The 4 software shown below are the most famous book writing software that run on Mac OS. If you need an alternative to word processor to take more organized approach to your novel writing, try these software. I briefly lists major functions of each software and provide links to the most relevant and helpful reviews.
1. Storyist
Storyist is a novel and screen playing writing software. It can create Kindle ebooks and publish them on Amazon.com. It is also available as iPad version that supports Dropbox sync.
Michael Niemann gave Storyist 4 points out of 5 in his review. The strength of Storyist, according to the review, is the ability to add detailed information for every component of your novel or move script such as character, setting, and plot.
2. Storymill
The distinctive features of Storymill are the ability to set daily writing goals and track them with progress meter, and a timeline view providing a better perspective of your story. Ian Beck wrote a great review comparing storymill and scrivener, a novel writing software with high acclaims. In the review, he recommends Storymill for writers looking for an easy framework tool and Scrivener for those who want a do-it-all writing software. He also explains major functionalities of both programs.
3. Scrivener
The number of google search results for Scrivener is over 4 million. Needless to say, Scrivener is the most famous writing software for Mac OS. Recently, it also came out in Windows version. Scrivener comes with many functions under the hood and a good review is more than necessary to help you understand what this seemingly simple but highly complicated software can do.
Ryan Cordell presents a nice overview of Scrivener in a very detail review. Go check it out.
4. Ulysses
Ulysses is called a semantic text editor by its developer. I must confess that I still don’t understand 100% what that means. I bought Ulysses and Scrivener several months ago at almost the same time. Since then, I am still using Scrivener everyday but don’t use Ulysses. I am not saying that Ulysses is worse than Scrivener. My point is that Ulysses is a writing software with specialized functions and as such will appeal to some users who find the functions useful but will not to some like me who has no need for (or understanding of) semantic editing.
Kyle Callahan wrote a nice and clear review of Ulysses. It covers document and project management function of the software and also clarifies what semantic editing is all about.