Computer software for novelists is designed to fulfill three objectives: 1) to unlock creativity, 2) to ensure proper formatting and 3) to track submissions to agents and editors.
Some of the most popular types of software are those such as StoryBase, Writer'sBlocks, Dramatica Writer's DreamKit and StoryCraft Pro ,which offer electronic templates for generating plots. Novelists who need assistance in developing compelling characters often turn to Quick Story 5 and use its interview format to produce profiles based on classic archetypes. Voice-activated software such as Dragon Naturally Speaking is a bonus for slow typists and bad spellers and has a 99 percent accuracy rating.
Software packages such as The Wizard of Words and StyleWriter take the mystery out of formatting a book proposal, arranging chapters, writing query letters, creating an index or properly citing resources. To track where a manuscript has been sent, electronic tickler systems such as Power Tracker and Write That Down eliminate the embarrassment of sending a submission to some who has already rejected it.
Writer software programs are designed for Windows and Macintosh systems and many of the websites offer free demos to show the ease with which writers can use them. Prices range from $30 on up to several hundred dollars and there are online help desks to assist with any technical problems that occur.
The diversity of today's software provides novelists with a 24/7 brainstorming partner, editor and virtual secretary without having to pay any of them a salary or give them an office. The creative packages are also instrumental in helping writers view their plots, characters and structure from different angles as well as explore alternative endings they might previously not have considered.
While the time has clearly come for writers to have everything they need without ever having to leave the house, the insular nature of too much technology can potentially rob them of the one thing that makes them a unique breed--the ability to get out and observe their environment, eavesdrop on conversations and connect on an interpersonal level with characters who may one day people their plots.