

FreeMind provides an interactive and flexible canvas for brainstorming and planning that allows authors to efficiently untangle complex narratives, identify plot holes and foster creative ideas. Though not typically utilized as the main platform for writing the actual text of novels, MindMeister provides invaluable help with initial planning and conceptualization for authors who prefer a visual approach to storytelling.

12. WriteMonkey (Top Software for Writing a Novel)

WriteMonkey provides authors who value an uncluttered writing environment with minimal interruptions for pure creativity. Its uncluttered interface offers the ideal place for writers to compose without interruption from distractions — ideal for the task at hand! WriteMonkey software offers essential features like word count tracking and customizable themes to allow writers to tailor the writing environment to suit their own preferences.

WriteMonkey stands out by being easily portable as it runs off a USB drive for use anywhere writers may go. While lack of advanced organizational tools makes other software attractive alternatives for authors who simply wish to focus on storytelling without distractions can make WriteMonkey an appealing alternative choice for authors seeking simplicity in storytelling without unnecessary extraneous features.

13. ProWritingAid

ProWritingAid is an invaluable software tool for novelists looking to refine and perfect their writing. While not a traditional writing platform, ProWritingAid provides comprehensive writing assistance that goes far beyond basic grammar and spell checking. ProWritingAid provides in-depth text analysis, including sentence structure, readability, style, and overused words. Additionally, it offers advice to enhance clarity and impact in writing.

ProWritingAid comes equipped with a plagiarism checker to verify the originality of your work, making it an indispensable companion for writers looking to enhance the quality of their writing and create error-free novels. Furthermore, ProWritingAid integrates seamlessly with various writing platforms – making it an indispensable and versatile solution.

14. Final Draft (Best Software for Writing a Novel)

Final Draft is best known as a screenplay-writing software, but it can also serve novelists looking for ways to structure their work in an unconventional format or write adaptations for cinema. It features features designed specifically to support scriptwriting, such as industry-standard formatting and tools for character and dialogue development.

Final Draft is ideal for novelists who take an approach focused on visual and dialogue-focused storytelling, providing their creative vision a framework easily adaptable across mediums. While not specifically tailored for novel writing, its strengths in scriptwriting may prove invaluable for authors with screenplay writing experience or those seeking a different method of novel writing.

Why should writers use novel writing software?

Writers can benefit from using novel writing software for several reasons:

Organization: Novel writing software provides tools to help writers organize their thoughts, scenes, and characters effectively. It allows for easy structuring of the novel, helping authors maintain a clear and coherent narrative.

Distraction-Free Writing: Many novel writing software options offer a distraction-free writing environment, which can be invaluable for maintaining focus and boosting productivity.

Research and Reference: These programs often include features for storing research materials, character profiles, and world-building details alongside the manuscript, ensuring all relevant information is readily available.

Word Count and Progress Tracking: Writers can set goals and track their progress easily, helping them stay on schedule and meet deadlines.

Manuscript Formatting: Novel writing software often comes with templates and tools for formatting the manuscript correctly, saving writers time when preparing their work for publication.

Revision and Collaboration: These programs assist in the revision process, enabling authors to make changes, track edits, and collaborate with editors or beta readers more efficiently.

Export Options: Writers can easily export their work into various formats, such as Word documents, PDFs, or e-book formats, making it simpler to share or publish their novels.

Cross-Platform Compatibility: Many novel writing software options are available on multiple platforms, allowing writers to access their work from various devices.

Specialized Features: Some software is designed specifically for novelists and offers unique tools for plotting, character development, and story planning.

Time and Energy Savings: By streamlining the writing process and providing useful features, novel writing software can save writers time and energy, allowing them to focus on their creativity.

In summary, novel writing software offers a dedicated and efficient environment for authors to create and manage their novels. It helps streamline the writing process, improves organization, and enhances productivity, ultimately making the novel-writing journey more manageable and enjoyable for writers of all levels.

What are the benefits of using Novel writing software?

The use of novel writing software offers a range of benefits for writers:

Organization: Novel writing software provides tools to help authors organize their work effectively. It allows for the structuring of scenes, chapters, and character profiles, helping writers maintain a clear and coherent narrative.

Distraction-Free Writing: Many novel writing software options offer a distraction-free writing environment, enabling authors to focus solely on their creative process without the distractions of unrelated features.

Research and Reference: These programs often include features for storing research materials, character profiles, and world-building details alongside the manuscript, ensuring that all necessary information is readily accessible during the writing process.

Word Count and Progress Tracking: Writers can set goals and track their progress easily, helping them stay on schedule and meet deadlines.

Manuscript Formatting: Novel writing software often provides templates and tools for formatting the manuscript correctly, saving writers time when preparing their work for publication.

Revision and Collaboration: These programs facilitate the revision process, allowing authors to make changes, track edits, and collaborate with editors or beta readers more efficiently.

Export Options: Writers can easily export their work into various formats, such as Word documents, PDFs, or e-book formats, making it simpler to share or publish their novels.

Cross-Platform Compatibility: Many novel writing software options are available on multiple platforms, allowing writers to access their work from various devices.

Specialized Features: Some software is designed specifically for novelists and offers unique tools for plotting, character development, and story planning.

Time and Energy Savings: By streamlining the writing process and providing useful features, novel writing software can save writers time and energy, allowing them to focus on their creativity.

In summary, novel writing software offers a dedicated and efficient environment for authors to create and manage their novels. It helps streamline the writing process, improves organization, and enhances productivity, ultimately making the novel-writing journey more manageable and enjoyable for writers of all levels.

Best Software for Writing a Novel Conclusion

Conclusion Ultimately, choosing the most appropriate software for writing a novel depends on your unique writing needs and preferences as a writer. Each software solution offers its own set of features and advantages tailored specifically for novel writing. Scrivener stands out for its powerful organizational tools and customization options, while Microsoft Word offers familiarity and advanced formatting features.

Google Docs offers flexibility and real-time collaboration capabilities; Ulysses features an elegant writing environment without distractions; novelists may prefer novelist-specific tools like yWriter for novel writing. Finally, Novlr offers a clean writing environment complete with goal tracking features.

Storyist provides comprehensive planning and organization tools, while Hemingway Editor specializes in improving writing clarity. FocusWriter provides an uncluttered writing space. Deciding which software best meets your creative process and goals depends entirely upon individual preference – make sure you explore these options so that you find one that’s the most compatible!

Best Software for Writing a Novel FAQ