The Best Writing Software For 2023: It's Not The One You Think...

Which writing software program should I use?

That's a question I get asked often by beginning writers or see posted on Facebook. And I get it because writing a book is hard enough. You certainly don't need your writing program causing you headaches or making your writing life harder.

The right writing program can enhance your creativity, improve your organization, streamline your formatting, and more. But with so many options out there, it can be a daunting task to choose the one that's right for you.

Don't worry, because I've got you covered! Whether you're a beginning writer or a seasoned pro, we're going to break down the top three writing software programs you could use in 2023, and there might even be a bonus option thrown in for good measure...

After watching this video, you'll have all the information you need to make a decision about which writing software program is right for you. Say goodbye to frustrating software that gets in the way of your creativity, and hello to a program that enhances your writing experience.

So grab a notebook and a pen, sit back, and let's dive into the world of writing software programs together!

#writing #howtowrite #scrivener #writingtools #writingtips #books

[michaelblackwell]

It's better to have offline backup running anyway for all files you create, not just those for your writing. So your Scrivener files would be backed up with everything else.

I learned long ago anything subscription based is a risk, cloud based services even more so. A 7 year old version of a program will still open files. I've got 20 year old programs I'm still using. A cloud based service vanishes and you're lost. Springpad hurt me the most! I lost a fair bit of work. Sometimes you get a lot of notice, other times it's mere weeks. And that's assuming you catch their email or log on regularly.

Doesn't matter what it is now, cloud based or stand alone software, anything in propriety format I always export a copy into plain text. And it's easy to set up a simple backup program to copy every hour to a flash drive, and to have offline cloud backup. For extra belt and braces, keep a weekly flash drive backup off site.

[tomarcarjack]

Um… scrivener DOES have automatic backup! And it syncs to the cloud as well. I use it across 2 Mac, an iPad, and my phone ALL THE TIME! Scrivener has documentation on how to do it. The only thing you have to keep in mind is that since it IS software that resides on-device, you need to close out on a given device before opening on another. But if you forget, the software creates versions and stores them on your device if you forget.

[samuelcollie]

I have been using Scrivener. It is a steep learning curve. I just found Atticus via another author and I like what I am seeing.

[lisaloveslenormand]

I'm so glad this video showed up for me this morning! I've been knocking myself out trying to learn Scrivener and there was just something about it that made me uncomfortable - things that you mention here. I want no part of monthly subscriptions - in fact, it angers me to think that I'd have to pay someone every month just to be a writer! I refuse to be held hostage. Um, ok, I'm done with my little rant. Reedsy it is! I don't need anything fancy. When I began writing, PCs weren't even available yet! I come from notebooks - good old pen and paper! Thank you so much for this. Great job presenting the fact.

[tammydreamwriter]

This video was very helpful for me. I use my ipad and the scrivener app is nothing like the desktop version. Thank you very much for taking the time to make this video!

[jasonjohntyler]

You said you were considering moving toward using NovelPad or LivingWriter, but you did not say which of the two you decided to use. You did say they were both pretty much the same which interested me because NovelPad is also similar to Dabble only better when it comes to writing from your scene, info and plot cards which Dabble can't do. Personally, I prefer NovelPad because of the option to write from virtually anywhere within the software. This is fantastic. Even if you are in the plotting section or the character comparison part of the software or if you in the timeline, just with one single click you can begin your writing right there where everything is linked by you, connected and so very intuitive. So that's why I chose NovelPad over LivingWriter, Scrivener and Dabble. The second reason I chose NovelPad is because it's brilliant with drag and drop, click and move or click and immediately write where LivingWriter involves a lot more clicks and a lot more setting up when it comes to using scene cards or the plotting section. LivingWriter is not one simple click - and you there - or one single click and drag - and you are done - like you find in NovelPad. Instead LivingWriter, although still easy to use, is a lot more of telling the software what to so so that everything is connected and intuitive where NovelPad already knows what to do as you do your thing within the app. I guess what I'm saying in summary is that for me NovelPad is the easiest to use, the least complicated with the least drama when you just want to get down to the business of plotting, planning or writing your novel. Please let me know what you finally settled on. I am very interested know your final choice.

[lyndonkessler]

Great reviews with Pro's and Cons. Best Pro: Use what works best for YOU. Worst Con is ANYTHING Subscription Based. I was wondering when/if you would get around to 'Readsy's Book writing online. I tried Readsy's Book writing --- It works quite well, I was surprised and pleased, but that is not my preferred method of working. I transcribe by hand all of my Brainstorming and Layouts the input into a Blank Scrivener Doc to do all of my 'Zero' Draft set up and then proceed the development through to the 'Final Draft'. I the Hemingway Desktop editor to keep my writing simple and understandable. Writing is a challenge, use anything to help you along the way and alway pinch your pennies until the scream.

[thedailyheat]

Thank you for this. I’m going with Reedsy because I switch between the iPad and a PC. It makes Scrivener ridiculous. Scrivener should be ashamed of itself for staying in the stone ages, but a lot of writers are older gen and will stick to it with loyalty like mad. I’m surprised Amazon hasn’t jumped on the bandwagon and created something for Kindle. Thank you!!

[elainemclellan]

I am using living Writer now. I do have Scrivener as well but I found it frustrating and I honestly do not need all the features f Scrivener. That being said, I just started with Living Writer a few weeks ago and I've already learned how I want to organize my writing and research. I am a nonfiction writer right now so I don't have character development. I hope to learn much more about what Living Writer does, and I'm sorry to leave Scrivener in the dust, at least for now. Thanks for the info in this video. Very helpful and clear information.

[theman]

Recently started writing and really appreciate your video. I've been using Word and it's a pain to keep things organized.

[BekBeks]

Really great video. Helped a lot thank you.

Note - Living writer, i noticed, has a lifetime purchase option which is 3.33 years of the annual subscriptions ($499 in Australia). Much more expensive than Scrivener’s $39 price but would save you $ if you’re definitely going to need / use it long term.

[twinkleschascleyochim]

Thank you so so much, you are a very kind person to share your knowledge with us much love

[henrikmartensson]

Both Windows and MacOs comes with native cloud storage solutions, so that Scrivener does not have it built-in, is not a real issue.

DropBox is the recommended cloud service for use with Scrivener. Google Drive also works. There used to be issues with cloud storage, but these have been solved.

The compiler, used for creating formatted output, is a very good idea, but the implementation is unnecessarily complicated. My main issue is with formatting lists, which is so bad it often requires manual fixes after compilation. That means formatting non-fiction books can be a hassle.

Overall, I do like Scrivener a lot, despite its quirks.

[johnore]

Danke. Nice and clear. Reedsy sounds great. I'm tired of dealing with Scrivener.

[Oldhouseguy]

I started with Reedsy but images can only fit the page since this program is designed for a small sized novel not a full 8x10 sheet. I want a small image wtih text next to it but that cannot be done - hence looking for a new program. Additionally it seems most of the programs are for novels - not a textbook size page and footnotes are barely mentioned.

[douglasroff]

A very good video and I enjoyed the comments too. One note. On the last of your video sections dealing with Reedsy, you have it as "REESES Book Editor" . That made me think of Reeses Peanut Butter Cups, which led me back to my college days, which led me to why I was enjoying ReesesPeanut Butter Cups munchies in the first place. I love Reeses Peanut Butter Cups; I wonder if I'll enjoy using Reeses Book Editor as much too. Just thoughts to lighten the day.

[teuliano]

For what I use it for in writing novels, Scrivener is great. I find it easier to stay organized than in Word and OneNote and use the cards for summarizing chapters. I save to DropBox and therefore have copies locally on computer and laptop, and on the cloud. What I wonder about the web-based packages is, can you write without internet access?

[watnoudan]

Onenote all the way!

Its intuitive, its as complex as you WANT it to be without a learning curve i would say. It's cheap/free...
You can outline as much and as deep as you want. You can make backups locally (if you don't trust your books being stored in a hack-able cloud environment) or you can store it on the one drive cloud. It's no hassle, it's reliable, it auto backups everything, and it does not look like it was made in 1995.
Living writer looks nice though, but it's way up there for pricing and it's cloud only???
I tried Scrivener for years and i never got used to it. I simply hate it to be honest. It does everything indeed, except for letting you write in peace.

[kythara]

I did try scrivener at first, but I bought it right before the new update came out and I was then required to repurchase the entire thing for full price just to get the update. I really didn’t like that plus the windows version is always way behind the Mac version which irritates me to no end.

[cs]

Thank you. I been using scrivener for screenwriting before I purchased Final Draft. Now I'm certain that I'll use scrivener strictly for books.