Free book writing software helps you plan, draft and organise a long manuscript into chapters and scenes without losing track. Simple editors suit writers who just want to write, while novel tools add outlines, character notes and word goals. Whatever you choose, keep regular backups and dated drafts, because they're your record of the work.
Writing a book is a marathon, and the wrong tool turns it into a mess of files called final, final two and really final. Book writing software keeps chapters, notes and drafts in one place.
Here are ten free book writing tools in no particular order, sorted alphabetically, from open-source novel planners to browser editors. Each description comes from the tool's own website, re-checked today. If you're writing a business book, my list of the best business books for marketers shows what readers expect from the genre.
Think about how you write. Plotters like outlines, timelines and character sheets, while pantsers just want a blank page and a word count. Choose the tool that suits your style.
It also helps to decide early how you'll publish. A book heading to a traditional publisher usually ends as a Word file, while a self-published book may go straight to an e-book format, and some tools export one far more cleanly than the other.
Free book writing tools at a glance
In the free plan column, Yes means the tool's own site describes a free version or free plan, Trial only means a time-limited trial, and No means neither is stated. Free versions often come with limits, so check what's included before you rely on one.
| Tool | Type | Good for | Free plan |
|---|---|---|---|
| Campfire | Writing and worldbuilding platform | Building worlds and characters | Yes |
| FocusWriter | Distraction-free writing app | Drafting without distractions | Yes |
| Google Docs | Online word processor | Sharing drafts with beta readers | Yes |
| Manuskript | Open-source novel planner | Outlining and drafting together | Yes |
| novelWriter | Plain-text novel editor | Long projects that stay safe | Yes |
| Novlr | Online writing platform | Writing on any device | Yes |
| Reedsy Book Editor | Online book editor | Formatting a book for publishing | Yes |
| Shaxpir | Writing software for storytellers | Tracking writing habits and progress | Yes |
| Wavemaker | Novel planning and writing app | Planning and writing offline | Yes |
| yWriter | Novel writing software | Breaking a book into scenes | Yes |
Ten free book writing tools to try
Campfire
Best for: Fiction writers who want character profiles, maps and timelines next to their manuscript.
FocusWriter
Best for: Writers who want a calm, full-screen space with daily goals and nothing else to fiddle with.
Google Docs
Best for: Authors who want to share chapters with editors and beta readers for comments.
Manuskript
Best for: Plotters who want an open-source tool with outlines, character notes and a distraction-free mode.
novelWriter
Best for: Writers who want their novel stored in plain text files, so it can't get trapped in a broken format.
Novlr
Best for: Writers who want an online writing space built by writers, with a free plan to start.
Reedsy Book Editor
Best for: Self-publishing authors who want to write and format a manuscript ready for e-book and print.
Shaxpir
Best for: Writers who want progress stats and a free plan that covers the basic building blocks.
Wavemaker
Best for: Novelists who want free planning tools and writing space across devices, even offline.
yWriter
Best for: Novelists who think in scenes and want to track characters, locations and word counts.
The copyright fact every author should know
Here's what many first-time authors don't realise. The US Copyright Office FAQ says your work is under copyright protection the moment it's created and fixed in a tangible form, and that registration is generally voluntary. You'll have to register, though, if you want to bring a lawsuit for infringement of a US work.
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So you don't need to register before you share chapters with beta readers. But dated drafts and backups are your quiet proof of when you wrote what, and they take seconds to keep.
What to check in free book writing software
- Structure: can you split the book into chapters and scenes you can move around?
- Notes: is there space for characters, research and plot notes?
- Goals: can you set daily word targets and track progress?
- Export: can you export to Word, PDF or e-book formats?
- Backups: where's your manuscript stored, and how is it backed up?
How to set up a book project
- Write a one-paragraph summary of the whole book.
- List the chapters, even if they're rough.
- Set a daily word goal you can hit on a busy day.
- Write the first draft without editing as you go.
- Back up the project to a second place every week.
Writing habits that stall a book
- Editing chapter one forever. Finish the draft first.
- Waiting for inspiration. A small daily goal beats the muse.
- No backups. Copy your file to a second place weekly.
- Tool hopping. Pick one and stay with it.
If you'd like to earn from your writing while you work on the book, my guide on how beginners break into freelance creative writing is a good start.
Do you make book writing apps? Tool makers can ask to be considered for a featured place on this list.
My plain advice on free book writing software
Pick a tool, then forget about tools until the first draft is done. Switching apps is a sneaky way to avoid writing.
And back up your manuscript somewhere other than your laptop, today. Losing a book to a dead hard drive is a heartbreak nobody needs.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best free software for writing a book?
It depends on your style. Planners suit plotters, while distraction-free editors suit people who just want to write.
Can I write a book in an online word processor?
Yes. Many authors do, especially when sharing chapters with beta readers for comments.
Do I need to register my book's copyright?
In the US, copyright exists from creation and registration is voluntary, but needed before suing for infringement of a US work.
How do I organise a long manuscript?
Use software that splits the book into chapters and scenes you can rearrange.
Can I format my book for publishing for free?
Yes. Some free tools export print and e-book files.
How many words is a novel?
It varies by genre, so check what's typical for the type of book you're writing.
Should I edit as I write?
Most writers find it easier to finish a rough draft first, then edit.
Can I write offline?
Desktop apps and some online tools with offline modes let you write without internet.
How do I stay motivated?
Set small daily word goals and track your streak.
What if I lose my manuscript?
Keep backups in at least two places, such as a cloud folder and an external drive.
