Why do you need writing software? Are you talking about wordprocessing like Word or Word for Mac or Pages? Cuz I can't imagine what else you would need.

If you are writing a screenplay I would suggest movie magic screenwriter or final draft. If you are writing anything else you don't really need writing software. Trust yourself. Read about the craft. Don't let a computer write your story. It will be good only for another computer to read.

Okay, you say they won't take something that is not in a "standard program".  So WHAT is a "standard program"?  I am assuming that somewhere out there I can find software that allows me to begin working in an ideal manuscript format right from the start i.e. correct margins, properly placed page numbers and header, footer dimensions.  See what I mean? Wouldn't it save a couple re-writes if things were in proper form right from the beginning?

So what is the name of this software? Or is it as simple as setting up a template in Word?

A couple of years ago I tried the "New Novelist" program. It was nice. It has a side bar where you can store all of your characters and descriptions.

BUT. I found myself toying around with the program more than I was writing (kind of like these writing forums ). And when I did write with New Novelist, I still used my old notebook and had post it notes all over the screen. I never used the program to help with writing. In fact, I ended up copying my first chapter into Word and going from there.

If you are writing a novel, you just have to find what system works best for your needs. My paper notebook was easier. And super portable.

Good luck!

~Holly

If found YWriter 5 useful, especially for scenes.  Unfortunately, I had to uninstall it after using it a few weeks because of software conflicts.  It was good when I had it but not a necessity. A pen and paper or a word processing software such as MS Word. and WordPerfect works just fine.