Using Software to Write a Book
- Microsoft Word is probably the most used word processing software for writing books. Word is available for both the PC and Macintosh, offering all of the writing tools an author needs to write and format his books. This includes tools for creating complex tables of content, bibliographies, and other elements used in writing books. OpenOffice is a free alternative for those who can't, or refuse to, afford the cost of Word. WordPerfect, though not as popular as it was in the 1980s, is still in use by some writers. While these word processors are full-featured and make writing a book easy, they aren't necessary. Some writers have done well use the free WordPad included with Windows, or the slimmed-down Microsoft Works, which is often included free of charge with many computers.
- There are specialized writing programs that story development tools along with standard word processing features. Power Writer by Write Brothers is one such program. Power Writer allows users to keep track of extensive story and plot notes, character development notes, and turning points that stay with the story file so the information is always at the writer's fingertips. New Novelist is another such writing program (see resources). These writing programs are ideal for writers who spend a great deal of time plotting or who like to work out story and character information as they go, but if you aren't much of a plotter, the additional tools can make the software feel clunky to you.
- There are two major add-in programs for Microsoft Word that add book writing functionality and automate the process. Prose Pro and Script Wizard integrate into the Word toolbar and make it easy for writers to set up chapter information and other novel formatting elements. Wizards for Word includes a book doctor that fixes manuscript problems and a novel wizard that generates properly formatted book manuscripts. These add-ins are full featured programs ideal for those who want to use Word without having to do a lot of formatting yourself.
- With all the types of software available, making a choice might seem overwhelming, but it really comes down to your style of working. If you prefer nothing to come between you and your book except the keyboard, you're likely to want to stay with a traditional word processing program. If you are obsessive about plotting either before you write or during the process, one of the story development programs will suit your needs.