These are software programs specially designed for creative writing. Prices usually run between $45 and $75 and may change with promotions. All of them offer free trial downloads which allow you to evaluate the app before parting with your money. They are designed to be primary writing tools which eventually export a final manuscript to Word for sending to an agent or publisher. Several will also export epub files that allow you to proof a manuscript electronically on an iPad or Android tablet.
Scrivener (www.literatureandlatte.com), for Mac and Windows, was the work of a budding writer who turned software developer because he was unhappy with using conventional word processing for writing fiction. It is now one of the most popular apps of its kind, used by both professional and amateur writers alike. It was first developed for the Mac but now has a companion Windows version, though the latter lacks a few features of its older, more advanced sibling. Scrivener has taken the division of a manuscript into parts, chapters and scenes to a fine art, allowing very detailed control of word counts and annotations. Its outlining facilities include a corkboard/index card interface. The program can also be used to write movie scripts. It can appear a little unintuitive at first glance, like most scene-based writing apps, and few writers will need all the tools on offer. Best evaluate the free trial, follow the excellent training videos, then decide if itβs for you before buying. If you do go the Scrivener route you may want to consider my short and very specific ebook guide (details at www.davidhewson.com/writing-a-novel-with-scrivener) on using the software for novel writing.
Storymill (www.marinersoftware.com) is another well-established scene-based writing app, this time for the Mac only. It takes a much simpler approach to the job than Scrivener, and includes easy-to-use facilities for characters and event tracking and a timeline feature that can be used to track the development of the narrative.
Pagefour (http://www.softwareforwriting.com/pagefour.html) is a very simple, highly functional scene-based app for Windows only.
Liquid Story Binder (www.blackobelisksoftware.com) combines some very advanced outlining features with image management, mindmaps, journal keeping and the familiar scene-based editing facilities seen in its rivals. A touch on the complex side but worth a look β Windows only.
Ulysses (www.the-soulmen.com/ulysses) is a slightly eccentric Mac-only writing program that pioneered some of the chapter techniques seen in later apps. It is very rigid about the way it β and you β should work when it comes to formatting.
Storyist (www.storyist.com) is a Mac-only Scrivener competitor with similar features at a slightly higher price.