The Indie Author Software Toolkit: Tools to Power Your Writing Life - Part 2
Manuscript Creation Tools
This is the second article in a six-part series exploring the essential software every independent author should know. In Part 1, we covered Planning and Organization tools. Now we move to the heart of writing: the software you'll use to draft your manuscript.
This series of articles covers:
- Planning / Organization – Story planners and outlining tools
- Creation – Word processors and writing software (this article)
- Editing – Tools to catch grammar, style, and story issues
- Formatting – Apps and services for print and ebook layout
- Distribution – Platforms and aggregators for getting your book to readers
- Marketing – Everything from email tools to social media management
Manuscript Creation Tools
The tools you use to write your first draft can shape your entire creative process. Some writers need robust organizational features—scene cards, character databases, and complex export options. Others thrive with minimal distractions and just want a clean page to write on. Still others need real-time collaboration, AI assistance, or professional formatting built right in.
Below is a comprehensive guide to manuscript creation software across five categories: Comprehensive Writing Apps, Minimalist/Distraction-Free tools, Traditional Options, Open Source Desktop Apps, and Specialized platforms. Each tool has different strengths, and your choice depends on your working style, budget, and publishing goals.
Comprehensive Writing Apps
These are full-featured writing platforms designed specifically for long-form projects. They combine powerful organization with flexible writing environments.
Scrivener (Mac/Windows/iOS)
Scrivener, developed by Literature & Latte, has been the novelist's choice since 2007. Created by Keith Blount, a writer who couldn't find software that matched how he actually worked, it grew from a personal solution into an industry standard embraced by bestselling authors worldwide. With a one-time purchase model (no subscription) and a reputation for depth over simplicity, Scrivener appeals to writers willing to invest time learning a tool that will serve them for years across multiple books and projects.
Key features:
- Binder organization with drag-and-drop scenes/chapters
- Split-screen mode and Scrivenings view for continuous text
- Distraction-free composition mode
- Snapshots for version control
- Word count tracking (session, daily, per scene, total)
- Import PDFs, images, audio, web pages for reference
- Compile to Word, PDF, EPUB, Kindle, RTF
- Desktop (Mac/Windows) and iOS with Dropbox syncing
Best for: writers who want comprehensive project management and are willing to invest time learning a powerful tool
Atticus (all platforms)
Atticus represents the new generation of indie publishing software built specifically for self-publishers who want to control their entire workflow. Launched by a team focused on eliminating the need for multiple tools, it's positioned as the all-in-one solution for authors who don't want to juggle separate apps for writing, formatting, and layout. Available as a Progressive Web App that works on any platform, Atticus embraces the modern reality of writers working across multiple devices throughout their day.
Key features:
- Browser-based and desktop app (Windows, Mac, Linux, Chromebook)
- Clean, distraction-free editor with online/offline capability
- Chapter organization with drag-and-drop
- Writing goals, daily targets, sprint timer
- Device preview for 14+ devices including print
- Export to PDF, EPUB with professional templates
- Auto-save with cloud backup
- Cross-platform Progressive Web App
Best for: self-publishers who want an all-in-one solution from draft to publication-ready files
LivingWriter (web/desktop/mobile)
LivingWriter was built by writers who believe that world-building and character development deserve the same attention as prose. The platform's philosophy centers on keeping creative details accessible without breaking writing flow, with optional AI features for writers who want algorithmic assistance. Positioned as a complete fiction-writing ecosystem rather than just a word processor, LivingWriter targets novelists working on complex narratives who need their planning materials and manuscript in one integrated environment.
Key features:
- Web-based with iOS, Android, and desktop apps
- Seamless cross-device syncing with cloud backup
- Auto-suggest for character names, locations, objects
- Smart Text integration for instant access to details
- Story templates (Hero's Journey, Save the Cat, Three Act Structure, etc.)
- Optional AI features (outline generation, manuscript chat, rewrite, analysis)
- Element Board for characters, timelines, world-building
- Real-time collaboration
- Export to DOCX, PDF, Amazon manuscript format
Best for: fiction writers who want comprehensive world-building tools with optional AI assistance
Dabble (cloud-based)
Dabble was created by writers frustrated with overcomplicated software and unrealistic goal-tracking systems. The company's philosophy is radical simplicity: strip away everything that doesn't directly help you get words on the page and keep them flowing. With a focus on intelligent design that respects writers' real lives—including the understanding that some days you can't write—Dabble positions itself as the anti-bloatware choice for writers who want to focus on craft rather than wrestling with their tools.
Key features:
- Cloud-based (browser, desktop Mac/Windows, mobile iOS/Android)
- Clean, minimalist interface with auto-fade focus mode
- Works online and offline with auto-sync
- Intelligent goal tracking with days off scheduling
- Story Notes section with character profiles
- ProWritingAid integration
- Co-authoring with color-coded authors
- Export to MS Word (DOCX only)
Best for: Writers who want simplicity, intelligent goal tracking, and seamless cross-device access
Minimalist/Distraction-Free Tools
For writers who thrive with fewer features and maximum focus, these tools strip away complexity.
Ulysses (Mac/iOS only)
Ulysses, developed by The Soulmen (a German software studio), represents the Apple-ecosystem approach to writing software: elegant, minimal, and tightly integrated. Launched in 2003 and refined over two decades, it's built for writers who value design aesthetics and seamless cross-device experiences as much as functionality. The subscription model and Apple-only availability reflect a deliberate choice to serve one platform exceptionally well rather than many platforms adequately.
Key features:
- Mac, iPad, and iPhone only (Apple ecosystem exclusive)
- Minimalist, distraction-free interface with Markdown
- "Sheets" concept for organizing scenes and chapters
- Typewriter mode and customizable themes
- iCloud sync across all Apple devices
- Built-in grammar checks (20+ languages)
- Export to PDF, Word, ePub, HTML
- Direct publishing to WordPress, Medium, Ghost, Micro.blog
Best for: Apple users who want elegant minimalism with publishing capabilities
Novlr (web-based)
Novlr positions itself as the writer-owned alternative in an industry dominated by venture capital and corporate interests. Founded with a cooperative ownership model that allows users to become co-owners and share in profits, it prioritizes community and education alongside software development. This philosophy extends to every aspect of the platform—from the active Discord community to weekly writing sprints to curated Spotify playlists—creating an ecosystem where the software is just one part of a larger support network for writers.
Key features:
- Web-based (accessible from any device via browser)
- Writer-owned platform with co-ownership option
- Light, Evening, and Night display modes
- Word count and writing streak tracking
- Integrated writing courses (Novlr Academy)
- Active Discord server with weekly writing sprints
- ProWritingAid integration (Pro version)
- Export to EPUB, DOCX
Best for: writers who value community, education, and a writer-owned platform
Reedsy Studio (free core features)
Reedsy Studio comes from Reedsy, the company that built a freelance marketplace connecting authors with publishing professionals. The free writing and formatting tools serve Reedsy's broader mission: empower indie authors with professional-grade capabilities, then connect them with expert editors, designers, and marketers when they're ready. The business model is transparent—give away the software to build trust and relationships, knowing some users will eventually need the paid services offered through the marketplace.
Key features:
- Web-based (free core features, paid add-ons)
- Automatic professional typesetting as you write
- Live preview of formatted book
- Export to EPUB 3, print-ready PDF, DOCX
- Multiple genre-specific themes
- Automatic front/back matter generation
- Version history (6 months free, unlimited with Craft add-on)
- Collaboration with tracked changes and comments
- Integration with Reedsy Marketplace for hiring editors
Best for: writers who want professional formatting built into their writing tool without additional software
Traditional Options
The familiar word processors most writers already know—versatile but not purpose-built for novels.
Microsoft Word
Microsoft Word is the ubiquitous word processor that's been the default writing tool since the 1980s. Developed by Microsoft as part of the Office suite, it's designed as a general-purpose document creation tool for everything from business memos to academic papers to novels. While not purpose-built for novelists, its universal adoption, familiarity, and industry-standard collaboration features make it the common language of publishing—the format agents expect, the tool editors use, and the baseline every writer knows.
Key features:
- Desktop (Windows, Mac) and web-based (Word Online)
- Industry-standard Track Changes
- Microsoft Copilot AI features (2025)
- Navigation pane and Outline view
- OneDrive cloud backup and real-time collaboration
- Extensive formatting options
- Export to PDF
- Mobile apps (iOS, Android)
Best for: writers who need universal compatibility and industry-standard collaboration tools
Google Docs
Google Docs emerged from Google's mission to make software universally accessible through web browsers, requiring no installations or purchases. Launched in 2006, it democratized word processing by making professional-quality tools available to anyone with internet access, free of charge. The philosophy is cloud-first and collaboration-first: documents belong in the cloud, multiple people should be able to work simultaneously, and compatibility issues should never exist because everyone's using the same browser-based platform.
Key features:
- Free, web-based (no download required)
- Best-in-class real-time collaboration
- Automatic saves on every keystroke
- "Help me write" AI features (multi-language)
- Voice typing for hands-free drafting
- Version history with timestamps
- Export to PDF, EPUB, DOCX, RTF, ODT, TXT, HTML
- Works on any device
Best for: writers who prioritize free access, collaboration, and cross-device flexibility
Open Source Desktop Apps
Free, community-developed alternatives with powerful features for writers on a budget.
FocusWriter (free)
FocusWriter, created by developer Graeme Gott (Gottcode), represents the open-source philosophy applied to writing software: completely free, deliberately simple, and focused on doing one thing exceptionally well. With no company behind it, no monetization strategy, and no feature creep driven by business needs, it exists solely to provide writers with a distraction-free environment. The lightweight design and minimal system requirements reflect a commitment to accessibility—this tool works on any computer, even older machines that can't run modern bloated software.
Key features:
- Free and open-source (Windows, Mac, Linux)
- Fullscreen, distraction-free interface
- Hide-away menus (appear at screen edges)
- Customizable themes (fonts, colors, background images)
- Daily word count goals and timers
- Entirely offline (no cloud storage)
- Saves in .txt, .rtf, .odt, .docx formats
- Portable mode (run from USB stick)
Best for: writers who want a completely free, distraction-free tool without organizational features
Manuskript (desktop)
Manuskript is an open-source project born from the developer's frustration with expensive proprietary software and the belief that powerful novel-writing tools should be free. Built by programmers who are also writers, it's designed for plotters who love structure and organization but can't afford or won't pay for commercial alternatives. The dated interface and occasional stability issues are the trade-off for zero cost and complete freedom—no subscriptions, no license fees, no company that might discontinue the product.
Key features:
- Free and open-source (Windows, Mac, Linux)
- Snowflake Method for story development
- Hierarchical Outliner with drag-and-drop
- Dedicated character, plot, and location tracking
- Visual tools (index cards, timeline, labels)
- Distraction-free writing mode with Markdown
- Session-based goal tracking
- Export to EPUB, PDF, DOCX (requires Pandoc)
- Desktop-only, offline
Best for: plotters who want a free, powerful organizational tool and don't need cloud syncing
yWriter (Windows/MacOS/iOS/Android)
yWriter was created by Simon Haynes, an author and programmer who built exactly the tool he wanted for writing his own novels. With 25+ years of continuous development and zero monetization on the desktop version, it represents a labor of love rather than a business venture. The utilitarian interface and focus on practical functionality over modern aesthetics reflect Haynes' philosophy: writers need tools that work, not tools that look pretty. No marketing hype, no venture capital, no feature bloat—just reliable software that does what novelists actually need.
Key features:
- Free (desktop), paid mobile versions
- Scene-based organization system
- Drag-and-drop chapters and scenes
- Automatic snapshot backups with version history
- Right-click character and location creation
- Lightweight (runs on older computers)
- Export to RTF, LaTeX
- Mobile versions with Dropbox integration (paid)
- Desktop-only for free version
Best for: budget-conscious novelists who want scene-based organization and robust version control.
Choosing Your Manuscript Creation Tool
The right tool depends on your working style, budget, and publishing goals:
For comprehensive organization: Scrivener, Manuskript, or yWriter offer the most robust project management features for complex novels.
For all-in-one solutions: Atticus or Reedsy Studio combine writing with professional formatting, eliminating the need for separate layout software.
For collaboration: Google Docs and Dabble provide the best real-time co-writing features.
For distraction-free writing: FocusWriter, Ulysses, or Novlr strip away complexity and let you focus on words.
For budget-conscious writers: Google Docs, FocusWriter, Manuskript, and yWriter offer powerful features at no cost.
For Apple users: Ulysses delivers the most polished, ecosystem-integrated experience.
For cross-platform flexibility: Atticus, LivingWriter, and Dabble work seamlessly across all devices.
The tool you choose for drafting your manuscript will influence your creative process, so take advantage of free trials and explore what feels right for your workflow. Many writers use multiple tools—drafting in one platform, editing in another, and formatting in a third. The key is finding what helps you get words on the page and keep them flowing.
Next up: Part 3 - Editing tools that help you polish your prose and strengthen your story structure.
