What is the best book writing software for beginners?

Myra Create is a strong beginner-friendly choice because it runs in a browser, saves automatically and splits writing into simple rooms: The Library for reading, The Nook for notes, The Desk for the manuscript and The Attic for characters and world building. There is nothing to install and a generous free tier.

Is Scrivener still the best book writing software?

Scrivener is excellent for writers who want a one-off purchase, offline access and deep compile options for ePub and print. It is less ideal if you want built-in cloud sync, a reading log or browser access. Myra Create suits writers who prefer an online, all-in-one workspace.

What is the best free book writing software?

Myra Create's free tier includes The Library for book tracking, The Nook for notes and story planning, and The Desk writing editor with one draft per project. Pro unlocks unlimited projects, the full Attic world-building toolset, multi-draft support and Attic-to-Desk continuity detection.

Can I write a book on a tablet or phone?

Yes with browser-based tools like Myra Create. Because your work lives in the cloud, you can switch between laptop, tablet and phone without syncing files manually. Desktop-only apps like Scrivener require separate installs and your own sync solution.

Which book writing software has the best export?

Scrivener has the deepest compile system with the most output formats. Myra Create exports to DOCX and PDF with standard manuscript formatting, and Pro users can share a read-only public link. For most authors submitting to agents or editors, DOCX and PDF are enough.

← Myra Create

Best book writing software in 2026

The best book writing software does three things well: it keeps your manuscript safe, it organises chapters and research, and it stays out of your way while you write. We have compared the leading options for novelists — Myra Create, Scrivener, Novelcrafter and Squibler — so you can pick the one that fits how you work.

What to look for

Cloud save and device freedom

A manuscript is too long to risk losing. The best software saves automatically and works on every device you own.

Chapter and scene organisation

Books are not one long document. You need chapters, drag-and-drop reordering, and a quick way to jump between sections.

Character and world tracking

For novels with more than a few characters, a built-in database beats a stack of notes. Look for profiles, images and continuity hints.

Export and sharing

Most agents and editors want DOCX. Beta readers need a clean share link. Make sure your tool can produce both.

Top picks

Myra Create

Best for: Writers who want an all-in-one browser home

Free tier; Pro $10/month or $100/year

Pros

Browser-based with automatic cloud save
Built-in reading log and world building
Live character continuity while writing
Clean, modern interface

Cons

Fewer export formats than Scrivener
Pro required for multi-draft and Attic

Start writing free

Scrivener

Best for: Writers who want offline, one-off software

One-off licence, around $60 per platform

Pros

Deep compile and export options
One-time purchase
Mature binder organisation
Works offline

Cons

No built-in cloud sync
No free tier
Steeper learning curve
Desktop only

Novelcrafter

Best for: Writers who want AI-assisted drafting

Subscription, tiered by AI usage

Pros

AI brainstorming and prose generation
Built for long-form fiction
Character and scene tracking

Cons

Cost scales with AI use
Can encourage over-reliance on generated text

Squibler

Best for: Writers who want templates and prompts

Subscription after trial

Pros

Genre templates
Goal tracking and prompts
Designed for fiction

Cons

No free tier long-term
Less flexible world building than Myra Create or Scrivener

Our recommendation

If you want a single browser tab that holds your manuscript, characters, world building and reading log, start with Myra Create. The free tier gives you a real writing workspace, and Pro adds the Attic, unlimited projects and multi-draft support. If you prefer a desktop app you buy once and do not mind managing your own sync, Scrivener remains the heavyweight choice.

Common questions

What is the best book writing software for beginners?: Myra Create is a strong beginner-friendly choice because it runs in a browser, saves automatically and splits writing into simple rooms: The Library for reading, The Nook for notes, The Desk for the manuscript and The Attic for characters and world building. There is nothing to install and a generous free tier.
Is Scrivener still the best book writing software?: Scrivener is excellent for writers who want a one-off purchase, offline access and deep compile options for ePub and print. It is less ideal if you want built-in cloud sync, a reading log or browser access. Myra Create suits writers who prefer an online, all-in-one workspace.
What is the best free book writing software?: Myra Create's free tier includes The Library for book tracking, The Nook for notes and story planning, and The Desk writing editor with one draft per project. Pro unlocks unlimited projects, the full Attic world-building toolset, multi-draft support and Attic-to-Desk continuity detection.
Can I write a book on a tablet or phone?: Yes with browser-based tools like Myra Create. Because your work lives in the cloud, you can switch between laptop, tablet and phone without syncing files manually. Desktop-only apps like Scrivener require separate installs and your own sync solution.
Which book writing software has the best export?: Scrivener has the deepest compile system with the most output formats. Myra Create exports to DOCX and PDF with standard manuscript formatting, and Pro users can share a read-only public link. For most authors submitting to agents or editors, DOCX and PDF are enough.

Try Myra Create free

Also see: Myra Create vs Scrivener, novel writing software, book writing software, pricing