How to choose the most suitable program / software for your writing - PART FOUR
- bkntouris
- Aug 15, 2023
- 12 min read
This article will be the final one in the 'How to choose the most suitable program / software for your writing' series. At the very end of this blog post, I will mention a few more programs that are not for writing oer se, but might defnitiely be useful for a self-publishing author.
31. Zoho Writer
HOW DOES IT WORK?
Zoho writer is the complete package for documents and not particularly for book writing. It is a word processor like MS Word and popular opinion suggests that it is better than MS Word.
For more information, click HERE:
HANDY FEATURES:
You can sync between your PC or Mac, iPhone, Android, or iPad. You can also import your existing Word documents and get to work (there is a plugin to link your Zoho documents to Word). Some special features include group editing, group management, online collaboration, safe sharing, and mobile access. Zoho writer belongs to the family of Zoho docs which provide online collaborative solutions.
PROS:
User-friendly & Collaboration Tools: Zoho Writer lets you collaborate with others by sharing features. If you are part of a team of writers, you can work together and share documents with each other easily.
Plenty of Features: Zoho Writer has almost all the features of Google Docs.
It’s readily available: You do not need to sign up or log in to be able to use Zoho Writer.
Offline Availability: You can write offline, without internet access. Despite this software being on online writing tool, you can still write offline and have your work synced to your account.
You can use it across all devices. You can use this book writing software across phone, Tablet, or PC. No need to worry about accessing your manuscript from the wrong device.
CONS:
Limited Options for Novelists: Zoho Writer is a word processing tool and not a professional writing software.
Users Have Reported Crashing: When moving content from page to page it tends to jump around and make the application run slowly, or crash altogether.
Faulty Spell Check & AI Assistant: Users reported the grammar suggestions given are pretty terrible. They had to ignore and report most of them. The tool wasn’t able to understand the context of the words, and it was adding unnecessary articles.
Small Storage: Zoho Witer allows only 5GB of storage.
PRICE:
FREE!
32. Pages
HOW DOES IT WORK?
Think of Pages as the Mac alternative to MS Word. Its creative tools are useful to edit your documents.
For more information, click HERE:
HANDY FEATURES:
The catchy feature is its beautiful template feature which can provide you with attractive formats for your documents. It is also helpful in creating unique manuscripts and writing full-length books.
PROS:
Comparable with Word: This app has all the power of Word, if not more. Reviewers say that it’s better than MS Word.
Handy Tools: there are some helpful features for manuscripts and eBook creation.
Privacy & Security: Apple takes both these things very seriously.
Output: Can output to other formats such as pdf, rtf, etc.
CONS:
Limited Availability: Only Mac, iPad, and iPhone.
Adding Images: This requires a space drawing tool. They often go out of alignment if you 'drag and drop' resources onto the pages.
Storage: There seems to be a very limited amount of storage space on iCloud.
PRICE:
FREE!
33. Libre Office
HOW DOES IT WORK?
LibreOffice, as a social standard, is a boon to mankind. When there was only paid writing software, LibreOffice was the one that was providing writers with free software and regular updates. It is a simple word processor with many features for regular writing. Also, it can run on almost any platform. It crashes a lot now, so that is a drawback.
For more information, click HERE:
HANDY FEATURES:
Open Office and Libre Office suites branched from the same development stable, so they have a lot of similarities. Learning to work with Writer, which is the word processor, is easy. However, it uses traditional and straightforward menus, toolbars, and icons but does not have the ribbon function found in Word. In some ways, this is a good thing because it lets you get on with the writing process instead of hunting in ribbons for buttons.
PROS:
Open Source & Free.
Effective: It’s an effective word processing tool with helpful features for authors. It wasn’t only created for writers, but can be used by anyone who needs a word processor. The autocorrect and spell checker tools allow you to catch grammar and spelling mistakes on the fly, and it even supports multiple languages!
It Provides Useful Templates: LibreOffice includes readily available templates to choose from that are formatted to meet your needs. All you need to do is add your text! Whether you want to write your resume, brochures, letters, or your book, these templates can save you time and come in handy for clean, crisp formatting.
Not Picky: It runs even on old processors.
CONS:
Unstable: Libre Office crashes a lot and is clunky.
No Book Management Features.
User Interface: Users reports this to be needlessly complex (especially menus).
No Collaboration Features: Only one user can work on a document at a time
PRICE:
FREE!
34. SoftMaker FreeOffice
HOW DOES IT WORK?
FreeOffice 2021 is a fully featured office suite that includes word processing, spreadsheet and presentation software. It is compatible with Microsoft Office documents and is available for Windows, Mac and Linux. Best of all, it's free for both personal and commercial use.
For more information, click HERE:
HANDY FEATURES:
FreeOffice can export .epub. It is a convenient tool for self-publishers.
TextMaker is the word processor in this office suite. However, it doesn’t come with the ability to save in docx format unless you opt for the premium version.
PROS:
Powerful Alternative to Microsoft 365: It comes with advanced formatting options, the ability to create databases for bibliographies and footnotes, as well as track change.
Speedy, Reliable Performance.
Customizable: It has highly customizable ribbon or menu-based interface
Compatibility: Opens legacy documents that Microsoft Office apps can’t open.
Optional Version Backup.
Apps: for Windows, macOS, Linux, plus full-featured mobile apps
CONS:
Lacks Web Apps & Collaboration Features.
Limited Document-viewing Options
Slow Performance: With huge worksheets, you will experience a lot of lagging.
No Macros: There are no recorded macros and scripted macros only available for Windows version
PRICE:
FREE!
35. Dropbox Paper
HOW DOES IT WORK?
Dropbox Paper is a free note-taking app that offers a document workspace with real-time collaboration. It was officially released in 2017 by Dropbox — one of the best cloud storage providers — and has undergone several major updates since then. All you need is your free Dropbox account to use Dropbox Paper. It is a word processor, but there is so much more you can do with this app. The design is clean and simple, but there are so many features at your fingertips.
For more information, click HERE:
HANDY FEATURES:
As well as being a text editor, you can add audio, images, Youtube videos, Slideshare documents, and Trello cards.
It really is a great free writing app for you to create documents and then share them with your team or online.
PROS:
Rich Media Embedding Abilities: It can integrate with dozens of websites including Trello, YouTube, Dropbox, Spotify, Vimeo, Github, Figma, and many more. For coders, being able to link your Dropbox Paper projects with your Github code blocks and programs may be exactly what you need in an online document. For artistic designers, integrations with InVision, LucidChart, and Framer may be highly valuable to you.
Collaboration: When it comes to document collaboration, Dropbox Paper is almost identical to Google Drive in that you can simply invite people to your file and set their viewing, commenting, and editing permissions. As with Google Drive, you’ll see the initials of the editor or comment maker on the side of the screen so you know who added their opinions or changes to the project.
User Friendliness: Where it falls short in other areas, Dropbox Paper tries to make up for it with its simple and easy-to-use user interface. This simplicity is due in part to the fact that Dropbox Paper lacks a lot of the basic formatting features one might expect from similar programs.
CONS:
No Font Selection Options.
Limited Formatting Options: It offers extremely limited text formatting options. his unlimited strip of paper does not allow freedom of design when it comes to your project layouts. Formatting options are extremely limited and what looks great on one screen resolution may end up being a jumbled mess on another.
Limited Templates: It offers very limited templates for inspiration
PRICE:
Basic: FREE!
Dropbox Plus For Individuals: $9.99 monthly (billed annually)
Dropbox Professional For Individuals: $16.58 monthly (billed annually)
Dropbox Standard For Teams: $12.50 monthly (billed annually)
Dropbox Advanced For Teams: $20 monthly (billed annually)
36. Calmly Writer
HOW DOES IT WORK?
Calmly Writer has been designed to help you focus on writing. As you start typing, all the distracting options disappear from the interface. Calmly also includes a “focus mode” option, which highlights only the paragraph you are editing at the time. It is a browser-based app, and there is a Chrome extension available.
For more information, click HERE:
HANDY FEATURES:
Traditional word processors include dozens of options for formatting text, distracting you from what really matters: writing. Calmly Writer is an editor designed to focus on what you want to tell, with a simple, unobtrusive and ease-to-use user interface.
PROS:
Simple & Easy to Use: The app’s design is minimal and neat. Plus, their website is upfront about what it can do (and more importantly — what it can’t).you don’t need to download any app on your phone or computer. The only app it offers is for ChromeOS.
Distraction-free: It blocks all the on-screen distractions
Exporting: Wide range of export options
Availability: Works on all devices
CONS:
No Templates: There are no storyboard and writing templates.
Collaboration: It can't share documents and collaborate with other
PRICE:
Calmly Writer may be downloaded and evaluated FOR FREE, however a license must be purchased for continued use. There is currently no enforced time limit for the evaluation.
License: $15.74 (one-time payment).
37. Shaxpir
HOW DOES IT WORK?
Shaxpir isn’t just a tool for cranking out documents. It’s a complete personal workspace where you can live your writing life. You can write your next novel or compose a memoir, or you can map out the details of an alternate world for an epic fantasy series. You can assemble a nonfiction manuscript, or develop a collection of short stories & articles. You can even jot down ideas for future projects.
For more information, click HERE:
HANDY FEATURES:
For a dedicated book writing tool, Shaxpir gives you a lot of features in its free version. You can change the order and hierarchy of chapters and scenes. So you can find a structure that works for you.
You can set your goals and track your progress. You can also keep detailed notes about your characters, places, and events. It also allows you to add margin comments as well as collect concept art.
PROS:
The Notebook: Included in the processor is a lovely notebook function that you can place character sheets and other loose notes into whatever system you want. It’s an amazing tool for writers who have copious notes all over the place and need a one-stop shop.
The Manuscript Builder: It uses drag-and-drop tools to rearrange your manuscript.
Exporting: You can export your manuscript into either an ePub or Word doc. It’s not the most professional formatting, but it’s a decent head-start. This is a great option for when you're ready to publish or would like to transfer it to Word for editing purposes
Organizing-Friendly: This processor has subdivisions for sub-divisions. On it’s main page, there is a spot for books, articles and short stories. You can build sub-chapters, sub folders, sub notes... Pretty much anything.
CONS:
It’s a Desktop App: While there is online synching so you don’t “lose” your work, the free version is only accessible through one desktop computer. Now, if you need to, you can “switch” the computer that the account is based on by downloading the program again and logging in - you just can’t switch the account back to the other computer for an entire month. Great if you’re replacing a computer, bad for when you’re mobile. Also, there is no ability to access your Shaxpir account online, which really limits your mobility.
Bugs: Users report there are a lot of annoying bugs. Like the fact that you can’t scroll the shortcut menu for the notebook (meaning that adding extra sheets to a really big notebook can be a bit of a pain). Or that the scroll bar weirdly disappears sometimes. Or it may go through a phase where it crashes and wipes out your online archive temporarily (had that happen during one of the updates). Or that only the typing window shrinks when you try to minimize it. Also, there seems to be no 'undo' button.
No Help Menu: Because this is a fairly new program still, there are not a lot of FAQs, and those that are available are online.
PRICE:
Shaxpir 4 Everyone: FREE!
Shaxpir 4 Pro: $7.99 monthly
38. WPS Office
HOW DOES IT WORK?
If you have used Microsoft Word or Google Docs, then you can work with WPS Office immediately.
Like other alternative word processors, it has all the standard features you would expect, and it works with most file types.
For more information, click HERE:
HANDY FEATURES:
One of its key features is that it allows drag-and-drop paragraphs, which can, at times, be practical.
Another time-saving yet straightforward feature of WPS is tabbed documents. While Excel has had this for years, Word never has, so working on two documents at the same time is much more efficient in WPS.
PROS:
Easy to Download & Use: WPS Office is easy to download and almost all its vital and important features are free. It is small and doesn't take up much space on my phone, yet it's quite useful. I can write, edit, and view any types of documents, including Word, Sheets, Power Point, and Pdf. All document programs are pre installed in the WPS Office, so there is no need to instal them separately. It is well-designed for mobile phone use and offers a wide range of functions as if you were using a computer on almost all platforms wether Windows, Linux, IOS or Android, etc.
Wide Range of Features: WPS Office provides a wide range of features, including word processing, spreadsheets, presentations, etc., to meet my various needs in office work. Its features are comparable to mainstream office software and can easily handle a variety of office tasks.User-friendly interface: The interface of WPS Office software is designed to be simple and intuitive, easy to use. Both for beginners and experienced users, they can quickly adapt and perform its functions.Translated with www.DeepL.com/Translator (free version)
Performance: WPS performs basic tasks very well and without problems.
Layout: It is intuitive and follows common office suite conventions so its easy to earn - cross platform and runs well on Linux, Mac, and of course on Windows 10
Cloud Storage Service: WPS also has a cloud storage service with 1G for PC and iOS.
CONS:
Missing Advanced Features: Compared to Microsoft Office, WPS Office may lack some options and tools for some advanced features. This may limit the breadth of use for users who need more sophisticated features.Document Format Compatibility: Although the compatibility of WPS Office with Microsoft Office file formats has been improved, there may still be some special formats that cannot be opened or displayed correctly.
Limited Free Version: The desktop version of the free version requires the user to watch ads to gain access to certain features.
Ads: On the mobile app, you might have to deal with loads of these.
Offline Issues: It is challenging to use it while offline.
File Collapsing.
PRICE:
WPS Standard: FREE!
WPS Pro: $23.99 (6 Months) or $35.99 (1 Year)
39. AbiWord
HOW DOES IT WORK?
AbiWord is a free and open-source software word processor. It is developed and designed by a group of volunteers from across the globe to handle a broad array of word processing tasks. Providing MicrosoftWord-like features, this platform can be used for personal needs, work-related word processing tasks, and even typing activities for fun. Also, it supports multiple languages and can be deployed and run on several different operating systems easily which is why it has attracted a massive number of users.
For more information, click HERE:
HANDY FEATURES:
If you want simplicity, AbiWord is well worth trying. AbiWord can read and write all common industry document formats, including those produced by open source programs like OpenOffice and commercial programs like Microsoft Word. Additionally, it offers support for WordPerfect files, documents in the Rich Text format, HTML web pages, etc. AbiWord is definitely worth a try if you’re looking for simplicity. It has been around for a long time now, and while it might look a little outdated, its functionality is not.
PROS:
Compatibility: AbiWord reads and writes OpenOffice and Word documents.
Simple To Use.
Uncluttered: It is ideal if you are looking to write distraction-free.
Tools: There are all the basics, such as spelling and grammar checking and auto-saving.
CONS:
A Few Advanced Editing Features.
Requires Add-ons: To carry out spell-checks, you fill have to install add-ons.
Not Perfect for Novels: Due to its print limitations that require an external program to see a print preview, it might not be the best alternative for writing your book.
PRICE:
FREE!
40. Now Novel
HOW DOES IT WORK?
Now Novel is a writing tool that caters specifically to fiction writers only. It provides writers with an intuitive writing tool that helps them write a fun, engaging plot for their book. With Now Novel, writers can create compelling characters, map out a story outline, and craft an engaging narrative by working in collaboration with coaches and critiques from the writer community.
For more information, click HERE:
HANDY FEATURES:
There are over 400 free articles on improving your craft on writing. Coached and Free writing courses are available, too.
PROS:
Scene Builder: You can use this to add structure.
Simple To Use.
Story Dashboard: You can develop ideas and outline here.
Uncluttered: It is ideal if you are looking to write distraction-free.
Tools: There are all the basics, such as spelling and grammar checking and auto-saving.
CONS:
A Few Advanced Editing Features.
Requires Add-ons: To carry out spell-checks, you fill have to install add-ons.
Not Perfect for Novels: Due to its print limitations that require an external program to see a print preview, it might not be the best alternative for writing your book.
PRICE (on yearly basis):
Basic plan: $149
Coaching plan: starting from $799
Coaching + Plan: starting from $1499
So that's it folks! However, before we part, I'd also like to add there are some more options regarding writing, editing, formatting, and publishing. I will only name a few: Kindle Create, Publisher Rocket, Fictionary, Novelpad, Atticus, Novelize, Dynalist, Plottr, Living Writer... I do hope these four articles will help someone who's either just starting their writing journey or someone who prefers something more than just a blank page. I sure learned tons and will keep some of these softwares in mind, should I ever decide Word no longer cuts it.
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