When thinking of writing a novel, the first kind of software that most people think of is word processing software like Microsoft Word or LibreOffice. Word processors provide all the basic functions a novelist needs to get words down on paper. Many novels are completely planned, written, and edited using them. However, word processors are often intended primarily for business writers, students, and others who write mostly for practical purposes. Features like text formatting and spell check are helpful for things like business letters or student essays, but writing a novel requires more than just putting words down on paper. Novels require careful planning and organization throughout the writing process. This is where specialized novel-writing software can be helpful.
Many of these programs were created by authors, for authors, after finding regular word processors too limited. For example, some word processors struggle to handle the wordcount of a full-length novel. They may slow down when loading, editing, or searching through a long story. To prevent lagging, authors might have to break their novel into different files. This then requires an organizational system to keep track of which file belongs to which novel, which files have been fully edited and which still need work, which file contains the crucial information about the name of the character’s childhood dog that you need for your next scene, and many other issues.
Novel-writing software programs and apps, on the other hand, are often designed to make it easy for authors to view, edit, and search their work either as a whole or in chapters or sections, without the need for elaborate organizational systems. Some software even lets authors flag or label chapters or sections by status, making it easy to see at a glance which parts are completed and which still need some polishing, add tags to track important character arcs, and similar metadata features.
Another helpful feature of many novel-writing software programs is built-in note-taking and outlining or plotting tools. This makes it easy and convenient to consult research notes or character sheets without needing a separate notebook or document. Some novel-writing tools offer flexible free-form note-taking, while others provide full character development templates and similar guided writing exercises. Some novel-writing apps also offer features such as storyboards and timelines to help visualize plot or scene progression more clearly and identify plotholes or gaps in planning.
Novel-writing programs also commonly offer features designed to help authors stay on track and meet their deadlines or writing goals. Authors can set a target wordcount or date and the program will track progress and help build a writing routine.
These are examples of some of the most common features of novel-writing software and apps that distinguish them from simple word processors and text editors. Unlike word processors, which usually have similar features, the features of novel-writing software and apps can vary. Therefore, it is important to do your research thoroughly before making a purchase. The best software will be the one that fits your unique writing needs and helps you stay organized and, most importantly, keep writing!
Scrivener
The most popular and well-known novel-writing software is Scrivener, by Literature & Latte. Scrivener works on Mac, Windows, and iOS. I have owned and used the Windows version of Scrivener since 2013. I have more short writing projects (like this post!) than long ones, so it’s not my most frequently used writing tool, but it is still my go-to software for long-form writing, both fiction and nonfiction. Scrivener is truly a program created by authors, for authors, and it’s clear that it has been thoughtfully designed to meet our specialized needs.
Scrivener’s features include a corkboard, outliner, built-in notes and references, and a full-screen editor to reduce distractions, plus goal-tracking, metadata, and the ability to compile and export to many different formats. Besides novels and short fiction, it offers tools and templates for movie, television, or theater scripts, scientific papers, nonfiction books, graduate theses, and more.
Scrivener is especially good if you like to write in small sections and later join them together, instead of writing from beginning to end. I love how easy it is to re-arrange snippets as small as a single sentence.
Scrivener’s feature list is so extensive that I’m still sometimes surprised after 12 years of use to discover a feature that I hadn’t known existed. To shortcut your understanding of the program’s vast capabilities, there are a number of books available, including Scrivener for Dummies (Amazon | Bookshop.org). There are also large and active Scrivener communities on reddit and the official Literature and Latte forums.
Scrivener’s biggest weakness, aside from the potential learning curve for its more advanced features, is its lack of built-in syncing between devices. The most common solution seems to be to use Dropbox. You will also need to buy separate license for each platform that you use, and development on the Windows version of the software tends to lag a bit behind the others. Licenses are currently about $60 for Mac or Windows, or $96 for a bundle with both. Scrivener on iOS is about $24.
Scrivener has a 30 day free trial to check it out before you buy. Something I appreciated when I was considering the software myself was that the trial works for 30 days of actual use, rather than 30 calendar days.
Scrivener Alternatives
If syncing your novel project across devices and on-the-go is important for you, consider the following web-based Scrivener alternatives:
If Scrivener’s price is an issue, consider these free alternatives:
- Bibisco (free and paid versions)
- Manuskript (open source)
- Quoll Writer (open source)
- Wavemaker
- yWriter (free for Windows, paid for Mac and mobile)
Other Scrivener alternatives include:
- Storyist (Mac, iOS)
- WriteItNow (Windows, Mac)
Dis I miss your favorite novel-writing tool? Tell me about it in comments!
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Image Credit: Christin Hume
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