Get a high-level view of your book’s structure using corkboard and outliner views.Easily manage a large book writing project (or screenplay) in the binder view.But it more than makes up for that by being so helpful in the early stages of the writing process.Īgain, here are the pros and cons for Scrivener. It also has something of a learning curve, especially for its advanced features. You can sync with your iPhone/iPad, but only through Dropbox, making it not as easy as it should be. To be fair, Scrivener also has its weaknesses.įormatting is more complicated than it needs to be and collaborating isn’t easy, meaning it loses its effectiveness as soon as you bring on an editor (we recommend Google Docs for collaborating). You can read our full Scrivener review here. on Amazon or Barnes & Noble), as well as features for distraction-free writing, and has templates for novels, nonfiction books, screenplays, and more. Scrivener has formatting features for publishing (e.g. Its composition mode can help you stay focused by removing all the clutter. Project targets let you create word count goals and then track your progress daily. You can also get a high-level view of your book using the corkboard and outliner modes, allowing you to view chapters, sections, or individual scenes as index cards. Scrivener’s “binder” view allows you to break up your book into chapters and sections and easily reorganize it with drag and drop interface. Scrivener is the premier book writing app made by writers for writers. No piece of writing software will write your book for you, but these ten will help. The 10 Best Pieces of Book Writing Software If you need to check your bank balance several times a day, think about what your bank balance will be when you stop checking it constantly, finish your book, and become a successful author. If you want more “likes” on social media, imagine how great getting five-star reviews on your book will be. If you need a game, make writing your daily word count your game.

Set aside time for your writing every day and then stay focused! Yes, it’s good to reconcile your bank account on Quickbooks or make sure you’re up to date on your calendar app, but responsible, well-meaning work can easily be an excuse for a quick distraction that turns into a major distraction from writing your book.

Other Productive Software Not Directly Associated With Your Writing.

Do I really need to say more? Fortunately there’s a piece of book writing software for avoiding this very distracting software (see Freedom below).

Facebook, Twitter, and Other Social Media Software.

Especially World of Warcraft (always always always!) but also Solitaire, Sudoku, Angry Birds, and, for me right now, Star Wars Galaxy of Heroes. Worst Pieces of Software for Writing a Bookīefore we discuss writing software that will help your writing, it’s important to understand (and eliminate) what will hurt your writing progress.

Best creative writing software