Discover the Best Free Author Software And Tools for Writers and Publishers
In today’s digital publishing landscape, you don’t need a big budget to produce professional-quality writing. A wealth of free author software is available to empower indie writers, novelists, bloggers, self-publishers, and content creators at every stage of the creative process. From drafting and organising your manuscript to editing, formatting, designing covers, and even promoting your finished work. Many powerful tools won’t cost you a penny.
At the heart of your writing journey is your word processor, and free tools like LibreOffice Writer, Google Docs, and FocusWriter offer distraction-free environments and robust editing features to help you stay productive. For long-form storytelling, software like Manuskript and Writer both allow you to plot chapters, track characters, and organise timelines with ease.
When it comes to polishing your prose, tools like Grammarly, Hemingway Editor, and LanguageTool provide real-time grammar and style suggestions, helping you refine your writing for clarity and impact. And once your manuscript is ready, Calibre, Reedsy Book Editor, and Sigil make formatting and converting to ePub or print-ready files seamless. Even for beginners.
Design is just as important, and free design platforms like Canva, GIMP, and Krita allow authors to create stunning book covers and promotional graphics without hiring a professional designer. Whether you’re creating content for print, Kindle, or social media, these tools offer templates and flexibility that rival paid software.
But it doesn’t stop there. For marketing and outreach, services like Mailchimp, Trello, Notion, and Buffer help manage everything from email campaigns to launch calendars and social posts. All are essential for building a loyal readership.
What makes this new generation of free author software so powerful is its accessibility and compatibility with AI-enhanced workflows, collaborative writing environments, and cross-platform integration. Whether you’re a first-time writer or a seasoned self-publisher, these tools put professional-grade publishing power right at your fingertips, without breaking the bank.
The future of publishing is increasingly digital, collaborative, and AI-augmented. Having the right set of free author tools ensures you’re not only keeping pace but staying ahead.
✍️ Writing & Word Processing Tools.
| Name | Description | Link |
|---|---|---|
| LibreOffice Writer | Open-source word processor, a great alternative to MS Word. | libreoffice.org |
| Google Docs | Cloud-based word processor with live collaboration. | docs.google.com |
| FocusWriter | Distraction-free writing environment. | gottcode.org/focuswriter |
| Manuskript | Open-source tool for writers, supports outlines, plots, and character arcs. | manuskript.app |
| Bibisco | Character-focused novel-writing software (Community Edition is free) | bibisco.com |
Organisation & Planning Tools.
| Name | Description | Link |
|---|---|---|
| Zettlr | A markdown editor with academic citation and project management. | zettlr.com |
| Trello | Kanban-style project planner. Great for outlining novels. | trello.com |
| Notion | All-in-one workspace for outlining, research, and planning. | notion.so |
| yWriter | Novel writing software by a novelist/programmer. | spacejock.com/yWriter6.html |
Editing & Proofreading Tools.
| Name | Description | Link |
|---|---|---|
| Grammarly (Free Version) | AI-powered grammar and style checker. | grammarly.com |
| Hemingway Editor (Free Online) | Style-focused editing tool. | hemingwayapp.com |
| LanguageTool | Open-source grammar checker with multilingual support. | languagetool.org |
eBook Creation & Formatting Tools.
| Name | Description | Link |
|---|---|---|
| Calibre | Free eBook manager and converter. | calibre-ebook.com |
| Reedsy Book Editor | Browser-based formatting tool for print and ePub. | reedsy.com/write-a-book |
| Sigil | ePub ebook editor with advanced formatting. | sigil-ebook.com |
Cover Design & Graphic Tools.
| Name | Description | Link |
|---|---|---|
| Canva (Free Tier) | Easy drag-and-drop cover design. | canva.com |
| GIMP | Open-source alternative to Photoshop. | gimp.org |
| Krita | Free digital painting and illustration tool. | krita.org |
Marketing & Promotional Tools.
| Name | Description | Link |
|---|---|---|
| Mailchimp (Free Plan) | Email marketing and audience management. | mailchimp.com |
| BookFunnel (Free for readers) | Delivers ebooks and builds mailing lists (limited free use via partners) | bookfunnel.com |
| Buffer (Free Plan) | Schedule social media posts. | buffer.com |
A brief overview of how AiFreePublication came to fruition. Authors Guild petition link.