#reedsy editor

[the960writers]

Alternatives to google docs

For various reasons, this is now a hot topic. I'm putting my favorites here, please add more in your reblogs. I'm not pointing to Microsoft Word because I hate it.

Local on your computer:

1.

LibreOffice (https://www.libreoffice.org/), Win, Linux, Mac.

Looks like early 2000 Word, works great, imports and exports all formats. Saves in OpenDocumentFormat. Combine with something like Dropbox for Cloud Backup.

2.

FocusWriter (https://gottcode.org/focuswriter/) Win, Linux.

Super customizable to make it look pretty, all toolbars hide to be as non-distracting as possible. Can make typewriter sounds as you type, and you can set daily wordcount goals. Saves in OpenDocumentFormat. Combine with something like Dropbox for Cloud Backup.

3.

Scrivener (https://www.literatureandlatte.com/scrivener/overview) Win, Mac, iOS

The darling of so many writers. Too many things to fiddle with for me, but I'm sure someone else can sing its praises. You can put the database folder into a Dropbox folder for cloud saving (but make sure to always close the program before shutting down).

Web-based:

4.

Reedsy bookeditor (https://reedsy.com/write-a-book) Browser based, works on Firefox on Android. Be aware that they also have a TOS that forbids pornography on publicly shared documents.

My current writing program. Just enough features to be helpful, not so many that I start fiddling. Writing is chapter based, exports to docx, epub, pdf. You can share chapters (for beta reading) with other people registered at Reedsy.

5.

Novelpad (https://novelpad.co/) Browser based.

Looks very promising, there's a youtuber with really informative videos about it (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mHN8TnwjG1g). I wanted to love it, but the editor didn't work on Firefox on my phone. It might now, but I'm reluctant to switch again.

------

So, this is my list. Please add more suggestions in reblogs.

[email-me-more]

Reedsy Editor - no longer free.

Reedsy Book Editor - the editing program I use for outlining, editing and keeping track of everything from characters, locations, lore, offhanded details and detailed overarching plotlines in all my writing - just overnight changed everything from a free service, into a tiered paid premium subscription, WITH NO WARNING WHATSOEVER.

Naturally, they have some stuff that is the "free tier"; and if they had given any warning - even if it was some vague email the day before implementing this - this wouldn't be as infuriating, but I suppose that was just asking too much?

Why give me a chance consider it, when they could just lock my work behind a paywall, and then refuse to even let me LOOK at my own notes?

What they've done is market themselves as a free service that will implement unspecified 'future premium features', and I quote their website directly:

"Is Studio free to use?: Yes! Reedsy Studio is currently 100% free. There will be premium features available for purchase in the future, but they are optional. Every functionality that you need to write a book in Reedsy Studio will remain free."

They then locked most of my stuff behind a paid premium, without ever hinting at their *already free* features being those 'optional premium features available for purchase'. Once again, no warning what-so-ever.

Not only have they now essentially locked my stuff behind a premium of 4.99 USD a month, oh no, they've been so kind as to lock the sole reasons I ever started using them for it's sheer convenience, the unlimited storyboards and pinned notes, behind a 7.99 USD add-on tier. Interestingly enough, they've split their features into two tiers, so if you want the full functionality that was free as late as yesterday, - such as statistics, goals or pinned notes - well, then you have to subscribe to both tiers.

Which means, I will now have a 7-day free trial to get all my stuff out of there, unless I want to start paying for another goddamn subscription fee.

I'm not all that happy to be strongarmed into a paid subcription, and I certainly don't trust that they won't just randomly hike the pricing or change the features included in the paid tiers in future, if this is how they implement it to begin with.

It's so blatantly obvious they've made this shift after receiving positive feedback from users, because I am wholly unsurprised that the *very same features* that made Reedsy Studio into one of the more easy-to-recommend programs (pinned notes, storyboarding, boards) have been locked behind the most expensive add-on tier. And I know a lot of people love their statistics and goals features aswell, although I personally don't use it, so them being behind a paywall too doesn't surprise me either.

I'm not a fan of paid subscriptions, but in the past I have paid for services I deemed important enough to keep around, because I liked the program or the convenience of it. Key difference: I was made aware of the changes before they were implemented.

What I refuse to do however - no matter how good their editor is or how comfortable I am using it - is to pay to be given back my access to months upon months of my own work like this.

I'm extremely disappointed in how they went about implementing this change, it's shameful.

I will be using my 7-day free trial to get my writing out of there, and then never use Reedsy again.

[the960writers]

6 Best Writing Apps for Beginner Authors and Self-Publishing

Not all writing apps are created equal. In this list, I am putting together the best writing apps specifically designed for authors.

by Michael Brockbank

Reedsy Book Editor

Atticus

Scrivener 3

Campfire Writing

AutoCrit

Grammarly

What Features Do I Look For in Writing Apps?

Every author finds value in different features. The best writing apps are the ones that work for you. There’s absolutely nothing wrong with using programs like Word or LibreOffice to write a manuscript.

Yet, I chose the above based on the criteria I’m looking for in a writing tool.

Setting Writing Goals

I love creating goals and challenges in my writing. It’s one of the ways that I keep myself motivated and determined to finish certain projects and meet self-imposed deadlines.

Goals can also help you build confidence, especially if you’re consistently meeting them and then raising the bar.

Taking Notes and Storyboarding

The ability to have notes displayed on the same screen as the manuscript is wondrous, in my opinion. I often forget a lot of details as I write, and having a pinned note in plain site helps me remember.

In addition, any app that has some kind of storyboarding platform or background manuscript planning is incredibly useful.

Easy Sharing with Others

I like to share my work easily with beta readers or anyone who is helping me edit. Sure, I can copy and paste the manuscript into a Google Doc, but then that’s an extra step that I’ll forget to later delete.

When you’re as busy as I am, you want to simplify the process as much as possible.

Front & Back Matter and Chapter Setup

Writing apps that have pre-made, editable front and back matter are very beneficial. Especially for those who are new to self-publishing and not sure what to add to their books or how to format the pages.

If an app also has a quick and easy way to add, move, or delete entire chapters, all the better.

Export File Types Support

Although most eBook retailers and print-on-demand services support DOCX files, I prefer to have the option for ePub, MOBI, PDF, and other file types as well.

This is mostly because I plan on selling my books directly from my website. Not to mention I don’t like the idea of an editable doc floating around of my book.

Built-in Spellcheck or Support for Grammarly

No one is 100% accurate 100% of the time when it comes to spelling and grammar. Any app that has functionality for this is essentially a time saver.

If it doesn’t, then hopefully it supports the Grammarly Chrome extension. Otherwise, I’ll have to copy and paste the manuscript back and forth, which is a bit of a pain.

Affordability

Lastly, not everyone has a spare $4000 laying around for self-publishing fees. It’s my goal to find the most affordable platforms that offer the biggest bang for your buck while writing a book.