If you’ve dabbled in writing ebooks or novels, you’ve probably heard of Scrivener - a go-to tool for many writers. It’s known for its powerful organizational features, flexible formatting options, and multi-functional writing environment.
However, it can be overwhelming, especially for beginners. Some writers also find Scrivener (read review) too pricey or limited to specific platforms, prompting them to look for alternatives.
Thankfully, several excellent tools provide similar features, each with its strengths, catering to different writing styles. Whether you need a distraction-free space, seamless cloud syncing, or advanced export options, these Scrivener alternatives have you covered.
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Scrivener Overview
Scrivener is one of the most popular writing tools, especially for long-form projects like novels, screenplays, and ebooks. It is designed to offer a distraction-free workspace with powerful organizational tools. Writers can break their work into manageable chunks.
It is well-suited for authors, academics, and anyone working on large writing projects that require structure. Scrivener shines when you need to juggle multiple pieces of information - chapters, notes, research material, and drafts - all in one place.
Having used Scrivener personally, I found its binder feature particularly helpful for managing complex projects. You can outline your entire book within the binder and seamlessly switch between scenes or chapters without getting lost.
This feature alone makes it invaluable for novelists or non-linear storytellers who need to keep track of multiple threads.
However, the learning curve can be steep, especially for new users. Scrivener offers a lot of features, but this can also feel overwhelming if you’re just getting started or only need a simple word processor.
The versatility is impressive, but it comes at the cost of simplicity. Many users turn to alternatives to Scrivener when they need something less complex or more collaborative, as Scrivener does not excel in cloud-based collaboration.
key features
Read the complete review here - Scrivener review.
Top 7 Best Scrivener Alternatives of 2024
1. Ulysses
If you’re a Mac or iOS user, Ulysses might feel like a dream come true. This minimalist writing tool emphasizes distraction-free writing and seamless syncing across Apple devices.
I gave Ulysses a try for one of my ebook projects, and the fluid experience from my iPad to MacBook was unbeatable. It uses Markdown, a lightweight text formatting language, which made organizing my chapters much smoother than I expected.
Ulysses has an elegant, no-frills interface that fosters creativity while keeping things simple. The app also offers multiple export formats, making it an excellent choice for writers working on both ebooks and print projects.
For Apple users, Ulysses is a smoother, more native experience compared to Scrivener. Its Markdown-based formatting and seamless sync across iOS and macOS make it a top choice for ebook and long-form writing.
key features
pricing plans
Ulysses offers a subscription based pricing plans - Monthly ($5.99/month), and Yearly ($39.99/year).
All plans allows you to share Ulysses with up to five other family members. Get started with Ulysses using the link below.
2. Reedsy Studio
The Reedsy Book Editor is an online platform designed with collaboration in mind. Writers normally uses Reedsy for a collaborative ebook project.
Its ability to invite editors to work directly on the manuscript was a game-changer.
It’s free, with a built-in formatting engine that simplifies ebook creation. You can write, edit, and export your book in ePub or PDF without downloading software.
For writers who love working in teams or need professional input, Reedsy is hard to beat.
Reedsy excels in collaboration and online accessibility, areas where Scrivener is limited. If you’re working with an editor or a co-author, Reedsy’s cloud-based platform provides a professional environment.
key features
pricing plans
Reedsy Studio is currently 100% free for everyone. Get started with Reedsy using the link below.
3. Bibisco
Bibisco is an open-source novel-writing software that offers a refreshing take on story organization.
When I tested it for a fiction project, I found its focus on character development unique and insightful.
Bibisco prompts you to build characters with depth, helping you weave them into your story naturally.
It also offers comprehensive tools to structure your novel and track progress. While the interface may take some getting used to, Bibisco’s story-driven approach makes it a compelling choice for novelists.
For writers who want to dive deep into character and plot development, Bibisco offers a unique, story-driven interface. Its focus on storytelling, along with the open-source nature, makes it a powerful (and affordable) alternative.
key features
pricing plans
Bibisco offers two pricing plans - Community Edition ($0/month), and Supporters Edition ($59, one-time payment).
Free plan comes with a 30-day Supporters Edition trial and includes limited features while the paid plan offers all the premium features along with 2 years of free updates and 30-day money-back guarantee.
Get started with Bibisco using the link below.
4. Novlr
If you’re looking for a sleek, cloud-based writing tool, Novlr is a fantastic alternative. It’s ideal for authors who want to write from anywhere with autosave and offline support.
I used Novlr during a month-long writing sprint and appreciated its clean interface and motivational word count goals.
While Scrivener is powerful, its interface can feel clunky. Novlr’s minimalist design combined with cloud syncing offers a smoother, more modern writing experience for those who value simplicity and mobility.
It’s a subscription-based service, but the convenience it offers justifies the cost for serious writers.
key features
pricing plans
Novlr offers the following three pricing plans - Free ($0/month), Plus ($8/month), and Pro ($18/month).
Please note that yearly subscription will help you save more - Plus ($6/month) and Pro ($14/month).
Get started with Novlr using the link below.
5. FocusWriter
FocusWriter is perfect if you need a simple, distraction-free environment for first drafts.
I turned to FocusWriter for a zero-distraction session when working on my book outline, and it did exactly what I needed - kept me focused.
The software hides everything except the text until you need it, providing a minimalist experience. It’s not packed with advanced features, but it’s great for writers who prefer a plain canvas.
Scrivener’s comprehensive toolset can sometimes be overkill. FocusWriter strips away the complexity, providing a clean slate for writers who need to concentrate on their words without distractions.
key features
pricing plans
FocusWriter is completely free to use. Get started using the link below.
6. Google Docs
Google Docs might not be the first tool that comes to mind for ebooks or novels, but it’s surprisingly versatile.
I’ve used it for creating ebooks in PDF format and also executed other collaborative projects. The real-time editing feature makes it a fantastic choice for co-authoring or working with editors.
Its cloud-based nature ensures you can write from any device with internet access. While it lacks novel-specific tools, its simplicity and collaboration features make it invaluable for writers.
Collaboration is one area where Scrivener struggles, but Google Docs excels.
With real-time editing and cloud storage, Google Docs becomes an excellent option for writers working on team-based projects or requiring frequent feedback.
key features
pricing plans
Google Docs is completely free to use. You only need a Google account to use it. Get started with Google Docs using the link below.
7. yWriter7
For writers focused on novels, yWriter stands out as a simple yet powerful alternative to Scrivener. Developed by an author, yWriter breaks your novel down into chapters and scenes, making it easier to manage large projects.
During a personal project, I found it especially helpful to track word counts by scene, which gave me insights into pacing. It may not be the flashiest software, but yWriter’s functional approach gets the job done without distractions.
It’s particularly appealing because it’s free, though Windows users will get the most out of it.
If you prefer simplicity and a focus on scenes and structure, yWriter offers a more straightforward approach than Scrivener. It’s particularly appealing for novelists looking for free, lightweight software without unnecessary distractions.
key features
Pricing Plans
yWriter7 is free to download and use (registration is completely optional). Get started using the link below.
Wrapping Up
The right writing software can make all the difference in your creative process.
Whether you need advanced organization, real-time collaboration, or a distraction-free environment, the tools above offer something for everyone.
Try them out, and you’ll surely find the one that suits your style.
