Ask most experts what the best novel writing software is, and they’ll usually tell you Scrivener, but it’s not free. If it’s not in your budget, try free Scrivener alternatives that have many of the same features to help boost your writing productivity and creativity.
Content
- 1. Best Open Source Alternative: Manuskript
- 2. Best Navigation: bibisco
- 3. Best Online Scrivener Alternative: Reedsy Book Editor
- 4. Best Focused Writing Tool: FocusWriter
- 5. Best Option for Windows Users: SmartEdit Writer
- 6. Best for Editing: Quoll Writer
1. Best Open Source Alternative: Manuskript
Price: Free
Available on: Windows, macOS, Linux
Manuskript offers an incredibly clean interface for distraction-free writing on your Mac or PC. It’s also one of the most popular free Scrivener alternatives. This open-source alternative features a simple, yet powerful, editor, along with an intuitive outlining function. Tabs keep all your windows and tasks neatly organized.
One of my favorite features is virtual index cards. These are perfect for quick notes and thoughts or as a simple way to keep track of research. You can even analyze your writing to help it flow better, which is hard to find in free options.
It can take some getting used to, but once you do, you’ll have your next fiction or non-fiction project outlined and ready in no time. Everything is completely free, but donations to the developer are welcome. You are encouraged to save frequently, as the occasional bug may occur.
2. Best Navigation: bibisco
Price: Free with premium options
Available on: Windows, macOS, Linux
The multi-platform bibisco offers everything you need in the free version to keep a novel or other writing project neatly organized. Plus, you can create unlimited projects so that no ideas get left behind.
The interface features simple navigation and keeps you focused on the work and your research, which is what’s most important, right? You can also export your work at any time to PDF, txt, docx, and archive to easily share your work with others who don’t have bibisco.
It’s easy to lay out characters, plot, or ideas along with making notes. Of course, the built-in editor gives you all the basics to create everything from first drafts to final results. While the free version has the basic features, the premium version (for a one-time fee) gives you many more features that make it even closer to Scrivener.
3. Best Online Scrivener Alternative: Reedsy Book Editor
Price: Free
Available on: Web
While the above alternatives have all been like Scrivener: you have to download them before using them on your system. The Reedsy Book Editor is an online alternative that focuses on collaboration.
If you’re working with a fellow student, co-worker, or author, you can track changes based on users. While it’s not nearly as feature-rich as Scrivener, it’s still perfect for crafting written projects. Organize chapters or sections with the outlining feature. You can even drag and drop to reorder them at any time.
Since Reedsy is all about helping authors get their books published, one of the Book Editor’s standout features is formatting. The tool handles formatting your final manuscript into PDF or other popular formats for e-book providers, such as Amazon, Apple iBooks, and Smashwords.
4. Best Focused Writing Tool: FocusWriter
Price: Free
Available on: Windows, Linux
FocusWriter is a dream come true for anyone who gets easily distracted. The default mode covers your entire desktop, including your taskbar, so you don’t see constant notifications.
It doesn’t feature all the handy outlining tools of many other free Scrivener alternatives, but it does put the focus solely on writing. Easily create multiple files to organize your book writing. Or, use it to create quick short stories that don’t require as much planning.
It’s completely free and even includes timers and goals to help keep you on track. Just hover your mouse over the top of the window to view the menu. You can even change the background to create the perfect writing atmosphere.
5. Best Option for Windows Users: SmartEdit Writer
Price: Free with premium options
Available on: Windows
SmartEdit Writer is completely free, though a few one-time fee premium versions exist, including an add-on for Microsoft Word. Obviously, the big downside is it isn’t available on any platform besides Windows, and the developers have no plans to change that.
What’s great about SmartEdit Writer is a similar look and feel to Microsoft Word, which all but eliminates the learning curve if you’re used to Word. However, it adds features, such as research notes, an outline tool, built-in editor (to catch common issues), a daily word counter, and much more.
Think of it as Word but geared specifically toward creative writing and research projects. It’s one of the more comprehensive free Scrivener alternatives.
6. Best for Editing: Quoll Writer
Price: Free
Available on: Windows, macOS, Linux
Quoll Writer is an open-source Scrivener alternative that packs numerous powerful features into a handy writing tool. Everything is free, though donations are more than welcome. It has a full-screen focus mode and the main editor to organize scenes, chapters, and characters.
Easily add notes to keep you on track. Set markers for sections you need to go back and edit. Or, use the Problem Finder, which is my favorite feature. It highlights possible problems for you. You can even set your own rules to look for specific mistakes. Editing is also one of the ethical ways to use ChatGPT as your writing partner.
Work with others as well by enabling Editor mode. Send your file to others, and get feedback to keep perfecting your work. There are even warmup writing prompts to help you get started.
You don’t need expensive writing software to create your next novel or story. Use any of the free Scrivener alternatives above, or stick with a free version of Microsoft Office and an Evernote alternative if you prefer.
Image credit: Unsplash. All screenshots by Crystal Crowder.
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Crystal Crowder –
Staff Writer
Crystal Crowder has spent over 15 years working in the tech industry, first as an IT technician and then as a writer. She works to help teach others how to get the most from their devices, systems, and apps. She stays on top of the latest trends and is always finding solutions to common tech problems.
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