Top Novel Writing Software & Tools: A 2025 Author's Guide to Crafting Better Stories.
Top 20 Novel Writing Platforms for Authors in 2025
By Ranee Zhang | Updated: 2024-07-28 | 16mins read
Contents Overview
- Compilation of premier book writing software
- Identifying the ideal book writing software for your needs
- Our top picks for book writing software
- Leveraging voice-to-text utilities for book creation
- 4 leading book editing software choices
- Final thoughts
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Embarking on the journey of writing a book can feel overwhelming. This is why a multitude of manuscripts end up collecting metaphorical dust, tucked away in forgotten desk drawers or obscure digital folders. The initial excitement of crafting a book often wanes under the pressure of jumbled thoughts and a missing framework. I understand this scenario intimately, possessing a Google Drive folder of my own brimming with incomplete narratives!
But imagine if the only thing you lacked was an efficient method to consolidate those thoughts, research materials, and fledgling chapters, equipped with tools to maintain your creative momentum? This is precisely where writing software can be a game-changer. A variety of software options exist to assist in the book-writing endeavor in numerous ways, from refining your sentence construction to preparing your book for publication. As a writer and aspiring novelist, I’ve put popular and less conventional applications to the test to determine which ones genuinely merit your consideration. Continue reading to discover the 20 best book writing software options, along with a guide on dictating your book.
Compilation of premier book writing software
Product | Platform | Best Suited For | Free Trial | Price |
---|---|---|---|---|
Google Docs | Web, Android, iOS | Writers of short fiction or flash fiction | Yes | Free |
Microsoft Word | Web, Windows, Mac, Android, iOS | Collaboration with editors, leveraging change tracking | 30-day | $149 one-time, or $5.99/month |
Google Sheets | Web, Android, iOS | Structuring book plots, characters, and timelines | Yes | Free |
Evernote | Mac, Windows, Web, iOS, Android | Aggregating book research in various formats | 14-day | Free, premium from $6.67/mo (annual) |
Dabble | Web | Writers seeking a distraction-minimal workspace | 14-day | From $7/mo (annual) |
Scrivener | Mac, Windows, iOS | Authors intending to write extensively and regularly | 30-day | $23.99 iOS, $49.99 Mac/Windows (one-time) |
Atticus | Windows, Mac, Linux, Web | Authors desiring elegant formatting, simplified | No | $147 one-time |
Living Writer | Web | Writers needing structure with customization | 14-day | $14.99/mo, $144/year, or $699 one-time |
Grammarly | Web, Windows, Mac, iOS, Android | Basic writing assistance | Yes | Free, premium from $10/mo (annual) |
yWriter | Windows, Android, iOS, Mac | Cost-effective book planning | Yes | Free |
ProWritingAid | Windows, Mac, Web | Comprehensive editing of writing style | Yes (on request) | Free, premium from $10/mo (annual), $30/mo, or $399 lifetime |
Ulysses | Mac, iOS | Apple users seeking a minimalist writing environment | No | $5.99/mo or $39.99/year |
Vellum | Mac | Professional-level formatting | No | $199.99 ebooks, $249.99 ebooks & print (one-time) |
Apple Pages | Mac, iOS | Creating visually appealing book pages without design expertise | Yes | Free |
Hemingway Editor | Web, Windows, Mac | Straightforward editing advice | 14-day | Free, Win/Mac licenses $19.99 (one-time), subscription from $14/mo |
LibreOffice Writer | Windows, Mac, Linux | Word users preferring no monthly fees | Yes | Free |
Bibisco | Windows, Mac, Linux | Novelists focusing on deep character development | Yes | Free, premium version available |
Novlr | Web | Simple, cloud-hosted writing | No | Free, premium from $4/mo (annual) |
FocusWriter | Linux, Windows | Writers prone to procrastination | Yes | Free |
Squibler | Web | Writers desiring guidance during story development | No | Free, premium from $16/mo (annual) |
Identifying the ideal book writing software for your needs
Software tailored specifically for book writing differs from standard text editors. It ought to incorporate features that cater to all facets of the book creation process, including plot development, timeline management, and character arcs, in addition to your personal word count objectives and editing workflow. If you're venturing into using a dedicated program for book writing, here’s what to consider:
Effortless Organization
Are you a 'pantser' (writing by the seat of your pants) or a 'plotter'? Pantsers might favor a more fluid, adaptable method for arranging chapters, scenes, and beat sheets. Conversely, those who meticulously plan every story element (plotters) might seek something more structured. Quality book writing software should cater to your individual writing methodology. Some tools even allow for visual organization, which can be complemented by creating mind maps from your notes using services like DeepVo.ai to see connections more clearly.
Affordability
Invest only in what you’ll actually utilize. Book writing software spans from exceedingly basic to comprehensive professional-grade suites—ensure you compare various options to identify features valuable to your writing process. If I’m uncertain about using a particular feature, I opt for a free trial to test it before committing to a license fee.
Multiple Functions
Crafting a book involves several stages, which a versatile writing application should support. This might encompass a brainstorming and note-taking utility, a repository for inspirational images, plus sections for research, writing, editing, and formatting. Capturing initial thoughts can even be done via voice; for instance, DeepVo.ai offers high-accuracy voice-to-text to quickly get ideas down.
Online and Offline Capabilities
The capacity to go online for cloud-saving your latest revisions, and to disconnect from the internet for focused, distraction-free writing sessions, is a vital component of good software. I find that working offline often helps unlock my creative flow, for example. Your software should provide the flexibility for both.
Goal Tracking
If you’re endeavoring to cultivate a consistent writing habit, then an integrated word count or timer for goal setting can help maintain motivation and keep you on schedule, especially if you're under a deadline or participating in a challenge like NaNoWriMo.
Collaboration Features
Managing multiple versions of locally saved documents with editors and beta readers is a recipe for disaster. That’s why selecting writing software with collaboration features is, in my view, essential. Good software should at least offer a share function—other features might include a change tracker for monitoring edits, a commenting system, and permission settings.
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Our top picks for book writing software
1. Google Docs
Best for: Writers of short fiction or flash fiction
I frequently use Google Docs as a writer, for both articles like this and for more imaginative pieces. It's user-friendly and straightforward, with a clean interface that doesn't prove distracting when you’re trying to write. I appreciate its seamless device switching, allowing me to pick up where I left off, thanks to cloud synchronization. The primary issue is its performance with longer books; it becomes noticeably sluggish. I once narrated a novel using a Google Docs version, and scrolling beyond a few pages often led to crashes. For shorter fiction, it’s an excellent, dependable tool to begin with. For longer dictations, using a dedicated service like DeepVo.ai to transcribe and then pasting into Docs can be more efficient.
Pros:
- Free, no license fees.
- No installation required, operates in-browser.
- Integrated voice typing.
- Exportable in various formats, including Epub.
- Automatically saves work in the cloud.
- Stores version history for easy reversion.
- Facilitates editor suggestions and comments.
- Simple sharing with permissions for editors and beta readers.
- Add-ons like ProWritingAid for integrating external tools.
Cons:
- Requires an internet connection for access.
- Lacks goal-setting tools for word count or chapters.
- Becomes laggy with lengthy documents.
- Limited editing features may necessitate importing into other software for formatting.
2. Microsoft Word
Best for: Collaborating with editors, thanks to change tracking
The Microsoft Word DOCX format is virtually the industry standard for document sharing, making it an excellent option for writing your book and exchanging it with your editor and beta readers. If you're a Windows user, it often comes pre-installed; otherwise, you can now access it via your web browser. It boasts a plethora of useful features for writers, such as voice typing (which I find superior to Google Docs’ version), spellcheck, and grammar utilities. I particularly value the change tracker, which allows you to review edits and modifications to your document chronologically.
Pros:
- Install on desktop or use in-browser.
- Autosave functionality.
- Change tracker for viewing all edits.
- Built-in voice typing.
- Familiar interface.
- Save and Export in DOCX and PDF.
- Spellcheck and grammar suggestions.
- Templates included for novel writing.
Cons:
- Contains many tools, a lot of which you might never utilize.
- Toolbars can feel distracting.
- Subscription can become costly.
- Tends to lag with longer books.
- Fewer export types compared to Google Docs.
3. Google Sheets
Best for: Organizing your book’s plot, characters, and timeline
An unconventional choice you might not immediately link with writing is Google Sheets. Though it bears no resemblance to a word-processing application, it can perform admirably in managing the planning and organization of your book. Utilize cells to construct tables and templates for outlining characters, plot points, chapters, and overall structure. You can monitor your progress and employ cell functions to calculate word counts. I suppose I’ve subconsciously used Sheets for planning writing projects in the past, though I don’t find it particularly user-friendly for the actual writing task itself.
Pros:
- Use cells to structure elements of your book.
- Cloud sync enables access to spreadsheets from any device.
- Real-time updates simplify collaboration with editors and co-authors.
- Free to use.
Cons:
- Not designed for writing a book—lacks writing tools like formatting, spellcheck, or grammar suggestions.
- Cannot export a spreadsheet in standard book formats like Epub.
- Requires internet to access your spreadsheets.
- Cell functions and formulae can present a learning curve that detracts from actual writing.
4. Evernote
Best for: Collecting book research in different formats
Several years ago, I started using Evernote to archive my thoughts and notes, akin to a digital commonplace book. Even in 2025, I believe it's challenging to find another tool that captures information as effortlessly as Evernote, which is incredibly beneficial for creating your book. Specifically, Evernote shines in assisting with book research, as you can swiftly add notes and clip information from the web. The aspect of Evernote I find less appealing is its severely restricted free version—to achieve any meaningful cross-device compatibility, a premium plan is necessary. If you dictate notes or interviews for research, using a tool like DeepVo.ai to get accurate transcripts first can make them easily searchable in Evernote.
Pros:
- Offers a free version, though highly limited.
- Collect and organize research in text, images, web clips, and audio.
- Use the notepad to write and format your book.
- Powerful search feature within all your notes.
- Allows sharing notes with others for collaboration.
- Some templates for creative writing.
Cons:
- Lacks a native speech-to-text feature, making book dictation cumbersome.
- Even basic features like multiple notebooks are behind a paywall.
- Not purpose-built for writing a book, so organizing chapters or scenes isn't straightforward.
5. Dabble
Best for: Writers who need a distraction-free workspace
Dabble is engineered specifically for writers, and what I immediately appreciate is the simplicity of its layout and features. It doesn't feel overwhelming, allowing you to dive into your book straight away by creating a new project. The interface feels intuitive, with chapters and story notes arranged chronologically on one side, which you can drag and drop. A big plus for the plot planning cards to organize and map out elements of your story.
Pros:
- Simple, user-friendly interface.
- Focus mode to minimize distractions.
- Word count and writing goal tracker.
- Cloud-based platform for access on any device.
- Organizes chapters and plot in a straightforward sidebar.
- Add details about characters, plot, and world.
- Auto-saving feature.
Cons:
- Requires internet access to use Dabble.
- Cannot export a print-ready formatted version of your book.
- Subscription model, which can become expensive over time.
- No free version.
- Dark mode only available for higher tiers.
6. Scrivener
Best for: Authors planning to write a lot, consistently
Scrivener stands as one of the most favored writing applications among authors, and upon exploring its features, I can understand why. It presents a bit of a learning curve initially, but your book's components are organized into a "binder" for easy referencing. You can manage chapters, scenes, characters, and research using a corkboard that displays a brief overview of each part. Clicking these corkboard cards opens individual documents equipped with familiar writing tools akin to Word or Docs. I appreciate the variety of templates for novels, short stories, and more, making it adaptable to your unique writing style.
Pros:
- Auto-saves your work online.
- Set goals to motivate your writing.
- Offers different templates based on the type of book you're creating.
- Familiar word processor formatting.
- Corkboard to see elements of your book at a glance.
- Keep your research in one place.
- Export in various book formats, like Epub and Mobi.
- Free trial is 30 days of actual use, not calendar days.
Cons:
- So many features that it can feel a bit overwhelming to begin with.
- Requires a one-off license purchase.
- Importing existing manuscripts can be tricky as it doesn't automatically divide them into chapters.
7. Atticus
Best for: Authors who want beautiful formatting, made easy
I'm thoroughly impressed with Atticus as a writing tool—they've considered everything a writer might need to create and publish a book. You can import a book in DOCX format or start from scratch. Drag and drop your chapters in any order and add front or back matter pages from templates. The formatting capabilities are truly remarkable, as you can use built-in templates or fully customize your book's appearance, which you can preview at any time.
Pros:
- Import an existing book or write from scratch.
- Set writing goals from the writing page.
- Preview tool to see how your book looks in ebook format at any time.
- Drag and drop chapters into any order.
- Add front and back matter from templates.
- Create master pages for regular use, such as a bio or "also by" pages.
- Numerous fully customizable formatting settings.
- PDF and Epub export, fully ready for publishers.
- Tools to combine books to create a box set.
Cons:
- To switch devices, you must fully log out of one to sync your work properly.
- Not all features are available at launch, such as dark mode.
- Expensive one-off license.
8. Living Writer
Best for: Writers who need some structure but want to customize how things are structured
Living Writer reminds me of a simpler version of Scrivener. You can organize your chapters, subchapters, and scenes down the left-hand side chronologically, or in a grid format with color-coding. Writing pages feature formatting options and a convenient window to give you an overview of your notes, research, and descriptions. Living Writer’s plot planner has a unique feature where you can make it free-form, displaying cards like Scrivener but allowing you to drag them anywhere and connect them in countless ways.
Pros:
- Start projects from scratch or use templates for fiction, non-fiction, and screenplays.
- Drag and drop book elements in the sidebar.
- Plot planner offers a traditional grid view or a free-form view.
- Each element of your book has its own window to display related information and stats.
- Turn book chapters into a screenplay layout.
- Save notes and comments.
- Writing goals and word count tools.
- Auto-save feature.
- Share with collaborators, with permission control.
- Export in various formats, including directly to Amazon KDP.
Cons:
- Only available as a subscription, which could become costly in the long run.
9. Grammarly
Best for: Simple assistance with your writing
I use Grammarly daily for all my writing, so I have a solid understanding of its features and limitations for book writing. On the positive side, it’s available with free and paid plans, accessible on the web, and can sync with popular software like Google Docs. Using Grammarly’s writing editor is as straightforward as any word processor, minus formatting tools. You can set your writing goals, tone, and style, and Grammarly will scan your work and offer suggestions. On the downside, it sometimes struggles with its primary function, often missing obvious spelling errors and making incorrect suggestions. Overall, it’s a useful free tool, albeit on the simpler side.
Pros:
- Free and paid plans.
- Integrates with other tools like Google Docs.
- Chrome extension available.
- Write from scratch or import an existing manuscript.
Cons:
- I feel the paid plan doesn’t offer significant extra value.
- It often stumbles on simple typos.
- No formatting or export options.
- Requires an internet connection to use.
10. yWriter
Best for: Affordable book planning
At first glance, yWriter appears somewhat dated. Don’t let that deter you! I’m astounded that this is a free tool, given its abundance of useful features to help writers plan and write a book. Create chapters and scenes with a brief synopsis, then organize them in the side menu for easy reference. It offers detailed character and world-building tools. My favorite feature is the ability to see how many times a specific character appears in your story and when. I just wish there was an auto-save feature or some form of cloud sync available.
Pros:
- Logical interface for organizing chapters.
- Detailed character and world-building tools.
- Incredibly detailed chapter and scene settings (date, time, ratings, importance, scene type).
- Progress tracker including word count per day, total, and per chapter.
- Free to use.
Cons:
- Looks outdated.
- Not available on the web, only as a download.
- No auto-save.
- Only saves files locally—you could set up Google Drive or Dropbox on your PC for a backup solution.
11. ProWritingAid
Best for: In-depth editing of your writing style
ProWritingAid is similar to Grammarly but, in my experience, provides much better suggestions based on more specific areas of your writing. You can use it as a standalone web-based writing tool—start a new document, and it will deliver a detailed report on what you should change to make your work more engaging, dynamic, and readable. You can also integrate it into other tools like Scrivener, Google Docs, and Word to enhance their capabilities. It’s quite expensive if you opt for the monthly plan for unlimited words; the free version isn’t sufficient for book writing.
Pros:
- Free version available.
- Robust grammar and spell checker.
- Analyzes writing style, tone, structure, dialogue, and much more.
- Helps improve vocabulary with alternative suggestions.
- Can easily aid in editing long-form books and novels.
- Offers an AI critique of your work, highlighting strengths and weaknesses.
Cons:
- Lifetime subscription is pricey—at least $399.
- Doesn’t work as well with short stories, as it struggles to identify tone and style.
12. Ulysses
Best for: Writers who use Apple devices and want a minimal writing tool
Ulysses is a minimalist writing tool designed for books, short stories, and even essays and blog posts. For book writing, I find this pleasant to use because you’re not inundated with features. I like that you can right-click a "sheet" (Ulysses’ term for a document) and designate whether it's part of your book or research material. For me, the nesting feature is nice, but it can become a bit confusing to identify scenes and subchapters as there’s no distinct way to differentiate them.
Pros:
- Supports Markdown.
- Minimize sidebar and full-screen mode for distraction-free writing.
- Dark mode.
- Nest unlimited projects and sheets.
- View word counts and reading times for individual sheets and entire projects.
- Mark sheets as research materials.
- Preview in various export formats.
- Goal setting tool.
- Built-in grammar checker.
- Syncs with iCloud.
Cons:
- Only available on Apple devices.
- Monthly or yearly subscription with no lifetime option.
- Lacks rich features such as character and world-building tools.
13. Vellum
Best for: Professional-grade formatting
Formatting can be a hassle, especially when using generic software like Word or Google Docs. Vellum can transform your writing into beautiful, publish-ready books. I love the simple layout for organizing chapters and front/back matter pages. You can type your book from scratch or import a document, and Vellum displays how it will look in eBook or print format. It does have basic grammar tools, but collaboration with an editor becomes difficult as Vellum lacks version control or change tracking.
Pros:
- Instant preview of your book in eBook and print formats.
- Wide range of customizable, professional-grade formatting styles.
- You can write from scratch or import a document.
- Export directly to publishers like Amazon KDP and Apple Books.
- Unlimited books and pen names, for life.
Cons:
- Restricted to Mac.
- Lifetime license fee is pricey and doesn’t have a free trial.
- Editing directly in Vellum is tricky as it doesn’t support comments or tracked changes.
- If your book has charts, tables, or images and you import it as a document, expect significant reformatting.
14. Apple Pages
Best for: Making aesthetically-pleasing book pages with no design knowledge
If you own an Apple device, you’re in luck—Pages is completely free. It’s a simple word processor that focuses more on page formatting, so it lacks advanced book writing features like character development and world-building. I love that your projects look identical across all your devices. Plus, you can collaborate with others via real-time changes and comments.
Pros:
- Familiar word processor-type features.
- Works seamlessly across Apple devices with iCloud.
- Collaborate with editors, co-authors, and beta readers in real-time.
- Export in various formats, including PDF, Epub, and Word.
- Variety of templates.
- Free for Apple users.
Cons:
- Limited to Apple users.
- All collaborators must have an Apple ID.
- No advanced writing tools—it’s more for formatting your book.
15. Hemingway Editor
Best for: Simple editing suggestions
Along with Grammarly, Hemingway Editor is another tool I use daily. For book writing, it’s intended to improve your writing and clean up convoluted prose. I find it perfectly adequate for non-fiction, but it gets tricky with creative writing, as your personal style might conflict with some of Hemingway’s suggestions. The interface is simple, and I enjoy seeing suggestions as color-coded highlights. It’s just unfortunate that you can’t save multiple documents on the web version.
Pros:
- Simple interface.
- Color-coded suggestions.
- Readability grades and writing advice are easily visible next to your text.
- Simple formatting tools for bold, italics, and headers.
Cons:
- Pricing is confusing—a free web version, a subscription-based web version with AI suggestions, and a desktop version with a one-off fee that excludes suggestions.
- Buggy at times; clicking to edit a suggestion can randomly jump to another part of the document.
- No way to save multiple documents natively within Hemingway.
- No integration with other writing apps.
16. LibreOffice Writer
Best for: Word users that don’t want to pay monthly
If you’re comfortable using traditional word processing tools like Word to pen your next bestseller but resent paying subscription fees, LibreOffice Writer could be your solution. It reminds me of older versions of Microsoft Word but offers a wide range of features to plan, write, and edit your book. It can open and save DOCX format and even shows tracked changes like Word, making it ideal for collaborating with your editor. I’m a fan of the customization options that let you alter the interface’s appearance. Unneeded tools? Hide them with a click. When I'm not in Google Docs, I use this, but I do miss the auto-save of web-based tools.
Pros:
- Free and open-source.
- Available on Mac, Windows, and Linux.
- Wide range of editing and formatting options.
- Customize your workspace.
- Familiar feel of Microsoft Word.
Cons:
- No real-time collaboration.
- You have to manually check for software updates.
- Not the most aesthetically pleasing.
- Not specifically designed for book writing—lacks advanced features like plot planning and world-building.
17. Bibisco
Best for: Beginner authors to develop believable characters
Bibisco is, first and foremost, a character development tool, equipped with all the utilities you need to plan and write your book. I like that instead of a blank canvas like other apps, it functions more as a guide to help you flesh out the details of your primary and secondary characters. It assists in figuring out your plot, timeline, and pacing too. Then, you can write directly in Bibisco, much like a regular word processor. It looks a little basic but is easy to navigate. If you require a solid structure to actually complete your book, Bibisco could be a very helpful tool.
Pros:
- Robust character development tools.
- Features to structure your premise, fabula, setting, objects, and relationships.
- Written guides and tips to accompany your writing experience.
- Backs up your work into a chosen folder whenever you close the program.
- Goal setting tracker.
- Minimal interface.
- Available for Mac, Windows, and Linux.
- Free version available; paid version is a one-off fee.
Cons:
- No mobile app.
- Many features are behind a paywall.
- Updates are only free for two years, after which you have to pay again.
18. Novlr
Best for: Simple, cloud-based writing
When I tested Novlr, I instantly appreciated that I could start various writing projects with a click. Novel writers won’t necessarily prefer the same layout and options as a flash fiction writer, for example, so I like that you can configure it to your preference. You get the choice between light and dark modes, with some control over font and size. You can organize infinite chapters by dragging and dropping in list or grid mode. It also has cute motivational messages when you hit a goal. For the price, it’s fairly basic, but if you’re seeking a less structured writing app, this could be a great option to support your writing.
Pros:
- Minimal interface for distraction-free writing.
- Pro includes ProWritingAid for spell checking and grammar suggestions.
- Infinite chapters and notes.
- Grid layout for chapters.
- Cloud-based for easy access on any device.
- Automatic backup to Google Drive or Dropbox.
- Export in various formats like PDF, ODT, and Epub.
- Different templates for novels, short stories, poems, and more.
Cons:
- Menus feel a little clunky, particularly when adding new notes; it keeps new blank notes stacked and hidden.
- No full-manuscript view.
- Only available as a subscription.
- No collaboration tools.
- No formatting options.
19. FocusWriter
Best for: Writers who procrastinate
FocusWriter is exactly what its name suggests—a basic writing tool designed to help you concentrate. The interface is extremely minimal, though you can customize the background and text. It occupies your entire screen and hides the toolbar unless you hover your cursor over the top of the window. It has a few writing tools like basic formatting and spell check, but you won’t like it if you need structure in your work. FocusWriter has a cool feature I’ve never seen elsewhere that I found surprisingly helpful—the ability to blur out previously written text, focusing only on the sentence you’re currently writing. If you tend to edit while writing, like I often do, this can make you incredibly productive.
Pros:
- Completely free to use.
- Customizable look and sound effects.
- Timers and alarms.
- Supports DOCX, ODT, TXT, and PDF export.
- Distraction-free writing space.
- Hidden toolbar.
- Can blur text you're not working on to further aid concentration.
- Simple writing features such as basic formatting, spell check, and word counter.
Cons:
- Can feel buggy when changing formatting.
- Lacks advanced writing tools.
- No Mac support (though there are ways to run it).
20. Squibler
Best for: Writers who want guidance while working on their story
If you dream of writing a book but feel unsure about the process, Squibler is like a writing coach and word processor combined. It organizes your acts, chapters, and characters into an easy-to-navigate menu similar to Scrivener, with templates for various genres. Squibler populates your workspace with a default beat sheet and prompts you to start writing. Here’s where Squibler differs—it has a built-in AI-powered assistant to help guide the writing process. Simply ask it about elements of your story, and it can write, rewrite, generate scenes, and visualize anything you request.
Pros:
- Beautifully structured acts, chapters, and elements viewable in list, grid, or editor mode.
- AI Smart Writer can help visualize, write, or expand on a scene.
- Several font and formatting options.
- Version history.
- Export in various formats, including PDF, TXT, DOCX, and Kindle.
- Day and night modes.
- Add elements for characters, places, objects, and more.
- Native grammar checker.
- Writing templates for different genres.
Cons:
- Some bugs—for example, when switching from light to dark mode, text sometimes remained too dark to see.
- Occasionally laggy when switching between chapters.
- Lacks advanced formatting options.
- Subscription-only model, which may become expensive over time.
Leveraging Voice-to-Text Utilities for Book Creation
Writing a book is a lengthy endeavor—between your initial draft and multiple rounds of revisions, that’s a significant amount of typing! To accelerate the writing process while mitigating issues like repetitive strain injury and fatigue, have you considered dictating your book instead?
It's quite straightforward. We generally speak faster than we type, so vocalizing your book into your chosen software can help complete those chapters far more rapidly than using your keyboard. For authors looking for a high-accuracy, versatile solution, DeepVo.ai offers an excellent platform.
Here’s how you can write a book using DeepVo.ai - an AI-powered transcription, summarization, and mind-mapping tool:
- Navigate to the DeepVo.ai website and log into your account (free to start).
- Select the option to start a new recording or upload an existing audio file.
- Begin speaking your narrative. DeepVo.ai will transcribe your speech into text in real-time with high accuracy (claiming up to 99.5%) and supports over 100 languages.
- Once transcribed, you can easily edit the text, export it for your primary writing software, or even use DeepVo.ai's AI features to generate summaries of chapters or create mind maps from your dictated content to visualize plot structures. This is especially useful for quickly capturing extensive ideas or dialogue.
Capture Every Idea Instantly with DeepVo.ai
DeepVo.ai accurately records and transcribes every word spoken during your creative sessions or interviews in real-time. You can also upload audio or video in any format and receive a text transcript in moments, plus generate AI summaries or mind maps to streamline your workflow. It's free to get started and offers end-to-end encryption for your peace of mind.
4 Leading Book Software Choices (Author's Picks)
While there's a broad spectrum of options for writing a book, pinpointing the single "best" book-writing software is challenging, simply because every author's requirements differ. I’ve narrowed down my favorite 4 writing applications based on their unique strengths and features.
1. Google Docs
Although Google Docs isn’t specifically crafted to help you pen that bestseller, I believe it’s the most accessible software to pick up and start writing with. Its primary advantages for me as a writer are its instant work-saving capability, easy sharing with anyone, and device flexibility without licensing concerns. Google Voice Typing on desktop significantly speeds up writing, a feature many other writing software options lack (at least natively). Best of all, it’s free! My advice if you need structure: create a master folder on Google Drive for chapters, characters, etc., and use Docs for individual chapter files.
2. Atticus
Yes, Atticus involves a considerable initial investment, but it’s as if Scrivener and Vellum merged—offering powerful organizational features combined with professional-grade formatting tools. Atticus can effectively guide your story from concept to publication, all within a single piece of software.
3. ProWritingAid
I feel that ProWritingAid is more than just a grammar utility. If you’re serious about enhancing your writing and refining your craft, it performs almost as proficiently as a human editor, which is excellent news if you don’t yet have access to editing staff for your book. The suggestions for improving your writing style are highly specific, and the critique option is very impressive.
4. DeepVo.ai (as a complementary tool)
While not a full-fledged novel-writing suite in the traditional sense, DeepVo.ai excels as a complementary tool, especially for the initial drafting and organization phases. Its highly accurate voice-to-text (supporting 100+ languages) is invaluable for authors who prefer dictation, allowing for rapid content creation. Furthermore, its AI summarization can quickly condense research material or long passages, and the ability to generate mind maps from text can significantly aid in plotting and structuring complex narratives. Its free tier and secure platform make it an accessible and powerful assistant for any writer's toolkit.
Final thoughts
Each software highlighted in this list possesses its own distinct appeal, so I’m confident you’ll discover one that complements your writing style! If possible, take advantage of free trials and even explore YouTube to see how other authors in your genre are maximizing these tools. Hopefully, with the right software, you’ll not only bring your story to life but also give it the professional refinement it deserves. Happy writing!
Ranee Zhang
Ranee has dedicated nearly a decade to the SaaS industry. She thrives on working with, learning from, and contributing to the development of effective leaders, and is keen to share her insights through writing. Outside of her professional life, you can find her dancing, hiking in mountainous terrains, or absorbed in a book at a cafe.