You know that feeling? When you have a story inside you—maybe it’s your life’s journey, a novel idea that won’t let go, or just the need to capture your thoughts beautifully—but the blank page stares back, daring you to start?
I get it. Writing a book is like opening your heart on paper. It’s exciting, messy, sometimes overwhelming. But having the right tool? That changes everything. It’s like slipping into the perfect pair of running shoes before a marathon—you feel lighter, faster, ready to go.
So, if 2025 is the year you finally bring your story to life, I’ve got you. I’ve put together the top book-writing tools, each suited for different needs—whether you’re writing a memoir, collaborating with others, or aiming for a professional, polished format.
Key Takeaways for 2025
Writing should feel like a flow, not a fight. The right tool makes the process smoother, so you spend less time wrestling with software and more time actually writing.
Your story matters. Whether you’re crafting a memoir or a novel, the right writing software helps you shape it with clarity and confidence.
Creativity needs the right space. Think of book-writing software as your creative home—it should be a place where ideas bloom, not where you feel stuck.
This is your year. You’ve waited long enough. It’s time to find the tool that makes writing easier, fun, and actually doable.
No fluff. Just the best options to make writing feel less like a struggle and more like a creative adventure.
Best Writing Software for Writers: Writing Tools and Software Guide
1. Meminto Stories
Meminto Stories is an online platform designed to help people document their personal stories through a structured process of 52 thoughtfully crafted questions.
Users can share their stories in various formats: text, voice, or video. The platform even includes AI-powered speech-to-text, making it easier for seniors or those who prefer speaking to contribute. Photographer Anja Poehlmann had this to say: "As a photographer, I have high expectations for anything printed – especially if it includes my photos. I’m really impressed with how the book turned out."
| Feature | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Book | Up to 100 pages, hardcover | $99 |
| Extended Book | Up to 200 pages, hardcover | $129 |
| Premium Book | Up to 300 pages, hardcover | $149 |
Meminto also includes tools for collaboration and customizable templates to make storytelling more interactive. Families can work together on projects, like founder Albert’s family of 17, who discovered untold stories while creating a memorial book.
Users appreciate the platform’s standout features:
"Our favorite feature is that you can add a video memory in your book! How amazing is that!? This truly sets Meminto apart, and that is why we chose to trust them to bind together our special memories so that they will last forever!" – JP & Michelle
The platform provides templates for various book types, such as Life Books, Memorial Books, Childhood Books, and Travel Journals. Each template comes with specific prompts to guide users through their storytelling journey.
To make the process approachable, Meminto uses a weekly prompt system. Werner, 68, shared his experience: "With one question per week, I recorded my life story. I am proud of my book and preparing a second one".
2. Scrivener
Scrivener is a writing tool designed to simplify the process of creating memoirs and personal narratives. Here’s a closer look at what it offers.
The software’s binder feature allows writers to organize their work into sections, chapters, and scenes using drag-and-drop. This makes it easier to maintain the flow of personal stories, even when memories come together in a non-linear way.
| Feature | Description | Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Character Sketches | Templates for detailed profiles | Perfect for documenting the people central to your story |
| Setting Sketches | Location and environment details | Helps bring places to life with vivid descriptions |
| Split Panes | View multiple documents simultaneously | Allows side-by-side comparison of research and drafts |
| Custom Metadata | Timeline markers and theme tags | Keeps events organized and ensures continuity |
| Snapshot Feature | Version history of sections | Saves earlier drafts for easy revisions |
Scrivener also includes tools to manage large projects, such as word count goals and integrated research storage. The distraction-free composition mode and corkboard view let writers focus on their narrative while visually arranging ideas.
"I genuinely think this is the biggest software advance for writers since the word processor"
Michael Marshall Smith, a best-selling author, praises Scrivener for how it transforms the writing process. Its features make it especially useful for memoir writers by helping with:
- Organizing themes and timelines
- Combining research with writing
- Preserving memories effectively
"I’d thought it was yet another hobby app at first but this is genuinely for working writers with real deadlines and monster workloads"
Karen Traviss, a #1 NYT best-selling author, highlights Scrivener’s professional-grade capabilities in her testimonial.
Scrivener is available for Mac and Windows at $59.99, and there’s an iOS version for $23.99. With automatic saving, detailed manuscript formatting, and a flexible interface, it suits both highly organized planners and more spontaneous writers. Its powerful search tools ensure consistency across even the most complex projects.
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3. Atticus
Atticus is a versatile writing platform compatible with Mac, Windows, Linux, and Chromebook. It’s designed to meet the specific needs of authors, especially those focused on personal storytelling.
| Feature Category | Capabilities |
|---|---|
| Writing Tools | Chapter organization, writing goals tracker, cloud backups |
| Formatting Options | Over 17 templates, 1,500+ fonts, customizable themes |
| Export Formats | EPUB, PDF, DOCX for both ebook and print versions |
| Special Features | Master pages, box set creation, cloud storage |
Atticus simplifies the writing and formatting process with tools that help authors stay organized. Its advanced formatting features include personalized master pages for recurring sections like author bios or "also by" pages, ensuring a consistent look throughout your book. The built-in preview tool allows you to check how your book will appear across different formats, making it easier to achieve a polished, professional result.
When it comes to images, Atticus handles them seamlessly for both print and digital formats. You can insert high-resolution images that look great in physical books and adapt perfectly for ebooks.
Key Features:
- Automatic periodic saving
- Flexible chapter organization
- Writing goals tracker
- Simultaneous formatting for both print and ebook versions
"After using Atticus to publish two books I realized how laborious my previous setup was. Atticus replaced all of the software packages I was using. With Atticus I can now write, format and export from one system." – Robb Wallace, Author
Dave Chesson, a well-known figure in the self-publishing world, sums it up perfectly: "If Scrivener, Google Docs and Vellum got together and had a baby, its name would be Atticus".
Atticus is available for a one-time fee of $147, which includes lifetime access and future updates. This makes it a cost-effective alternative to tools like Vellum, which charges $199.99 for ebook-only formatting and $249.99 for both ebook and print.
"I’m a new writer, and I love this program. It’s easy to use, and it’s fun. Not only that, but it’s also professional in appearance. They really have done a fantastic job, with this program." – Romantically Van, Author
With integrated cloud backups, your work is always secure, even during long-term projects.
4. Reedsy Book Editor
Reedsy Book Editor is a free online tool designed to help authors write, edit, and format their books. Its clean, distraction-free workspace and chapter sidebar make organizing your manuscript straightforward.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Writing Environment | Simple interface with a chapter sidebar for easy navigation |
| Formatting Tools | Professional templates with options to adjust fonts and line spacing |
| Export Options | Supports EPUB 3 and print-ready PDF formats |
| Collaboration | Includes track changes and commenting features |
| Organization | Boards for managing notes, character profiles, and research |
The Boards feature is particularly handy for keeping track of character profiles, scene cards, and story details, helping authors maintain consistency throughout their narrative. These tools are especially helpful for managing memoirs or complex storylines.
Reedsy automatically handles the formatting for front matter, body content, and back matter, ensuring your book looks polished and professional. It also supports high-quality PNG and JPG images, making it a great choice for memoirs that include photos or historical documents.
"Reedsy is a godsend for busy authors! There are dozens of tasks new authors must juggle when they’re just starting, and Reedsy takes the fear out of formatting and organizing the manuscript." – Devon Atwood
For authors working with editors or collaborators, Reedsy’s commenting and track changes features make the feedback process smooth and efficient.
The platform also integrates with major publishing services like Kindle Direct Publishing, Draft2Digital, KDP Print, and IngramSpark, making it easy to publish both ebooks and physical books.
Key Features:
- Writing Goals: Track your progress with built-in goal-setting tools.
- Formatting Control: Customize font size, line spacing, and themes to suit your style.
- Chapter Management: Reorganize chapters effortlessly using the drag-and-drop feature.
- Professional Tools: Access a marketplace of editors, designers, and marketers to elevate your book.
"I’m using Reedsy to write my latest book, and it has completely streamlined my writing process. With stats, tracking, goal setting and more, I can easily make changes to my work and not get stuck on formatting issues." – L.C. Reagan
Reedsy is currently available for free, with plans to introduce premium features in the future.
5. Ulysses
Ulysses provides a clean, distraction-free platform with powerful tools to keep your story on track. Its straightforward design allows writers to focus entirely on their craft.
| Feature Category | Capabilities |
|---|---|
| Organization Tools | Groups, keywords, filters, favorites |
| Writing Environment | Light/dark modes, distraction-free interface |
| Export Options | PDF, DOCX, HTML, EPUB |
| Smart Features | Grammar checker, writing tools, ChatGPT integration |
| Sync | iCloud sync across Apple devices |
Best-selling author David Hewson, known for "The Killing", praises Ulysses:
"Ulysses is the only app I know that combines a very minimalist writing interface with the backend power to manage and shuffle around the many different parts and scenes that go into a book."
Its organizational features are especially helpful for memoir writing. You can use groups like folders to separate different life events or themes. Keywords and filters make it easy to locate specific memories or sections.
Ulysses also integrates Apple’s Writing Tools and ChatGPT, offering support for proofreading, rewriting, and summarizing text. This ensures your work is polished and ready for various audiences.
Pricing and Availability
Ulysses follows a subscription model at $5.99 per month or $39.99 per year. It’s available only on Apple devices, which could be a limitation for non-Apple users.
Features That Shine for Memoir Writing
Ulysses is particularly effective for managing complex narratives, thanks to features like:
- Organizing and rearranging content effortlessly
- Keeping research materials and photos within easy reach
- Syncing seamlessly across Mac, iPad, and iPhone
Having been around since 2003, Ulysses has proven itself as a reliable tool that evolves to meet writers’ needs.
Drawbacks
Some limitations to consider include:
- Exclusivity to Apple devices
- No pre-made templates
- Lack of collaboration tools, which may slow team-based projects
- A learning curve for those unfamiliar with Markdown
Even with these downsides, Ulysses remains a strong choice for anyone looking to transform personal memories into a well-crafted story.
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6. Vellum
Vellum is a formatting tool designed exclusively for Mac users, turning manuscripts into polished, ready-to-publish works with ease.
| Feature | Functionality |
|---|---|
| Layout Elements | Includes copyright pages, dedications, epigraphs |
| Design Options | Offers custom styles for headings, first paragraphs, blockquotes |
| Image Support | Allows chapter images and character notes |
| Format Output | Supports both eBooks and print editions |
| Automation | Provides instant professional formatting upon import |
Professional Formatting Without the Hassle
Vellum simplifies formatting by applying professional layouts as soon as you import your manuscript. It includes pre-built elements and customization options for margins, line spacing, drop caps, ornamental breaks, image placement, section breaks, and tables. Its straightforward pricing model reflects this efficiency.
Authors rave about the difference Vellum makes. Corinne O’Flynn shares:
"Absolutely love all the ways Vellum makes publishing seem effortless."
Rachel Leigh agrees:
"A lifesaver. It’s easy and has everything I need to make my pages beautiful."
Pricing Options
Vellum is available through two one-time payment plans:
- Vellum Ebooks: $199.99 for unlimited eBook creation
- Vellum Press: $249.99 for both eBook and print formatting features
Limitations to Keep in Mind
While Vellum offers many benefits, it does have some limitations. For instance, it struggles with inserting inline images and automatically converts footnotes to endnotes. This can be a drawback for academic or reference-heavy projects. Dave Chesson, Founder of Kindlepreneur, remarks:
"Vellum falls flat when it comes to inserting images into text."
Save Time, Focus on Writing
Vellum dramatically reduces formatting time, allowing authors to focus on their writing. What used to take days can now be done in hours. Hailey Edwards highlights this benefit:
"My go-to for formatting. I love the control it gives me."
Though the price may seem steep, Vellum’s ability to streamline the formatting process makes it a dependable tool for authors aiming for professional results.
7. Google Docs
Google Docs is a free tool that works perfectly for collaborative writing projects like memoirs or family histories.
Collaboration Made Easy
Google Docs offers a range of features that make working together seamless:
| Feature | What It Does |
|---|---|
| Real-time Editing | Lets multiple people contribute at the same time |
| Access Control | Adjust permissions to allow viewing, commenting, or editing |
| Version History | Tracks changes and lets you restore earlier versions |
| Suggesting Mode | Suggest edits without changing the original text |
| Multimedia Support | Add photos, videos, or audio to enrich your content |
Boost Your Writing with Add-ons
In addition to its built-in tools, Google Docs supports add-ons that can simplify your writing process.
"Google Doc add-ons increase efficiency by giving you access to readily available writer resources."
Here are a few popular options:
- ProWritingAid: Helps with grammar and style improvement
- EasyBib: Makes creating bibliographies a breeze
- OneLook Thesaurus: Offers expanded word choice suggestions
- i should be writing: Tracks your writing progress and goals
Bringing Family Stories Together
Google Docs makes it simple to involve family members in your project. You can share drafts with specific permissions – whether they can only view, comment, or edit. Using Suggesting Mode ensures everyone’s input is considered without overwriting the original text. The revision history feature means no memory or story detail is ever accidentally lost.
Preserving Memories Digitally
This platform allows you to embed family photos, audio recordings, and even video clips directly into your document. Since everything is saved in the cloud, your work is automatically backed up and accessible anytime, ensuring your family’s stories are protected for future generations.
Things to Keep in Mind
While Google Docs is excellent for collaboration, its formatting tools are basic compared to dedicated book-writing software. For final touches and professional publication, pairing it with specialized tools is recommended.
8. Microsoft Word
Microsoft Word has long been a trusted tool for memoir writing, offering familiar features and a powerful suite of tools to help turn memories into polished manuscripts.
Writing Smarter with Copilot
The AI-powered Copilot feature in Word enhances the writing process by providing helpful tools for storytelling:
| Feature | How It Helps Your Writing |
|---|---|
| Real-Time Revision | Offers AI suggestions to refine your narrative |
| Content Generation | Assists in drafting difficult sections |
| Summary Creation | Quickly creates chapter or section recaps |
| Image Integration | Makes it easy to add visuals to your story |
| Writing Assistant | Provides creative suggestions through an AI chat feature |
These tools, combined with Word’s formatting capabilities, help you craft a manuscript that looks professional.
Simplified Professional Formatting
Prepare your memoir for publication by using Word’s formatting features. Set your document in 12-point Times New Roman or Arial, align text to the left, and use a 0.2-inch first-line indent. Apply ‘Heading 1’ for chapter titles, use mirror margins for print layouts, and insert section breaks to separate the front matter from the main content.
Practical Tools for Organization
Word’s Navigation Pane is a handy feature for organizing manuscripts that range from 40,000 to 90,000 words. Author Claire Fuller shared her experience:
"While some tools offer similar organization, I’ve found Word to be more intuitive for my workflow. I’ve written nearly all of my five novels (fifth finished recently) in Word."
Built-in Writing Support Features
Word includes advanced tools like grammar and spell check, style suggestions, change tracking, customizable templates, and voice typing. These features work together to improve your writing and keep your project on track.
Pricing Options
Microsoft Word offers several ways to access its features:
- Free version via Microsoft Online with basic functionality
- Microsoft 365 subscription at $6.99 per month for full features
- One-time purchase for $149.99, giving you lifetime access
Seamless Integration with Publishing Platforms
Word’s DOC and DOCX file formats are widely accepted by publishers. However, if you’re planning to create an ebook, you’ll need an additional tool like Calibre for conversion.
Pro Tips for Writers
To keep your memoir polished and professional, try these tips:
- Adjust the Normal style settings to match your preferred formatting
- Use section breaks to maintain consistent pagination
- Apply heading styles to generate a table of contents automatically
- Enable the Different First Page option for unique title pages
- Back up your work using OneDrive to avoid losing progress
Microsoft Word combines ease of use with powerful tools, making it a dependable choice for memoir writing.
9. Squibler
Squibler is an AI-driven platform designed to blend project management with storytelling tools, making it especially useful for memoir and personal narrative writers.
AI Writing Features
Squibler’s AI Smart Writer helps tackle common writing hurdles by:
- Creating detailed scene descriptions from memory prompts
- Improving narrative flow and emotional tone
- Developing character profiles inspired by real-life experiences
- Turning written details into visual representations
Organizational Tools for Writers
The platform’s List View gives writers a clear overview of their manuscript, tracking chapter progress and word count goals. Dave Chesson, Founder of Kindlepreneur, describes it:
"Squibler is an AI story-writing platform that caters to writers of all types – whether you’re an author working on your next novel, a filmmaker working on screenplays or scripts, or a professional preparing reports."
Collaborative Writing Features
Squibler, used by over 20,000 writers, is well-suited for collaborative projects like family histories. Its Elements feature helps organize character profiles, locations, and important dates to keep the narrative structured. These tools work seamlessly with the platform to make group writing projects smoother and more productive.
Tools to Boost Productivity
- Version control for testing different narrative approaches
- A "Dangerous Writing" mode to fight procrastination
- Customizable progress tracking with word count goals
- Templates tailored for memoirs and personal storytelling
Real User Feedback
Memoir writer Tim Boyle shared his experience:
"Squibler knew where my story was going even when I didn’t."
10. yWriter
yWriter is a tool designed for writers who want to structure their memoirs or other writing projects in a detailed, scene-by-scene format. Created by Simon Haynes in 2002, this free software helps break down writing into smaller, more manageable scenes and chapters.
Scene-Based Organization
yWriter uses a database-like system to keep your work organized. You can track details like character appearances, locations, project notes, points of view, and individual scene specifics. This setup makes it easier to monitor your progress and stay on top of your story’s structure.
Writing Progress Tools
yWriter comes packed with features to help you track and manage your writing:
- Daily word count tracking to monitor your productivity
- Automated backups with customizable save intervals
- StoryBoard view to see how chapters and scenes connect
- Graphs for character appearances, showing where and when they’re involved
- Scene snapshots for version control, so you can compare changes
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Pricing Structure
While the Windows version is free, other versions and support options are available at varying costs:
| Version | Cost | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Windows | Free | Full functionality |
| iOS | $14.99 | Mobile access |
| Android | $5.49 | Mobile access |
| Support Tier (Silver) | $11.95 | Basic registration |
| Support Tier (Gold) | $24.95 | Includes ebook service discounts |
Expert Assessment
PCMag contributor Jill Duffy shares her thoughts:
"The stats-heavy yWriter is ideal if you crave organization and like to track data about your writing, though it doesn’t provide any templates to help you get started."
Practical Considerations
While yWriter offers many useful features, there are some downsides to keep in mind:
- Works best as a standalone Windows application, with limited online functionality
- Only allows editing one scene at a time
- The interface looks outdated compared to newer software
- No built-in templates to help you start writing
- Relies on local file storage rather than cloud options
yWriter is especially well-suited for writers who enjoy planning and organizing their stories in advance. Its focus on scene-by-scene structure makes it a great fit for those working on complex narratives, like family histories or detailed memoirs.
Software Features and Pricing Comparison
Here’s a breakdown of the key features and pricing for the top book writing software options available in 2025.
Feature Comparison
| Software | Key Features | Best For | Platform Availability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Meminto Stories | Voice-to-text, guided prompts, multimedia integration | Personal memoirs, family histories | Web-based |
| Scrivener | Binder view, corkboard mode, research tools | Long-form writing, complex projects | Windows, Mac, iOS |
| Atticus | Writing and formatting, collaboration tools | All-in-one solution | Multiple platforms |
| Google Docs | Real-time collaboration, cloud storage | Team projects, basic writing | Web-based |
| Ulysses | Clean interface, markdown support | Distraction-free writing | Mac only |
| Vellum | Professional formatting, book previewer | Book layout and publishing | Mac only |
If you’re working on collaborative projects, Google Docs offers a free and simple solution. For long-form or complex writing projects, Scrivener provides powerful tools. If you prefer an all-in-one solution, Atticus combines writing and formatting for a single upfront fee.
Platform and Storage Availability
- Mac-Only: Vellum, Ulysses
- Cross-Platform: Atticus (Windows, Mac, Linux, ChromeOS), Google Docs (web-based), Scrivener (requires separate licenses for each platform)
This ensures you can choose software that works seamlessly with your devices and writing preferences.
Specialized Features to Consider
- Scrivener: Helps manage research and track writing goals.
- Vellum: Offers professional-grade formatting tools ideal for publishing.
- Atticus: Combines writing and formatting in one tool.
- Meminto Stories: Adds a personal touch with guided prompts and multimedia options.
Pick the software that aligns with your budget, writing style, and goals.
Final Recommendations
Here are the top writing tools for 2025, tailored to different needs:
- Meminto Stories: Perfect for preserving personal and family histories. For $99, it includes AI speech-to-text, guided prompts, a user-friendly design for seniors, and multimedia features.
- Scrivener: A great choice for long-term projects. It’s priced at $59.99 and offers advanced organization tools.
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Budget Options:
- Google Docs: Free, with real-time collaboration features.
- yWriter: Free for Windows users, or $14.99 for iOS users, offering a range of writing tools.
These tools are designed to help you turn your stories and ideas into well-crafted narratives. When deciding, think about your comfort with technology, the scope of your project, and your preferred writing setup. Select the one that aligns with your creative needs.
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