Eight apps to help you win National Novel Writing Month

November's National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) challenges writers of all levels to craft a novel in 30 days. Feel overwhelmed? Technology can be your ally. This guide showcases top-tier writing software for Windows and macOS, many with mobile counterparts.

Here are eight applications to help you achieve your NaNoWriMo goals:

Microsoft Word:

The industry standard, Word boasts a refreshed interface and a comprehensive feature set. Enhanced collaboration tools, advanced layout options, and robust mobile apps (with excellent syncing) make it a versatile choice. A free online version is also available.

Microsoft Word for Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS, starting at $70 per year; free trial and web app available.

Ulysses:

Prioritizing a clean, minimalist design, Ulysses focuses on your writing. Markdown formatting, typewriter mode, and writing goal tracking are key features. Seamless syncing across macOS and iOS devices is a major plus. Apple ecosystem only.

Ulysses for macOS and iOS, starting at $40 per year; free trial available.

LibreOffice:

A powerful, free, and open-source alternative to Microsoft Office, LibreOffice includes Writer (its word processor), along with spreadsheet and presentation tools. Writer offers various layouts, formatting options, spell checking, and more. While not as polished as Word, it's a cost-effective and functional option.

LibreOffice for Windows and macOS, free.

Scrivener:

Designed for serious writers, Scrivener excels at managing large projects. Organize chapters, plotlines, and characters efficiently. View research alongside your manuscript and customize formatting extensively. Supports numerous export formats.

Scrivener for Windows and macOS, $40; iOS, $20; free trial available.

Google Docs:

Google Docs' strength lies in its web-based nature, offering accessibility from any browser and automatic syncing across devices. While layout options are less extensive than some competitors, it provides essential tools like tables, images, and spell check.

Google Docs for Android and iOS, free.

iA Writer:

iA Writer prioritizes a distraction-free writing experience. Markdown formatting keeps the interface clean, allowing you to concentrate on your prose. It features cross-device syncing, a streamlined document manager, and even provides stylistic feedback.

iA Writer for macOS, $20; Android and iOS, $5.

Pages:

Apple's free Pages offers a user-friendly interface and seamless iCloud syncing across Apple devices. While lacking some of Word's advanced layout features, it's a solid choice for Mac and iOS users. A basic web version is also accessible via iCloud.

Pages for macOS and iOS, free; free web app available.

Byword:

Another minimalist writing app similar to Ulysses and iA Writer, Byword uses Markdown formatting for a clean interface. Its stylish design and real-time word count are highlights. Instant saving and cross-device syncing ensure a smooth workflow. Apple ecosystem only.

Byword for macOS, $11; iOS, $6.

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