Which software do writers use to compile their novel?
You can do everything you need using free and Open Source software. Here are my suggestions, going through the publishing process step by step.
- Writing software. Choose LibreOffice or WPS Writer by Kingsoft. Other software either doesn’t give you enough features (e.g. Google Docs, or has so many features that they get in the way of writing (e.g. Scrivener).
- Graphics software. GIMP is just like a free Photoshop. You can use it for covers, for illustration, or to handle screenshots or photos.
- Ebook software. Use Sigil to convert your text to Epub format for the eBook version of your book.
- Desktop Publishing software. If possible, try not to use DTP software, as it’s usually an unnecessarily complex step to take, and once your work is in a DTP format it’s time consuming to get it into eBook formats. If you have complex layouts, or you’re publishing a magazine, use Scribus.
That’s it. Don’t forget that if you’re creating a text only novel (no pictures), you can probably get away with just using no.1, and when you upload your file on Createspace, it will do the rest.