What software would be good for writing a book?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on selecting appropriate software for writing books, emphasizing the distinction between genres. For fiction writing, standard word processors like Microsoft Word suffice. In contrast, technical writing, such as physics textbooks, benefits from specialized tools like LaTeX and TeXmacs, which allows integration with MATLAB. Users noted that while TeXmacs is robust on Linux/Unix, its Windows version lacks features. Additionally, Scientific Software was mentioned as another viable option for technical writing.

PREREQUISITES
  • Familiarity with word processing software (e.g., Microsoft Word)
  • Understanding of LaTeX typesetting for technical documents
  • Basic knowledge of MATLAB for integrating computational elements
  • Awareness of genre-specific writing requirements
NEXT STEPS
  • Explore LaTeX for advanced typesetting in technical writing
  • Investigate TeXmacs for writing documents that require MATLAB integration
  • Research Scientific Software for additional technical writing capabilities
  • Compare features of various word processors for fiction writing
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for authors, technical writers, and educators seeking effective software solutions for writing books across different genres.

darkar
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What software would be good for writing a book?
 
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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.
 
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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?
 

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