Links in this article may give me a small commission do purchase Scrivener at no extra cost to you. This did not affect the way I reviewed, and that money will just go to my coffee fund and keep me writing. <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n I first started using Scrivener back in 2007 when I was in the Navy working on my thesis. It was then that I found the usefulness of its organizational tools and structure, and assistance in long writing form to be helpful. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Since then, I've been writing books for over a decade and have used Scrivener for many of them. I've also spent HUNDREDS of dollars<\/strong> on courses to learn how to use Scrivener over the years (an issue I have with the program that I will discuss later). <\/p>\n\n\n\n However, in preparation for this Scrivener review, I conducted surveys and talked with fellow authors, helping me to gather valuable insights into how Scrivener works for different writers. I don't just regurgitate features – really worked hard to provide a qualified viewpoint based on several years of hands-on experience (also all the screenshots are mine). <\/p>\n\n\n\n I've since had to keep updating this article since it first came out since pricing, and capabilities as well as the general landscape of book writing software has changed over the years. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Scrivener<\/a> was one of the most robust writing apps back in the day. Developed by Literature and Latte, Scrivener is a powerful tool with loads of features aimed to improve your writing process. It\u2019s loved by writers of all kinds: fiction, nonfiction, and even academic work (like I did back in my military days). Now, as you can see, that's a bit of an “everyone's list.” And I think that is where some of the problems lie<\/strong>. Scrivener, as you will see, is so jam packed with so many features for so many different types of writing needs, that it can be seriously hard to learn how to use. To exemplify this point, there are courses out there that sell for 4x the cost of Scrivener, just to teach you how to use it. <\/p>\n\n\n\n It is beacuse of this reason that ‘book' centric writing software<\/a> has really taken off the past couple of years, making Scrivener not as strong as it used to be for novelists. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Scrivener now costs $59.99 (increased back in 2022) \u2014 and is a one-time cost*. However, that is for one operating system: PC version and Mac Version. If you want to use Scrivener on both a Mac and PC, you can get a bundle for $80. You would receive a separate license for each operating system – which is kind of archaic, but necessary based on how they made this software. Just for note, back in the day, Scrivener Mac updated to 3.0 *Note that Scrivener does not have a true lifetime account. In the past, Scrivener has charged for the use of new versions.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Good news! Scrivener does offer a discount – this is here just in case you skipped the above and jumped right to the claim of a coupon. Using the link below and the coupon code at checkout, you can reduce the cost of Scrivener by 20%. <\/p>\n\n\n\n All you have to do is use the link below, and then use this special code, KINDLEPRENEUR<\/strong>, when you're checking out. <\/p>\n\n\n\n See the animated gif below so see how and when to redeem it: <\/p>\n\n\n Now that we understand what scrivener is, and what its price is, I'm going to start with my overall opinion on the software. Then under things I will breakdown the different features of scrivener so you can see which parts are most important to you. <\/p>\n\n\n\n So, with that, let's start with what I like about Scrivener…<\/p>\n\n\n\n Here are the Scrivener features that I love. Since it is one of my favorite writing tools, it\u2019s no surprise this is a significant section of the review.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Even though it is powerful, there are some some aspects that hinder the program as an author \u2014 mainly a lack of certain functionalities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Bottom Line:<\/strong> For a long time, Scrivener was my go-to writing software, and it is still a good option for most writers. However, I now recommend Atticus<\/a> instead, with Scrivener as my #2 on my list of best writing tools<\/a>. I still think that Scrivener has the most robust writing capability. However, it is too complex for its own good. Plus you still need a formatting solution. That's why a ‘book writing' software that has excellent formatting capabilities as well, is a much better option for authors. But for those authors who can master that learning curve, and unlock its full capability, then this would be the tool for you. And again, be sure to use the discount to get 20% off<\/a>!<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\r\n Easy to use, and and full of amazing features, you can quickly turn your book into a professional book.<\/p>\n Check It Out<\/a> <\/div>\r\n\r\n <\/div>\r\n<\/section>\r\n\r\n\n\n\n Okay, so now that we know my thoughts on Scrivener, let\u2019s dive into some of the top features for authors for Scrivener – complete with brief descriptions and screenshots:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Note that these screenshots will be using Scrivener\u2019s beautiful Dark Mode. You don\u2019t have to use this mode. In fact, a lot of Scrivener\u2019s aesthetic can be customized in Scrivener > Preferences > Appearance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Binder is what they call the left sidebar on the program and shows you chapters, parts, and research and it is one of my favorite features. It holds everything \u2013 my chapters, documents, research files, web pages, pictures, audio clips, and anything else I toss in there. As you can see, you can create subfolders, change icons, rename files, add a new file with the push of one button (Enter), and even view your Trash, just in case you didn\u2019t mean to delete that file.<\/p>\n\n\n Scrivener\u2019s Bookmarks are a little strange at first but incredibly helpful once you realize what they\u2019re for. When you create a new bookmark, it is only bookmarked in that document \u2014 the strange part. If you split your documents up by chapter, that means only this chapter has the bookmark you just created. Also \u2014 and here\u2019s the fantastic bit \u2014 when you look at a bookmark, it opens a small window on the right side of your screen, allowing you to view and edit the bookmarked document while still in the Main Editor for whatever other document you\u2019re in. This means you can edit a character reference sheet while writing a chapter that adds new details to a character. Or you can edit a previous chapter while you\u2019re writing a new chapter retelling those events, demanding the previous chapter be changed. You can do that with Bookmarks!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Another useful feature that I like in Scrivener\u2019s writing software is the ability to create character sketches within your Binder. Here is where things get sticky. Like Iv'e said, Scrivener has a way to format books through their ‘compiling.' However, it isn't easy or intuitive. Watch this video<\/a> for detailed instructions on compiling and formatting your final product in Scrivener.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It is because of this reason that mass majority of Scrivener users will export to word after writing it, and after working with their editor, will then upload the final version to a book formatting software. Like a couple other writing tools, Scrivener comes packed with Composition Mode for distraction-free writing, which is a handy feature for me, as I need everything completely free of distractions to write. One of the coolest features of Scrivener is that you can customize the toolbar with the easy interface you see in the screenshot below. Scrivener\u2019s Linguistic Focus feature is really interesting. Many writers will be interested in seeing the different aspects of language highlighted in their book or script.Table of contents<\/h2>
\n \t
Why I'm Qualified to Talk About Scrivener<\/h2>\n\n\n
![\"Dave](\"https:\/\/kindlepreneur.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/User-of-Scrivener.png\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\nWhat is Scrivener?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
It\u2019s described as a virtual three-ring binder because it lets you have all the folders, tabs, labels, and flags that you could want for your creative endeavors in an elegant and organized way. As I will show you in the features section of this review of Scrivener, you'll see that it is like Word, except designed with long form writing in mind, and a bevy of tools at your disposal to write your novel.
Who is Scrivener for?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n
How much does Scrivener cost?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Scrivener for iOS devices (iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch) costs $19.99. A Dropbox account is required for any Sync features.
Unlike other writing software, there is no monthly payment or yearly license. Scrivener is a one-time purchase*, so you can use it as long as you like.<\/p>\n\n\n\nScrivener Coupon and Discount!<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/kindlepreneur.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/Scrivener-Discount-process.gif\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\nMy Scrivener Review: <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
What I Love About Scrivener<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\n
What I Don\u2019t Like About Scrivener<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\n
![\"Atticus](\"https:\/\/kindlepreneur.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Atticus.png\")
\r\n \r\n <\/a> <\/div>\r\n <\/div>\r\n \r\n Format Beautiful Professional Books<\/h3>\r\n <\/a>\r\n \r\n
List of the Most Important Scrivener Features to Authors<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n
1. Binder<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"Scrivener](\"https:\/\/kindlepreneur.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Screen-Shot-2021-02-09-at-8.02.18-AM-1.png\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n2. Bookmarks<\/h3>\n\n\n
![\"Scrivener](\"https:\/\/kindlepreneur.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Scrivener-bookmark-feature.png\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n
But the cool thing is, I can drag and drop as many files as I want into the Bookmarks tab, and it's super speedy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n3. Character Sketches<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
There are Character Sketch templates you can find. Or create your own from scratch, as I did in the screenshot below. It\u2019s helpful if you view a character sketch subfolder in Corkboard View.
You can add memorable details (which side of the neck was that tattoo on?), character background details (which obscure village in that far off kingdom did they come from?), and a sketch or image that serves as inspiration for a character.
You can also go through this same process for scenes \u2014 uploading an image or sketch, writing down important details, etc.<\/p>\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/kindlepreneur.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Scrivener-character-sketch-1024x776.png\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n4. Formatting to Books and Ebooks<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n\n\n![\"Scrivener](\"https:\/\/kindlepreneur.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Compile-1024x524.png\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n5. Composition Mode<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
All you see is the text and a customizable background image or texture. The default background is grey, but as you can see in the screenshot below, a calm rainy landscape is what really gets me in the mood to write.
To customize the background in Composition Mode, click Scrivener > Preferences > Appearance > Composition Mode.<\/p>\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/kindlepreneur.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Composition-Mode-Scrivener-1024x546.png\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n6. Customizable Toolbar<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Most authors who have used Word will know that you never use half the buttons that are automatically on the toolbar. Though other word processors have customizable toolbars, Scrivener\u2019s customize feature is sleek and intuitive.<\/p>\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/kindlepreneur.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Customize-toolbar-scrivener-1024x662.png\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n7. Linguistic Focus<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
For instance, you can highlight all the direct quotes. This can help you check if your dialogue<\/a> tags are distracting or if you\u2019re relying too heavily on dialogue in a scene that should be more visual.
Another example: Highlight your adverbs. You\u2019ve probably heard that adverbs are the antithesis of mature prose. If you\u2019re looking to reduce your adverb count, use Linguistic Focus to highlight your adverbs (as seen in the screenshot below) and aim for stronger verbs that render the highlighted adverbs obsolete.<\/p>\n\n\n![\"Scrivener](\"https:\/\/kindlepreneur.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Linguisitic-focus.png\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n8. Templates<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"Scrivener](\"https:\/\/kindlepreneur.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/templates.png\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n![\"Scrivener](\"https:\/\/kindlepreneur.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Project-targets-2.png\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n![\"Scrivener](\"https:\/\/kindlepreneur.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/project-targets-1.png\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/kindlepreneur.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/project-targets-3.png\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/kindlepreneur.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Corkboard-feature.png\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n![\"Scrivener](\"https:\/\/kindlepreneur.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Screen-Shot-2021-02-09-at-8.13.32-AM-1.png\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n![\"Scrivener](\"https:\/\/kindlepreneur.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Scrivenings.png\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/kindlepreneur.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/scrivener-512_medium-150x150.png\")
<\/strong><\/center><\/td>![\"\"](\"https:\/\/kindlepreneur.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/green-checkmark.png\")
<\/td>![\"atticus](\"https:\/\/kindlepreneur.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/atticus-icon-150.png\"){kind=icon}
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/kindlepreneur.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/microsoft-word-2013-logo-logo-png-transparent.png\"){kind=spacer}
<\/strong><\/center><\/td>![\"\"](\"https:\/\/kindlepreneur.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/google-docs-icon-png-2.png\"){kind=icon}
<\/strong><\/center><\/td>![\"\"](\"https:\/\/kindlepreneur.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/red-x-red-x-11563060665ltfumg5kvi-1-e1598347448417.png\")
<\/td>![\"\"](\"https:\/\/kindlepreneur.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/final-draft-150x150.png\")
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/kindlepreneur.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/Ulysses-Mac.png\")
<\/center><\/td>![\"Focus](\"https:\/\/kindlepreneur.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/FocusWriter-1.7.1-crack.png\")
<\/center><\/td>