Writing Tools

Getting Started

If you are thinking about self-publishing your novel, there are a number of free tools that are available to you.

First, you'll need a word processor.  Even if you write a novel in long hand on a sheet of parchment eventually you'll need to move it it a digital medium. I use OpenOffice. It is free, runs on just about everything, and is easy to install.

Second, your book is going to need a cover. You may want to have a professional create a cover or you may want to try it yourself.  If you are going the do it yourself route you'll need some sort of drawing program. I used Gimp.  Again it is free software and it runs on Windows and Linux desktops.

Using OpenOffice

It's tempting to just grab any word processor and start to hammer away at your book, but a few simple steps at the beginning can make all the difference when it comes time to prepare your completed manuscript for publishing.

Getting Started with OpenOffice
Starting a New Page in OpenOffice
Adding a Table of Contents to your Ebook in OpenOffice

Creating a Cover

Your cover is the gateway to your book. It is easy to rush this part, but don't.

Creating a Book Cover with Gimp