@A. Non: You hit the nail on the head. One of my major pet peeves are instructional video which are padded with fluff. This vid was short, sweet, & to the point. Good job all around.
Scrivener also has something similar to that "focus" mode, it's called composition mode, and you can definitely customize it. I currently have an image of my hero's estate as my background in composition mode, and I find it makes writing about my setting easier.
I LOVE Scrivener!! I agree it has a LOT of functionality, and I don't use all if it, but what I really enjoy is how organized it is compared to word and all my things are stored in the same place so it's super easy to go back to find stuff, or just toggle between projects, find all my research notes, pictures, etc because you can store it all in the same project. Also you can use it how best suits you and what you need. When I first did the trial I was really overwhelmed by all it could do and the technical aspects, however, once I played around and used it how it best worked for me it was amazing. I couldn't go back now.
@@andyweb7779 yeah you can attach it to the cloud and other devices/computers so you can use it and take it with you. I always back up my stuff on a thumb drive too though because I can be neurotic. It auto saves too which is nice.
This is super helpful! I think Hemingway could be handy for sections of text I know aren’t quite right, but I can’t figure out why and need a little guidance. Not drafting. I think I was 2 hours into my Scrivener trial when I decided to buy it. As a textbook planner, I need places for notes, research, snippets of convo I’ve already written, rough outline, and detailed outline. Then putting the outline side-by-side with the first draft pages is so helpful. Thank you!
FocusWriter is basically a notepad that can be customized with font, indents, colour schemes and of course the full-screen focus mode. Used it for shorter stories and notes. For longer works I consider myself self-harming person for writing those using HTML. Just gives me the control over the look of my output.
Found your video looking for reviews of scrivener... instead you gave me the recommendation for reedsy... which I might end up using to write in now. Thank you!
Scrivener worked well for a huge research project I've just finished. It works well with Antidote for grammar-checking in English and French. However, it doesn't have a text-to-speech tool, so I don't recommend it for people with print disabilities. Besides, if you work in more than two computers, the work won't synch, and you have to use Dropbox to share between computers. I write in Spanish, so my apologies if I made a grammar mistake in this comment.
Some of the packages being reviewed here have some real time savers - Highlighting passive voice, sense words, filter words and sentence structure. It would certainly make editing a whole lot easier. I have a background as a developer so I ended up writing my own (Linux/Gambas) as I wanted features that were not available in most of the mainstream offerings. If I were to make a comparison, it's like a (poor) cross between World Anvil & Scrivener without all the bells and whistles.
All my life, my favorite writing software was the pen and the paper. 😃Now, I write in Word. I write plays, which are not Shakespearean-long with several acts, several scenes, plots, and subplots (at least, not yet! 😃). Therefore, for the time being, Word is enough for me - I keep in mind my research (I also take some notes), I respect my deadlines, and I never settle a number of words to write. But whatever the length and the genre of what I'm writing, I think a proofreader software would be helpful and necessary.
I write in Word and organise in Scrivener. It's just so much quicker and easier to navigate files in one customizable menu rather than Windows folders.
After reading a list of the best writing softwares available (Of which Scrivener was the only one also on this list) I'm using LivingWriter and really loving it. As far as I'm aware it's basically a better looking and more beginner-friendly version of Scrivener that can be used on any device, not just Apple ones.
@@Rajgitaa fair, but scrivener itself is really expensive, and you have to by a mac to use it, so for most people it's prohibitively expensive. And LivingWriter has a free trial for 30 days of use
Scrivener is a one-time purchase of only around $48 US and you own it. Livingwriter is around $10/month .. forever.. MUCH more expensive. If Livingwriter had a one-time buy, I'd definitely get it because it's so easy to use, but it's still an in-progress software.. lots of features "to come".
@@ScoptOriginal Untrue - Scrivener costs less than $50 one off payment and works on Windows PC's . Compared to the $9.99 a month/$96.00 a year/$399 lifetime price tag for Living Writer, Scrivener is far cheaper. it also has a 30 day trial.
@@mezbrookscarter8289 I didn't realise Scrivener was only $50 but because it's mac only I would still have to pay $2050 for it. Even for the free trial I'd have to pay $2000
When I don’t use scrivener, I use a software called Zenwriter. It’s very similar to FocusWriter, but not as buggy. The part I like the most is you can set different typing sounds which helps me focus better. You’re still paying 18 dollars for what is basically a really pretty notepad app, but it really gets me in the zone.
I've never used software to organize, and I do plot, but I like and use the grammar features in Word and Grammarly. How I organize my novels is very simple and old fashion perhaps, but for me the more complex the program is, the more it distracts me. I know my key chapters and plot points in advance so I write out of sink and do the important ones first. Then I work back and forward from leading chapters. This makes the lesser chapters stronger; foreshadowing becomes a snap. I've plotted in detail and on the back of a matchbook, either way, knowing where the MC is going tells me how to get there. Software can't tell you what your book is about.
I like MS Word and OneNote as i can feed autocorrect words like names, frequently used terms in it and that save lots of time. It is this feature that kept me hooked with Microsoft application. Also Onenote lets me make different sections for particular book and has cloud storage.... Libreoffice also has same feature.
I've had Celtx for years, from back when it was a free computer download (and transfer it from computer to computer). I know it's not the best, but as I already own it and can easily convert from novel to script to storyboard, etc. it's helpful for me for now. After I earn something (not expecting a lot) from my book, I might be able to afford something more.
I tend to be a bit of a plantser and Scrivner was way more than I needed. Plus, as you say, the learning curve is steep. I have used Hemingway before and it's a great way to highlight those problem areas. I use MS word primarily, for pretty much everything, maybe out of familiarity. However, I have started to write a very basic synopsis, then do a chapter breakdown in a google docs spreadsheet by simply asking myself, what has to happen next? I keep everything but the actual draft, short, sweet, and to the point. I like uncomplicated. Oh, I also create a bit of a story encyclopedia on google docs. Helps me with keeping names, places, descriptions, and all the nit picky stuff straight.
FocusWriter is awesome piece of software. It's free, multiplatform, with perfectly made GUI and the theme editor is freaking awesome. You can make it look however you want with any background and any text field style you like, use whatever font you like. I made a cool theme with background with old typewriter and text field looking like a bit yellowed sheet of paper and used a fancy typewriter like font. I also enabled the typewriter sounds. Even if it's targeted for writers it may be useful for diaries and writing notes. It also has simplpe chapter feature using Markdown like '##' markings and you got foldable chapter list on the left.
And now I am freaked out, because I downloaded the Hemingway Editor, then imported some of my chapters, and immediately just see a mass of colors. All I can think is "oh gods, my writing must be really bad..." Yikes! What have I done to myself?
I pretty much only use Google docs, since I need something that makes me able to access my stuff from anywhere. Also something free, because no one in my family knows I write and I don't have a job or get an allowance, so...
@@spaceorbison no its not! Google docs, slides, chromebooks, and pixels are all very high quality. I just wanted to say this so that no one gets influenced by your opinion. You can have your own opinion though.
Great video. Taking the dreaded step to pull out a novel I wrote years ago and begin the editing process and was looking for software that might help. This video has been a great help and getting to know what is out there! Thanks a million x
There's other ones out there, such as yWriter and QuollWriter. If I need a focus mode and to jumpstart my brain with some customizability, I use OmmWriter (it's one-time purchase for under $10), CalmlyWriter, or Noisli (free plan only). I do often use OpenOffice, even though I have an older edition of Microsoft Word on a different laptop. Lately, I've been using a voice recorder and Dragon NaturallySpeaking 13 Recorder Edition, which came with my recorder to write with. I change software depending on what my mood is and what I feel will help me focus best. I couldn't get FocusWriter to work for me sadly, so that's why I use OmmWriter instead.
I use writeway pro, cause it’s a free version of scrivener, trust me: I’ve tried both and they’re exactly the same. But writeway hasnt been updated since 2002, so it gives me a solid nostalgia boost.
I've been using focuswriter for years and it's never been buggy or glitched at all (on Windows, though it exists for Mac and Linux). I've noticed the link in the description isn't the same as the one I've found it though? I recommend googling it, it's always been the first link to come up instead of the one in the description, and it has a list of links for each OS. Aside from that, it does have more functionality than being customizable - it allows you to set up timers for sprints, and you can set your own daily goals. It also allows you to have different writing sessions, as well as many documents in different tabs at the same time. It also lets you quicker navigation through the left side tab, which separates the document by scenes (and you get to define which character separates scenes, I usually have it as #). And about the font size, I think it's kinda linked to the screen resolution, cause it changed all of my settings when I changed to a new laptop, so I recommend playing around with it. It's easy enough to select all text and change the font size later on if you open the .docx on word later on to edit and the font is too big. Finally, yes it does allow bold and italics, the shortcuts never changed in my windows laptop but I'm sure in mac you can play around with the settings to find out which ones the program has as default and change them to whatever you're used to. So yeah, I would recommend focuswriter for someone who discovery writes and only needs one document.
I use a spreadsheet to track out my scenes and then I hyperlink my text files. It's easy to move cells around and gives me a place to put any reminders . I also can slip a timeline into another tab. I do think it's time to upgrade to proper software though. I'll probably go to Scrivener.
Great video! I love scrivener for everything it offers. I'd also suggest people who want a full scrivener experience that's beautiful, minimalistic and incredibly flexible, to try out Ulysses for Mac. It's only on Mac. $40 bucks a year subscription but with that subscription you can use it on iphone iPad and Mac. Scrivener and Ulysses all day. 🍷
Reedsy yes you definitely should. I've been using it for years and it only gets better and has a ton of features from writing to exporting to markdown. And it looks good to boot and the search functionality is out of this world you'll have to see it to believe it. Kinda surprised you haven't heard of it but then again scrivnener is great as well especially version 3
I've used Word to write all my Nanowrimo novels (6 out of 8 wins). I mostly put notes in EverNote, but have found it difficult (this was in the days before the ubiquity of multiple computer displays) to reference notes while writing. I have been writing lately in Google Docs, because I bought a new laptop and didn't want to pay for Office. We have to be careful with Google Docs because part of the agreement with Google is that they own everything written on their apps (or something like that). I've tried to use Libre Office because of that. It always seems to me that learning or messing with the writing apps other than Word and its ilk are ways to avoid writing. I don't have distraction problems so that I need Focus or some other thing that blanks out the screen, but I do need to be able to easily and intuitively grab references or notes without being knocked out of my flow.
My favorite writing software is TextEdit on my mac. The closest I can get to a typewriter, which is all I really want. Plus my eyes aren't the greatest and it's super easy to just make the font huge. After something is done I just cut and paste into something like OpenOffice to format and edit. Bells and whistles are not for me. I also like my old Alphasmart Neo2 but I haven't been using that so much lately because it's just easier to have the one device to lug around. I occasionally write for film and for that I use Scenarist. Again pretty basic, just with the arcane formatting styles needed for the screen.
Nice job. Scrivener is driving me nuts. I like simple and Reedsy seems the best option. Not as many bells and whistles, but, for me, that's no problem.
I tend to swap between iA Writer and Storyist, both on macOS and iOS. I save to iCloud so I can edit stuff on my phone or iPad if the mood takes me or sit down with my laptop or desktop for a full writing session. iA Writer offers a superbly focused experience while Storyist is like a less complex version of Scrivener. Both really good and not expensive.
Really liked the idea of reedsy, I think it might be helpful for betas, as you mentioned. I'm going to try it out. And I went ahead trying Hemingway app right after watching this video, but it didn't work with my language, and it makes me a bit upset. But as an app itself it sound amazing!
I definitely found that Hemingway isn't ideal for more descriptive/flowery language so I definitely had to use discretion when taking its suggestions haha
In the past: Libre Office both for blog posts and for pre-writing longer pieces, for instance books. I tried Scrivener recently and really like its index card feature. Envisaging using Scrivener both for blog posts and pre-writing longer pieces in the future.
"Software" is the plural, not "softwares". Apart from that, thanks for the useful reviews. Scrivener is so comprehensive a programme/app that it can do almost everything that these other programmes can do (and much more).
This is such a great video in prep for CampNaNoWriMo. Hopefully everyone that here in the comments & over at Reedsy HQ have a productive camp. I'm currently reading Save the Cat Writes a Novel & Miss Bishop's video on the 15 beat structure was helpful. So far I think I'm assimilating the Novelcraft discussion.
As it can be used on Android, that makes it infinitely better than Scrivener for me. It does, however, have a lot of limitations at present. Big ones for me are no commenting and very little organization for the database cards. But it's free! Pass the guy a couple bucks if you want to encourage further development.
I would add 'Mellel 5' for academic writing essays, research papers, technical reports...etc. with 'Bookends' integration to manage references. Mellel is not the best looking GUI but feature-wise for academics is really top-notch. There's also Highland 2 for the people who like to write and edit in Markdown format.
I use google docs cause i can work on my works on my phone and my pc interchangeably, My issue with google docs is once you get to about 75,000 words its starts lagging and at about 85,000 words the document becomes unusable. My novel has to be split into 2 parts and as im working through the second draft adding more detail and explain parts better, im getting close to needing a third part, which will get too annoying. None of these seemed close to google docs but for big boys, so ill keep looking, great video though!
Scrivener and Google docs. Used to use MW, but they have made it so expensive and with so many free alternatives, I am glad I have stayed with Scrivener.
I started writing in the notes app on my iPhone, but one day I highlighted everything to copy but deleted by mistake and I went to bed after that. I use Google Docs for almost everything now. they have an undo button that would've came in clutch had the notes app had it during the time of me deleting what I wrote.
Deleted Notes' pages are stored for 30 days. I know, too late now! But I've done the same thing and, of course, panicked. I googled "IOS Notes deleted" and found out that there is a place where deleted Notes documents are stored. Apple really should make you confirm you want to delete something. With Notes, it's a very un-Apple-like "feature."
The review was interesting. My favorite writing software is, of course, Speare. It balances linear structure with nonlinear thinking. It makes writing fun!
It is there at the desk shining with candle-light that some men and women who had been to keyboard-work on the far side of the "Software of Woes" remembered the old ways, the only way: the shimmering white and pure dot text file.
WritingPal - is free app for any kind of writers. Novel, Essays, Poem, Blog anything...Voice to text and read aloud, many different languages, picture-stories. Organizes all the projects in Folders. Share projects with anyone. Makes prints. Reminds your deadline.
Thank you - could you reccomend a pure journaling software? I want to move away from pen and paper to, well, digital pen and paper journals. A calendar is a must.
WritingPal - is free app for any kind of writers. Novel, Essays, Poem, Blog anything...Voice to text and read aloud, many different languages, picture-stories. Organizes all the projects in Folders. Share projects with anyone. Makes prints. Reminds your deadline.
Hemmingway editor can be used to spot wordy phrases and passive voice misuse but it is not optimized to handle flowery or descriptive prose. Grammarly is a better alternative altogether. I mean it fits as an extension of ms word and outlook, what else do you need.
windows notepad is my favorite word processor because its never bugs, and it's ultra durable. The handy features of other word processors can be used in conjunction with notepad, because you can copy and paste from notepad into virtually anything. Some machines do have auto save, so if your working on a document in notepad and the power goes out, you can actually get it/them back. I was really surprised by this. The save system is very analog, but if you are organized, and date things, and create folders then keeping track of everything that you write isn't that difficult. Writing in windows paint is a bit of a hassle,. If you create a text box in windows paint you can type to infinity and change the font, and colour of the text along the way. But if you make one miss-click then only the text in your window frame is captured in image form, and everything else you wrote vanishes and disappears to I don't know where. Writing in command prompt is the worst of them all. If you trip over the enter button, or the up arrow it prints the text you've written onto the window, and there is no undo button, the command prompt is read only so you can't copy any text, and you can't paste any text. Command prompt is the worst word processor. Windows paint isn't that great either. Windows notepad is like an electronic piece of paper in terms of the reliability and function so I like it the most.
I remember using FocusWriter a long time ago. I tried two to three times, didn't stick to it. Guess it was too much, I just wanted to write so went back to OpenOffice or Microsoft Word. They may not be or have all the tricks one "would" need, but they seem to work for me. Maybe someday I'll try one of these over here :)
I have only really tried one program other than general word processors. It is called Campfire... it seems very focused on world building and planning, which I thought would be good for me because I do like to put together a fairly detailed plan for a story, but I found it was even a bit much for me. but for the right kind of writer it might be a good choice. You might want to review it, although as a discovery writer it might not be your thing either. In the end I returned it for a refund and went back to my word processor, although I might give scrivener a try.
I’ve been writing and I’m at about 80000 words. I’m getting tied up in knots wondering if I’ve already used an idea/turn of phrase… which software will identify duplication for me? Am I essentially too late to get good moneys worth from it?
Can you adjust Scrivener from simple to more complex. I read often that it is very complex to learn how to use it. I'd rather have less stress and not face a steep learning curve with Scrivener. The only thing is, after a lot of research, I find more writers liking Scrivener than any other novel writer's software brand. Can you adjust Scrivener to different levels of sophistication so it's simpler, like a "basic" mode. I have a trilogy and want to load in all three books and have it do a plot arch analysis, and if not that point out awkward sentences, redundant words, plot holes, faulty characterization, paragraph structure, be a copy editor, like that... some editing feedback and grammar too. I just want one more once-over before I self-publish.
I write in Google Docs, but I'd like to back up my stuff somewhere else so if something happens with Google or specifically my email I can have it somewhere else. Is the Reedsy editor good for this?
It was very interesting to learn about the different writing programs, so thank you for that. I have scrivener and yes, it is a huge learning curve. Currently, I use it at its most basic level only. I do have one complaint about the presentation though. It was such a fast and seemingly wild clicking, it was very hard to keep up and get a sense of the material. Perhaps just a little slower next time?
That happened to me too. I had to change the setting for the speed and to turn CC on. Also I had to pause often, zoom to read better what was in her screen and even go back to replay.
I've used the Hemingway App. But I'm also currently using (or trying to utilize) Evernote. At least, I find the notebook feature something I can use for strategizing by creating customizable parts and stuff, putting together things that belong to one story or chapter. But I think I made a mistake in using Evernote primarily since it's not exactly built for the writer's drafting-editing experience? I think. And so I created an account on Reedsy, signed up for the newsletters, subscribed and followed on all major social media platforms to get tips like this. I'm quite interested in trying out Reedsy Editor now. Thanks!
They're not published as far as I know. But she's got her short stories published, you can check their names and how to get them on her channel.) ua-cam.com/video/O7TjwXKCGYk/v-deo.html
I haven't published any novels, that's why! However I don't use a pen name and you can find my published short fiction under my normal name, I have links to it in the descriptions of videos on my personal channel.
Honestly, I just use Google Docs, its free and easy, you can convert it over to MSWord and upload it to kindle create which is also free and make your eBooks and paperbacks and boom, done, simple.
I really appreciate that she got right to the point instead of spending 20 minutes taking us through the emotional journey of each program.
Lol! I'm glad I'm not the only one who thinks that way...
I concur… great job!
😂😂😂😂
@KittyKat4878: Believe me, you're not the only one!
@A. Non: You hit the nail on the head. One of my major pet peeves are instructional video which are padded with fluff. This vid was short, sweet, & to the point. Good job all around.
Scrivener also has something similar to that "focus" mode, it's called composition mode, and you can definitely customize it. I currently have an image of my hero's estate as my background in composition mode, and I find it makes writing about my setting easier.
Excellent tip!
Hey im curious as to what you use scrivener for? just novels or can you organise you life on there?
@@brilliancesigma9063 OneNote is better for organising your life. Or pen and paper.
A Stunning Estate
I LOVE Scrivener!! I agree it has a LOT of functionality, and I don't use all if it, but what I really enjoy is how organized it is compared to word and all my things are stored in the same place so it's super easy to go back to find stuff, or just toggle between projects, find all my research notes, pictures, etc because you can store it all in the same project. Also you can use it how best suits you and what you need. When I first did the trial I was really overwhelmed by all it could do and the technical aspects, however, once I played around and used it how it best worked for me it was amazing. I couldn't go back now.
Same here.
What if Scrivener throws a wobbly and you loose the project, can you back it up?
@@andyweb7779 yeah you can attach it to the cloud and other devices/computers so you can use it and take it with you. I always back up my stuff on a thumb drive too though because I can be neurotic. It auto saves too which is nice.
I have an external drive I use for backup, as well as Dropbox.
This is super helpful! I think Hemingway could be handy for sections of text I know aren’t quite right, but I can’t figure out why and need a little guidance. Not drafting. I think I was 2 hours into my Scrivener trial when I decided to buy it. As a textbook planner, I need places for notes, research, snippets of convo I’ve already written, rough outline, and detailed outline. Then putting the outline side-by-side with the first draft pages is so helpful. Thank you!
I’m here for these new thumbnails.
Oh my god HI!
FocusWriter is basically a notepad that can be customized with font, indents, colour schemes and of course the full-screen focus mode. Used it for shorter stories and notes. For longer works I consider myself self-harming person for writing those using HTML. Just gives me the control over the look of my output.
Found your video looking for reviews of scrivener... instead you gave me the recommendation for reedsy... which I might end up using to write in now. Thank you!
As a writer with ADHD: FocusWriter is the jam 👌
I do the actual writing in FW, then copy and paste it into Scrivener. I choose different backgrounds to set the 'mood'.
Scrivener worked well for a huge research project I've just finished. It works well with Antidote for grammar-checking in English and French. However, it doesn't have a text-to-speech tool, so I don't recommend it for people with print disabilities. Besides, if you work in more than two computers, the work won't synch, and you have to use Dropbox to share between computers. I write in Spanish, so my apologies if I made a grammar mistake in this comment.
Your English is fantastic!
No hay errores en tu Inglés
Some of the packages being reviewed here have some real time savers - Highlighting passive voice, sense words, filter words and sentence structure. It would certainly make editing a whole lot easier. I have a background as a developer so I ended up writing my own (Linux/Gambas) as I wanted features that were not available in most of the mainstream offerings. If I were to make a comparison, it's like a (poor) cross between World Anvil & Scrivener without all the bells and whistles.
I organize in OneNote and when I’m close to final, I export to Word and make final edits.
Thank you 👍
Me too!!
All my life, my favorite writing software was the pen and the paper. 😃Now, I write in Word. I write plays, which are not Shakespearean-long with several acts, several scenes, plots, and subplots (at least, not yet! 😃). Therefore, for the time being, Word is enough for me - I keep in mind my research (I also take some notes), I respect my deadlines, and I never settle a number of words to write. But whatever the length and the genre of what I'm writing, I think a proofreader software would be helpful and necessary.
Reedsy, as always super helpful♡ love ya Shaelin🌸
I write in Word and organise in Scrivener. It's just so much quicker and easier to navigate files in one customizable menu rather than Windows folders.
After reading a list of the best writing softwares available (Of which Scrivener was the only one also on this list) I'm using LivingWriter and really loving it. As far as I'm aware it's basically a better looking and more beginner-friendly version of Scrivener that can be used on any device, not just Apple ones.
But it's soo expensive. If I could buy it outright I may try it, but right now Scrivener is best for me.
@@Rajgitaa fair, but scrivener itself is really expensive, and you have to by a mac to use it, so for most people it's prohibitively expensive. And LivingWriter has a free trial for 30 days of use
Scrivener is a one-time purchase of only around $48 US and you own it. Livingwriter is around $10/month .. forever.. MUCH more expensive. If Livingwriter had a one-time buy, I'd definitely get it because it's so easy to use, but it's still an in-progress software.. lots of features "to come".
@@ScoptOriginal Untrue - Scrivener costs less than $50 one off payment and works on Windows PC's . Compared to the $9.99 a month/$96.00 a year/$399 lifetime price tag for Living Writer, Scrivener is far cheaper. it also has a 30 day trial.
@@mezbrookscarter8289 I didn't realise Scrivener was only $50 but because it's mac only I would still have to pay $2050 for it. Even for the free trial I'd have to pay $2000
When I don’t use scrivener, I use a software called Zenwriter. It’s very similar to FocusWriter, but not as buggy. The part I like the most is you can set different typing sounds which helps me focus better. You’re still paying 18 dollars for what is basically a really pretty notepad app, but it really gets me in the zone.
I'll have to check that out because FocusWriter's ability to crash constantly strikes fear in me!
I've never used software to organize, and I do plot, but I like and use the grammar features in Word and Grammarly. How I organize my novels is very simple and old fashion perhaps, but for me the more complex the program is, the more it distracts me. I know my key chapters and plot points in advance so I write out of sink and do the important ones first. Then I work back and forward from leading chapters. This makes the lesser chapters stronger; foreshadowing becomes a snap. I've plotted in detail and on the back of a matchbook, either way, knowing where the MC is going tells me how to get there. Software can't tell you what your book is about.
I like MS Word and OneNote as i can feed autocorrect words like names, frequently used terms in it and that save lots of time. It is this feature that kept me hooked with Microsoft application. Also Onenote lets me make different sections for particular book and has cloud storage....
Libreoffice also has same feature.
I've had Celtx for years, from back when it was a free computer download (and transfer it from computer to computer). I know it's not the best, but as I already own it and can easily convert from novel to script to storyboard, etc. it's helpful for me for now. After I earn something (not expecting a lot) from my book, I might be able to afford something more.
I tend to be a bit of a plantser and Scrivner was way more than I needed. Plus, as you say, the learning curve is steep. I have used Hemingway before and it's a great way to highlight those problem areas. I use MS word primarily, for pretty much everything, maybe out of familiarity. However, I have started to write a very basic synopsis, then do a chapter breakdown in a google docs spreadsheet by simply asking myself, what has to happen next? I keep everything but the actual draft, short, sweet, and to the point. I like uncomplicated. Oh, I also create a bit of a story encyclopedia on google docs. Helps me with keeping names, places, descriptions, and all the nit picky stuff straight.
FocusWriter is awesome piece of software. It's free, multiplatform, with perfectly made GUI and the theme editor is freaking awesome. You can make it look however you want with any background and any text field style you like, use whatever font you like. I made a cool theme with background with old typewriter and text field looking like a bit yellowed sheet of paper and used a fancy typewriter like font. I also enabled the typewriter sounds. Even if it's targeted for writers it may be useful for diaries and writing notes. It also has simplpe chapter feature using Markdown like '##' markings and you got foldable chapter list on the left.
And now I am freaked out, because I downloaded the Hemingway Editor, then imported some of my chapters, and immediately just see a mass of colors. All I can think is "oh gods, my writing must be really bad..." Yikes! What have I done to myself?
I pretty much only use Google docs, since I need something that makes me able to access my stuff from anywhere. Also something free, because no one in my family knows I write and I don't have a job or get an allowance, so...
Or you can try Evernote. It's free, u can save your data online. And it also has a lot of templates to help you writing.
anything google is yuck
@@spaceorbison no its not! Google docs, slides, chromebooks, and pixels are all very high quality. I just wanted to say this so that no one gets influenced by your opinion. You can have your own opinion though.
@@KrishaUdeshi They're a tyrannical corporation is what I mean
Great video. Taking the dreaded step to pull out a novel I wrote years ago and begin the editing process and was looking for software that might help. This video has been a great help and getting to know what is out there! Thanks a million x
There's other ones out there, such as yWriter and QuollWriter. If I need a focus mode and to jumpstart my brain with some customizability, I use OmmWriter (it's one-time purchase for under $10), CalmlyWriter, or Noisli (free plan only). I do often use OpenOffice, even though I have an older edition of Microsoft Word on a different laptop. Lately, I've been using a voice recorder and Dragon NaturallySpeaking 13 Recorder Edition, which came with my recorder to write with. I change software depending on what my mood is and what I feel will help me focus best. I couldn't get FocusWriter to work for me sadly, so that's why I use OmmWriter instead.
I use writeway pro, cause it’s a free version of scrivener, trust me: I’ve tried both and they’re exactly the same. But writeway hasnt been updated since 2002, so it gives me a solid nostalgia boost.
I've been using focuswriter for years and it's never been buggy or glitched at all (on Windows, though it exists for Mac and Linux). I've noticed the link in the description isn't the same as the one I've found it though? I recommend googling it, it's always been the first link to come up instead of the one in the description, and it has a list of links for each OS.
Aside from that, it does have more functionality than being customizable - it allows you to set up timers for sprints, and you can set your own daily goals. It also allows you to have different writing sessions, as well as many documents in different tabs at the same time. It also lets you quicker navigation through the left side tab, which separates the document by scenes (and you get to define which character separates scenes, I usually have it as #).
And about the font size, I think it's kinda linked to the screen resolution, cause it changed all of my settings when I changed to a new laptop, so I recommend playing around with it. It's easy enough to select all text and change the font size later on if you open the .docx on word later on to edit and the font is too big.
Finally, yes it does allow bold and italics, the shortcuts never changed in my windows laptop but I'm sure in mac you can play around with the settings to find out which ones the program has as default and change them to whatever you're used to.
So yeah, I would recommend focuswriter for someone who discovery writes and only needs one document.
I use a spreadsheet to track out my scenes and then I hyperlink my text files. It's easy to move cells around and gives me a place to put any reminders . I also can slip a timeline into another tab. I do think it's time to upgrade to proper software though. I'll probably go to Scrivener.
Thank you for going straight to the point. You helped me...I am writing about something complex and I think scrivener is more indicated.
Great video! I love scrivener for everything it offers. I'd also suggest people who want a full scrivener experience that's beautiful, minimalistic and incredibly flexible, to try out Ulysses for Mac. It's only on Mac. $40 bucks a year subscription but with that subscription you can use it on iphone iPad and Mac. Scrivener and Ulysses all day. 🍷
That's a great tip, as a Mac user I'll have to look into it!
Reedsy yes you definitely should. I've been using it for years and it only gets better and has a ton of features from writing to exporting to markdown. And it looks good to boot and the search functionality is out of this world you'll have to see it to believe it. Kinda surprised you haven't heard of it but then again scrivnener is great as well especially version 3
Thank you! You just saved me tons of time. Thank you!!
I type on a Tablet, individual chapters in individual txt files, then export to PC and use LibreOffice to format and Calibre to convert to epub.
Stephen King's favourite writing software is a pen and paper. I disagree with him. I think it's MS Word 2003.
I've used Word to write all my Nanowrimo novels (6 out of 8 wins). I mostly put notes in EverNote, but have found it difficult (this was in the days before the ubiquity of multiple computer displays) to reference notes while writing.
I have been writing lately in Google Docs, because I bought a new laptop and didn't want to pay for Office. We have to be careful with Google Docs because part of the agreement with Google is that they own everything written on their apps (or something like that). I've tried to use Libre Office because of that.
It always seems to me that learning or messing with the writing apps other than Word and its ilk are ways to avoid writing. I don't have distraction problems so that I need Focus or some other thing that blanks out the screen, but I do need to be able to easily and intuitively grab references or notes without being knocked out of my flow.
My favorite writing software is TextEdit on my mac. The closest I can get to a typewriter, which is all I really want. Plus my eyes aren't the greatest and it's super easy to just make the font huge. After something is done I just cut and paste into something like OpenOffice to format and edit. Bells and whistles are not for me. I also like my old Alphasmart Neo2 but I haven't been using that so much lately because it's just easier to have the one device to lug around. I occasionally write for film and for that I use Scenarist. Again pretty basic, just with the arcane formatting styles needed for the screen.
Nice job. Scrivener is driving me nuts. I like simple and Reedsy seems the best option. Not as many bells and whistles, but, for me, that's no problem.
This was very helpful
I tend to swap between iA Writer and Storyist, both on macOS and iOS. I save to iCloud so I can edit stuff on my phone or iPad if the mood takes me or sit down with my laptop or desktop for a full writing session. iA Writer offers a superbly focused experience while Storyist is like a less complex version of Scrivener. Both really good and not expensive.
Really liked the idea of reedsy, I think it might be helpful for betas, as you mentioned. I'm going to try it out. And I went ahead trying Hemingway app right after watching this video, but it didn't work with my language, and it makes me a bit upset. But as an app itself it sound amazing!
I definitely found that Hemingway isn't ideal for more descriptive/flowery language so I definitely had to use discretion when taking its suggestions haha
I prefer Novlr to Scrivener because it's online and accessible everywhere anytime.
I don't like paying recurring fees when I don't have to, but that's good to know.
I commented the above before watching the video and I didn't know she was going to hate on that too.. lol.
In the past: Libre Office both for blog posts and for pre-writing longer pieces, for instance books. I tried Scrivener recently and really like its index card feature. Envisaging using Scrivener both for blog posts and pre-writing longer pieces in the future.
"Software" is the plural, not "softwares".
Apart from that, thanks for the useful reviews.
Scrivener is so comprehensive a programme/app that it can do almost everything that these other programmes can do (and much more).
This is such a great video in prep for CampNaNoWriMo. Hopefully everyone that here in the comments & over at Reedsy HQ have a productive camp. I'm currently reading Save the Cat Writes a Novel & Miss Bishop's video on the 15 beat structure was helpful. So far I think I'm assimilating the Novelcraft discussion.
Anyone have thoughts on Wavemaker?
As it can be used on Android, that makes it infinitely better than Scrivener for me. It does, however, have a lot of limitations at present. Big ones for me are no commenting and very little organization for the database cards. But it's free! Pass the guy a couple bucks if you want to encourage further development.
I would add 'Mellel 5' for academic writing essays, research papers, technical reports...etc. with 'Bookends' integration to manage references. Mellel is not the best looking GUI but feature-wise for academics is really top-notch.
There's also Highland 2 for the people who like to write and edit in Markdown format.
I use google docs cause i can work on my works on my phone and my pc interchangeably, My issue with google docs is once you get to about 75,000 words its starts lagging and at about 85,000 words the document becomes unusable. My novel has to be split into 2 parts and as im working through the second draft adding more detail and explain parts better, im getting close to needing a third part, which will get too annoying. None of these seemed close to google docs but for big boys, so ill keep looking, great video though!
Scrivener and Google docs. Used to use MW, but they have made it so expensive and with so many free alternatives, I am glad I have stayed with Scrivener.
I like Scrivivener very much, but it is not online and I need to access my writing from other devices sometimes, so I need something online.
An online version of Scrivener would be so ideal!
Just a suggestion, It would be great if you would use a lavlier mic that would make the audio sound good!
Anyways thanks for the recommendations!
I just downloaded Scribner and I love it
I started writing in the notes app on my iPhone, but one day I highlighted everything to copy but deleted by mistake and I went to bed after that. I use Google Docs for almost everything now. they have an undo button that would've came in clutch had the notes app had it during the time of me deleting what I wrote.
Deleted Notes' pages are stored for 30 days. I know, too late now! But I've done the same thing and, of course, panicked. I googled "IOS Notes deleted" and found out that there is a place where deleted Notes documents are stored.
Apple really should make you confirm you want to delete something. With Notes, it's a very un-Apple-like "feature."
Looking for a writing software where I can ad my font to it.
The review was interesting. My favorite writing software is, of course, Speare. It balances linear structure with nonlinear thinking. It makes writing fun!
It is there at the desk shining with candle-light that some men and women who had been to keyboard-work on the far side of the "Software of Woes" remembered the old ways, the only way: the shimmering white and pure dot text file.
WritingPal - is free app for any kind of writers. Novel, Essays, Poem, Blog anything...Voice to text and read aloud, many different languages, picture-stories. Organizes all the projects in Folders. Share projects with anyone. Makes prints. Reminds your deadline.
Thank you - could you reccomend a pure journaling software? I want to move away from pen and paper to, well, digital pen and paper journals. A calendar is a must.
I am considering using Reedsy, does anyone know if it can export to a word file when done?
Look into Ulysses, which is the premier Markdown editor.
Could you help me with the software that helps in writing a Mathematics book?
WritingPal - is free app for any kind of writers. Novel, Essays, Poem, Blog anything...Voice to text and read aloud, many different languages, picture-stories. Organizes all the projects in Folders. Share projects with anyone. Makes prints. Reminds your deadline.
Hemmingway editor can be used to spot wordy phrases and passive voice misuse but it is not optimized to handle flowery or descriptive prose. Grammarly is a better alternative altogether. I mean it fits as an extension of ms word and outlook, what else do you need.
Hello from 2023! Just curious why you use Word over Apple Pages. Is it just because you started using Word and stayed with it?
windows notepad is my favorite word processor because its never bugs, and it's ultra durable. The handy features of other word processors can be used in conjunction with notepad, because you can copy and paste from notepad into virtually anything.
Some machines do have auto save, so if your working on a document in notepad and the power goes out, you can actually get it/them back. I was really surprised by this.
The save system is very analog, but if you are organized, and date things, and create folders then keeping track of everything that you write isn't that difficult.
Writing in windows paint is a bit of a hassle,. If you create a text box in windows paint you can type to infinity and change the font, and colour of the text along the way. But if you make one miss-click then only the text in your window frame is captured in image form, and everything else you wrote vanishes and disappears to I don't know where.
Writing in command prompt is the worst of them all. If you trip over the enter button, or the up arrow it prints the text you've written onto the window, and there is no undo button, the command prompt is read only so you can't copy any text, and you can't paste any text.
Command prompt is the worst word processor. Windows paint isn't that great either. Windows notepad is like an electronic piece of paper in terms of the reliability and function so I like it the most.
I remember using FocusWriter a long time ago. I tried two to three times, didn't stick to it. Guess it was too much, I just wanted to write so went back to OpenOffice or Microsoft Word. They may not be or have all the tricks one "would" need, but they seem to work for me. Maybe someday I'll try one of these over here :)
Oh I just use Google Docs.
Thank you, this was fantastic
I have only really tried one program other than general word processors. It is called Campfire... it seems very focused on world building and planning, which I thought would be good for me because I do like to put together a fairly detailed plan for a story, but I found it was even a bit much for me. but for the right kind of writer it might be a good choice. You might want to review it, although as a discovery writer it might not be your thing either. In the end I returned it for a refund and went back to my word processor, although I might give scrivener a try.
That seems super cool, I'll have to check it out for a part two.
I will use the reedsy software. My documents on Google docs deleted themselves and I didn’t notice until I was ready to write. So frustrating
I’ve been writing and I’m at about 80000 words. I’m getting tied up in knots wondering if I’ve already used an idea/turn of phrase… which software will identify duplication for me?
Am I essentially too late to get good moneys worth from it?
Can you adjust Scrivener from simple to more complex. I read often that it is very complex to learn how to use it. I'd rather have less stress and not face a steep learning curve with Scrivener. The only thing is, after a lot of research, I find more writers liking Scrivener than any other novel writer's software brand. Can you adjust Scrivener to different levels of sophistication so it's simpler, like a "basic" mode. I have a trilogy and want to load in all three books and have it do a plot arch analysis, and if not that point out awkward sentences, redundant words, plot holes, faulty characterization, paragraph structure, be a copy editor, like that... some editing feedback and grammar too. I just want one more once-over before I self-publish.
Thank you, for saving me the analytical time!
Finally figured out how to start the novel in Reedsy lmao!
Which of these writing softwares would work with a Linux operating system?
I write in Google Docs, but I'd like to back up my stuff somewhere else so if something happens with Google or specifically my email I can have it somewhere else. Is the Reedsy editor good for this?
Teacher can u tell me about how can I know the passive
I use Highland 2 for screenwriting & novels. Its the best and I've tried them all...
How did you run FocusWriter on your mac? I just went to download it, but I'm only seeing a windows app.
Great information. So intelligent and beautiful
How it will help in writing A book
It was very interesting to learn about the different writing programs, so thank you for that. I have scrivener and yes, it is a huge learning curve. Currently, I use it at its most basic level only. I do have one complaint about the presentation though. It was such a fast and seemingly wild clicking, it was very hard to keep up and get a sense of the material. Perhaps just a little slower next time?
That happened to me too. I had to change the setting for the speed and to turn CC on. Also I had to pause often, zoom to read better what was in her screen and even go back to replay.
Scriviner on Mac but on windows. I’m shopping around for a new program. I just got campfire for world building.
No free software like Manuskript?
Great video! Thanks!
We are using Grammarly because it's the first one I found. I think we will try a couple others now.
Grammarly is also very good, I quite like it!
I've used the Hemingway App. But I'm also currently using (or trying to utilize) Evernote. At least, I find the notebook feature something I can use for strategizing by creating customizable parts and stuff, putting together things that belong to one story or chapter. But I think I made a mistake in using Evernote primarily since it's not exactly built for the writer's drafting-editing experience? I think. And so I created an account on Reedsy, signed up for the newsletters, subscribed and followed on all major social media platforms to get tips like this. I'm quite interested in trying out Reedsy Editor now. Thanks!
Have you heard of Papyrus Author? I would like your thoughts on this writing software.
Lots Of Love From India ❤️❤️
You are Just Amazing 😊🇮🇳🇮🇳
How expensive?
What do you think of Grammarly?
I'd like to suggest that the word software is an uncountable noun, so the addition of an s is not necessary, and I'd say it's erroneous.
LOL. Umm...well...I've been to NYC, but I wouldn't say I'm from there. I'm a coast-to-coast Canadian, but I'll take that as a compliment.
Have you tried Living Writer or Dabble?
Shaelin has a lot of great advice. However, I’ve been trying to find her novels, but can’t. Are you writing under a pen name?
They're not published as far as I know. But she's got her short stories published, you can check their names and how to get them on her channel.) ua-cam.com/video/O7TjwXKCGYk/v-deo.html
I haven't published any novels, that's why! However I don't use a pen name and you can find my published short fiction under my normal name, I have links to it in the descriptions of videos on my personal channel.
Have you tried Cheetah Software? If so I would be interested in hearing of your experience.
Hi Shaelin
Your view on Grammarly?
It's a great tool, I recommend it especially if you're not confident in your proofreading abilities!
I love Hemingway for editing
Thank you; very helpful.
Thanks for sharing this
How is plot factory?
I haven't heard of it before actually, maybe I'll check it out for a part 2!
I gave Dabble a try. I was kind of disappointed in the lack of organizing tools for worldbuilding (at least in the free version I used).
Have you ever tried YWriter7?
Honestly, I just use Google Docs, its free and easy, you can convert it over to MSWord and upload it to kindle create which is also free and make your eBooks and paperbacks and boom, done, simple.
It's definitely a great option, especially for something free!