M.K. Williams | Should I write my book in Microsoft Word or Google Docs? | MS Word v Google Docs for Authors @1MKWilliams | Uploaded August 2023 | Updated October 2024, 1 day ago.
I know there are several word processing programs specifically designed for novel writing. But, if you’re like me and thinking:
“I barely have time to write, let alone learn a new software!”
Then it leaves you with the two most popular word processing sotwares. Microsoft Word and Google Docs.
Don’t even come at me Word Perfect. No one uses you. No one.
Here are the pros and cons of each:
Microsoft Word:
Pros
-The industry standard
-Works offline, so if you need to disconnect to focus on you’re in a spot with bad wifi, you can still write.
Cons
-You have to hit save. And back up your file
-Cost. But there is a “shut up and take my money” option. With Microsoft 360 all their platforms are offered on a subscription model. I dug deep into the website to find the “purchase” option and paid $60 for my MS Word, I still get all the updates. If you are using your work laptop (I’m not mad at it), then you probably have MS Word. If you are drafting on a personal laptop, you may need to purchase MS Word. (And yes, you should be working from a laptop or desktop computer. Not a smartphone.)
Google Docs
Pros
-Free
-Great for collaborating if you have a co-author or maybe a critique partner adding notes.
-Can find and restore old versions
Cons
-No offline option. You have to be online. Which means you have your distractions available to you.
-Also, if your internet disconnects, I’ve known people who have lost paragraphs because the wifi cut out and the work wasn’t autosaving.
Personally, I use Microsoft Word for my books. I’ve worked with authors before who have used Google Docs and the benefits were helpful. But when it came time to send the book for editing and formatting. We had to save it as a Word document. So, I’m suggesting MS Word.
Thoughts? What do you use? What has your experience been?
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Author Your Ambition Merch on Etsy:
📖etsy.com/shop/AuthorYourAmbition
Need help with your book?
📞You can actually do 1-on-1 coaching with me, learn more about the services available here: calendly.com/1mkwilliamsauthor/author-coach-consultation
Need help with your author business?
📈 You can book time with me to go over your author business and overcome your current roadblocks: calendly.com/1mkwilliamsauthor/author-biz
Partnership Opportunities:
Interested in working together to collaborate on an upcoming video? Let's connect: authoryourambition.com/partnership-opportunities
DISCLAIMER: Links included in this description might be affiliate links. If you purchase a product or service with the links that I provide I may receive a small commission. There is no additional charge to you, but it can help me continue to create and put out more content. Thank you for supporting my channel so I can continue to provide you with free content each week!
I know there are several word processing programs specifically designed for novel writing. But, if you’re like me and thinking:
“I barely have time to write, let alone learn a new software!”
Then it leaves you with the two most popular word processing sotwares. Microsoft Word and Google Docs.
Don’t even come at me Word Perfect. No one uses you. No one.
Here are the pros and cons of each:
Microsoft Word:
Pros
-The industry standard
-Works offline, so if you need to disconnect to focus on you’re in a spot with bad wifi, you can still write.
Cons
-You have to hit save. And back up your file
-Cost. But there is a “shut up and take my money” option. With Microsoft 360 all their platforms are offered on a subscription model. I dug deep into the website to find the “purchase” option and paid $60 for my MS Word, I still get all the updates. If you are using your work laptop (I’m not mad at it), then you probably have MS Word. If you are drafting on a personal laptop, you may need to purchase MS Word. (And yes, you should be working from a laptop or desktop computer. Not a smartphone.)
Google Docs
Pros
-Free
-Great for collaborating if you have a co-author or maybe a critique partner adding notes.
-Can find and restore old versions
Cons
-No offline option. You have to be online. Which means you have your distractions available to you.
-Also, if your internet disconnects, I’ve known people who have lost paragraphs because the wifi cut out and the work wasn’t autosaving.
Personally, I use Microsoft Word for my books. I’ve worked with authors before who have used Google Docs and the benefits were helpful. But when it came time to send the book for editing and formatting. We had to save it as a Word document. So, I’m suggesting MS Word.
Thoughts? What do you use? What has your experience been?
Join this channel to get access to perks:
youtube.com/channel/UCjvBO4kjuBSYe6Bi3RYQAQA/join
Music from: Wondershare Filmora Sounds: "Something Cheer You Up"
How You Can Support This Channel and My Work:
👍Like, Subscribe, and Comment on this video!
✉️Subscribe to my monthly newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/52c7cd246b5b/authoryourambition
➕Follow me on my other channels: FB | Twitter | Instagram | Goodreads
facebook.com/1mkwilliams
twitter.com/1mkwilliams
instagram.com/1mkwilliams
goodreads.com/author/show/14420756.M_K_Williams
☕️Buy Me A Coffee: buymeacoffee.com/1mkwilliams
📚Check out my books and purchase them or request them at your library: 1mkwilliams.com or payhip.com/MKWilliamsPublishingLLC
Author Your Ambition Merch on Etsy:
📖etsy.com/shop/AuthorYourAmbition
Need help with your book?
📞You can actually do 1-on-1 coaching with me, learn more about the services available here: calendly.com/1mkwilliamsauthor/author-coach-consultation
Need help with your author business?
📈 You can book time with me to go over your author business and overcome your current roadblocks: calendly.com/1mkwilliamsauthor/author-biz
Partnership Opportunities:
Interested in working together to collaborate on an upcoming video? Let's connect: authoryourambition.com/partnership-opportunities
DISCLAIMER: Links included in this description might be affiliate links. If you purchase a product or service with the links that I provide I may receive a small commission. There is no additional charge to you, but it can help me continue to create and put out more content. Thank you for supporting my channel so I can continue to provide you with free content each week!
