Writing a book is a big deal. Whether you’re crafting a gripping novel or working on a game-changing business book, you need the right tools to turn your vision into reality. The best app for writing a book doesn’t just help you write—it makes the entire process smoother, more fun, and incredibly productive.
In this book-writing guide, I’ll present you with 5 amazing book-writing apps. Perfect for fiction writers, business authors, or maybe just someone in between, the following tools discuss what can make writing easier and set you up for success.
The 5 Best Apps For Writing A Book
Book Writing App | Best For |
---|---|
Scrivener | Writers who love planning and organizing large projects like novels or business books. |
Atticus | Authors ready to self-publish with polished, professional formatting. |
Dabble | Fiction writers who need visual tools for plotting and tracking progress. |
Ulysses | Writers seeking a distraction-free, minimalistic writing environment. |
Microsoft Word | Writers preferring a versatile, familiar platform with collaboration features. |
1. Scrivener: The Ultimate Writer’s Tool
Scrivener is a powerhouse. It’s designed for serious writers who need to organize and manage large projects. It’s like a one-stop shop for planning, writing, and editing.
- Key Features:
- Break your book into manageable sections.
- Store research, notes, and drafts in one place.
- Export to multiple formats, including ePub and Word.
- Best For: Writers who love planning, whether they’re working on a novel, a business book, or even a screenplay.
My Pro Tip: Use Scrivener’s split-screen mode to view your notes and manuscript side-by-side. It’s a game-changer.
2. Atticus: Write And Format Like A Pro
Atticus is a modern tool that combines writing and book formatting. It’s perfect if you’re planning to self-publish and want professional results without hiring a formatter.
- Key Features:
- Built-in formatting for eBooks and print.
- A cloud-based platform, so your work is always accessible.
- Collaboration tools for working with editors or co-authors.
- Best For: Authors ready to publish, especially business writers who want polished manuscripts.
My Pro Tip: Atticus is great if you’re focused on writing and need publishing-ready formatting without extra software.
3. Dabble: A Fiction Writer’s Best Friend
Dabble is made for storytellers. It’s a simple yet powerful tool that helps fiction writers create compelling characters and plots.
- Key Features:
- Plot grid to map your story visually.
- Word count tracker to hit your daily or weekly goals.
- Cloud syncing for writing anywhere.
- Best For: Fiction writers who love visualizing their stories and staying on top of their progress.
My Pro Tip: Use Dabble’s scene cards to rearrange chapters or storylines effortlessly.
4. Ulysses: Clean, Simple, and Powerful
Ulysses is perfect for writers who want minimal distractions. It’s a sleek app that focuses on writing while offering enough features to keep you productive.
- Key Features:
- Markdown support for easy formatting.
- Export options for blogs, books, and print formats.
- Cross-device syncing for Apple users.
- Best For: Writers who value simplicity, whether they’re drafting fiction or business books.
Pro Tip: Pair Ulysses with an iPad and keyboard for a super portable writing setup.
5. Microsoft Word: The Classic Choice
Microsoft Word is a timeless tool that most writers know and trust. While it’s not as specialized as other apps, its versatility makes it a solid choice for any project.
- Key Features:
- Comprehensive editing tools like grammar and spell checks.
- Customizable formatting options for manuscripts.
- Integration with cloud storage through OneDrive.
- Best For: Writers who want a familiar, flexible writing platform.
My Pro Tip: Use Word’s “Track Changes” feature to collaborate with editors or beta readers.
Best Apps For Writing A Fiction Book
Fiction writing requires tools that let your creativity flow while keeping your story organized. Apps like Scrivener and Dabble excel in creating structured, immersive worlds for your readers.
Recommended Apps For Fiction
- Scrivener: For its robust planning and research tools.
- Dabble: For visualizing characters and storylines.
Best Apps For Writing A Business Book
Business books are all about clarity and structure. Apps like Atticus and Microsoft Word help you create polished manuscripts that are easy to read and professional-looking.
Recommended Book Writing Apps For Business
- Atticus: For professional formatting and publishing-ready tools.
- Microsoft Word: For drafting and editing with precision.
Final Thoughts: The Right App Can Make The Difference
Writing a book doesn’t necessarily have to be a chore. A book-writing app should complement your writing style, organize the process in your mind, and help you reach your goals. It really doesn’t matter if you’re writing fiction or searching for business writing. These apps can make the journey more pleasant and productive.
Ready to get started? Try one of these apps today, and watch your ideas spring into action! Or find a professional ghostwriter to assist you in writing your next best-seller.
FAQs About Writing Apps
Which app is best for beginners?
Microsoft Word and Dabble are perfect for beginners. They’re easy to use and offer just enough features to get you started without overwhelming you.
Are these apps free?
Some apps, like Microsoft Word, require a subscription. Others, like Scrivener and Dabble, offer free trials so you can test the features before committing.
Do these apps help with formatting?
Yes! Atticus specializes in formatting for both print and eBooks. Scrivener and Word also offer versatile export options.