Novel Authoring Tools

In the old days, authoring a book was a laborious proposition. The process of writing words on a page may have been relatively easy (even in the days of typewriters), but the process of submitting your work to an editor and publisher to have it professionally proofed and authored was an ordeal, to put it lightly. Today, with software like Scrivener, the ability to create written work from drafting all the way to final formatting is easier than ever, with your hardest challenge now being the actual writing process itself. All is as it should be!

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Manuskript
Free • Open Source
Novel Authoring Tool
Note-taking Tool
Project Management Tool
Mac
Windows
Linux
FLATHUB
100 alternatives to Manuskript
Manuskript is an open-source tool for writers, with outliner, character management, plot development, distraction-free editor, etc.
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Manuskript Features
1. Support for MarkDownManuskript supports MarkDown for document formatting.
2. File VersioningManuskript has a version system that lets you view and go back to older versions of the project/file/document.
Outliner
Tree structure
Tracking of plots
Distraction-free Writing
Tracking of characters
Plot visualisation
Track Characters
Visual Organization
Tracking of locations
Outline folding
Top 3 alternatives
Scrivener
Paid • Proprietary
Novel Authoring Tool
Note-taking Tool
Word Processor
Mac
Windows
iPhone
iPad
PlayOnLinux (PlayOnMac)
Wine
93 alternatives to Scrivener
Typewriter. Ring-binder. Scrapbook. Scrivener combines everything you need to craft your first draft, from nascent notion to final full stop.
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Scrivener Features
1. Support for scriptingScrivener supports scripts and macros to automate or customize tasks.
2. Support for LaTeXScrivener supports LaTeX for text and math equation formatting.
Corkboard
Integrated Search
Document compiler
Multi-document View
Visual Organization
Scene Management
Character database
Folders
Split files into sections
Word counter
Top 3 alternatives
bibisco
Freemium • Open Source
Novel Authoring Tool
Mac
Windows
Linux
Electron / Atom Shell
Node.JS
37 alternatives to bibisco
bibisco is a novel writing software that helps you to write your story, in a simple way.
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bibisco Features
1. Ad-freebibisco doesn't contain any form of external advertising.
2. Portablebibisco can be used from a USB stick or similar with no prior installation.
Character development
Timeline
Scene Management
Google Drive integration
Export to EPUB
Distraction-free Writing
No installation
Export to Word
Export to PDF
Ad-free
Top 3 alternatives
Ulysses
Paid • Proprietary
Text Editor
Novel Authoring Tool
Mac
iPhone
iPad
93 alternatives to Ulysses
Ulysses is a text editor for creative writers. Used by bloggers, poets, students and published novelists all over the world, it offers an integrated environment to brainstorm, draft, revise and even submit text on a professional level.
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Ulysses Features
1. Support for MarkDownUlysses supports MarkDown for document formatting.
Support for MarkDown
Distraction-free Writing
Sync with iCloud
Brainstorming
Export to PDF
Export to EPUB
Tabbed interface
Top 3 alternatives
Quoll Writer
Free • Open Source
Novel Authoring Tool
Windows
51 alternatives to Quoll Writer
Focus on your words not the interface. Quoll Writer is a writing application that helps you focus on your words. Clean and uncluttered. Feature rich. Features are where you would expect them to be.
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Quoll Writer Features
Track Characters
Outliner
Distraction-free Writing
Writing assistance
Writing statistics
Character database
Cross Linking
Fullscreen support
Story Management
Export to PDF
Top 3 alternatives
novelWriter
Free • Open Source
Novel Authoring Tool
Text Editor
Windows
Linux
Qt
35 alternatives to novelWriter
novelWriter is a Markdown-like text editor designed for writing novels and larger projects of many smaller plain text documents. It uses its own flavor of Markdown that supports a meta data syntax for comments, synopsis and cross-referencing between files.
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novelWriter Features
1. Dark ModenovelWriter supports dark mode for comfortable usage in low light conditions.
2. Support for MarkDownnovelWriter supports MarkDown for document formatting.
3. No registration requiredYou can use most of the features in novelWriter without registration.
Dark Mode
Tree structure
Support for MarkDown
Comments and metadata saving
No registration required
Top 3 alternatives
yWriter
Freemium • Proprietary
Novel Authoring Tool
Word Processor
Mac
Windows
Android
Android Tablet
53 alternatives to yWriter
yWriter is a writing tool that uses "scenes" as a unit of text and allows you to associate that text with all manner of story elements (characters, locations, items) as well as place it and rearrange it within the context of chapters.
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yWriter Features
1. PortableyWriter can be used from a USB stick or similar with no prior installation.
2. LightweightyWriter consumes less device resources compared to similar apps.
Outline mode
Project Organization
Portable
Lightweight
Top 3 alternatives
OmniOutliner
Paid • Proprietary
Note-taking Tool
Task Management Tool
Mac
iPhone
iPad
86 alternatives to OmniOutliner
OmniOutliner is a start-to-finish writing app. Perfect for collecting information, outlining Big Ideas, adding structure to any sort of writing, and much more. From grocery lists to email drafts to long-form composition.
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OmniOutliner Features
1. Hierarchical StructureOrganize your notes, pages, documents, etc., hierarchically with OmniOutliner.
2. Import/Export OPML FeedsImport and export your feed subscriptions into OPML format with OmniOutliner.
Brainstorming
Note organization
Outliner
Multi Column View
Programmable
Outline organization
Hierarchical Structure
Import/Export OPML Feeds
Outline folding
Top 3 alternatives
Story Architect (STARC)
Freemium • Open Source
Novel Authoring Tool
Text Editor
Note-taking Tool
Mac
Windows
Linux
Chrome OS
29 alternatives to Story Architect (STARC)
A smooth yet powerful writing experience for devoted authors. With only wanted features and native workflow it runs faster than all your previous apps combined.
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Story Architect (STARC) Features
1. LightweightStory Architect (STARC) consumes less device resources compared to similar apps.
2. Spell CheckingStory Architect (STARC) can detect and correct all types of grammar and spelling mistakes.
3. Real time collaborationMultiple users can work together in Story Architect (STARC) simultaneously.
4. PortableStory Architect (STARC) can be used from a USB stick or similar with no prior installation.
5. AutocompletionStory Architect (STARC) can predict and complete the rest of a word or phrase you're typing.
6. Support for ThemesYou can use themes and templates to change the look and feel of Story Architect (STARC).
7. Distraction-freeStory Architect (STARC) has a distraction-free mode for when you need to focus.
8. Dark ModeStory Architect (STARC) supports dark mode for comfortable usage in low light conditions.
9. Hierarchical StructureOrganize your notes, pages, documents, etc., hierarchically with Story Architect (STARC).
Outliner
Screenwriting
Writing assistance
Collaborative writing
Lightweight
Export to PDF
Spell Checking
Real time collaboration
Portable
Autocompletion
Top 3 alternatives
Nulis
Freemium • Open Source
Note-taking Tool
Project Management Tool
Text Editor
Windows
Linux
Online
56 alternatives to Nulis
Nulis makes the process of outlining your stories, articles, or books easy, fun, and convenient.
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Nulis Features
1. No registration requiredYou can use most of the features in Nulis without registration.
No registration required
Planning
Outliner
Brainstorming
Web-Based
Screenwriting
Top 3 alternatives
NovaScriber
Free Personal • Proprietary
Novel Authoring Tool
Note-taking Tool
Mind Mapping Tool
Windows
68 alternatives to NovaScriber
A most awesome tool to outline and write novels, stories, scripts and keep track of all your characters, locations, notes and ideas
Suggest and vote on features
NovaScriber Features
Tree structure
Export to Word
Export to EPUB
Corkboard
Top 3 alternatives
Wavemaker Novel Writing
Free • Proprietary
Novel Authoring Tool
Online
61 alternatives to Wavemaker Novel Writing
Looking for a suite of tools for writing your book? This is not just a text editor it does so much more. Organise your story using timelines, planning boards and the snowflake tool, all integrated to make writing intuitive and fun.
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Wavemaker Novel Writing Features
1. Works OfflineWavemaker Novel Writing can be used without the need to connect to the internet.
User story mapping
Planning
Works Offline
Timeline
Writing assistance
Multiplatform
Mobile friendly
Export to Word
Top 3 alternatives
oStorybook
Free • Open Source
Novel Authoring Tool
Mac
Windows
Linux
41 alternatives to oStorybook
oStorybook is a free, open source novel-writing software for creative writers, novelists and authors which will help you to keep an overview of multiple plot-lines while writing texts.
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oStorybook Features
Character database
Detailed toolbar
Java based
Text editing
Top 3 alternatives
Writer's Cafè
Paid • Proprietary
Novel Authoring Tool
Mac
Windows
Linux
40 alternatives to Writer's Cafè
A powerful but fun writers environment that includes the StoryLines structuring tool, a notebook, journal, writing quotations, scrapbook organiser, a 60-page e-book and more.
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Writer's Cafè Features
Storyline
Top 3 alternatives
Nimble Writer
Paid • Proprietary
Novel Authoring Tool
Word Processor
Text Editor
Windows
Steam
40 alternatives to Nimble Writer
Nimble Writer is a general-purpose tool for writing stories, be it short fiction stories or even complete novels or books. It focuses on being distraction-free, simple, and fully customizable.
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Nimble Writer Features
1. Chroma Key / Green ScreenNimble Writer supports chroma key to replace the background with an image or video backdrop.
2. Support for MarkDownNimble Writer supports MarkDown for document formatting.
Chroma Key / Green Screen
Distraction-free Writing
Built-in Burner
Support for MarkDown
Support for Facebook Zero
Customizable
Bluetooth Support
Based on Goanna engine
Fullscreen support
NewRelic Integration
Top 3 alternatives

Manuskript Features

Top 3 alternatives

Scrivener Features

Top 3 alternatives

bibisco Features

Top 3 alternatives

Ulysses Features

Top 3 alternatives

Quoll Writer Features

Top 3 alternatives

novelWriter Features

Top 3 alternatives

yWriter Features

Top 3 alternatives

OmniOutliner Features

Top 3 alternatives

Story Architect (STARC) Features

Top 3 alternatives

Nulis Features

Top 3 alternatives

NovaScriber Features

Top 3 alternatives

Wavemaker Novel Writing Features

Top 3 alternatives

oStorybook Features

Top 3 alternatives

Writer's Cafè Features

Top 3 alternatives

Nimble Writer Features

Top 3 alternatives