Overview: Writers' Software and Applications

Some writers need little more than pen and paper for their craft, but nearly all writers who wish to be published must have some form of software to produce a manuscript for submission.

Not all writers have the same hardware on which they work, access to the internet, or the funds to acquire software. For this reason a list of software and applications ranging from free-open source to commercial-proprietary will be listed here for writers' consideration.

WORD PROCESSING

•  LibreOffice -- free, open source software; will produce files compatible with OpenOffice and Microsoft Word. (Application developers split from OpenOffice after that application was acquired by Oracle, before spin-off to The Apache Software Foundation.)
PLATFORMS: Windows, Mac OS, Linux

•  OpenOffice --  free, open source software; will produce files compatible with OpenOffice and Microsoft Word. (Now managed by The Apache Software Foundation.)
PLATFORMS: Windows, Mac OS, Linux (all systems must run Java)

•  Microsoft Word 2010 -- commercial word processing package; Microsoft also offers a full suite, Office.
PLATFORMS: Windows, Mac OS (may be dependent on version of Mac OS)

•   Corel WordPerfect -- commercial word processing package including full office suite; files are compatible with Microsoft Word/Office.
PLATFORMS: Windows

•  See also this LifeHacker article for more Mac OS-friendly applications.


MANUSCRIPT PRODUCTION

•  Scrivener -- word processing software with additional management capability for documents, outlining and notes, storyboarding and metadata.
PLATFORMS: Windows, Mac OS (these are separate apps; at the time of this post, they are different prices.)

•  YWriter -- free open source word processing software; breaks novel/manuscript into chapters or scenes, manages character, location profiles along with research notes and graphics.
PLATFORMS: Windows


ONLINE APPLICATIONS

•  Google Drive -- free, online multipurpose application including word process, spreadsheet, presentation applications and more. Allows upload/download of documents in multiple formats including .doc and .rtf formats. Users can share and collaborate on documents with others within the application.
PLATFORMS: Any internet-enabled computer with browser; some browsers offer limited functionality. Chrome, Firefox, IE preferred.

•  Zoho -- online multipurpose application, free and subscription plans; includes word processor, spreadsheet, presentation, project management applications and more.
PLATFORMS: Any internet-enabled computer with browser; some browsers offer limited functionality.

•  Microsoft Office365 -- subscription plan-based online multipurpose application; includes Office suite applications, email, website, and more.
PLATFORMS: Windows

•  ThinkFree -- paid online multipurpose application including word processor, spreadsheet, and presentation applications. Also offers option of mobile app, online backup, server services, sharing of documents.
PLATFORMS: Windows, Mac OS, Linux and supported browsers.

•  Shutterborg -- free online word processor; bare bones application, no frills.
PLATFORMS: Any internet-enabled computer with browser; some browsers offer limited functionality.

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This is not a complete list of software available. For more applications, check this list at Wikipedia.org (caveat: list may not be complete or accurate).

IMPORTANT: Citation of any application or software on this page does not connote a recommendation. User/Buyer beware; check developer/manufacturer for latest, most accurate information on features, compatibility, price (if any), support and services.

This page may be updated without notice. If you have an application you'd like to share, please note it in comments.