Writing Platforms

If you’re a writer or looking to start writing, then you probably know how important it is to have writing software that can handle long projects such as novels, nonfiction, etc. And Microsoft Word and Google Docs don’t really cut it. After about 50 pages, Docs gets very wonky and after 150 Word can be daunting to navigate as well as slow. That’s why writing software, software specifically created to handle long projects, has been gaining more popularity in the last ten years or so. That being said, there are quite a lot of them out there. Some are more well-known than others. Some are more expensive than others. And some are more user-friendly than others. But figuring out which service to try can be a lot.

So, how do you choose?

You have to consider your needs first and foremost. Then consider the potential learning curve of your new software. If you don’t need bells and whistles, don’t pay for a writing software that has them. If all you need is a clean place to write, outline, and then export your drafts, there are services that are just that simple.

Below, I have listed some of the most popular writing platforms and software currently out. (Storyist is not included because it is Mac and iOS only so I cannot do a demo of it.) I’ve included some features along with the average price or price range of these services.

Scrivener

• Price: $49. This is for a lifetime membership to Scrivener for either Mac or Windows. iOS is $19. If you have both Mac and Windows, you can buy Scrivener for both operating systems for only $80.
• Trial? The trial is free and good for 30 days of actual use, not calendar days, which is great if you have a busy schedule.
• Learning Curve?
  • There is a pretty big learning curve to Scrivener, especially if you want to be able to use all the features that it has to offer.
• App?
  • There’s an app for iOS but none for Android. The team has been saying they are working on it since 2013, so it is unlikely to ever have one at this rate.
• Stand Out Features?
  • The interface can be customized to your manuscript. This is great for people who are very visual as you can help set the mood of your story.
• Community?
  • There isn’t much of a community for Scrivener.

Campfire

• Price: They have a “pay for what you want” way of doing things, so there is no one price I can list here.
  • Please note that the free tier of Campfire is not good for those looking to create in-depth worlds or anything longer than a novella. (You only get 25,000 words.)
• Trial? 14-day free trial. No credit card required.
• Learning Curve?
  • If you want access to all the features, there’s definitely a learning curve, especially when it comes to modules, maps and characters.
• App?
  • Has an app for both iOS and Android.
• Stand Out Features?
  • It’s also great for worldbuilding as you can import maps and images depending on your tier.
  • This isn’t a bonus, but something to note. They have modules that are for purchase. You get a certain amount to start and if you want more (for example character sketches), you have to buy them for each additional character. Plus, these modules are monthly payments.
• Community?

Novlr

• Price: $10/month or $100/year
• Trial? Two weeks free trial, no card info required which is pretty nice!
• Learning Curve?
  • Novlr is a more basic software that can be used on and offline. There is a slight learning curve but not many features that require advanced knowledge or courses.
  • In fact, Novlr prides itself on being as simple as possible.
• App?
  • No app, but it can be used in your mobile browser although not all features are available on mobile.
• Stand Out Features?
  • You can see your stats across all manuscripts, not just the one you’re currently working on.
  • Three lighting modes so that you don’t strain your eyes while working.
• Community?
  • There is not really a Novlr community, at least not one that I have discovered.

Dabble

• Price: There are 3 tiers to Dabble. For Basic Annual it’s $8/month. For Standard Annual it is $12/month (this is the recommended tier). For Premium Annual it’s $16/month. Or, if you’re feeling fancy, you can spend $499 for a lifetime membership.
• Trial? 14-day free trial with no card required.
• Learning Curve?
  • There aren’t many features to Dabble that stand out. It’s Basic tier is almost like Word except it doesn’t conk out after 50,000 words.
• App?
  • No app.
• Stand Out Features?
  • One thing to note is that a lot of the features that come only with Dabble’s premium tier come with the regular tier of some of the other softwares listed here.
  • Unlimited manuscripts. Write as much as you want!
  • Developers listen! I first tried Dabble a few years ago and it was even more bare bones than it is now. I even suggested some features. As did others in the community. Well, the developers listened and instituted some of them. It’s always nice to have your voice heard.
• Community?
  • There is an online community that is open to everyone, but it is on the Dabble site so you have to create an account to be active in it.

NovelPad

• Price: $8/month or $60/year
• Trial? Two week free trial, no card required.
• Learning Curve?
  • NovelPad tries to be distraction free so there aren’t too many bells and whistles.
• App?
  • No app. Can be used both online and off.
• Stand Out Features?
  • Automatically syncs to all your devices.
  • Realtime collaboration if you have a co-author.
  • You can see your progress via a timeline.
• Community?
  • NovelPad has a Discord community. This may be useful for someone who wants to learn some of the features without having to shift through dozens of tutorials.

First Draft Pro

• Price: First Draft Pro is $18/month with its monthly subscription but only $14/month with its annual one.
• Trial? 14-day free trial with no card required.
• Learning Curve?
  • This softwares is actually pretty simple and if you use it in its ultra focus mode, it’s just you and your writing. This is good for writers who may be easily distracted by email notifications. (Or social media!)
• App?
  • Nope. However, can be used on and offline.
• Stand Out Features?
  • You can link your notes. It’s kind of like creating a Wiki page for your manuscript. This makes it super easy to find a reference or scene.
  • You can try it for two months and if you’re unsatisfied, you can get a full refund.
  • Backs up every 7 seconds! No need to worry about losing your work, which is always a plus.
  • Links for beta readers so they can leave feedback right in your manuscript without it harming the integrity of the work.
• Community?
  • While there seems to be a super helpful support team, there is no legitimate community for the software as of yet.

Choosing a platform can be daunting, but what it ultimately comes down to is how much do you need. Do you require a lot of preparation tools or just a space to write? Do you need assistance focusing? Does having a virtual community matter? Or would you like an app so that you can write on the go? Need a place to store your notes? These are all questions to consider as you begin or continue your writing journey.

Do you use a writing platform or software? If so, which do you use? How do you like it? We’d love to hear more about your journey!

Oh, and did you see one you want to try or purchase? Well, if you participate in NaNoWriMo this year, discounts on all of these services are waiting for you!

Written By: Chyina Powell