What software would be good for writing a book?

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the selection of software suitable for writing a book, with a focus on different types of books such as physics textbooks and fiction novels. Participants explore various software options and their specific features relevant to different writing needs.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions the type of book being written, noting that a physics textbook and a fiction novel would require different resources.
  • Another participant suggests that LaTeX is suitable for both types of books.
  • A participant mentions using TeXmacs, highlighting its integration with MATLAB, but notes limitations in the Windows version compared to Linux/Unix.
  • There is a suggestion that standard word processors like MS Word are adequate for casual writing unless one is serious about publishing.
  • A participant introduces Scientific's Software as another option and seeks feedback on its use and features.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the appropriate software depending on the type of book, with no consensus on a single best option for all scenarios.

Contextual Notes

Participants have not fully explored the features or limitations of all mentioned software, and there may be assumptions about the user's familiarity with technical writing tools.

Who May Find This Useful

Writers considering different software options for book writing, particularly in the fields of physics and fiction.

darkar
Messages
187
Reaction score
0
What software would be good for writing a book?
 
Computer science news on Phys.org
I should ask, what kind of book do you mean?

There is a far cry between a physics textbook and a pulp fiction novel, which would require entirely different resources.

For the latter all you would need would be a standard word processor like MS Word.

For the former its more complicated.
 
Latex is great for both.

Ooook.
 
Well, i m finding one for writing physics book
 
This is what I use:

http://www.texmacs.org/index.php3

The only thing is that the windows version isn't as feature filled as the linux/unix versions.

The program is great because I can start a MATLAB session right inside of the document itself.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Depends on whether you want to write a novel to make your living off of or you just want to write a story for fun or something. Usually, unless you are really serious about publishing your book, the default text application (word on windows and whatevertheyuse on mac) should work fine.
 
On the way of testing the software, i found another few softwares. One of them is Scientific's Software, u can check it out here http://licensing.mackichan.com/

Anyone using this software, or do u have any idea abt it?
 

Similar threads

Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
2K
Replies
1
Views
2K
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
7K
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 31 ·
2
Replies
31
Views
4K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
1K
Replies
34
Views
3K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K