Article Information
| Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Author | Abdul Moeez |
| Reviewed By | Techziano Editorial Team |
| Published | 17 July 2026 |
| Reading Time | 9 Minutes |
| Category | Software |
Quick Answer
The writing software for authors is Scrivener because it has great manuscript organization, outlining tools, and flexible export options. If you want to self-publish, Atticus is a choice because it has built-in book formatting. If you want something, Google Docs is a good option. Microsoft Word is still a choice for traditional writing.
Why You Can Trust Techziano
We reviewed each writing tool based on what matters to authors. We looked at ease of use, manuscript organization, outlining, formatting, cloud syncing, collaboration, and overall value. We did not just look at marketing claims.
Quick Comparison
| Software | Best For | Free | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scrivener | Overall | No | Excellent |
| Atticus | Self-Publishing | No | Excellent |
| Google Docs | Collaboration | Yes | Very Good |
| Microsoft Word | Traditional Writing | No | Very Good |
| Ulysses | Apple Users | No | Very Good |
| LivingWriter | Story Planning | No | Very Good |
| Dabble | Beginners | No | Very Good |
| Novlr | Focused Writing | No | Very Good |
| LibreOffice Writer | Free Desktop | Yes | Very Good |
| Grammarly | Editing | Freemium | Very Good |
| Reedsy Book Editor | Formatting | Yes | Very Good |
1. Scrivener – Best Writing Software for Authors Overall
Best For: Novelists and long-form writers
Rating: Excellent (5/5)
Image source: Official Scrivener website.
Scrivener is great for novelists and long-form writers. It helps you organize chapters, scenes, research, and notes in one workspace. You can move sections around with drag-and-drop controls.
Key Features
- Chapter and scene organization
- Corkboard and outlining tools
- Research storage
- Distraction-free mode
Pros
- Excellent manuscript management
- One-time purchase
- Powerful outlining
Cons
- Learning curve for beginners
- +imited collaboration
Image source: Official Scrivener website.
Our Verdict
Scrivener is best for authors writing novels or nonfiction books. If you are serious about writing books, Scrivener is a choice.
2. Atticus – Best All-in-One Writing & Formatting Software
Best For: Self-published authors
Rating: Excellent (4.9/5)
Image source: Official Atticus website.
Atticus is great for self-published authors. It combines writing, editing, and professional book formatting into one platform. It has an interface and cloud syncing.
Key Features
- Built-in ebook and print formatting
- Cloud syncing
- Goal tracking
Pros
- Writing and formatting in one tool
- Easy to learn
- Regular updates
Cons
- No free version
- Fewer outlining tools than Scrivener
Our Verdict
If publishing is your priority, Atticus is one of the smartest investments you can make. Atticus is best for self-published authors who want an all-in-one solution.
3. Google Docs – Best Free Writing Software
Best For: Collaboration and cloud writing
Rating: Very Good (4.8/5)
Image source: Official Google Docs website.
Google Docs is great for collaboration and cloud writing. It is free. Has automatic cloud saving, real-time collaboration, and version history.
Key Features
- Automatic cloud saving
- Real-time collaboration
- Version history
- Offline mode
Pros
- Completely free
- Easy to use
- Excellent collaboration
Cons
- Limited manuscript organization
- Basic formatting
Our Verdict
Google Docs is the easiest way to start writing a book without spending money. Google Docs is best for new authors and collaborative writing projects.
4. Microsoft Word – Best Traditional Writing Software
Best For: General writing and editing
Rating: Very Good (4.7/5)
Image source: Official Microsoft Word website.
Microsoft Word is great for writing and editing. It has editing features, Track Changes, comments, and excellent compatibility with publishers and editors.
Key Features
- Track Changes
- Comments
- PDF export
- OneDrive sync
Pros
- Familiar interface
- Excellent editing tools
- Widely accepted
Cons
- Subscription for full features
- Limited novel organization
Our Verdict
A reliable and familiar option for authors who prefer a traditional word processor. Microsoft Word is best for writers who already use Microsoft Office.
5. Ulysses – Best for Apple Users
Best For: Mac, iPhone, and iPad users
Rating: Very Good (4.7/5)
Image source: Official Ulysses website.
Ulysses is great for Mac, iPhone, and iPad users. It has a distraction-free writing experience and automatically syncs your work with iCloud.
Key Features
- Distraction-free editor
- iCloud sync
- Writing goals
- EPUB export
Pros
- Beautiful interface
- Excellent Apple integration
- Fast syncing
Cons
- Apple only
- Subscription required
Our Verdict
One of the best writing apps available for macOS and iOS users. Ulysses is best for authors fully invested in the Apple ecosystem.
6. LivingWriter – Best for Story Planning
Best For: Fiction writers
Rating: Very Good (4.6/5)
Image source: Official LivingWriter website.
LivingWriter is great for fiction writers. It helps authors organize stories, characters, timelines, and chapters from one dashboard.
Key Features
- Story templates
- Character management
- Goal tracking
- Cloud backup
Pros
- Great planning tools
- Easy to organize stories
- Beginner-friendly
Cons
- Subscription only
- Limited export options
Our Verdict
A great choice if planning your story is as important as writing it.
7. Dabble – Best Writing Software for Beginners
Best For: First-time authors and simple novel planning
Rating: Very Good (4.5/5)
Image source: Official Dabble website.
It is great for first-time authors and simple novel planning. It has an interface, drag-and-drop plotting,g and automatic cloud backup.
Key Features
- Drag-and-drop plot grid
- Automatic cloud backup
- Goal tracking
- Cross-device syncing
Pros
- Beginner-friendly
- Clean interface
- Easy manuscript organization
Cons
- Subscription required
- Limited advanced features
Our Verdict
If Scrivener feels overwhelming, Dabble offers a much gentler learning curve. Dabble is best for new authors writing their first novel.
8. Novlr – Best Distraction-Free Writing App
Best For: Writers who want a minimalist workspace
Rating: Very Good (4.4/5)
Image source: Official Novlr website.
Novlr is great for writers who want a minimalist workspace. It has cloud backups, writing goals, and progress tracking.
Key Features
- Minimal writing interface
- Cloud backups
- Progress tracking
- Writing goals
Pros
- Simple design
- Easy to use
- Automatic backups
Cons
- Limited formatting
- Subscription only
Our Verdict
A solid choice if your priority is staying focused instead of managing complex writing tools. Novlr is best for authors who prefer a clean writing environment.
9. LibreOffice Writer – Best Free Desktop Alternative
Best For: Offline writing without subscriptions
Rating: Very Good (4.4/5)
Image source: Official Libre Office Writer website.
LibreOffice Writer is great for writing without subscriptions. It has features found in Microsoft Word without any cost.
Key Features
- Completely free
- Offline editing
- PDF export
- Document templates
Pros
- No subscription
- Powerful word processor
- Cross-platform
Cons
- Outdated interface
- No built-in cloud sync
Our Verdict
One of the best free alternatives to Microsoft Word. LibreOffice Writer is best for authors who want desktop software.
10. Grammarly – Best Editing Assistant
Best For: Grammar, spelling, and clarity improvements
Rating: Very Good(4.7/5)
Image source: Official Grammarly website.
Grammarly is great for grammar, spelling, and clarity improvements. It helps authors improve their writing.
Key Features
- Grammar checker
- Style suggestions
- Tone detection
- AI writing assistance
Pros
- Improves writing quality
- Works with many apps
- Easy to use
Cons
- Premium features require payment
- Not a manuscript organizer
Our Verdict
Every author can benefit from Grammarly as part of the editing process. Grammarly is best for authors like me who are editing their drafts.
I think every author can benefit from using Grammarly when editing.
[EXTERNAL SOURCE – Official Grammarly Website]
11. Reedsy Book Editor – Best Free Book Formatting Tool
Best For: Self-publishing authors
Rating: Very Good (4.5/5)
Image source: Official Reedsy Book Editor website.
Reedsy Book Editor makes it easy to format ebooks and print books. I like that it has an interface and lets me export my work professionally. Many authors who publish their books like it.
Key Features
- Free book formatting
- EPUB export
- Print-ready layouts
- Cloud storage
Pros
- Free to use
- Excellent formatting
- Beginner-friendly
Cons
- Basic writing tools
- Limited manuscript organization
Our Verdict
An excellent free tool for formatting books before publishing. Reedsy Book Editor is best for authors getting their books ready to publish.
I think it’s a free tool to format books before publishing.
[EXTERNAL SOURCE – Official Reedsy Website]
How to Choose the Right Writing Software
Not every author needs the same software. Choose the one that fits your writing style and publishing goals.
| If You Want… | Our Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Best Overall | Scrivener |
| Self-Publishing | Atticus |
| Best Free Option | Google Docs |
| Collaboration | Google Docs |
| Apple Devices | Ulysses |
| Story Planning | LivingWriter |
| Beginners | Dabble |
| Distraction-Free Writing | Novlr |
| Free Desktop Software | LibreOffice Writer |
| Better Editing | Grammarly |
| Book Formatting | Reedsy Book Editor |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best writing software for authors?
Scrivener is our top recommendation because it combines powerful manuscript organization, outlining tools, and flexible export options for long-form writing.
What writing software do professional authors use?
Many professional authors use Scrivener, Atticus, Microsoft Word, and Ulysses, depending on their writing workflow and publishing needs.
What is the best free writing software?
Google Docs is the best free option for most authors thanks to its collaboration features, automatic cloud saving, and ease of use.
Is Scrivener better than Microsoft Word?
For writing books, yes. Scrivener offers superior organization and outlining tools, while Microsoft Word is better suited for traditional document editing.
Is Atticus worth buying?
Yes. If you plan to self-publish, Atticus combines writing and professional book formatting, reducing the need for separate publishing tools.
Final Verdict
The best writing software for authors depends on how you write and publish your work.
If you need a solution to write and organize your manuscript, Scrivener is a great choice. If you’re self-publishing, Atticus can help. If you’re on a budget, Google Docs is a free option. Grammarly can help you edit your work.
No matter which tool you choose, the best writing software is the one that supports your workflow and helps you finish your manuscript.
Editor’s Picks
Best Overall: Scrivener
Best for Self-Publishing: Atticus
Best Free Writing Software: Google Docs
Best Editing Tool: Grammarly
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Hi, I am the founder of Techziano and a technology enthusiast passionate about AI, software, web development, cybersecurity, and emerging technologies. I creates practical tutorials, software reviews, and technology insights to help readers stay informed and build valuable digital skills.
