6 Powerful iPhone Book Writing Apps That Work in 2025

I have a friend who’s been working on a novel for years.

He’s got great ideas, but staying organized has always been a struggle—scattered notes, lost drafts, and a writing process that felt all over the place.

At one point, he told me, “I feel like I spend more time fixing my workflow than actually writing.”

Since I run a blog about apps, I decided to help.

I started testing different book-writing apps to see which ones could actually make his writing process smoother.

Some turned out to be game-changers, while others just got in the way.

After a lot of trial and error, I found the ones that truly help writers stay on track, structure their ideas, and push through to the finish line.

This guide is the result of that research—real recommendations based on what worked (and what didn’t).

If you’ve ever struggled with organization, motivation, or just getting words on the page, the right app can make a huge difference.

Let’s dive in.

1. Microsoft Word – Best All-in-One Writing Tool

What worked for me

• Familiar and reliable – Microsoft Word has been around forever, and it’s one of the most stable writing apps out there.
• Great for long documents – You can easily organize chapters, format headings, and even generate a table of contents.
• Built-in dark mode – Dark mode isn’t just a feature for me—it’s a necessity.
• Collaboration made easy – The track changes and commenting features are a lifesaver if you’re working with an editor or co-writer.
• Cloud syncing – With OneDrive integration, I could pick up my writing on any device without losing progress.

What didn’t work for me

• Too many features – Word tries to do everything, but that can make it feel overwhelming. Sometimes, I just want a simple, distraction-free space to write.
• No built-in book structuring tools – Unlike Scrivener or Atticus, Word doesn’t offer scene organization or corkboard-style outlining. You have to manage everything manually.
• Subscription-based pricing – If you don’t already have Microsoft 365, the cost can add up, especially compared to one-time-purchase alternatives.

Get it from – App Store | Website

I used to swear by Google Docs.

It was simple, free, and did the job.

But when I started testing Microsoft Word to help my friend find the best book-writing app, I realized just how much I had been missing.

Now? I use Word for all my writing—including this very article.

What changed my mind?

At first, it was dark mode.

I spend hours staring at a screen, and Google Docs’ bright white background was killing my eyes.

The moment I switched to Word and enabled dark mode, writing instantly felt more comfortable.

But that was just the beginning.

The next thing I noticed was how effortlessly Word handles long documents.

Google Docs starts slowing down when files get too big, but Word stayed smooth, even with multiple chapters, images, and notes.

The real game-changer for me, though, was its formatting precision.

Creating a professional-looking manuscript was surprisingly easy—customizing headers, inserting footnotes, even setting up a table of contents took minutes, not hours.

Then there’s the hidden goldmine of features.

I had no idea Word had a built-in focus mode that strips away distractions.

Or that you could use advanced find-and-replace to instantly fix formatting inconsistencies across an entire book.

I even found out you can enable a hidden audio transcription tool—a lifesaver if you prefer dictating your ideas instead of typing them out.

Of course, it’s not perfect.

It’s packed with features, which can make it feel overwhelming at first.

But once I got used to it, I realized Word isn’t just a word processor—it’s a serious book-writing tool.

If you’ve been overlooking it like I did, give it another shot.

You might just switch, too.

Also read: Best book summary apps

2. Google Docs – Best Free Book Writing App

What worked for me

• Completely free – No upfront cost, no subscriptions. For writers on a budget, this is a huge plus.
• Real-time collaboration – Working with my friend was seamless. We could edit, comment, and brainstorm ideas without emailing files back and forth.
• Cloud-based storage – Automatic saving meant I never lost progress, even when switching devices.

What didn’t work for me

• No built-in dark mode – Staring at a bright white screen for hours was exhausting, and browser extensions weren’t reliable. This was the main reason I switched.
• Struggles with long documents – Once my manuscript grew beyond a few chapters, lagging became a serious issue.
• Limited book formatting tools – Google Docs lacks professional book structuring features. Everything has to be managed manually.

Get it from – App Store | Website

Before I made the switch to Microsoft Word, Google Docs was my go-to writing tool.

It was free, simple, and packed with features that made drafting and organizing manuscripts easy—at least, that’s what I thought.

But when I started testing different book-writing apps for my friend, I realized its strengths and limitations.

For a free book writing software, Google Docs is a solid choice.

The real-time collaboration is unmatched.

My friend and I could work on the same document, leave comments, and track changes instantly—no need to email drafts back and forth.

The cloud-based storage meant I never had to worry about losing my work, and automatic saving kept everything secure.

If you’re looking for free writing apps for authors, Google Docs is an obvious contender.

However, once I started working on long manuscripts, I noticed performance issues.

Lag became a serious problem.

The longer the document, the slower it got—especially when adding multiple chapters or images.

Then came the biggest deal-breaker: no dark mode.

Spending hours on a bright white screen was exhausting.

I tried using browser extensions, but they were unreliable.

That being said, if you need a free book writing tool that’s easy to use and great for collaboration, Google Docs is still a fantastic option.

It may not be perfect for handling large manuscripts, but for authors on a budget, it remains one of the best free writing apps available.

3. Scrivener – Best for Advanced Writers

What worked for me

• Comprehensive project management – Scrivener combines a word processor with project management tools, allowing me to outline, research, and write all within one application.
• Corkboard and binder features – These tools let me organize scenes and chapters effortlessly, providing a visual overview of the manuscript.
• Split-screen functionality – I can view research notes alongside writing, making it easier to reference materials without switching tabs.

What didn’t work for me

• Steep learning curve – The multitude of features can be overwhelming, requiring a significant time investment to master.
• No free version – Unlike some other writing tools, Scrivener doesn’t offer a free tier, which might be a drawback for budget-conscious writers.
• Limited mobile support – The mobile app is only available for iOS devices and comes at an additional cost, limiting on-the-go accessibility for non-iOS users.

Get it from – App Store | Website

Scrivener is often praised as the best book writing app for advanced users, and after testing it, I can see why.

When my friend first started writing his book, he tried using simpler tools, but he kept running into issues—his notes were scattered, structuring chapters was a mess, and juggling multiple research documents slowed him down.

That’s when I stepped in, determined to find a better solution.

Since I was almost done testing Atticus (another app for writing book), I decided it was finally time to take Scrivener for a spin myself.

At first, I wasn’t sure if it was overkill.

The interface isn’t as intuitive as Google Docs or Word, and it took me a while to figure out how everything worked.

But once I got past that initial learning curve, it clicked.

Scrivener isn’t just a word processor—it’s a full-fledged book-writing environment.

The corkboard feature lets you move around scenes like index cards, making it easier to experiment with different story structures.

The binder system keeps everything organized, so instead of scrolling through a massive document, you can jump between chapters, notes, and outlines instantly.

One feature I found particularly useful was split-screen mode.

While testing, I realized how handy it was for my friend—he could draft a chapter while keeping his research notes open in the same window.

No more constant tab-switching or digging through files.

The goal-setting and progress tracking tools were another unexpected bonus.

He could set daily word count goals, which kept him motivated and on track.

BUT, Scrivener isn’t perfect.

If you’re used to straightforward writing apps, the number of features can feel overwhelming at first.

Plus, there’s no free version, which might be a dealbreaker if you’re on a budget.

And while the iOS app is decent, there’s no Android version, which limits flexibility for mobile writing.

But despite these downsides, Scrivener is hands-down the best choice for serious book writers.

My friend went from struggling to organize his novel to having everything neatly structured in one place.

If you’re someone who needs advanced tools to manage a complex writing project, Scrivener is absolutely worth considering.

4. Atticus – Best for Book Formatting

What worked for me

• Seamless book formatting – Creates professional-quality book layouts effortlessly.
• All-in-one writing and publishing tool – Combines writing, editing, and formatting in one place.
• Cross-platform compatibility – Works on Windows, Mac, Linux, and even directly in a browser.

What didn’t work for me

• No free version – Requires a one-time purchase, which may not suit budget-conscious authors.
• Limited advanced writing tools – Lacks some of the deep organizational features of Scrivener.
• Still evolving – Some features are being improved over time, so occasional bugs or missing tools may arise.

Get it from – Website

When I was helping my friend find the best book-writing app, I wasn’t just looking for a great writing tool—I needed something that could handle book formatting seamlessly.

That’s how I stumbled upon Atticus, and let me tell you, this app is a game-changer for authors who want a simple, professional book formatting tool without the headache.

Before testing Atticus, I had no idea how frustrating book formatting could be.

My friend was using different tools for writing, editing, and formatting, and every time he moved his manuscript from one platform to another, the formatting would break.

Headers would shift, fonts would change, and the final output never looked quite right.

That’s when I realized he needed a one-stop solution for writing and formatting, and Atticus seemed like the perfect fit.

Right from the start, what impressed me was how easy it was to use.

Unlike complex formatting software that requires a steep learning curve, Atticus offers a drag-and-drop interface where you can tweak chapter headings, adjust margins, and fine-tune the layout without needing design experience.

The pre-built templates are a lifesaver, ensuring a polished look whether you’re publishing an ebook or a print book.

One of the biggest selling points?

It’s cross-platform.

My friend could work on his book from his Mac, while I tested it on Windows, and we even accessed it via a browser.

The experience was smooth across all platforms, which is something you don’t always get with other book-formatting software.

But it’s not all perfect.

Unlike Scrivener, Atticus doesn’t focus on deep organizational tools like scene planning or research storage.

It’s built primarily for writing and formatting, which means if you need extensive outlining features, you might still need another tool.

Additionally, there’s no free version, so you have to commit to a purchase upfront, which might not be ideal for everyone.

That said, if you’re an author who wants a hassle-free book formatting tool that also doubles as a clean, distraction-free writing space, Atticus is one of the best options available today.

It streamlines the entire formatting process, ensuring that your book looks polished and professional without the usual formatting nightmares.

My friend was able to take his manuscript from draft to publication-ready in no time, and honestly, I was impressed at how effortless it made the whole process.

5. Ulysses – Best for Apple Users

What worked for me

• Beautiful, minimalist interface – Distraction-free writing that feels smooth and natural.
• Seamless Apple ecosystem integration – Works flawlessly across Mac, iPad, and iPhone.
• Markdown support – Makes formatting effortless, perfect for long-form writing.

What didn’t work for me

• Apple-only – No Windows or Android version, limiting accessibility.
• Subscription-based pricing – Requires a monthly or annual payment.
• No built-in book formatting – Needs external tools for final book layout.

Get it from – App Store | Website

While searching for the best book-writing apps, I wanted to find something that felt as fluid and distraction-free as possible.

That’s when I landed on Ulysses, and if you’re in the Apple ecosystem, this might be the best book-writing app you’ll ever use.

My friend had been struggling to settle on a writing tool that didn’t overwhelm him with features.

Many apps feel bloated, trying to do everything at once, but Ulysses takes the opposite approach—it keeps things minimal yet powerful.

The interface is incredibly clean, making it easy to dive into writing without distractions.

One of Ulysses’ biggest strengths is how effortlessly it syncs across Apple devices.

I could start drafting on my MacBook, edit on my iPad, and later review my notes on my iPhone—all without a hitch.

This kind of seamless continuity is a lifesaver for writers who like to jot down ideas on the go.

Ulysses also uses Markdown formatting, which means instead of clicking through formatting menus, you can use simple text-based commands.

At first, my friend found this confusing, but once he got used to it, it made the writing process faster and more intuitive.

That said, Ulysses isn’t perfect.

It’s exclusive to Apple users, so if you ever switch to Windows, you’ll have to find an alternative.

The subscription pricing is another drawback—not everyone wants to pay a recurring fee for a writing app.

And while Ulysses is fantastic for drafting, it lacks built-in book formatting tools, so you’ll still need another app like Atticus or Scrivener for that final polish.

But if you’re an Apple user who loves a clutter-free, beautifully designed writing experience, Ulysses is hands-down one of the best writing apps out there.

My friend ended up loving it, and honestly, even after finishing my research, I kept using it for my own notes and blog drafts.

It just feels effortless and enjoyable, which is exactly what a great writing tool should be.

6. FocusWriter – Best for a Distraction-Free Writing Experience

What worked for me

• True full-screen mode – No distractions, just a blank page and your thoughts.
• Customizable themes – You can tweak the background, fonts, and colors for a comfortable writing experience.
• Simple yet effective features – Timers, daily goals, and autosave make writing effortless.

What didn’t work for me

• Lacks advanced formatting tools – Not ideal for structuring a book or handling complex manuscripts.
• No cloud sync – All files are stored locally unless manually backed up.
• Basic export options – Limited to common text formats, requiring another tool for final publishing.

Get it from – Website

When I first tested FocusWriter, I wasn’t expecting much.

It looked too simple at first glance.

But after trying so many feature-heavy apps, I quickly realized that simplicity was exactly what I needed.

My friend, who gets distracted easily while writing, had the same reaction—it’s one of the best distraction-free writing tools out there.

Unlike other apps that bombard you with options, FocusWriter removes everything but the blank page.

There’s no visible toolbar, no clutter—just you and your words.

It even hides the menu bar until you move the mouse.

This setup helped my friend stay in the flow of writing for longer periods without getting sidetracked.

Another thing I loved was how customizable the interface is.

I played around with different themes, choosing a background that felt relaxing and adjusting the fonts to make writing more comfortable.

The ability to create an environment that suits your mood is an underrated feature that makes a big difference.

However, FocusWriter isn’t designed for full-scale book formatting.

It’s purely a drafting tool, so if you need structured chapters or advanced editing features, you’ll have to export your work elsewhere.

Another downside is the lack of cloud sync, meaning you’ll need to be diligent about manually saving and backing up your files.

Even with these limitations, FocusWriter excels at what it promises—a distraction-free space to write.

If you struggle with focus or just want a clean, minimal writing environment, this is one of the best apps available.

My friend, who used to procrastinate on writing, found himself actually looking forward to drafting his book once he started using it.

And for that reason alone, I highly recommend it.

Final Verdict: Which Writing App Is Right for You?

After testing all these writing apps, I realized that there’s no one-size-fits-all solution—it all depends on what you need.

But after switching between them, here’s what I’d recommend:

• Microsoft Word – The ultimate all-rounder with powerful tools and reliability.
• Google Docs – The best free option for collaboration and accessibility.
• Scrivener – Perfect for advanced writers who need deep organization and structuring.
• Atticus – The best choice for seamless book formatting.
• Ulysses – A must-have for Apple users who love an elegant, streamlined interface.
• FocusWriter – Ideal for writers who need a distraction-free environment to get words down.

At first, I was happy using Google Docs, thinking it had everything I needed.

But as I started testing these apps, I realized just how much difference the right tool makes.

The lack of dark mode in Google Docs became a huge issue for me, and handling long documents started to feel sluggish.

That’s when I decided to switch to Microsoft Word, and honestly, I haven’t looked back.

Writing a book is already a challenge—you don’t want to struggle with your software too.

Whether you need a full-fledged powerhouse like Scrivener or just a clean, focused space like FocusWriter, there’s an app that fits your writing style.

Find the one that feels right, start writing, and don’t overthink it.

The best tool is the one that helps you get words on the page.

Frequently Asked Questions