Which program suits writing a book best depends heavily on how you work — linear or with scene cards, alone or as a team, on Mac or Windows. Here are eight of the best-known options, with their actual strengths and weaknesses, without a recommendation in any particular direction.
Microsoft Word
The default most people already have. No dedicated chapter or character management, but universally compatible with publishers, editors, and printers. Noticeably slows down on very long manuscripts (300+ pages). Runs on ongoing subscription fees as part of Microsoft 365, unless you have an older standalone license.
Google Docs
Free, runs in the browser, real-time collaboration is exceptionally well solved (important for co-authoring or editorial feedback). No offline mode without extra setup, no structural tools for long-form work, formatting on export is sometimes messy.
Scrivener
Purpose-built for long manuscripts: corkboard view, freely movable scenes, separate research folders within the same project. One-time purchase (~$59–65), no subscription. Steep learning curve — many authors only use a fraction of its features. No native cloud sync, you need to set up Dropbox or similar yourself.
Papyrus Autor
Popular in the German-speaking market, with particularly strong style-checking tools (repeated words, filler words, readability). One-time purchase, but at around EUR 349 one of the pricier programs on this list. Interface feels dated to many newcomers, learning curve similarly steep to Scrivener.
Atticus
Browser-based, focused less on the writing itself and more on clean formatting and export for self-publishing (EPUB, print layout). One-time purchase (~$147). Weaker as a pure writing tool compared to Scrivener or Papyrus — more of a final step before publishing than where the first draft takes shape.
yWriter
Free, scenes organized as index cards, functional but visibly dated (interface, Windows focus). A serious option for anyone on a tight budget, even without the polish of other tools.
Ulysses
Mac and iOS only, but thoughtfully minimalist — few distractions, clear structure. Subscription-based (~$5.99/month), no Windows version, which is a dealbreaker for many.
LibreOffice Writer
Free Word alternative, good compatibility with .docx files, but likewise without dedicated novel-writing tools. A solid choice if you just want a free, offline-capable text program without extras.
In short
Need structure for a long work: Scrivener or Papyrus. Want zero learning curve and to just start: Word or Google Docs. Watching your budget: yWriter or LibreOffice. Only need formatting/export: Atticus. There's no objectively "best" program — only the one that fits how you actually work.