eBook writing can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re juggling multiple drafts, struggling with formatting, or worrying about compatibility with platforms like Amazon Kindle. You might wonder, Is there a tool that can simplify all this? Whether you’re a first-time writer or a seasoned author, choosing the right software can save you hours of frustration and ensure a professional finish.
This blog dives deep into answering the critical question: What is the best software to write an eBook? You’ll learn how these tools make eBook creation smoother, improve your workflow, and give your book a polished, reader-ready appearance. By the end, you’ll be equipped to pick software tailored to your writing style and publishing needs.
Why Choosing the Right eBook Writing Software Matters
Streamline Your Writing Process
Writing an eBook isn’t just about putting words on a page. It’s about organizing chapters, formatting for eBook platforms, and managing revisions effectively. The right software minimizes distractions, enhances productivity, and keeps everything structured in one place.
Ease of Formatting and Publishing
Formatting is one of the trickiest parts of eBook creation. Whether you’re exporting to EPUB, MOBI, or PDF, the best software to write an eBook includes built-in tools to meet industry standards. Many tools even integrate directly with platforms like Amazon Kindle, streamlining the publishing process.
Tools for Better Editing and Collaboration
Software designed for writing eBooks often includes editing aids, like grammar checkers or readability analyzers. If you’re working with a co-author or editor, cloud-based tools make real-time collaboration easy and efficient.
Save Time and Resources
Without the right software, you could end up spending hours manually formatting or troubleshooting technical issues. Choosing a tool that aligns with your goals can save time, reduce costs, and eliminate stress.
Top Software Options for Writing an eBook
Here are some of the top software choices that cater to different writing and publishing needs:
Scrivener
Widely regarded as one of the best tools for long-form writing, Scrivener excels at organizing complex projects.
- Features: Built-in tools for outlining, chapter management, and exporting to multiple formats.
- Pros: Robust features for drafting and editing, ideal for authors working on detailed projects.
- Cons: Steeper learning curve compared to simpler software.
Microsoft Word
A classic choice for writers, Microsoft Word remains relevant for eBook creation.
- Features: Advanced formatting options, extensive templates, and compatibility with most publishing platforms.
- Pros: Familiar interface and widespread accessibility.
- Cons: Limited built-in support for eBook-specific formats like EPUB.
Google Docs
A cloud-based, free tool ideal for collaboration and basic writing tasks.
- Features: Real-time editing, cloud storage, and integration with other tools like Grammarly.
- Pros: Accessible from any device; great for collaborative projects.
- Cons: Limited advanced formatting options for eBooks.
Atticus
A relatively new platform designed specifically for eBook authors.
- Features: Simplifies formatting and exports to EPUB and MOBI.
- Pros: Focused on eBook publishing; intuitive interface.
- Cons: Limited additional features outside of formatting.
Reedsy Book Editor
A free, web-based tool tailored for authors.
- Features: Professional-grade formatting, seamless exporting, and integration with book publishing services.
- Pros: Free to use and easy to navigate.
- Cons: Limited customization options.
Vellum (Mac Only)
Known for its sleek design and high-quality formatting options, Vellum is a favorite for Mac users.
- Features: Pre-designed templates, exporting to various eBook formats, and a user-friendly interface.
- Pros: Professional formatting with minimal effort.
- Cons: Exclusive to Mac and relatively expensive.
Specialized Tools for Amazon eBook Writing
If your goal is to publish specifically on Amazon, certain tools can make this process easier:
Amazon Kindle Create
Why It’s Great for Amazon:A free tool offered by Amazon to help authors format their books for Kindle.
- Features: Tailored templates for Kindle, preview tools, and direct integration with Amazon’s publishing system.
- Pros: Free and specifically designed for Kindle eBooks.
- Cons: Limited versatility outside of the Amazon ecosystem.
Atticus
Why It’s Great for Amazon: Atticus offers seamless exporting to MOBI, Amazon’s preferred format, ensuring compatibility without additional steps.
Scrivener
Why It’s Great for Amazon: While not exclusively for Amazon, Scrivener supports export to Kindle formats and includes tools for managing metadata, a critical component for Amazon eBooks.
These tools simplify the technical aspects of publishing on Amazon, saving you time and ensuring your book meets the platform’s requirements.
Read More: 10 Simple Steps for Learning How to Write an EBook
Comparing Costs of eBook Writing Software
When deciding which software to use, cost is a crucial factor to consider. The software options available range from free, basic tools to high-end, premium solutions. Here’s how the costs break down and what you get for your money:
Free Software Options
There are several free options for eBook writing, and while they may not offer all the bells and whistles of paid tools, they still provide sufficient features for authors on a tight budget. Google Docs and Reedsy Book Editor are two great examples that allow authors to write, format, and export their eBooks without spending a dime.
- Google Docs: Completely free, with cloud storage for easy access and real-time collaboration. However, its limited formatting options mean you might need to rely on other software for more advanced needs.
- Reedsy Book Editor: Free to use for writing and formatting eBooks, with the added bonus of being able to directly export your work in a professional format. However, some advanced features, such as customizations, are restricted in the free version.
Paid Software Options
Paid software often comes with more advanced features, such as enhanced formatting tools, a wider selection of export formats, and better integrations with publishing platforms. Here are the price ranges for some of the top paid options:
- Scrivener: A one-time purchase fee of approximately $49 (with a free trial available). Scrivener provides a great deal of flexibility for writers who want to plan and draft their eBook with an organized structure.
- Atticus: Priced at $147 for a lifetime license, Atticus is one of the best tools for writing eBooks with an emphasis on both writing and publishing. It also offers cloud-based syncing for writers who prefer working across multiple devices.
- Vellum: Vellum offers a more premium approach, with prices ranging from $199.99 for the basic version (which allows you to create eBooks for Amazon, Apple, and other platforms) to a $249.99 version that includes print formatting as well. It’s a one-time purchase, but it’s only available for Mac users.
Subscription-Based Software
Some eBook writing software charges a recurring fee instead of a one-time purchase. These subscriptions often come with regular updates, cloud storage, and more features. Subscription-based tools tend to be more affordable for short-term use or if you prefer a continual upgrade process.
- Atticus and Scrivener both have one-time purchase costs, but platforms like ProWritingAid (a writing assistant tool) are subscription-based and can cost anywhere from $20/month to $70/year. These tools are more specialized and typically serve as add-ons to eBook writing software, offering grammar and style improvement suggestions.
Balancing Budget with Features
When considering what is the best software to write an eBook, you should weigh the features that are most important to you with the price tag. While free options can work for some authors, the investment in premium tools might be worth it for those who are serious about creating professional-level eBooks and streamlining their workflow.
How to Choose the Best Software for Your Needs
Selecting the best software to write an eBook involves a few critical considerations. Here’s how to assess what works best for your particular project:
Evaluate Your Writing Goals and Style
If you’re writing a detailed non-fiction book with chapters, sections, and extensive research, a tool like Scrivener might be the best option because of its organizational capabilities. On the other hand, if you’re writing a simple novella or short story, a simpler tool like Google Docs might suffice.
- Complex Projects: Scrivener, Atticus
- Short Stories/Novellas: Google Docs, Microsoft Word
- Collaborative Projects: Google Docs, Reedsy Book Editor
Consider the Publishing Platform
The type of eBook you want to publish should play a role in your software selection. For Amazon Kindle publishing, you’ll want to ensure that your software exports files in MOBI or Kindle-compatible formats. Tools like Amazon Kindle Create and Atticus simplify this process.
- Amazon Kindle eBooks: Kindle Create, Atticus, Scrivener
- Multiple eBook Platforms: Vellum, Reedsy Book Editor, Scrivener
Prioritize Usability and Features
How easy is the software to use? Does it offer a variety of features for your specific needs? You may also want to consider whether it allows customization and personalization. Some software, like Atticus, is built for both writing and formatting, while others, such as Google Docs, are primarily designed for writing, requiring external tools for formatting.
- All-in-One Solutions: Atticus, Scrivener
- Dedicated Writing: Google Docs, Microsoft Word
Read Reviews and Test Software
One of the best ways to make your decision is to read reviews from other eBook authors and writers. Look for testimonials or blog posts about the software you’re considering. Many tools, like Scrivener and Vellum, offer free trials, so take advantage of them to test out how they work for you.
Read More: How To Create An Interactive eBook?
Tips for Using eBook Writing Software Effectively
Once you’ve chosen the best software to write an eBook, you’ll want to use it efficiently. Here are some tips to maximize your productivity:
Organize Your Workflow
Keep your writing organized by using tools like Scrivener’s corkboard feature or Atticus’s chapter management. These tools help break down your book into manageable sections, making staying focused and avoiding writer’s block easier.
Tip: Use templates or pre-made outlines to jumpstart your project. Many writing software options offer these as part of their features.
Leverage Built-in Templates and Tools
Many software programs, such as Vellum and Scrivener, offer built-in templates for different eBook formats. These templates help ensure your content is properly formatted for Amazon Kindle, Apple Books, and other platforms, saving time on manual adjustments.
Backup Your Work Regularly
It’s easy to lose track of time and forget to save your progress. Make sure your software automatically syncs to the cloud, or manually back up your work. Many eBook writing software tools integrate with cloud storage like Dropbox or Google Drive.
Tip: Set up a regular backup routine to ensure your work is always protected.
Take Advantage of Collaboration Tools
If you’re working with a team (editors, designers, co-authors), choose software that supports real-time collaboration. Google Docs and Reedsy Book Editor are perfect for cloud-based, collaborative work, while Atticus and Scrivener allow for easy file sharing and version tracking.
Conclusion
Choosing the best software to write an eBook isn’t just about picking the most popular tool—it’s about finding the one that aligns with your specific writing style and publishing goals. Whether you’re looking for robust features like those in Scrivener or a simple, intuitive platform like Google Docs, the right software will make the eBook writing process smoother and more efficient. As you move forward in your writing journey, remember that the best software for writing an eBook is the one that helps you get your story out into the world—professionally and efficiently.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the difference between eBook writing software and eBook formatting software?
eBook writing software is primarily designed to help you write and organize your content, while eBook formatting software focuses on converting and styling your text into an eBook format that’s compatible with various platforms (such as Kindle or Apple Books). Some tools, like Scrivener and Atticus, combine both writing and formatting capabilities, while others, like Vellum and Kindle Create, are specialized in formatting.
2. Can I use eBook writing software on multiple devices?
Yes, many eBook writing software options, such as Google Docs, Atticus, and Scrivener, offer cloud-syncing features, allowing you to access your work across multiple devices. However, this capability can vary depending on the software. Be sure to check if your chosen tool supports multi-device synchronization, especially if you work across different platforms (e.g., desktop and mobile).
3. Is it necessary to use dedicated eBook writing software if I’m just starting?
Not necessarily. If you’re a beginner, free tools like Google Docs or Microsoft Word may be sufficient for writing an eBook. However, as your writing progresses, or if you need advanced features such as chapter management, formatting, or publishing directly to platforms like Amazon, you may want to consider investing in specialized eBook writing software. These tools are designed to streamline the entire process from writing to publishing.
4. Are there eBook writing software options for authors who don’t have a Mac?
Yes! While some software, like Vellum, is Mac-exclusive, there are plenty of options available for PC users. Scrivener, Atticus, and Reedsy Book Editor are all cross-platform tools that work on both Windows and macOS. Make sure to check the system requirements before purchasing to ensure compatibility with your operating system.
5. Can I use Amazon’s Kindle Create for writing my eBook?
Kindle Create is primarily designed for formatting and publishing eBooks to Amazon, not for writing them. While it allows you to import your manuscript and format it for Kindle devices, it doesn’t offer the full range of writing features like Scrivener or Atticus. Kindle Create is best used as a tool for finalizing and formatting your eBook before publishing on Amazon.