Side Hustle School Ep. 3314 - Q&A: “What's the best software to write a non-fiction book?”
Jan 27, 2026
Alonzo, a listener from Pensacola, calls in seeking the best tools to write a nonfiction book. They discuss why outlining first helps, how Scrivener organizes sections and manuscripts, and other options like Google Docs, Notion, Ulysses, or even longhand. There is also a reminder to limit distractions from social media while writing.
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Outline Before You Start
- Outline before you write to make the process clearer and faster.
- Use tools that let you work on and compile sections separately to stay organized.
Chris's Tool Evolution
- Chris used Microsoft Word for his first books before switching tools.
- He now uses Scrivener for the last several books and pays for the software himself.
Try Scrivener For Sectioned Writing
- Use Scrivener to manage sections and compile manuscripts without losing your place.
- Try the 30-day trial and pay the roughly $50 license if it fits your workflow.