Best Writing Tools for 2025
Writing a book is hard enough without juggling a dozen apps, three notebooks, and the occasional existential crisis. So, whether you’re plotting your debut novel, juggling edits for a deadline, or just trying to write anything after a chaotic week — this two-part guide is for you.
I’ve put together a list of writing tools that actually help. Tools I’ve used. Tools my author friends swear by. Tools that don’t just look pretty, but actually make your writing life easier. And that’s what it’s all about for me. No overwhelm. No complications. Just practical support for authors who want to get things done.
Why Am I Qualified to Recommend Writing Tools?
I’ve been an author for over ten years now. (I stopped counting after ten years as it made me feel old!) In that time, I’ve published 23 books. Some have been Amazon No.1 bestsellers, some have been New York Times bestselling books. I’ve sold over two million copies so you could say that they continue to do well. But it didn’t come easily. It took a hell of a lot of work behind the scenes, and that’s why I recommend using writing tools to make your life easier. I’ve met plenty of authors over the last decade. We all work differently, and so will you. When it comes to writing software, I recommend trying out free trials and seeing which ones resonate with you.
Scrivener
If you haven’t heard about Scrivener, then where have you been? It’s the dinosaur of writing tools, used by so many authors, including me! I won’t say that it’s the easiest to use. But don’t let that put you off. Use what you need to get the job done. Think of it as an all-in-one writing studio. Perfect for writers who love structure, scene-shuffling, and having everything in one place. I love the online cork board and the ability to shuffle chapters around. The word count is really useful too. It has so many features, it’s a big YES from me.
Pros for Scrivener as a Writing Tool
- Lets you organise your entire book in one place — scenes, chapters, notes, character bios, research, all tucked in neatly
- Drag and drop scenes or chapters — brilliant for reordering your plot without the stress
- Has a distraction-free writing mode for when you need to shut out the world and just write
- Split screen view — work on your draft while referencing notes or research
- Great for both plotters and pantsers — super flexible to your writing style
- Ideal for big projects (novels, scripts, nonfiction, series)
- One-off payment — no monthly subscription.
Cons for Scrivener as a Writing Tool
- Desktop only (unless you also buy the iOS app — no Android version)
- Syncing across devices can be fiddly
- The interface feels a little outdated compared to some newer writing tools
- Doesn’t offer built-in collaboration (not great for co-writing or editors)
- Bit of a learning curve at first
Dabble
Dabble Pros
- User-friendly and clean interface — ideal if Scrivener feels too overwhelming
- Cloud-based — you can write anywhere (laptop, desktop, or tablet with internet)
- Includes plotting tools like a story grid and scene cards — great for visual thinkers
- Auto-saves everything and backs it up — no more lost chapters!
- Built-in goal tracking and daily word count targets
- You can collaborate with a co-writer or editor (great for team writing)
- Works on Windows, Mac, and in your browser — no software to install
Dabble Cons
- It’s a subscription-based app — no one-off payment like Scrivener
- Requires an internet connection for full features (offline mode is limited)
- Formatting/export options aren’t as advanced — you might still need Word for final edits
- Less customisable than Scrivener — what you see is what you get
- No built-in research pane or deep outlining tools for complex world-building
If you like total control, love planning every detail, and don’t mind a bit of a learning curve — Scrivener is your best friend. It’s like having a whole writing studio tucked inside your laptop.But if you prefer something cleaner, simpler, and ready to go without all the buttons and menus — Dabble is fab. Created by authors for authors, it’s easy to use, keeps everything organised, and still lets you plot and write without the fuss.
Both are brilliant in their own way — it’s just about choosing what works best for you and your writing process.
Google Docs
Google Docs Pros
- Google docs is Free and cloud-based — access your work from any device with Wi-Fi
- Auto-saves constantly — no more “I forgot to hit save!” panic
- Easy to share with editors or critique partners — real-time comments and collaboration
- Works seamlessly with Google Drive
- Great for basic writing and early drafts
- Mobile-friendly if you’re writing on the go
Google Docs Cons
- Formatting for manuscripts can be a bit fiddly
- Doesn’t handle huge documents as smoothly (long novels can get sluggish)
- No offline access unless you set it up manually
- Lacks advanced features like custom styles, navigation pane, or deep formatting control
- Limited export options for final publishing formats (e.g. EPUB)
Microsoft Word
MS Word Pros
- Industry standard — editors and publishers still expect Word files (.docx)
- Strong formatting tools — ideal for final manuscripts and clean submissions
- Handles long documents really well
- Great for track changes and comments when editing
- Compatible with tools like ProWritingAid and Grammarly plugins
- Works on both Apple and Microsoft devices
MS Word Cons
- Paid software — part of Microsoft 365, not free
- Can’t move chapters around like you can in Scrivener
- Doesn’t auto-save unless used with OneDrive
- Collaboration isn’t as smooth as Google Docs
- Formatting can break if moving between devices or versions
If you’re early in the writing process and love writing anywhere, Google Docs is good for collaboration and peace of mind with autosave. But when you’re editing, formatting, or getting serious about submitting, Word is still the publishing world’s go-to.
Many authors use Google Docs to get the words down, then polish and prep in Word when they’re ready to send it out into the world. Personally, I use Scrivener to start off with as I love the online cork board and the ability to move the chapters around. But when my first draft is complete, I move it to MS Word and self-edit there. Psychologically, there’s something very satisfying about that. I feel like I’m making progress even though there’s still a long way to go.
Atticus
Atticus Pros
- All-in-one tool for writing, organising, and formatting your book
- Great for self-publishing — exports clean, professional EPUB and PDF files
- Works on Mac, Windows, Linux, and Chromebook (finally!)
- Clean, distraction-free writing interface
- Cheaper than Vellum and not Mac-only
- Includes goal tracking and progress stats
Atticus Cons
- One-time purchase is going to set you back around $147
- Still newer, so some features are limited compared to Word or Scrivener
- No mobile app version yet
If you’re looking for a writing tool that handles both the writing and formatting side of things, Atticus is definitely worth a look. It’s designed with authors in mind — especially indie authors — and lets you write, organise, and export beautifully formatted books all in one place. Think Scrivener meets Vellum, but more affordable and available on both Mac and PC.
Reedsy
Reedsy Pros
- Completely free — ideal if you’re on a budget
- Cloud-based — nothing to install
- Great for clean, distraction-free writing
- Exports formatted books (EPUB & print-ready PDF)
- Includes basic collaboration features
Reedsy Cons
- Limited in features — no plotting tools or deep outlining options
- Only works online — no offline writing
- Formatting options are simple — not great for complex design
- More focused on final formatting than on the writing process itself
If you’re self-publishing and want to write and format all in one, Atticus is a good investment — especially if you’re not a Mac user and want a Vellum alternative. But if you’re on a budget or just need a clean place to write and export a polished book file, Reedsy’s Book Editor does the job nicely — and it won’t cost you a thing.
Other Writing Tools
Novlr
If you’re after a clean, no-fuss place to write your novel online, Novlr might be just the thing. It’s designed specifically for fiction writers, with a sleek interface, distraction-free mode, goal tracking, and autosave. Everything’s stored safely in the cloud, so you can pick up where you left off on any device. It’s not packed with bells and whistles, but that’s part of the charm — just you and your words, with a bit of gentle structure to keep you moving forward.
Vellum
If you want your self-published book to look like it came from a top publishing house, Vellum is the gold standard. It’s Mac-only, but what it does — formatting beautiful, professional ebooks and print-ready interiors — it does brilliantly. With just a few clicks, you can create a book layout that’s ready for Kindle, Apple Books, and even print-on-demand. It’s not a writing tool — it’s what you use when the writing’s done and you want it to shine. I’ve used Vellum a few times and it was worth the investment. Why was I using Vellum? Well, my early book contracts were seven years long and the books were returned to me after that. I had the choice to re-sign with the same publisher or self publish. I’m so glad I went down the self publishing route. Vellum made the decision a whole lot easier, too.
Ulysses
Ulysses is a beautifully designed writing app for Mac and iOS that’s perfect for authors who like things tidy, minimalist, and a bit posh. It uses a clean, distraction-free interface and a clever folder-free structure, so everything stays organised without feeling cluttered. It syncs seamlessly across your Apple devices, and it’s great for everything from journaling to full-length novels. If you’re the type who loves a calm workspace and writes on the go, Ulysses might just be your writing soulmate.
What about you?
What’s your go-to writing software of choice? In my next blog I’ll be sharing all the latest writing apps. I’d love to hear your experiences, please comment below.
