Beta Reader Group discussion

What is everyone using to write their books? What do you recommend, what do you not recommend?

Whatever is available to me. I just finished a book that I wrote in Google Docs. Over summer I wrote a movie script on my iPhone in notes. I have a few books underway in Scrivener and a bunch over in Word. It depends on what type of writer you are. I've had Scrivener for a while, and while it is quite powerful, sometimes the tools (and my lack of understanding of how to use them) just get in the way. But if you're the type who likes to have pictures and character sketches and outlines, Scrivener is amazing. (I took my movie script and imported it into Scrivener so it was formatted properly; so much easier than the other options....)

Mostly, for me, the big thing I need is the will to press through to the end. The tools are just ways to help me do that. Yes, you want the right tool for the job, but I know a lot of people who collect programs like talismans, hoping that if you have the right combination and rub this one just the right way, it will make the story magically appear or get better. That might not be you. But I'd figure out you first, and then find the tools that you need. For me, I am mostly a pantser, so anywhere I can put words down, I'm happy. But I know a lot of people who outline, and a tool like Scrivener is wonderful. I am trying to do something different (A near-future sci-fi thriller), and the ability to track research in Scrivener is really nice....

What I'd recommend is use the tools you have, then identify where those tools are failing you, and figure out the best way around that. You might find that notecards and a pinboard is the best solution for you.

I only use Word. I tried Scrivener and writing programs, but I found them to be gimmicky and distracting. It made me feel like I was pretending to be a writer instead of actually writing my book. So now I only use Word.

And before I get attacked, I know everyone has different preferences and that some people like scrivener a lot. But in my personal opinion, it didn't add anything to my writing experience. It kind of feels like dressing up as a writer instead of actually working. If that makes sense?

Word is my favourite and there are LOTS of reasons for this but here's just a few. It is especially good for outlines because you can have headings that are collapsible so you can have everything in one document while focusing on one part at a time. It is also good for sending to beta readers because you can lock the "track changes" with a password so they can't change anything without you seeing it. It also allows for in-text comments which I like a lot becuase your betas can let you know right in the document which lines work, which don't, and they're personal recommendations for what could fix it.

The only program I use other than Word is an app called Notebook (I think it's by zoho?) that I use when I get random ideas. It's a sticky-note style interface with customizable notebooks. I have a separate notebook for each WIP and all my notes are kept there. This is especailly helpful when you're away from your computer and you can just quickly type your idea into your phone inside of the notebook specific to that WIP or topic (however you organize them). You can also reorganize the notes in whatever order you need them (which I like a lot because they're easier to find later). This probably sounds like an ad, but seriously, I love this app.

Anyway, I know this was a very long post. Ultimately I strongly recommend Word because of accessibility, ease of use, and practicality. Google docs, scrivener, etc. are all great choices, but Word has everything you need without the distractions and learning curve. But honestly, whatever gets you excited to write is what is best for you!

I hope this helps!!

Way to go Cameryn. Find your own way.

I hate Word and only use it to communicate with others. Ease of use? Noooo, You still have to learn, especially if you want to go beyond how MS thinks you should use it.

I use WordPerfect and have it set as a book facsimile, so it looks like the finished thing as I write/edit. I feel I'm writing a book rather than a document for a book. I know you can do that in Word, but it's not intuitive to set up as I'd like and a lot of the command options are deliberately hidden away.

For a library/info vault, I use Jarte, which is a basic WP with tabs for characters, plots, places, chapters, technicals, ideas, ideas, timeline, etc. It's lightweight and runs in the background. It comes free and the trinkets cost $9.

I tried everything. I ended up in Google Docs for a while but it's hard to load an entire novel draft on it. I finally got Scrivener. Let's see how that goes

Oh, in respect to Scrivener, maybe worth reading a few customer reviews before buying. It's good but clearly not right for everybody - Trustpilot > https://uk.trustpilot.com/review/lite.... The problems with Word are well documented.

The best word-processing (a deflating term) program ever was Xywrite, and they killed it. I use Word uneasily.

Scrivener is great because it let's me jump to different parts of my book without getting lost, but I recommend something like word for final polishing because I've always found compiling documents from scrivener to be a bit wonky.

Scrivener all the way here! I use it very simply, but its formatting capabilities are excellent--as are its compiling options; much better than word.

I used to write exclusively in word, but I find it works better for pantsing than plotting, which slowed my process considerably (but was fine for starting out).

Honestly, at the end of the day. I will write in and on anything. Sometimes it comes down to mood and story genre as well.

I also use Scrivener, and really like the organization of it. I'm sure I'm underusing the available options, but I'm really happy with it

I've been using Atticus for a few months and I like it so far.

Scrivener for writing and organization.

Prowritingaid.com for basic edit passes.

Reedsy is a free alternative to Scrivener! It has a clean interface and area for plotting. It automatically typesets in both PDF and epub, depending on which you choose to export. It's literally amazing. I recommend it if you don't want to pay but still want something better than Word or Google Docs
Dabble is also pretty great, but after the 14 day trial, you have to pay quite a lot per month. However, it has features other softwares do not.

I refuse to be tied to particular writing software. I write in plain text (using Markdown, a very simple formatting system to allow me to create headers, italics, bold, etc.) and can work in any plain text editor on any computer, phone or operating system. I use Word to read my manuscript out loud, very handy to find typos, repeated words, etc., and for final formatting.

I've used Scrivener in the past, it's excellent but doesn't have a simple and universal file format. And I'll never use Google Docs unless forced to, not only because it's difficult to work with large files, but I don't trust Google.

Apple iOS Pages app on an iPad mini. plus tons of notes in its notes app. I planned it out using a Numbers spreadsheet.

All using the onscreen keyboard. Yup.

Why? I always have the mini with me. It's light, has an awesome screen and so I write anywhere. Big novel? No prob. Editing? No prob. I wrote and edited a 145k novel down to 99k in 6 drafts mostly in bed, during breaks, on subway or bus, bathrooms, or any other time I had available.

Bought Scrivener, hated it. Used Word but it wasn't reliable on iPad. I've used Wordperfect and even Wordstar way back in the ancient days and certainly don't miss them.

I also don't miss laptops. I use an iPad Pro and physical keyboard for work and have no interest in using it for writing my novel.