Atticus
Cross-platform writing-plus-formatting app (browser/PWA) aimed at indie authors who want Vellum-like output without needing a Mac. Strong for fiction interiors and print/ebook export; writing features are lighter than Sc…
Writing apps
Drafting, outlining, and manuscript organisation tools for novels and long-form work.
14 tools
Campfire
Modular worldbuilding and writing suite (maps, timelines, characters, manuscript). Especially useful for speculative fiction authors who need interconnected lore alongside drafting.
Dabble
Cloud novel-writing app with a Plot Grid, story notebook, word-count goals, and real-time co-authoring. Simpler to learn than Scrivener and works on desktop, browser, iOS, and Android with automatic sync. It has position…
Deckle
Native desktop all-in-one for long-form fiction: Scrivener-like binder, codex, timeline and research plus Vellum-like print PDF and multi-store EPUB export from one offline app, with direct Scrivener project import. One …
Fictionary
Story structure and developmental-editing software for fiction: genre templates, scene-level feedback, story maps, and a guided Story Editing Journey so you can spot plot, character, and setting gaps before a human edito…
LivingWriter
Cloud writing app for novels and screenplays with chapter drag-and-drop, boards for manuscript/elements/planning/research, goals, comments, auto-save sync across devices, and export to DOCX/PDF/EPUB plus Amazon KDP-orien…
Notion
Flexible databases and docs often used for series trackers, launch checklists, and editorial calendars. Fine for planning; less ideal as the sole drafting home for a 100k-word novel.
Novelcrafter
Browser-based fiction writing platform with a Codex story bible, series support, and scene-beat drafting. AI features are optional and need your own model API key, which you pay for separately. The cheapest plan has no A…
Novlr
Cloud writing workspace aimed at novelists who want goals, streaks, focus mode, and light planning notes without Scrivener-level complexity. Free tier covers two projects; paid plans unlock unlimited projects, analytics,…
Obsidian
Local-first Markdown notes with backlinks and a graph view. Not a dedicated novel app, but many authors use it for research, series bibles, and Zettelkasten-style planning. Offline-first and privacy-friendly.
Plottr
Visual outlining and series-bible software: drag-and-drop scene cards, timelines, structure templates, and character and place notes. Plottr is for planning rather than drafting, and most authors pair it with Scrivener, …
Reedsy Studio
Free browser writing and formatting tool (formerly Reedsy Book Editor) with EPUB and print-ready PDF export, collaboration, and clean themes. Less customisation than Atticus or Vellum, but an excellent zero-cost starting…
Scrivener
Long-form writing software built around a binder, corkboard, outliner, and research folders. Steep learning curve, but still the default for complex novels and research-heavy non-fiction. Files live on your own computer,…
SmartEdit Writer
Free Windows novel-writing app from Bad Wolf Software: scene-by-scene drafting, research folders, character notes, and a built-in Editor Toolbar that flags overused words, adverbs, dialogue tags, long sentences, and simi…