If you're serious about writing, consider getting serious about your writing tools. These writing apps for macOS, Windows, Linux, iOS, and Android put your words into the right format, adding polish and professionalism to your creations.
01
of 10
Best Word Processor for All Genres: Microsoft Word
What We Like
Hundreds of templates make creating any document simple and fast.
Easily add charts, graphs, and images.
Built-in translation tools.
What We Don't Like
Overwhelming interface.
Full app is expensive.
Only one person can edit shared documents at a time.
No writing tool list is complete without Microsoft Word. This word processor is the best option for all genres, complete with hundreds of templates to choose from, endless formatting tools, and a robust online support system. From a poem to an e-book to a novel, Word can help you do it all. You can even create your own Word templates.
Word is available for macOS, Windows, iOS, and Android devices. You can start with a free trial of Microsoft 365, which includes other Microsoft applications as well. If you choose to purchase, packages range from $69.99 a year to a one-time payment of $149.99. If those prices are too high for you, you can also use Word for free.
Download For:
02
of 10
Best Organizational Companion: Evernote
What We Like
Add photos, audio snippets, and more.
Robust collaboration tools.
Search for text in PDFs, images, scanned documents, and handwritten notes.
What We Don't Like
Only 60 MB of monthly upload space is available for free.
May include more features than you need for simple note taking.
Free version limits you to two devices.
To electronically capture ideas on the fly, use a text-based note app on your device. For an enhanced organizational experience, we recommend Evernote. It enables you to collect many types of input, including whiteboard photos, website screenshots, different document formats, audio recordings, and your handwriting. You can separate items into different notebooks for multiple projects.
Evernote is free to download for both Android and iOS devices, or you can use it online. Users can upgrade to Evernote Premium for $7.99 per month or Evernote Business for $14.99 per user per month.
Download For:
03
of 10
Best Writing Software for Bloggers: Google Docs
What We Like
Changes to your documents save automatically, so no more lost work.
View the history of edits and track changes.
Collaborate in real time.
What We Don't Like
The Google Docs app for mobile devices is slower than the desktop version.
Limited options for adding charts and other visuals.
Fewer formatting features than premium word processors.
One of the best things about Google Docs is how easy the program makes it to collaborate with others. No more "version shuffle" as you send drafts and revisions back and forth in email.
When you share a document with your blog editor, they can insert suggestions, comments, and changes right there. Then, when it's time to implement the changes, accept the revisions and close comments about issues you resolved. You can even use Google to work on Microsoft Word documents.
Google Docs is a free online tool that's also available as an app for Android and iOS devices.
Download For:
04
of 10
Best Tool for Long-Form Content: Scrivener
What We Like
Keyboard shortcuts make writing a breeze.
Templates are ready-made to jumpstart your creativity.
Easy to manage and rearrange pages and chapters.
What We Don't Like
Has a learning curve.
Spelling and grammar check are not enabled by default.
Intended for users who have an intermediate understanding of word processing.
Do you write long-form works like novels or non-fiction books? If so, you need a tool that performs some of the low-level tasks for you. Scrivener offers ready-made templates that eliminate the need to spend time on tedious formatting tasks.
This application also includes features for storing details about your characters and other critical background information, writing sections and placing them in your manuscript later, and viewing a detailed outline built from synopses that you write for each chapter. If you don't like the flow, you can move chapters around. When you're ready to publish, Scrivener makes it simple to compile and export a completed manuscript.
Scrivener is available for macOS, Windows, and iOS. You can try it free for 30 days. After the trial, a standard license costs $45.00 or $38.25 for students.
Download For:
05
of 10
Best Writing App for Novelists: Werdsmith
What We Like
Keeps track of your writing goals and tells you how close you are to reaching them.
Lots of helpful templates and formatting options.
Publish your writing to the web from the app.
What We Don't Like
Must purchase a membership to use the novel and screenplay features.
Text formatting tools could be more intuitive.
Not worth the price if you don't regularly use all the features.
Werdsmith is a portable writing studio, complete with instant formatting for novels and screenplays. You can even use it to publish your online writing portfolio. Werdsmith features a clean design, it's easy to use, and it's the perfect place for keeping your notes and finished work. The goals and stats function helps keep you motivated.
Werdsmith is free to download and use for iOS devices. In-app purchases are offered through a membership for $4.99 per month. Members receive four new themes, novel and screenplay writing tools, hundreds of writing prompts, and more.
Download For:
06
of 10
Best Screenwriting Application: Final Draft
What We Like
It has everything professional screenwriters need to meet industry standards.
Powerful story mapping tools.
Integrates with Storyboard Pro.
What We Don't Like
May not be great for beginners due to the hefty price and steep learning curve.
You must sign in to the platform each time you use it.
No support for real-time collaboration.
Final Draft is used by 95 percent of film and television productions. Why? There are hundreds of templates to choose from and Final Draft automatically paginates and formats your script to the industry standard, allowing you to focus on writing.
With advanced tools, the program allows you to easily brainstorm and collaborate as well as plan set pieces or store character research with customized visualizations.
Final Draft offers a free 30-day trial. After that, the cost is $249.99. The program works with both macOS and Windows and also offers a mobile app for iOS devices.
Download For:
07
of 10
Best App for Journalists: Dictation
What We Like
It's designed for one thing: dictation. This simplicity makes it an easy tool to use on the go.
Accurate transcriptions.
Helps prevents strain on your joints and back.
What We Don't Like
Without the pro version, you'll see an ad after each dictation you create.
Doesn't integrate with word processing apps, so it can be tedious to use.
No word counter.
For journalists who interview individuals for news stories and features, a good dictation tool is a must-have. Dictation is a speech-to-text app that translates voice to text for mobile devices. It can also be used to dictate any voice while on the go. It's perfect for capturing your brilliant ideas as well.
Dictation is free to download for iOS devices. Dictation Pro, which costs $12.99 per year, removes ads and allows you unlimited app usage.
Download For:
08
of 10
Best Application for Editors: TextEdit
What We Like
When the full-scale capabilities of a word processing program are unnecessary, TextEdit fills in the gap.
HTML and JavaScript support.
Save files in various formats (.DOCX, ODF, and others).
What We Don't Like
Only available for macOS devices.
No third-party plugins.
Formatting issues when you copy-and-paste.
This simple tool is perfect for editing documents, including Word files, on the fly and converting them into other formats seamlessly. Need to change a Rich Text Format (RTF) document to another format quickly? TextEdit is the perfect app for that. You can also easily create and edit HTML documents for the web.
TextEdit comes standard with macOS.
09
of 10
Best App for Song Writers: Lyric Notepad
What We Like
Record yourself performing and attach the file to your song.
Counts syllables and tracks rhyme schemes to help you maintain your flow.
Inexpensive pro version.
What We Don't Like
The interface is a bit clunky.
No way to back up your lyrics to the cloud.
No search tool.
For poets, rappers, songwriters, and lyricists, inspiration can strike at any moment. That's why it's important to have a tool available at your fingertips. Lyric Notepad goes beyond typical word processing tasks to track rhyme and syllable schemes, help you find new words, and record your lyrics, all in one app. The built-in notepad allows you to add notes about your songs as you write and the metronome helps you easily keep time.
Lyric Notepad is free to download for both iOS and Android devices.
Download For:
10
of 10
Best Application for Distracted Writers: FocusWriter
What We Like
The tool is easy start using as soon as it downloads.
Free with no catches.
Simple, intuitive interface.
What We Don't Like
There are no editing functions outside of cut and paste.
Need another word processor for editing purposes.
No mobile version.
Given all the distractions in the world and especially online, it's easy to get off track during your writing time. FocusWriter allows you to focus and get your work done. The interface is basic, with all the tools hidden beyond a screen until you need them, so it's just you and the document in front of you. Hidden timers and alarms alert you when it's time to stop.
Download For:
Was this page helpful?
Thanks for letting us know!
Get the Latest Tech News Delivered Every Day
Subscribe
Tell us why!
FAQs
The 10 Best Writing Apps of 2023? ›
Interesting fact: Stephen King uses MS Word writing software to draft his book manuscripts. He uses Final Draft to write screenplays. How much does MS Word cost? Microsoft Word costs $139.99 as a one-time purchase.
What is the best app to help with writing? ›Ideal For | Platforms Available | |
---|---|---|
Microsoft Word | Best Writing App for General Writing | Android iOS |
Google Docs | Best Free Writing App | Android iOS |
Grammarly | Best Writing App for Emails & Short-Form | Android iOS |
Final Draft | Best Writing App for Screenwriters | iOS |
- Scrivener (Free Trial)
- MS Notepad & Mac TextEdit.
- Hemingway Editor.
- Canva.
- Portent's Content Idea Generator.
- OneLook.
- Evernote.
- Google Docs.
Interesting fact: Stephen King uses MS Word writing software to draft his book manuscripts. He uses Final Draft to write screenplays. How much does MS Word cost? Microsoft Word costs $139.99 as a one-time purchase.
Is there a free app for writing? ›Answer: Many writing apps like Google Docs, Microsoft Word are already free and used widely around the world. Other tools like Grammarly offer its users with the free version of their tool to perform basic grammar checks.
Is there an app to improve writing skills? ›Hemingway is highly recommended by many copywriters and writing experts. If you want the best tips to present your ideas in their most precise forms, Hemingway will enhance your composing skills. You can use Hemingway to write great content that is syntactically correct and also ranks well.
What writing program do most writers use? ›- Scrivener.
- Google Docs.
- Dabble.
- Google Sheets OR Microsoft Excel.
- Vellum.
- ProWritingAid.
- Publisher Rocket.
- Atticus.
- Establish a consistent writing space. ...
- Hone in on your book idea. ...
- Outline your story. ...
- Do your research. ...
- Start writing and stick to a routine. ...
- Finish your first draft. ...
- Revise and edit. ...
- Write your second draft.
EssayBot : Write Essay For You 4+
What platform do authors use to write books? ›The four most popular options are Squibler, Scrivener, Google Docs and Microsoft Word. Squibler is the best book writing software because it's designed specifically to help writers write books quickly and easily by providing a full suite of features to support any type of writer working on any kind of story.
What pen does JK Rowling use? ›
She's a billionaire author now, but when Harry Potter scribe J. K. Rowling drafted her famous series about the boy wizard, she used good old-fashioned loose-leaf paper and pen. The Sherlock Holmes author wrote several of his works with a Parker Duofold pen.
Do any famous writers use Scrivener? ›Scrivener has some famous fans: Taffy Brodesser-Akner used it while working on Fleishman is in Trouble, and Ta-Nehisi Coates came across it while looking for software to help him transition to comic-book writing.
How many hours a day does Stephen King read? ›Stephen King: 2000 Words
In his memoir, King says it's best to write a minimum of 2000 words a day to avoid “the smooch of death.” “Read and write four to six hours a day.
- Write about what would happen if you were able to have an alligator as your pet.
- Who is your favorite person in the world? ...
- What do you want to be when you're older, and why?
- If you could have your own superpower, what would it be and why?
- Write every day. I write pretty much every single day. ...
- Learn to overcome the resistance. ...
- See writing as a mindfulness practice. ...
- Do timed writing sessions. ...
- Learn to deal with the fears. ...
- Care about the craft. ...
- But get over perfectionism. ...
- Learn to type.
- Review grammar and spelling basics. Grammar and spelling form the foundation of good writing. ...
- Read what you want to write. Knowing what a finished piece of writing can look like can guide your own. ...
- Proofread. ...
- Get feedback. ...
- Think about structure. ...
- Write. ...
- Know some common fixes.
Reading. To get a head start, start reading the content you like the most. Doing that will activate your brain and help fill your brain with ideas. Reading also allows you to build your vocabulary and learn the art of writing.
Where do writers like to write? ›Your local library. Every writer loves being surrounded by endless shelves of inspiration. Libraries make great work spaces, and often have quiet study rooms or work spaces you can reserve for free, provided there are no special library events taking place.
Where do writers get their ideas for writing? ›Authors get their ideas everywhere. Newspapers, TV, movies, other books, overheard conversations, dreams, nightmares, people we've met, loved, hated, been married to. And sometimes we have no idea how we got an idea!
What is the most popular form of writing? ›Expository writing is one of the most common types of writing. When an author writes in an expository style, all they are trying to do is explain a concept, imparting information from themselves to a wider audience.
What is the hardest part of a book to write? ›
Your new novel is progressing nicely. Perhaps you're 30,000 or 40,000 words in — far enough along to establish a rhythm. You have a clear idea of how the story ends and you're excited to take the journey that will get you (and your characters) to the big finish.
Can you write an entire book in one day? ›It's absolutely possible to write a novel in a day using dictation.
What is Google's writing app called? ›Create, edit, and collaborate on online documents with the Google Docs app.
What is the app that answers your questions? ›Socratic by Google on the App Store.
What is the new app that writes essays? ›ChatGPT (Generative Pre-trained Transformer) is the latest viral sensation out of San Francisco-based startup OpenAI. It's a free online tool trained on millions of pages of writing from all corners of the internet to understand and respond to text-based queries in just about any style you want.
What app can I use to start writing a book? ›Scrivener. Scrivener is one of the biggest writing apps out there right now. It works for all kinds of writing, from something as small as an email, to a full on screenplay or novel. But it's these long form types of writing where this app really excels.
How do I write a book with no experience? ›- Choose a world you want to spend a lot of time in. ...
- Find a story idea within this world you want to immerse in. ...
- Assemble a cast of characters. ...
- Plan your ending. ...
- Break the story into acts. ...
- Start writing before you get cold feet.
Answer: As mentioned on his website, he uses MS Word for books and the final draft for screenplays. Q #3) Which writing software does JK Rowling use? Answer: As told by her, she writes in longhand and then transfers it to the computer. Q #4) Can I write a book using MS Word?
What pens does Johnny Depp use? ›Additionally, Johnny Depp has been featured in a Montblanc fountain pen ad and has shared that he uses the Montblanc Meisterstuck 149. This pen comes with a clean and sleek look and has been known to offer an amazing writing experience.
Do any writers still use typewriters? ›With over 800 million copies sold, Danielle Steel has been churning out novels for decades, making her the bestselling author alive, and the fourth-bestselling fiction author of all time. Known for her romance novels, Steel has written all 190 of her books on a 1946 Olympia typewriter that she nicknamed Ollie.
What pen did Einstein use? ›
Albert Einstein used both a Pelikan 100 N and a Waterman Taper-cap Fountain Pen which he used to develop the Theory of Relativity. The Waterman pen is on display at the Boerhaave Museum in Leiden.
What are the disadvantages of Scrivener? ›- Complexity. Scrivener is not simple. ...
- Learning Time. The size and complexity of the program means that this book writing software will take you some time to learn. ...
- Intermission. ...
- Exporting.
The Final Verdict: Which One is Better for Writing? While both apps are excellent for writers and students, we have to pick a winner… To conclude, Ulysses wins overall when compared to Scrivener.
Why is Scrivener so good? ›It functions like a typewriter, ring-binder, and scrapbook—all at the same time. Scrivener works best for writers of all kinds of literature who have lots of notes or research to compile into their books and/or plan to write a lengthy, very in-depth series of books.
What time do writers wake up? ›“I usually get up fairly early, I got up at 4:30 this morning, but I usually get up between 6 and 6:30. I always have a pad on my bedside, in case I want to write straight away. I also have a habit at night of leaving a sentence unfinished, so I can pick up on it the next morning.
How many hours does Stephen King sleep? ›I usually get about six hours a night, sometimes seven. But I also try to take a nap in the afternoon, about an hour. So I'm going to say I get maybe seven and a half hours of sleep in a 24-hour period. When it comes to caffeine, are you a coffee or tea drinker?
What are 3 rules of free writing? ›...
Freewriting Rules
- Keep your hand moving the whole time. ...
- Don't cross out and especially don't erase. ...
- Don't worry about spelling, punctuation, or grammar. ...
- Lose control.
There are various possible forms of freewriting, such as journals, essays, and fiction writing.
How should I start a story? ›- Strategy 1: Begin with action or dialogue. ...
- Strategy 2: Ask a question. ...
- Strategy 3: Describe the setting. ...
- Strategy 4: Begin with background information. ...
- Strategy 5: Have the main character introduce himself or herself.
BookBildr tops the list of best tools available to make books online for free. It's a great tool with an easy-to-use interface and plenty of options to create professional eBooks, picture books, and storybooks for kids. You can even use BookBildr to create books that can be later self-published on Amazon.
What is the best free online book creator? ›
Some of the best free ebook creators are Visme, Adobe Spark, Adobe InDesign and Canva.
How can I write a book about my life for free? ›- Free-write about your life or get a journal. ...
- Decide how you want to organize your story- form an outline. ...
- Decide your genre and theme. ...
- Decide what you want to leave out. ...
- Get friends and family to add to your story. ...
- Take out old photos and use them to add to your story. ...
- Write your first draft.
The Bottom Line
It usually costs between $500 and $5,000 to publish a book in the United States. A lot of that cost comes from hiring an editor, book designer services, and marketing. The average self-published book costs about $2,000 to publish and market.
The average cost to publish a book falls within the $200-$2500 range and includes publishing costs such as cover design, editing, formatting, and book printing. However, it's important to note that the publishing type you choose will also factor into the overall cost to publish a book.
Can you publish a book and not sell it? ›Some authors may not be totally convinced to publish their book through a traditional stream to get their work out there. You don't have to traditionally publish a book in order to sell it. Although it can be a difficult undertaking, self-publishing is possible.
Is there an app to create a book? ›Use Book Creator to create accessible books for iOS, Android and Windows tablets. Book Creator is a simple way to create e-books, right on your tablet! Add text, pictures, video and music, and even record your own voice. Choose a pen tool and draw or annotate on your book.
Is it free to make a book on Amazon? ›KDP allows you to self-publish eBooks, paperbacks, and hardcover books for free. We give you direct access to your book on Amazon, and allow you to create a product detail page for your book.
Can I make book online for free? ›Flipsnack is an online book maker that makes it easy for you to publish any kind of digital books and magazines online, on our digital publishing platform. As the best book creator online, we give you the tools to create, publish and share digital books easily. Get started for free.
What is the biggest free online book library? ›Featuring over 36 million ebooks, the Internet Archive is possibly the largest digital library ever created. In addition to free ebooks, its catalog includes over 778 billion web pages and millions of videos, concerts, audio files, and software programs. Think of the Internet Archive as a digital time machine.
How can I read books for free without paying? ›- Feedbooks. Feedbooks lets you read books online, and it is easy to use both on a mobile phone and a laptop or a PC. ...
- Project Gutenberg. ...
- Open Library. ...
- ManyBooks. ...
- Free-eBooks. ...
- Bookyards. ...
- Kobo. ...
- Bookboon.
Where can I read full books online for free without signing up? ›
Read.gov
The U.S. Library of Congress provides a selection of more than 60 free books to read online with no signing up at its Read.gov website. All the ebooks are readable in your web browser and are presented in an attractive, easy-to-use interface.
The general consensus, however, is that a novel should be at least 50,000 words long, is approximately 200 pages. This means that 200 pages is a sufficient length for a novel.
How much does it cost to have someone write a book about your life? ›You can find good ghostwriters from $25,000 to $40,000, but expect them to either be desperate for a gig or relatively inexperienced. The sweet spot for good ones with credentials is usually within $40,000 to $75,000. The pricing here varies based on 3 factors: The writer's level of expertise.