So, you have a brilliant idea for a nonfiction book. Maybe it’s a memoir, a how-to guide, or a deep dive into a topic you’re passionate about. You’re ready to share your knowledge with the world. But then a familiar question arises: What’s the best tool to actually write this thing?
Gone are the days when your only option was a basic word processor. Today’s best nonfiction book writing software does more than just type words; it helps you organize complex research, structure your arguments, and maintain a consistent narrative flow.
Choosing the right tool can be the difference between a smooth, enjoyable writing process and a chaotic, frustrating one. This guide will break down the top software options for nonfiction authors, from minimalist writing apps to powerful all-in-one studios.
What Makes Great Software for Nonfiction?
Before we dive in, let’s identify what nonfiction authors need most:
Research Organization: The ability to store notes, PDFs, images, and web clippings alongside your manuscript
Outlining and Structure: Powerful tools to create and rearrange chapters, sections, and arguments easily
Focus and Distraction-Free Writing: A clean interface that helps you get words on the page
Export and Publishing: Smooth options to export your manuscript to agents, editors, or directly to formats like PDF, ePub, and print
Top Contenders for the Best Nonfiction Writing Software
1. Scrivener: The Powerhouse for Serious Authors
Best for: Authors who need to manage extensive research and complex outlines.
If there's one tool synonymous with serious book writing, it's Scrivener. It’s not just a word processor; it’s a complete project management system for writers.
Why it's great for nonfiction: Its "binder" sidebar allows you to split your manuscript into easily manageable chunks (chapters, scenes, notes). You can drag and drop these sections to restructure your entire book in seconds.
Research heaven: The "corkboard" and "outliner" views are invaluable for plotting your narrative. You can also import and store all your research—PDFs, images, web pages, videos—right inside the project, keeping everything in one place.
Compile feature: This powerful function lets you export your manuscript into a myriad of formats (Word, PDF, ePub, Kindle) with incredible customization.
Consideration: There’s a learning curve. Scrivener is packed with features, which can be overwhelming at first. But for complex nonfiction projects, it’s often worth the investment.
2. Microsoft Word: The Reliable Industry Standard
Best for: Writers who prefer a familiar, straightforward tool and collaborate heavily with editors.
Don’t underestimate the classic. Microsoft Word remains the publishing industry's standard for a reason. It’s powerful, universally accepted, and most editors and agents expect a .docx file.
Why it's great for nonfiction: Its outlining and navigation pane (using Heading styles) is a robust way to structure and jump between chapters. The "Review" tab with Track Changes is essential for collaborating with editors.
Familiarity: If you already know how to use it, you can start writing immediately without learning new software.
Consideration: It lacks integrated research organization. Your notes and sources will likely live in separate files, which can get messy for large projects.
3. Google Docs: The Champion of Collaboration & Cloud-Based Writing
Best for: Co-authors, writers who work across multiple devices, or those who need real-time feedback.
Google Docs wins hands-down when it comes to collaboration and accessibility. Since it’s cloud-based, your work is automatically saved and accessible from any computer, tablet, or phone.
Why it's great for nonfiction: The ability to share a draft with beta readers, editors, or a co-author and see their suggestions and comments in real-time is unparalleled. Its simplicity keeps you focused on writing.
Consideration: It can become slow and unwieldy with very long manuscripts (80,000+ words). Organization features are also less robust than Scrivener’s.
4. Ulysses: The Elegant, Minimalist Choice for Mac & iPad Users
Best for: Writers who value a clean, distraction-free interface and seamless sync across Apple devices.
If you live in the Apple ecosystem, Ulysses offers a beautiful and fluid writing experience. It uses a Markdown-based language (simple text formatting) that keeps you focused on your words.
Why it's great for nonfiction: It organizes all your writing projects in a simple library. You can set writing goals for each session and export directly to clean eBook and PDF formats.
Seamless sync: Your work syncs effortlessly via iCloud between your Mac, iPad, and iPhone.
Consideration: It’s a subscription model (annual fee). It also doesn’t have the deep research-storage capabilities of Scrivener.
5. Atticus: The New All-in-One Contender for Writing and Formatting
Best for: Self-publishing authors who want to write and format their book in a single tool.
Atticus is a newer, web-based tool designed to be a one-stop shop. It combines the writing and organizational features of Scrivener with the interior formatting and eBook conversion capabilities of Vellum (a Mac-only favorite for formatting).
Why it's great for nonfiction: Write your book, then use the same tool to design beautiful print and eBook editions without needing to learn complex formatting software. It’s also cross-platform (works on Windows, Mac, ChromeOS).
Consideration: As a newer platform, it’s still adding features and refining its interface.
How to Choose Your Perfect Writing Software
Ask yourself these questions:
What is my biggest challenge? Is it organizing my thoughts (Scrivener), staying focused (Ulysses), or collaborating (Google Docs)?
What is my budget? Scrivener is a one-time purchase, Ulysses is a subscription, and Google Docs is free.
What device do I use? Are you on Windows, Mac, or both? This will narrow your choices significantly.
Will I be self-publishing? If so, a tool like Atticus that handles formatting can save you time and money.
The Bottom Line
The best nonfiction book writing software is the one that gets out of your way and lets you write.
For maximum organization and control: Choose Scrivener.
For seamless collaboration and access: Choose Google Docs.
For a minimalist, focused experience on Apple devices: Choose Ulysses.
For an all-in-one writing and formatting solution: Check out Atticus.
Most programs offer free trials. Take them for a spin! Write a chapter of your book in a few different options. You’ll quickly discover which interface and workflow feel most natural for you.
Now that you’re armed with the right tool, stop researching and start writing. Your audience is waiting.
Want to talk to a professional about all things books? Contact me today!
