5 Best Writing Software for Novelists in 2026
From this article, you will learn what, according to us, are the best writing software programs for novelists in 2026.
Writing a novel is a long-term project that often requires much more than a simple word processor. Besides writing chapters, novelists usually need to organize scenes, keep track of characters, manage research, and revise drafts multiple times before the manuscript is complete. Having the right writing software can make these tasks much easier.
Modern writing software offers many features specifically designed for long-form writing. Depending on the software you choose, you may get tools such as chapter organization, distraction-free writing, cloud synchronization, note management, version history, and collaboration. These features can help you stay organized and focus more on finishing your story.
If you are trying to write a novel too, you might want to get your hands on novel writing software so your work can be done significantly more productively. It can be difficult, however, to pick excellent writing software for you to use for your novel creation from the many options available out there. This is why Compute Expert has created a list of the best writing software for novelists that can help you decide the right writing software for you.
Want to know what writing software we recommend to write a novel with? Let’s get on it right away.
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| Software | View Their Offerings |
|---|---|
| Scrivener | |
| Dabble | |
| Microsoft Word | |
| Obsidian | |
| Google Docs |
Table of Contents:
What are the Best Writing Software Programs for Novelists?
Now, let’s dive into the writing software we recommend for a novelist to use. Using one of these writing software programs should let you write your novel much more optimally.1. Scrivener
Scrivener has long been one of the most popular writing software programs among novelists. Unlike traditional word processors, it was specifically designed for authors working on large writing projects.Instead of placing everything into one long document, Scrivener lets you organize your novel into chapters, scenes, folders, and research materials. This makes navigating large manuscripts much simpler as your project grows.
Another strength of Scrivener is that it allows you to keep outlines, character profiles, world-building notes, images, and research documents together in one project. This can save you from constantly switching between multiple applications while writing.
If your goal is to write novels efficiently while staying organized, Scrivener seems to be one of the best options available.
Features
Some of the features we particularly like include:- Chapter and scene organization
- Corkboard and outline views
- Character and research management
- Writing targets and progress tracking
- Export to multiple publishing formats
Pros
- Designed specifically for novel writing
- Excellent organization features
- Flexible manuscript structure
- One-time purchase
- Powerful export options
Cons
- Learning curve for new users
- Interface may initially feel overwhelming
- Cloud syncing requires third-party services
2. Dabble
Dabble is a cloud-based writing platform developed with fiction writers in mind. It combines a clean writing environment with project organization tools that help authors manage novels from planning to completion.The software allows you to organize chapters, create plot outlines, store character information, and keep research materials alongside your manuscript. Since everything is stored in the cloud, you can continue writing from different computers without manually transferring files.
Its straightforward interface makes Dabble especially appealing to writers who want dedicated novel-writing features without a complicated learning curve.
Features
Some highlights include:- Cloud-based manuscript management
- Drag-and-drop chapter organization
- Plotting and story planning tools
- Character and world-building notes
- Automatic cloud backups
Pros
- Easy to learn
- Excellent cloud synchronization
- Clean writing interface
- Good planning tools
- Automatic backups
Cons
- Subscription required
- Internet connection needed for most workflows
- Fewer advanced customization options than Scrivener
3. Microsoft Word
Microsoft Word remains one of the most widely used writing software in the world. While it was not built exclusively for novel writing, it provides a familiar environment with powerful editing and formatting capabilities.Word offers reliable spelling and grammar checking, comments, Track Changes, templates, and document formatting tools that become useful during editing and manuscript preparation. Many publishers, editors, and literary agents also prefer manuscripts submitted as Word documents, making it a practical choice for many authors.
In addition, Word integrates with Microsoft 365 cloud services, allowing you to synchronize documents across devices and collaborate with editors when needed.
If you already subscribe to Microsoft 365 or frequently work with editors, Microsoft Word can easily become your primary writing software throughout your entire novel-writing process.
Features
Some useful features include:- Professional document editing
- Track Changes and comments
- Automatic cloud synchronization
- Advanced formatting tools
- Built-in spelling and grammar checking
Pros
- Familiar interface
- Excellent editing tools
- Widely accepted manuscript format
- Strong collaboration features
- Available across multiple devices
Cons
- Not specifically designed for novels
- Limited project organization features
- Subscription provides the best experience
4. Obsidian
Obsidian approaches writing differently from traditional word processors. Rather than organizing everything into one document, it stores your notes as interconnected Markdown files that can easily link to one another.For novelists, this makes Obsidian particularly useful for managing character biographies, timelines, locations, plot ideas, and world-building information. The graph view also provides an interesting way to visualize relationships between your notes.
Although many writers still use other software for final manuscript formatting, Obsidian can become an excellent companion for planning and organizing complex stories.
Features
Some standout features include:- Linked notes
- Graph visualization
- Markdown editor
- Extensive plugin ecosystem
- Local file storage
Pros
- Excellent knowledge management
- Highly customizable
- Fast performance
- Active plugin community
- Free for personal use
Cons
- Markdown formatting may require learning
- Better for planning than manuscript formatting
- Plugins may require setup
5. Google Docs
Google Docs has become one of the easiest ways to write from almost anywhere. Since documents are stored online automatically, authors can continue working from different devices without worrying about manually saving files.The software also excels at collaboration. Editors, beta readers, and co-authors can leave comments, suggest edits, or review manuscripts in real time, making the revision process much more efficient.
Although it lacks some specialized novel-writing features found in dedicated writing software, Google Docs remains an excellent choice for authors who value simplicity and accessibility.
Features
Some notable features include:- Automatic cloud saving
- Real-time collaboration
- Version history
- Cross-device access
- Offline editing support
Pros
- Free to use
- Excellent collaboration
- Automatic saving
- Accessible from almost anywhere
- Easy to learn
Cons
- Fewer novel organization tools
- Limited advanced formatting
- Large manuscripts may make it become slower
What are the Things We Should Consider When Picking Writing Software for a Novelist to Use?
Here are the things we think you should consider when determining which writing software you want to use.- Project organization. Novels usually consist of many chapters, scenes, research notes, and character profiles. Software that helps organize these materials can make navigating your manuscript much easier
- Ease of use. The best writing software is often the one that lets you focus on writing instead of learning complicated features. Consider whether the interface feels comfortable for your writing workflow
- Cloud synchronization. If you write on multiple devices, cloud synchronization can help ensure your manuscript stays updated and protected without manual backups
- Collaboration. If editors, proofreaders, or co-authors will be involved in your project, built-in collaboration features such as comments, suggestions, and version history can simplify the editing process
- Export Options. Eventually, you may need to submit your manuscript to publishers, literary agents, or self-publishing platforms. Software that supports common export formats like DOCX, PDF, EPUB, and MOBI can make this process much easier
- Pricing. Some writing applications require monthly subscriptions, while others offer perpetual licenses or free versions. Comparing the available features against the overall cost can help you choose software that fits both your writing needs and your budget
Wrap Up
Writing a novel requires persistence, creativity, and organization. While no software can write the story for you, the right software can make planning, drafting, revising, and managing your manuscript significantly easier.There are many writing software programs available that you can use to write your novel. This, however, can make it difficult for us to determine which writing software we want to help us write our novels productively. This is why Compute Expert has compiled a list of the best writing software for novelists to help you.
To summarize, here are the writing software programs we recommend for novelists.
We hope our list can help you get the best software to optimize your writing process so you can produce the best version of your novels!
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