8 Scrivener Alternatives for Writing Your Book

Scrivener is probably the most well-known piece of book writing software there is. It’s full of powerful features to help you outline, write, and format your stories. That doesn’t necessarily mean it’s the perfect fit for every writer, though.

We’ve created this list of the best Scrivener alternatives, including a detailed overview of their most useful features and any limitations they have. First though, let’s recap some of the downsides of using Scrivener that you might want an alternative to address.

Scrivener Cons

Scrivener has a few limitations that could be deal breakers:

• It’s quite complex. It can take time and effort to learn how to use Scrivener because of the volume of features packed into it.

• Scrivener isn’t cloud based. You can’t access it through a web browser. You would also need to use a third-party app like Dropbox to sync across devices and make cloud backups.

• Scrivener doesn’t have built-in collaboration options for sharing work with co-authors or beta readers. You’d have to achieve this with third-party cloud syncing.

• Scrivener might feel overwhelming for writers who prefer a minimalist, distraction-free tool with a simpler feature set.

• Scrivener is a paid-for option which won’t work for everyone. It involves a one-time payment of $59.99 for Windows or Mac and $23.99 for iOS. You also have to pay for additional licenses if you want to use it on multiple platforms.

Even if none of these apply, there’s the simple fact that writing software is a very personal choice. You may just not like the feel of Scrivener—and when you’re doing something as intense as writing a book, comfort matters.

Scrivener Alternatives That Are Easier to Use

If you’re looking for writing software like Scrivener but with less of a learning curve, you should hopefully find these options more intuitive.

How easy something is to navigate varies from person to person though, so take advantage of the free trials to road test them.

Dabble

Dabble has a solid suite of features but delivers them in a streamlined, logical way. It combines a word processor, tools for planning and organization, and some advanced features, like the ability to collaborate.

Features

• Clean, intuitive interface

• Drag-and-drop functionality for rearranging snippets, scenes, or chapters

• Tools for organizing notes, crafting your plot, and developing characters

• Writing statistics and goal-setting capabilities

• Editing features like comments and sticky notes

• Automatic focus mode

• Live collaboration through co-authoring

• Cloud-based autosave and device syncing

• Accessible via any web browser or the desktop app

• Works offline

Cons

• You have to upgrade to one of the more expensive tiers to unlock a lot of the features, like focus mode and commenting.

• Unlike Scrivener, it’s a monthly subscription, so it could become a larger financial investment over time. There is a lifetime option, but it’s significantly more expensive than Scrivener.

• You have to copy/paste existing text into the editor rather than importing a document.

• Dabble doesn’t provide formatting or the ability to export in ebook or PDF formats, so you’d need a separate formatting tool if you want to self-publish.

Price

Basic costs $9/month, Standard costs $19/month, and Premium costs $29/month, with a 20% discount with annual billing. Lifetime access is $699. There’s a 14-day free trial.

LivingWriter

Like Scrivener, LivingWriter offers a wide range of tools for the various stages of the writing process. As well as word processing and organization features, it also provides detailed outlining templates and optional AI tools to support idea generation.

Features

• User-friendly interface, similar to Google Docs

• Drag-and-drop functionality for moving sections

• Features for organizing notes—jot thoughts down in the sidebar as you write or use autosuggest to quickly call up relevant notes

• Boards for managing plot, research, and other story elements

• A range of templates for plotting

• AI support for tasks like outline generation and rewriting (they state your writing will never be used to train AI)

• Progress tracking and goal-setting options

• Live collaboration tools

• Supports importing of existing files and exports in a range of formats, like PDF and Amazon Manuscript

• Cloud-based autosave and device syncing

• Fully integrated web, desktop, iOS, and Android apps

• Works offline

Cons

• The monthly subscription model makes it potentially more expensive than Scrivener, and the lifetime price is significantly higher.

• It lacks the advanced formatting options of other tools, so you’d need an additional formatting tool if you’re self-publishing.

Price

LivingWriter costs $14.99/month or $144/year. Lifetime access is $699. There’s a 14-day free trial.

Atticus

Atticus lets you write and prepare your book for self-publishing within one user-friendly app. As well as a distraction-free writing interface and goal-setting features, it offers tools for customizing all aspects of your book’s formatting.

Features

• Uncluttered word processor

• Drag-and-drop for reordering sections

• Sophisticated formatting options, including professional templates and customization

• Options for front and back matter and custom chapter themes

• Device preview to show how changes display across formats

• Collaboration options with role-based access

• Advanced goal setting and writing analytics

• Supports importing of existing documents and exports in EPUB and PDF

• Cloud-based autosave and device syncing

• Accessible via any browser or the desktop app

• Works offline

Cons

• Atticus doesn’t offer advanced tools for organizing plot and character development.

• It’s a larger upfront cost than Scrivener, though future updates are included. Scrivener charges for major version upgrades.

Price

Lifetime access costs $147. There’s no free trial, but a 30-day money-back guarantee is offered.

Papyrus

If you like the desktop aspect of Scrivener, Papyrus has a lot to offer. It provides a customizable writing interface and tools for visual organization, such as mind maps.

Features

• Customizable interface—choose focus mode or pin relevant notes

• Plot organizer with drag-and-drop reordering and labeling

• Tools for organizing notes and material

• Features for plotting and development like mind mapping and story sheets

• Writing stats and goal setting

• Tools for formatting

• Supports importing of existing files and exports in PDF, EPUB, or MOBI

• Works offline

Cons

• Available only as a desktop app (Mac and Windows), with no web or Android version

• Requires third-party cloud storage for syncing

• License is significantly more expensive than Scrivener

• No built-in collaboration tools

Price

A license for Papyrus12 costs $349. There’s a 7-day free trial.

Free Scrivener Alternatives

If you need a more cost-effective solution, these free apps offer at least some of Scrivener’s functionality. You can upgrade for more features, but the base versions still provide a good experience.

Bibisco

Bibisco offers a solid range of features with its free version. It includes word processing and tools to flesh out plot, characters, settings, and more.

Features

• User-friendly writing interface

• Drag-and-drop reordering

• Distraction-free mode

• Tools for premise, characters, events, and settings

• Goal setting and progress tracking

• Supports 15 languages

• Works offline

Cons

• Desktop-only app (Mac, Windows, Linux)

• No web or mobile versions

• No built-in collaboration

• No file importing (must copy/paste)

• No advanced formatting—requires another tool for self-publishing

Price

Community Edition is free. Upgrade to the Supporters Edition for $59. The free version includes a 30-day Supporters Edition trial.

Reedsy Studio

Reedsy Studio is a clean, web-based option for writing with useful planning boards and collaboration tools.

Features

• Clean interface

• Drag-and-drop for chapter ordering

• Planning boards (cards and folders)

• Basic goal setting

• Comments and track changes

• Live collaboration

• Front and back matter creation

• Formatting for self-publication with professional templates

• Supports importing and exports in EPUB or PDF

• Cloud based; access from any browser

Cons

• Can only move chapters, not smaller sections

• Formatting limited to noncustomizable templates

• Cannot work offline

Price

Free. Add-ons available: Craft ($4.99/month) and Outline ($7.99/month). 30-day free trial for both.

Scrivener Alternatives With Fewer Features

If you just want an uncluttered place to write, these minimalist tools might suit you better.

Novlr

Novlr’s Writing Studio is sleek and minimal, letting you focus purely on your words. It also gives access to a supportive writing community.

Features

• Distraction-free interface

• Drag-and-drop reordering

• Note organization

• Goal setting, stats, and success nudges

• Comments and editing options

• Cloud-based autosave and device syncing

• Free tier available

• Supports importing and exporting in PDF and EPUB

• Works offline (must be opened online first)

Cons

• Subscription model may become more expensive than Scrivener

• No live collaboration (you can share via link)

• Must upgrade for unlimited projects and commenting

• No advanced formatting—need another tool for self-publishing

Price

Starter: Free. Plus: $8/month or $72/year. Pro: $18/month or $168/year. Lifetime: $499.

Ulysses

Ulysses is a minimalist, Apple-only writing app with strong organizational tools and advanced formatting.

Features

• Minimalist interface with fullscreen and togglable modes

• Drag-and-drop reordering

• Tagging and note organization

• Goal setting and tracking

• Advanced formatting and customizable styles

• Built-in grammar checker (20 languages)

• Works offline and syncs between Apple devices

• Imports/exports in PDF and EPUB

Cons

• Apple-only; not browser based

• No lifetime plan

• No live collaboration

• Backups are local, not cloud based

Price

$5.99/month or $39.99/year. 7-day free trial included.

Conclusion: The Best Scrivener Alternatives

The best Scrivener alternative for you depends on your specific needs. Whether you want something easier to learn, more stripped back, or more affordable, there are plenty of great options. Try a few and see which one fits best.

Wherever you choose to write, you can get in-depth analysis and actionable feedback with ProWritingAid. Create a free account to explore what it can do.