Choosing the Best Editor for Writing a Book: Scrivener, LibreOffice, and Joe’s Own Editor

Choosing the right tool to write a book can significantly impact the quality and efficiency of your writing process. There are primarily two types of writers: those who prefer a minimal environment where distractions are kept to a minimum and those who need a more comprehensive solution that includes formatting and visualization features. This article explores the best options for each type, focusing on Scrivener, LibreOffice, and Joe’s Own Editor (JOE).

The Minimalist Writer’s Choice: Scrivener

For writers who prefer a clean, distraction-free environment, tools like Scrivener are the top choice. Scrivener is a powerful writing application that allows writers to focus on their content without the need for additional formatting tools. It provides features such as character and world descriptions, a plot outline, and other tools to help structure a book.

Scrivener is particularly popular among writers for its unique ability to organize content efficiently. It uses a 'work-in-progress' document that can be broken down into smaller chapters and sections, making it easier to manage a large project. However, if you're looking for a more polished and visually pleasing layout, LibreOffice might be a better fit.

The Page-Oriented Novelist’s Choice: LibreOffice

For writers who need to see their work styled and formatted in a way it will appear in print, LibreOffice is an excellent choice. This open-source, free alternative to Microsoft Office offers a distraction-free writing environment that still allows you to visualize how your final document will look. It includes all the features needed for creating and editing documents, as well as support for different fonts and styles.

One of the key advantages of using LibreOffice is its support for master documents. A master document can contain various sub-documents, allowing you to keep different sections of your book separate while maintaining a cohesive overall structure. This approach is particularly useful for writers working on large, complex projects. You can edit separate documents within the master document without losing track of the broader narrative or stylistic choices.

The Dedicated Text Editor: Joe’s Own Editor (JOE)

For those writers who prefer using a dedicated text editor, Joe’s Own Editor (JOE) is a long-standing choice among literary professionals. Originally inspired by WordStar, JOE has been a favorite among writers for over four decades. It's the most frequently downloaded piece of office software on at least one abandonware site, a testament to its enduring popularity.

JOE is a powerful text editor that can also double as a word processor, thanks to its robust set of commands and keystrokes. While it may take some time to familiarize yourself with these commands, the transition is worth it. JOE supports word wrap and Unicode support, which are crucial for writing in different languages or scripts.

JOE is not just about the text; it's about the writer's workflow. The editor's command keystrokes can be displayed above the work as you type, making it user-friendly for those who prefer to work with shortcuts. Once these commands become muscle memory, you'll find them instinctive, a true testament to the refinement of your writing process.

Conversion to Word Files for Submission

Regardless of the editor you choose, you'll eventually need to convert your manuscript into a Microsoft Word file for submission to publishers. Tools like LibreOffice can handle this conversion seamlessly. LibreOffice works well with Word documents, allowing you to import and export without losing formatting or style. However, some publishers may require a docx file specifically, so it's important to check the publisher's submission guidelines.

If you're working on a master document with LibreOffice, ensure that you update and save the master document regularly. This approach will help maintain the consistency of your project and ensure that all sections are seamlessly integrated into the final manuscript.

Conclusion

Selecting the right tool for writing a book is a personal choice that depends on your writing style and preferences. Whether you're a minimalist or need comprehensive formatting options, tools like Scrivener, LibreOffice, and Joe’s Own Editor offer robust solutions to help you write and structure your work effectively. Each tool has its unique features and benefits, and the right choice will depend on your specific needs and goals.