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[Updated] This Scrivener review includes information on the new Scrivener 3.0 for Mac.
Scrivener is a project management and writing tool for writers of all kinds that stays with you from that first, unformed idea all the way through to the first - or even final - draft. Scrivener was originally only available on the Mac, but a Windows version has been available since 2011. The two versions are similar, but not identical, and the Windows app lags behind. The two versions are similar, but not identical, and the Windows app lags behind. Updated This Scrivener review includes information on the new Scrivener 3.0 for Mac. When I was an Apple employee and working on my master’s degree years ago, I received a Scrivener review copy. This wasn’t unusual since many companies ask Apple employees to try their software.
When I was an Apple employee and working on my master’s degree years ago, I received a Scrivener review copy. This wasn’t unusual since many companies ask Apple employees to try their software.
If there was a list of the top five greatest apps of all time in the Mac App Store, it would start with Scrivener and then there would be four other things. Andy Ihnatko, technology columnist. As a writer's application, Scrivener is damn near perfect; it means outlines, treatments and then first drafts can be put together in the same application. The Scrivener tutorials are tough for me as i now have a Mac Air which makes my IPad look like a Model A. The tutorials seem to assume that the user is really good with computer, but as I missed the computer age because of my age, the combination of the Mac and Scrivener is over my pay grade.
However, of all the software I received while working there, Scrivener was the only one I kept and still use today as an author.
In This Article You Will Learn:
- The difference between Scrivener and Word when it comes to writing a book
- What my favorite features are and see them in action
- The tool I used to help me learn how to use it
If you’re looking to get a Scrivener coupon code, you can click my link here and use this discount code:
Get 20% off by clicking here for Mac or here for PC and enter the special code of KINDLEPRENEUR when purchasing. If you’re upgrading to Mac 3.0, then use this coupon code for 50% off: SCRIV3MAC
Also, please understand that some links in this article are affiliate links but will not cost you any extra to use them – actually you’ll save money thanks to the 20% off coupon code.
What Is Scrivener?
This beloved writing program has been dubbed the tool for writers for good reason.
It’s known for being:
- Powerful
- Customizable
- Organized
Scrivener is software that lets you compile all your research, character notes, and anything else you need to write your book within one project, within one program. It’s often described as a virtual three-ring binder because it literally lets you have all the folders, tabs, labels, and flags that you could possibly want for your creative endeavors in a sleek and organized way.
It was created as a novel writing software for both Mac and PC users to help writers organize long-form content. This writing software is loved by writers of all kinds: fiction, nonfiction, academic work, even Jeff Goins, Joanna Penn, and Michael Hyatt.
Because it’s an advanced word processor that manages your projects all in one place, there is a learning curve. There are tons of ways you can use and customize this writing program to fit your needs as a writer. But with a small time investment up front to learn, and a scant $40-$45, this tool could change your entire world as a writer and self-published author.
Microsoft autocollage full for free. I know it’s changed mine. And I’ll show you some of my favorite features in a video later on.
Scrivener vs Word – What’s The Difference?
You can’t complete a Scrivener review without answering the two most frequently asked questions I get about the program:
- What’s the difference between Scrivener and Word?
- Is it really that much better than Word?
Scrivener Templates For Mac
And my answer to the latter is always, YES!
In my opinion, Word is a tolerable word processor for writing short content. Scrivener is an advanced word processor and project management tool with tons of capabilities, including formatting, which makes it the best software for writers who write longer content, like books or dissertations.
But before we get into some of the key differences between Scrivener and Word, and why I truly believe every author should make the investment, let’s look at them side by side:
Scrivener vs Word Chart: What’s the Difference…
Word | Scrivener | |
Word processor – can write and format text | x | x |
Grammar and spell check | x | x |
No distraction writing mode | x | x |
Track changes | x | x |
Export as PDF or .doc | x | x |
Format for ebook publishing (.mobi or .ePub or .docx) | x | |
Format for selling boxsets | x | |
Project management tool – can hold research files | x | |
Automatically saves your work | x | |
Frequent crashes or needs force quit | x | |
Set project target (words and deadlines) | x | |
Templates for writers and authors | x | |
Designed for writing long content | x | |
Excessive scrolling, copying, and pasting needed to revise long texts | x | |
Easy drag and drop capabilities | x | |
Simple way to break up large project into small chunks | x | |
Can mesh multiple texts into one with one click | x | |
Split screen view horizontally or vertically to view two texts as one (e.g., research and writing) | x | |
Corkboard view with index cards | x | |
Can use beautiful backgrounds while writing | x | |
Add labels, flags, and status updates to individual texts | x | |
Easily sort all scenes with a certain character or location | x | |
Sync work on multiple devices | x $99.99 per year or $9.99 per month to get it on 5 devices | x with a license for each platform. Sync through Dropbox or iTunes |
Cost | $69.99 Per Year for one computer | $45 for Mac or $40 for PC one-time purchase price |
*BONUS* For 20% off, buy through my link and use the code KINDLEPRENEUR.
If you’re happy with Word and it’s doing everything you want it to do, then, by all means, don’t fix it if it ain’t broken.
But if you’re frustrated with Word, you want to break up a huge project of writing books into smaller, easier tasks, you’d like to customize your writing experience, or see if writing can be more enjoyable, then this could become your favorite program for writing a book.
Has Scrivener Changed Your #WritersLife?Click To TweetLet’s continue with our Scrivener review with some of my favorite features:
Break up your big projectinto smaller pieces: Let’s say you’re writing a 20-chapter book. In Word, you’d either have to create 20 different files for each chapter and go back and forth between them all while trying to write your book, or you’d have to scroll for ages to find your place and try to get your text to mesh well. Whether you write fiction, nonfiction, screenplays, or anything of length, the ease at which you can break up a big task into smaller parts is probably my favorite feature.
Formatting: Yes, self-publishers, once you’re done writing your killer book, you can format it right through Scrivener! You can “compile” your finished document into a variety of formats for Kindle or ePub, as a Word .doc or PDF, or even as an academic thesis that matches academic standards. This could easily save you the money you invested to buy the software by not having to hire a formatter or buy a software solely for formatting.
Templates: This program has templates for fiction, nonfiction, scriptwriting and more. These are a game changer for those who want a software to help write their own book. I even know bloggers and podcasters who use it for writing and organizing their work. While Word has templates for resumes, flyers, and research papers, it has nothing for writing books–probably because it’s not designed for longer texts.
Drag and drop like magic: As you’re working, you might realize the flow is off, and it only takes a split second to drag and drop one part of the book to a new spot. No excessive scrolling. No losing your spot amongst the hundreds of pages of text. It just works like software for writing your own book should.
Set writing targets: This little feature lets you set targets for your project and individual writing sessions. When you start a new project, say you’re looking to write a 25,000-word nonfiction book, and you want to write 1,500 words every time you sit down to write. It automatically tracks your progress toward your overall goal and resets itself each time you open it up for a new writing session. This is incredibly helpful for sticking to a daily writing goal and seeing your progress toward finishing your book.
Character and scene sketches: Another feature for those looking for a novel writing software is a place for your characters and scenes within your project binder. You can add memorable details, like which side of the neck a tattoo was on, character background details, and you can upload a sketch or image that was an inspiration to a character.
Store your research files: There’s a special folder in each project for your book research, such as photographs, audio files, video, notes from Evernote, notes from your editor. You don’t have to switch between different programs or windows. It’s all right there in your project “binder.” Word has nothing like this.
Scrivener for iOS and Andriod: If you love the ability to write on your mobile device, then I’ve got good news for you. Check out these newer features and options on syncing with simplenote and the iOS Scrivener review.
Working view options: In addition to the main editor of viewing a single document (like what you see when you use Word), it has three more view options to match any author’s writing preference.
1. Corkboard – all sub-documents are seen as index cards on a corkboard. Each index card can have a summary of that document. This is great for visualizing, rearranging, finding gaps, and story boarding. You can easily drag and drop, add or delete notecards.
2. Outliner – see sub-documents as rows of text, like an outline, and columns of other information, such as status or label. This is great for those who want to see the outline in a linear fashion. You can rearrange easily with drag and drop in this view too.
3. “Scrivenings” – combines separate documents so you can view them as one. This is great for when you start combining separate chapters to see how they flow, without having to open a bunch of different files and mess with copying and pasting.
Frankly, using Word to write your novel is like the Hobbits not using the Eagles to fly to Mordor. They still got there, but seriously, it would have been so much easier and a lot less death.
An author without Scrivener is like Hobbits not using Eagles #Scrivener #WritingTipClick To TweetScrivener Discount Coupon Code
I’m super stoked to let you know that I have a special set of coupon discounts for you. If you click this for PC, or this for MAC, and enter the coupon code of KINDLEPRENEUR, you’ll get 20% off.
If for some reason that doesn’t work, then you can access more coupon codes here.
Let’s See a Side By Side Comparison of Scrivener vs Word
Courses To Help You Use Scrivener to Write a Novel
A key to being a successful author, like the authors who reveal their secrets in MasterClass courses, is having the right tools. Another key is knowing how to use them.
A writer’s tools have transformed from pen and paper to typewriter, to computer word processor, to customizable book writing software.
You can save yourself quite a bit of time and pain of figuring out all the features by learning from those who know the program inside and out.
The software itself has a comprehensive manual and links to YouTube video tutorials, but I also found it super helpful to take the popular course by Joseph Michael.
I’m a fan of Joseph Michael’s Learn Scrivener Fast course because:
- The short 1-3 minute videos are easy to consume
- You can watch step-by-step or jump to the lessons you need most
- It has separate videos for Mac and PC when the software differs
- The extra tips and tricks for authors are valuable
- Upgraded course levels have ninja tips & tricks and work smarter sections, which include videos like how to make it mesh with Evernote
- Bonus content: templates, working with an editor, writing backgrounds, how Jeff Goins and Joanna Penn use it, planning a novel and more!
Amazon shows at least 10 books on the topic, but I find it most helpful to see the tool in action in quick videos so I can apply it. That’s why my go-to resource is Learn Scrivener Fast.
Taking an hour or two to learn with this course will save you hours of frustration later.
Scrivener 3 vs Scrivener 2 Review Info
Literature and Latte released version 3 on November 20th, 2017.
For a quick look at the major changes, consult our handy table below. A more in-depth exploration of the new features can in this Scrivener 3 vs 2 comparison.
How to Learn More
This program can be tricky for some to learn, but once you do, it can be a real game-changer for your book writing process. Here are some videos and articles to help you get the most out of it:
- How to Format a Book – After the introduction, this video shows a demo of formatting with Scrivener and Word.
- How to Export a Book – Here’s a step-by-step article with pictures to show you how you to export with Scrivener.
- How to get Templates – This is an awesome list of free templates you can use for writing fiction, nonfiction, academic papers, blogs and more.
Final Scrivener Review Thoughts: Why I Use It To Write My Books
If you’re the type of writer who can sit down and write an entire book from beginning to end, or if you’re happy with Word, then you may not need Scrivener.
But if…
- You are frustrated with Word
- You are looking for something better
- You jump around in your timeline or chapters while you write
- You research and compile notes
- You like to write one section or chapter at a time
- You rearrange the scenes or flow of your work
- You want easy-to-use templates designed for writers
- You want the ability to export your work into ready-to-publish formats
Then…you will love it.
This writing software allows you to write books in your own customized, organized, yet beautifully-chaotic way.
I will never use Word again to write my books and hopefully, thanks to this Scrivener review, you won’t either.
If you’re ready to see how it can work for you, grab your copy for Mac (or for PC) here and use my special Kindlepreneur code KINDLEPRENEUR for 20% off.
Scrivener is a powerful tool to help you keep all of your thoughts organized while you're writing anything from a novel to a legal brief. It's packed full of features designed by writers for writers, and while that can make it a bit overwhelming at first, the payoff in the end is excellent.
Pros
Research oriented: This app is appropriate for all kinds of writing, and it includes different features geared toward each one. But one of its main benefits is the split-screen working mode that lets you view your notes and research on one side while you write on the other. You can enter all of your notes and research into this program, and then bring it up at will, greatly streamlining the organization process.
Scrivener For Mac And Windows
Tutorials: Because this app does do so much, it can be a bit overwhelming at first. But the developers do make it as easy as possible to find your way around by including various types of tutorials and references. There is an interactive tutorial that thoroughly walks you through each aspect of the program, and there are also dozens of videos describing different features and how to access them. While you may have to go back and reference these resources from time to time, they're clearly accessible and well organized, so you'll know where to find what you need quickly.
Cons
Formatting and photos: This app was not designed to allow you to polish finished drafts, and so its formatting features are limited. The developers suggest that you move your document to a more conventional word processing program like Word when you're ready for the final edit, but this may be an inconvenience for some people. That's true especially if you'd like to insert images into your document as you go, an operation that Scrivener does not support.
Bottom Line
This app delivers on just about every level. It's packed with features, and each of them really is designed to solve a common problem for writers of various kinds. No matter what type of writing you do, this program is worth testing out to see if it's a good fit. You can try it for free for 30 days, and the full purchase price is $45.
Editors' note: This is a review of the trial version of Scrivener for Mac 2.5.0.
What do you need to know about free software?
Scrivener is a powerful tool to help you keep all of your thoughts organized while you're writing anything from a novel to a legal brief. It's packed full of features designed by writers for writers, and while that can make it a bit overwhelming at first, the payoff in the end is excellent.
Pros
Research oriented: This app is appropriate for all kinds of writing, and it includes different features geared toward each one. But one of its main benefits is the split-screen working mode that lets you view your notes and research on one side while you write on the other. You can enter all of your notes and research into this program, and then bring it up at will, greatly streamlining the organization process.
Tutorials: Because this app does do so much, it can be a bit overwhelming at first. But the developers do make it as easy as possible to find your way around by including various types of tutorials and references. There is an interactive tutorial that thoroughly walks you through each aspect of the program, and there are also dozens of videos describing different features and how to access them. While you may have to go back and reference these resources from time to time, they're clearly accessible and well organized, so you'll know where to find what you need quickly.
Cons
Scrivener For Macbook Pro
Formatting and photos: This app was not designed to allow you to polish finished drafts, and so its formatting features are limited. The developers suggest that you move your document to a more conventional word processing program like Word when you're ready for the final edit, but this may be an inconvenience for some people. That's true especially if you'd like to insert images into your document as you go, an operation that Scrivener does not support.
Bottom Line
This app delivers on just about every level. It's packed with features, and each of them really is designed to solve a common problem for writers of various kinds. No matter what type of writing you do, this program is worth testing out to see if it's a good fit. You can try it for free for 30 days, and the full purchase price is $45.
Editors' note: This is a review of the trial version of Scrivener for Mac 2.5.0.