Top 17 Best Book Writing Apps to Elevate Your Writing and Publishing Journey

Self-publishers, rejoice! Crafting and polishing your book can be manageable. Thanks to technological advancements, countless writing tools and book writing software options cater to every style, format, and stage of the publishing process. Whether tackling a steamy romance or educational nonfiction, these tools can simplify your book-writing process and supercharge your productivity.

This blog dives into the 17 best book-writing apps to help self-publishers refine their craft, boost efficiency, and produce books readers won’t want to put down.

Top 17 Book Writing Software

Here are our top 17 favorite book writing apps. We'll start with the one we know best--our own.

1. Publishing.ai: The Ultimate Book Writing and Publishing Tool

If you're a self-publisher searching for an all-in-one platform to elevate your nonfiction writing and publishing process, Publishing.ai deserves your attention. Designed with efficiency and quality in mind, it is the best writing app packed with AI-powered features that save time and effort while ensuring professional-quality output. Imagine having a virtual assistant that guides you through every step of the self-publishing journey, from brainstorming ideas to analyzing sales data – that's the power of Publishing.ai.

Why Publishing.ai Stands Out:

It combines powerful automation with insightful data analysis to streamline your publishing needs. Everything is tailored for self-publishers seeking efficiency and success, from crafting compelling content to optimizing your marketing strategy.

Key Features of Publishing.ai:

• Manuscript Writer: Skip the blank page blues and writer's block. With AI at your side, the arificial intelligence Manuscript Writer helps you draft compelling content in record time. It's like having a co-author who is always ready to generate ideas and help you articulate your thoughts.
• Topic Idea Generator: Need inspiration? The Topic Generator curates book concepts based on industry trends and audience demand. This takes the guesswork out of finding profitable niches and helps you identify topics with high market potential.
• Customer Research: Understand what readers want before you even start writing. This feature uncovers niche-specific audience preferences, allowing you to optimize your book's appeal and cater to your target readers' interests.
• Outlining Made Simple: Forget scatterbrained brainstorming. Map out your chapters and key points with the straightforward outlining tool. This helps you structure your book logically and ensures a coherent flow of ideas.
• Sales-Boosting Book Descriptions & Titles: Once you've written your masterpiece, create captivating descriptions and book titles to convert online browsers into buyers. This feature helps you craft compelling sales copy highlighting your book's benefits and enticing readers to purchase.
• Analytics Dashboard: Post-launch, track your book's performance with detailed analytics to fine-tune your marketing and publishing strategy. This data-driven approach allows you to identify what's working and what's not, enabling you to optimize your efforts for maximum impact.

How to Use Publishing.ai to Write Your Nonfiction Book Fast:

1. Start with the Topic Generator: Kick things off by exploring research-based book topics tailored to your ideal audience. This helps you identify a profitable niche and ensures your book meets reader demand.
2. Use the Manuscript Writer: Leverage AI to transform your rough ideas into polished paragraphs. This accelerates the writing process and helps you overcome writer's block.
3. Edit and Personalize: Fine-tune the generated content to ensure it matches your unique voice and style. While AI provides a solid foundation, adding your touch is essential for creating an authentic and engaging book.
4. Prepare for Launch: Generate metadata, optimize your book description, and get ready to track performance metrics through the Analytics Dashboard. This ensures a smooth book launch on Amazon and allows you to monitor your success from day one.

Publishing.ai is more than just the best AI non-fiction writing tool; it's a comprehensive platform that empowers self-publishers to achieve their goals efficiently and effectively. Combining AI-powered automation with data-driven insights, it streamlines the entire publishing process, allowing you to focus on what you do best: writing excellent books.

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2. Scrivener: A Favorite for Fiction Writers

For novelists and storytellers, Scrivener offers unparalleled organization. It allows writers to craft sprawling plots, manage complex character arcs, and compile ideas in a distraction-free workspace. Imagine having a virtual writer's room where you can effortlessly arrange scenes, develop characters, and track progress. That's Scrivener in a nutshell.

Key Features:

• Flexible organization tools: Scrivener goes beyond basic word processing. Break your project into manageable chunks – chapters, scenes, even individual paragraphs – and rearrange them with drag-and-drop ease. This is a game-changer for tackling extensive projects or experimenting with non-linear narratives.
• Corkboard and outliner views: Visualize your story in new ways. The corkboard feature lets you arrange scenes like index cards on a wall, perfect for plotting and restructuring. The outliner provides a hierarchical view of your project, which is ideal for managing complex storylines and character development.
• Compile feature to format manuscripts for publishing: When you're ready to share your masterpiece, Scrivener streamlines the formatting process. Effortlessly compile your manuscript for different publishing platforms, including Amazon KDP, with customizable settings for eBook and print formats.

We like how easy it is to organize complex story ideas with Scrivener. This tool is excellent for storing and sorting notes in one place.

3. Microsoft Word: The Classic Writing Tool

Microsoft Word remains a dependable go-to for self-publishers of all experience levels. Its user-friendly design supports drafting and formatting, and its integrations with editing tools like Grammarly extend its capabilities. Think of it as the reliable workhorse of the writing world – familiar, versatile, and always ready to get the job done.

Key Features:

• Robust text formatting options: Word gives you fine-grained control over your document's appearance. Easily adjust fonts, spacing, headings, and styles to create professional-looking manuscripts that meet industry standards. This is crucial for ensuring your eBook or printed book looks its best.
• Collaboration tools for co-writing projects: Working with a co-author or editor? Word's built-in collaboration features make it easy to share documents, track changes and provide feedback in real-time. This streamlines the editing process and keeps everyone on the same page.
• Plug-ins like Grammarly take editing to the next level: Enhance Word's built-in editing capabilities with powerful plug-ins like Grammarly. These tools provide advanced grammar and style checking, helping you polish your manuscript to perfection and catch those pesky errors that can slip through the cracks.

We like how seamlessly Word integrates with other tools. This expands its functionality and makes it a versatile hub for using other apps in your self-publishing workflow.

4. Atticus: A Comprehensive Writing and Formatting Tool

Atticus is a powerful, all-in-one tool for self-publishers. It seamlessly combines the functionality of a word processor with advanced formatting capabilities, making it a favorite for preparing books for print and digital distribution. Imagine having a platform where you can write your manuscript, edit it with precision, and format it to perfection – that's Atticus.

Key Features:

• One-stop tool for writing, editing, and formatting: Atticus streamlines your self-publishing workflow by providing everything you need in one place. Write your manuscript, refine it with robust editing tools, and then format it for various publishing platforms, including Amazon KDP, with extensive formatting options.
• Advanced custom theme design for eBooks and print: Take control of your book's appearance with Atticus's advanced theme design features. Create stunning custom themes for your eBooks and print books, ensuring they stand out in a crowded marketplace. Experiment with fonts, colors, and layouts to match your unique vision.

We like the ease of formatting with Atticus. It simplifies the complex process of preparing your book for different publishing platforms, saving you time and effort.

5. Reedsy Book Editor: A Free, Online Writing App

Reedsy is perfect for self-publishers looking for a free, minimalist, cloud-based platform. It offers a clean and distraction-free writing environment while connecting you to a network of professional editors, proofreaders, and cover designers. Think of it as your all-in-one writing and publishing hub, accessible from anywhere with an internet connection.

Key Features:

• Automatic publishing-ready formatting: Say goodbye to the complexities of formatting. Reedsy automatically formats your manuscript for eBook and print, ensuring it meets industry standards and looks professional. This saves you time and eliminates the headache of dealing with intricate formatting rules.
• Collaborative editing capabilities: Working with an editor or beta readers? Reedsy's collaborative features make it easy to share your manuscript, track changes, and receive feedback directly within the platform. This streamlines the editing process and ensures clear communication.
• Access to professional publishing services: Need help with editing, cover design, or marketing? Reedsy's marketplace connects you with a curated network of experienced publishing professionals. This gives you access to high-quality services without the hassle of searching for freelancers.

We like the fact that Reedsy is free and accessible online. This makes it an attractive option for self-publishers on a budget or those who prefer a cloud-based solution.

6. Ulysses: A Distraction-Free Writing App

Ulysses is the ideal tool for self-publishers who thrive on simplicity and focus. Tailored for creative writers, it provides a seamless and elegant workspace devoid of clutter, allowing you to immerse yourself in your writing. Imagine a minimalist writing retreat where you can shut out the world's noise and let your creativity flow—that's the Ulysses experience.

Key Features:

• Full writing mode removes distractions: With Ulysses' full writing mode, you can minimize distractions and enter a state of flow. This feature hides all unnecessary interface elements, leaving you with a clean canvas for your words. Focus solely on your writing and let your thoughts unfold without interruption.
• Goal tracking to help hit daily writing milestones: Stay motivated and on track with Ulysses' built-in goal-tracking feature. Set daily or project-based writing goals and monitor your progress. This is a great way to maintain momentum and ensure you're consistently moving towards your publishing goals.
• Syncs seamlessly across Apple devices: Access your writing from anywhere with Ulysses' seamless syncing across Apple devices. Start writing on your Mac, continue on your iPad, and make final edits on your iPhone. This flexibility ensures you can always capture your ideas, no matter where you are.

We like Ulysses's minimalist design and distraction-free writing environment. It's a haven for self-publishers who crave focus and simplicity.

7. ProWritingAid

ProWritingAid is a robust editing tool beyond basic grammar and spell checks. It acts as your writing coach, providing in-depth analysis and insightful suggestions to improve your writing technique. Think of it as a virtual editor that helps you polish your manuscript perfectly. Learn more here.

Key Features:

• Style improvement suggestions: ProWritingAid analyzes your writing for common stylistic issues like passive voice, adverbs, and repeated sentence structures. It then offers concrete suggestions for improvement, helping you develop a more substantial and engaging writing style. This is invaluable for self-publishers who want to captivate their readers.
• Clarity reports: Uncover hidden clarity issues that can hinder your readers' understanding. ProWritingAid provides detailed reports highlighting areas where your writing might be confusing or ambiguous. Addressing these issues ensures your message is clear, concise, and impactful.
• Integrations with Scrivener, MS Word, and Google Docs: Seamlessly integrate ProWritingAid into your preferred writing environment. It works with popular tools like Scrivener, MS Word, and Google Docs, allowing you to access its powerful editing features without disrupting your workflow.

We like how ProWritingAid helps self-publishers improve their writing skills. It's not just about catching errors; it's about becoming a better writer.

8. Grammarly

Every self-publisher's toolkit is complete with the free version of Grammarly. Its advanced AI-powered editing engine makes it an indispensable assistant for writers of all levels. Think of it as your tireless proofreader, always on hand to catch those mistakes and refine your writing.

Key Features:

• Grammar and spelling checks: Grammarly goes beyond basic spell check, catching subtle grammatical errors and offering insightful corrections. It helps eliminate embarrassing mistakes and ensures your writing is clear, concise, and error-free. This is crucial for maintaining professionalism and credibility in eBooks and printed books.
• Advanced style and tone analysis: Craft your message precisely using Grammarly's advanced style and tone analysis. It helps you identify and refine your writing style, ensuring it aligns with your intended audience and purpose. Whether you aim for a formal tone in a non-fiction book or a more casual voice in a YA novel, Grammarly can help you hit the right note.
• Plagiarism detection: Ensure the originality of your work with Grammarly's plagiarism detection feature. It scans your manuscript against a vast database of online sources, helping you identify and address any unintentional plagiarism. This is essential for protecting your reputation and avoiding potential legal issues.

We like how Grammarly catches errors that might otherwise be missed. It's a valuable safety net for self-publishers who want to produce high-quality, error-free books.

9. Evernote

Evernote is the perfect tool for self-publishers to catalog research, notes, and outlines. It ensures that every spark of inspiration, every insightful article, and every fleeting thought is captured and saved for later development. Think of it as your digital brain, always ready to store and organize the building blocks of your next bestseller.

Key Features:

• Cross-device syncing: Capture ideas anytime, anywhere. Evernote seamlessly syncs across all your devices, so you can jot down notes on your phone, add web clippings on your computer, and review your research on your tablet. This ensures that your ideas are always accessible, no matter where you are.
• Web clipping to save articles for research: Conducting research for your book? Evernote's web clipper allows you to save entire articles or specific sections with a single click. Organize these clippings into dedicated notebooks for easy access and reference later. This streamlines your research process and keeps your information organized.
• Organized folder systems for project management: Evernote's flexible folder system helps you easily manage your self-publishing projects. Create separate notebooks for different books, store character sketches, and plot outlines, and organize your marketing plans. This keeps your projects organized and prevents important information from getting lost.

We like how Evernote helps self-publishers capture and organize their ideas. It's a valuable tool for staying inspired and keeping your projects on track.

10. Notion

Notion is a versatile tool beloved by self-publishers for its all-in-one workspace. It seamlessly blends planning, outlining, and drafting capabilities, providing a centralized hub for managing your self-publishing journey. Imagine a digital workspace where you can organize your thoughts, track your progress, and collaborate with others all in one place – that's the power of Notion.

Key Features:

• Database organization for characters, research, and chapters: Notion's powerful database functionality allows you to organize every aspect of your book project. Create detailed character profiles, store research notes, and easily manage individual chapters. This structured approach keeps your information organized and accessible, preventing essential details from slipping through the cracks.
• Templates for writing projects: Jumpstart your writing process with Notion's extensive library of templates. Find pre-built templates for novel outlines, character development worksheets, and marketing plans. These templates provide a framework to get you started and can be customized to fit your needs.
• Real-time collaboration for co-authors: Working on a book with a co-author or editor? Notion's real-time collaboration features make it easy to work together seamlessly. Share your workspace, co-edit chapters, and provide feedback directly within the platform. This fosters efficient teamwork and ensures everyone stays on the same page.

We like how Notion provides a centralized hub for managing all aspects of a self-publishing project. It's a versatile tool that can adapt to your unique workflow and help you stay organized throughout your self-publishing journey.

11. Hemingway Editor

The Hemingway Editor is a unique tool that simplifies your text and improves its readability. It helps you cut through unnecessary complexity and ensure your message is clear and concise. Think of it as a writing mentor encouraging you to use strong verbs, avoid passive voice, and write clearly and positively. Find out more here.

Key Features:

• Highlights complex sentences and passive voice: Hemingway Editor uses color-coding to identify areas where your writing might be challenging to read. It highlights lengthy sentences, excessive adverbs, and passive voice constructions, prompting you to simplify and strengthen your prose. This is particularly helpful for self-publishers who want to ensure their books are accessible to a broad audience.
• Readability score to ensure your writing is accessible: Get an objective measure of your writing's readability with the Hemingway Editor's built-in scoring system. It analyzes your text and assigns a readability grade level, helping you gauge how accessible your writing is to different audiences. This is valuable for self-publishers who want to ensure their books are appropriate for their target readership.

We like how the Hemingway Editor encourages clear and concise writing. It's a valuable tool for self-publishers who want to ensure their books are engaging and easy to understand.

12. Final Draft

While Final Draft is explicitly tailored for screenwriters, it can be valuable for self-publishers who venture into multimedia projects or wish to adapt their books to screenplays. It simplifies crafting scripts and ensures your formatting adheres to industry standards. Think of it as your Hollywood insider, guiding you through screenplay formatting and presentation intricacies.

Key Features:

• Comprehensive script formatting: Final Draft takes the guesswork out of screenplay formatting. It automatically formats your script according to industry standards, ensuring your dialogue, scene headings, and character names are presented correctly. This saves you time and allows you to focus on the creative aspects of your screenplay.
• Breakdown reports for character lines and counts: Gain valuable insights into your script with Final Draft's detailed breakdown reports. Analyze character lines and counts, identify speaking roles, and track scene lengths. This information can be invaluable for balancing your characters, pacing your story, and preparing for production.

We like how Final Draft simplifies the process of writing and formatting screenplays. While it may not be essential for every self-publisher, it's a must-have tool for those who want to explore multimedia adaptations of their work.

13. Notepad

Sometimes, the most straightforward tools are the most effective. For self-publishers who prefer a genuinely no-frills approach, Notepad offers a clean slate for jotting down ideas, drafting initial outlines, or even composing entire manuscripts. Think of it as the digital equivalent of a blank sheet of paper, ready to capture your thoughts without any distractions or complicated features.

Key Features:

• Simplicity at its core: Notepad boasts a minimalist interface with no formatting options or complex menus. This bare-bones approach eliminates distractions and allows you to focus solely on your words. It's the perfect tool for self-publishers who value simplicity and efficiency.
• Lightweight and readily available: Notepad is a lightweight application that comes pre-installed on most operating systems. This makes it readily accessible, requiring no downloads or installations. You can open Notepad in seconds and start writing without any fuss.

We like how Notepad encourages focus and eliminates distractions from actual writing. While it lacks the advanced features of other writing tools, its simplicity can liberate self-publishers who prefer a clean and uncluttered writing environment.

14. FocusWriter

FocusWriter lives up to its name by creating a distraction-free writing environment that allows you to focus solely on your words. It minimizes visual clutter and provides a clean, minimalist interface to help you get into the flow state and maximize your productivity. Think of it as your writing sanctuary, a quiet space to shut out the world and let your creativity flourish.

Key Features:

• Full-screen mode: Immerse yourself in your writing with FocusWriter's full-screen mode. It hides all unnecessary interface elements, leaving a blank canvas for your words. This eliminates distractions and lets you concentrate fully on crafting your story, article, or blog post.
• Word count and timer tracking: Stay motivated and on track with FocusWriter's built-in tracking tools. Set daily word count goals, or use the timer to track your writing sessions. This helps you monitor your progress, maintain consistency, and achieve your writing objectives.

We like how FocusWriter creates a calming and focused writing environment. It's a valuable tool for easily distracted self-publishers who want to maximize their writing productivity.

15. Wave Maker

Wavemaker is a unique writing tool designed explicitly for crafting immersive worlds and intricate storylines. It's particularly well-suited for self-publishers working in fantasy and science fiction genres, where detailed world-building and complex narratives are essential. Think of it as your creative playground, a space where you can map out fantastical landscapes, develop intricate character relationships, and weave together compelling plots.

Key Features:

• Interactive world-building tools: Wavemaker provides interactive tools to help you construct detailed and believable worlds. Create maps, timelines, and family trees to visualize your world's history, geography, and social structures. This immersive approach allows you to delve deep into your world's intricacies and ensure consistency throughout your narrative.
• Structured storytelling features: Organize your story with Wavemaker's structured storytelling features. Develop plot outlines, track character arcs, and easily manage individual scenes. This helps you maintain a clear overview of your narrative and ensures your story flows smoothly from beginning to end.
• Cross-platform compatibility: Access your work from anywhere with Wavemaker's cross-platform compatibility. It works seamlessly across various devices, allowing you to write on your computer, tablet, or phone. This flexibility ensures you can capture your ideas whenever inspiration strikes.

We like how Wavemaker facilitates immersive world-building and structured storytelling. It's a valuable tool for self-publishers who want to create rich and engaging fictional worlds for their readers.

16. CherryTree

CherryTree is a powerful hierarchical note-taking application that excels at organizing complex writing projects with layered outlines and extensive research. Think of it as a digital filing cabinet with unlimited drawers, folders, and subfolders designed to keep your notes, ideas, and research meticulously organized and easily accessible.

Key Features:

• Hierarchical organization: Cherrytree allows you to create a nested structure of nodes, similar to folders and subfolders, to organize your notes logically and intuitively. This is particularly useful for self-publishers who must manage large amounts of information, such as character profiles, plot outlines, world-building details, and research notes.
• Rich text formatting and code highlighting: CherryTree supports rich text formatting, allowing you to style your notes with different fonts, colors, and headings. It also offers syntax highlighting for various programming languages, making it a versatile tool for self-publishers who write code-related content or need to include code snippets.
• Data security and portability: Cherrytree stores all your data in a single file, either in XML or SQLite format, making it easy to back up and transfer your notes between devices. This ensures your valuable work is secure and readily available wherever you need it.

We like how CherryTree allows self-publishers to create a customized and highly organized system for managing their writing projects. Its hierarchical structure and rich text capabilities make it a versatile tool for creative writing and technical documentation.

17. Novelist

Novelist is an entirely free desktop app designed as an all-in-one solution for self-publishers. It offers a comprehensive suite of tools for planning, writing, and organizing your book projects without cost or subscription fees. Think of it as your personal writing assistant, always available to help you bring your stories to life without breaking the bank.

Key Features:

• Versatile planning tools: Novelist provides various planning tools to help you structure your story. Create detailed outlines, develop character profiles, and map your plot using interactive boards and timelines. This organized approach ensures a solid foundation before you start writing.
• Distraction-free writing environment: Novelist offers a clean and minimalist writing space where you can focus solely on your words. It eliminates unnecessary distractions and allows you to immerse yourself in your story, fostering creativity and productivity.
• Organized project management: Keep all your writing projects organized in one place. Novelist allows you to create separate projects for different books, store research notes, and track your writing progress. This centralized approach ensures you stay on top of your work and keep track of your ideas.

We like that Novelist provides a comprehensive set of features for free. It's an excellent option for self-publishers who are just starting or prefer a budget-friendly solution.

Why ChoosePublishing.ai Over Other Writing Tools?

While other platforms like Microsoft Word or Scrivener shine in certain areas, only Publishing.ai offers a unique combination of writing and publishing features tailored for the fast-paced world of self-publishing. Its analytics, AI-driven insights, and seamless workflow make it the ultimate tool for ambitious self-publishers.

Make the most of your writing and publishing process today. Experience the power of Publishing.ai, and get ready to see your book idea take flight.