Writing a novel is a monumental task—requiring creativity, organization, discipline, and the right tools. In 2025, novelists have access to a range of writing software options that go far beyond simple word processing. From planning and outlining to drafting and editing, the best writing software can streamline your entire novel-writing process.
Whether you’re a first-time writer or a seasoned author, the right writing tool can boost your productivity and help bring your story to life. In this guide, we explore the 10 best writing software for novelists in 2025, along with their features, pricing, pros, and best use cases.
✅ Quick Summary & Overview
Top 10 writing software for novelists in 2025:
- Scrivener – Best for full novel planning and drafting
- Atticus – Ideal for writing and formatting for self-publishing
- Dabble – Best for plotting and cloud-based writing
- LivingWriter – Excellent for intuitive organization and story templates
- Novlr – Great for distraction-free writing and goal tracking
- Campfire – Ideal for world-building and fantasy writers
- Ulysses – Perfect for Mac users who prefer minimalism
- Bibisco – Powerful for character development and story structure
- Quoll Writer – Free and open-source, great for beginners
- Google Docs – Collaborative and accessible, good for simplicity
🧠 How to Choose the Right Writing Software
Before diving into the list, consider these key features novelists often look for:
| Feature | Why It Matters for Novelists |
| Distraction-free interface | Helps focus on writing |
| Outlining tools | Essential for plot development |
| Cloud sync | Access from anywhere |
| Export & formatting | Prepares manuscript for agents or self-pub |
| Character/World Building | Ideal for genre fiction (fantasy, sci-fi) |
| Affordability | Budget-friendly for long-term writing projects |
✍️ The 10 Best Writing Software for Novelists in 2025
1. Scrivener (Windows, macOS, iOS)
Best for: Comprehensive novel planning and drafting
Scrivener remains the gold standard for novelists. It offers a flexible binder system for chapters, scenes, character notes, and research—making it a complete novel-writing studio.
Key Features:
- Drag-and-drop corkboard for structuring scenes
- Templates for fiction and non-fiction
- Full-screen composition mode
- Word count targets
- Compiling tools for manuscript formatting
Pros:
✅ Extremely customizable
✅ Ideal for complex stories
✅ One-time purchase
Cons:
❌ Steeper learning curve
❌ No native cloud sync
Pricing: £47 (one-time)
🔗 https://www.literatureandlatte.com/scrivener/overview
2. Atticus (Web-based)
Best for: Writing + formatting for indie/self-published authors
Atticus is designed with novelists and indie authors in mind. It combines writing tools with professional-grade formatting to produce ready-to-publish eBooks and print books.
Key Features:
- Cloud-based writing environment
- Custom themes and fonts
- In-line chapter navigation
- Export to EPUB and print PDF
Pros:
✅ Saves time on formatting
✅ Cross-platform access
✅ Regular updates
Cons:
❌ No offline mode
❌ Limited plotting features
Pricing: $147 (one-time)
3. Dabble (Web, Mac, Windows)
Best for: Plotting novels with cloud sync
Dabble is beginner-friendly and ideal for planners. It offers built-in tools for plotting, tracking progress, and organizing your story arc using a visual “Plot Grid.”
Key Features:
- Chapter and scene organization
- Plot grid with story elements
- Daily writing goals
- Cloud-based sync
Pros:
✅ Great for planners and plotters
✅ Autosave + cloud backup
✅ Clean, intuitive interface
Cons:
❌ Subscription-based
❌ Not ideal for heavy formatting
Pricing: Starts at $10/month
🔗 https://www.dabblewriter.com
4. LivingWriter (Web, iOS, Android)
Best for: Story templates and chapter organization
LivingWriter brings modern design and simplicity to novel writing. It offers pre-built templates for story structure (like the Hero’s Journey), making it perfect for both beginners and professionals.
Key Features:
- Drag-and-drop chapter reordering
- Smart story elements (characters, places)
- Templates for popular structures
- Version history and autosave
Pros:
✅ User-friendly
✅ Built-in dark mode
✅ Google Docs feel with novel features
Cons:
❌ Internet required
❌ Subscription only
Pricing: $8/month (billed annually)
🔗 https://www.livingwriter.com
5. Novlr (Web-based)
Best for: Distraction-free novel writing with analytics
Novlr is a clean, focused writing tool built for novelists. It tracks your writing goals, offers grammar suggestions, and syncs across devices.
Key Features:
- Goal tracking and writing streaks
- Minimal interface
- Grammar suggestions powered by ProWritingAid
- Offline mode
Pros:
✅ Encourages daily writing
✅ Auto backup to Google Drive/Dropbox
✅ Insightful analytics
Cons:
❌ Limited story structure tools
❌ No mobile app
Pricing: $10/month
6. Campfire (Windows, macOS, Web)
Best for: Fantasy and sci-fi writers focused on world-building
Campfire is ideal for epic fiction writers. It offers extensive tools for timelines, maps, magic systems, character relationships, and lore-building.
Key Features:
- Timeline builder
- Character development templates
- Location, magic, and item tracking
- Relationship webs
Pros:
✅ Incredibly deep world-building tools
✅ Modular pricing based on features
✅ Great for collaborative writing
Cons:
❌ Can get expensive
❌ More setup time needed
Pricing: Free tier available; Premium modules start at $1/month
🔗 https://www.campfirewriting.com
7. Ulysses (macOS, iOS)
Best for: Mac users who love minimalist writing
Ulysses combines elegant design with powerful organizational features. Though it’s less tailored for novelists, its simplicity and Markdown support make it ideal for distraction-free drafting.
Key Features:
- Seamless iCloud sync
- Markdown-based formatting
- Goal tracking and writing statistics
- Export to Word, PDF, ePub
Pros:
✅ Beautiful interface
✅ Fast and responsive
✅ Perfect for Apple ecosystem
Cons:
❌ Not built specifically for novels
❌ No Windows version
Pricing: $5.99/month (macOS/iOS only)
8. Bibisco (Windows, macOS, Linux)
Best for: In-depth character and plot development
Bibisco is a novelist-focused tool that helps you plan characters, locations, and narrative structure while writing your manuscript.
Key Features:
- Chapter and scene management
- Character interviews
- Narrative structure charts
- Progress analytics
Pros:
✅ One-time purchase
✅ Deep planning tools
✅ Suitable for long novels
Cons:
❌ Interface feels dated
❌ Fewer formatting/export options
Pricing: Free version available; Supporters Edition starts at €15
9. Quoll Writer (Windows, Linux)
Best for: Free and open-source novel writing
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly but powerful option, Quoll Writer offers robust features for drafting, character management, and goal tracking—all for free.
Key Features:
- Chapter and scene organizer
- Character profiles
- Writing targets and analytics
- Backup and autosave features
Pros:
✅ 100% free and open-source
✅ Great for character-driven stories
✅ No distractions
Cons:
❌ Windows-only
❌ Not cloud-based
Pricing: Free
10. Google Docs (Web, iOS, Android)
Best for: Collaboration and accessibility
While not designed for novel writing specifically, Google Docs is widely used by authors for its real-time collaboration and cross-device accessibility.
Key Features:
- Cloud autosave
- Shareable with comments and suggestions
- Integrates with grammar tools like Grammarly
- Works across all devices
Pros:
✅ Free and accessible
✅ Perfect for co-authors and editors
✅ Easy to format and export
Cons:
❌ No novel-specific structure or templates
❌ Offline use requires setup
Pricing: Free with Google account
📊 Writing Software Comparison Table
| Software | Best For | Offline Mode | One-Time Purchase | Mobile Support |
| Scrivener | Complex planning | ✅ | ✅ | iOS |
| Atticus | Writing + formatting | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Dabble | Plotting & cloud writing | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ |
| LivingWriter | Templates and structure | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ |
| Novlr | Writing goals & tracking | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Campfire | World-building and timelines | ✅ | ❌ (modular) | ✅ |
| Ulysses | Minimalist writing (Mac) | ✅ | ❌ | iOS/macOS |
| Bibisco | Character development | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ |
| Quoll Writer | Free open-source writing | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ |
| Google Docs | Collaboration and access | ❌ | ✅ (Free) | ✅ |
🧠 Final Thoughts: Which Writing Software Is Right for You?
The best writing software for novelists in 2025 depends on your writing style, goals, and budget:
- Need comprehensive planning? Scrivener or Bibisco
- Publishing your novel? Atticus
- Love structure and cloud sync? Dabble or LivingWriter
- Writing fantasy? Go for Campfire
- Want free and simple? Quoll Writer or Google Docs
Great novels don’t write themselves—but the right tool can make the process smoother, smarter, and more inspiring.
