{"id":32935,"date":"2023-11-03T12:31:42","date_gmt":"2023-11-03T12:31:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/kindlepreneur.com\/?p=32935"},"modified":"2024-01-08T20:06:00","modified_gmt":"2024-01-08T20:06:00","slug":"fictionary-review","status":"publish","type":"review","link":"https:\/\/kindlepreneur.com\/fictionary-review\/","title":{"rendered":"Fictionary Review 2024: Pricing, Pros, Cons and My Experience"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Welcome to my comprehensive Fictionary review! This is a review for any writer or editor looking for a software tool to help improve the structure and overall quality of your manuscript.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In this review, I will dive deep into Fictionary \u2013 a web-based editing software that offers a unique approach to developmental editing. I will explore its features, pricing, and how it compares to other popular editing tools, like ProWritingAid.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But spoiler alert, here\u2019s my bottom line: I recommend Fictionary for any author (especially newer authors) who want additional insights into the overall structure of their novel. It is not a proofreading tool like ProWritingAid, but meant to complement such tools.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you want more details on why I made this decision, read on\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\nIn this article, you will learn:\n
    \n
  1. What Fictionary is<\/li>\n
  2. How much it costs<\/li>\n
  3. My experience using Fictionary<\/li>\n
  4. What I liked and didn\u2019t like about it<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    I included Fictionary as a bonus item on my list of best proofreading software<\/a>, and you might want to know why it's a bonus instead of a ranked item on that list. Visit the comparison post, or keep reading to learn more.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Disclaimer: Some of the links on this page are affiliate links, but this does not influence my decisions, and every bit goes to the Kindlepreneur coffee fund.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    What Qualifies Me to Talk About Fictionary?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    So I've been writing for many years, and writing professionally through both my books, Kindlepreneur, my other websites, and other forms of employment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    I've been using editing software for all of that time. And I've seen all of the different types, from regular proofreaders to more structural editors like Fictionary.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Additionally, for this review, I tested Fictionary and a ton of other tools to really understand which was the best, and to understand the intricacies that make make a program like Fictionary more appropriate for some, while another program like ProWritingAid or Grammarly might be better for others.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Plus, before I put together this review, I reached out to Kindlepreneur's audience to get a general overview of what they thought was the best editing software<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    So with that in mind, let's dive in to the meat of the review.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    What is Fictionary?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    Fictionary is a web-based editing software designed to simplify the editing process for writers and professional editors. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Created by Kristina and Mathew Stanley, it offers a scene-by-scene framework to evaluate and improve novels using the 38 Fictionary Story Elements. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Available in two versions, StoryTeller for writers and StoryCoach for editors, the software enables users to identify and address issues in their manuscripts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Unlike other editing software, Fictionary focuses on high-level editing rather than grammar and spelling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    This is how I like to think about it:<\/em><\/strong> Fictionary is to tools like ProWritingAid<\/a> and Grammarly<\/a>, what developmental editing is to proofreading. <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    It\u2019s no secret that I recommend ProWritingAid as my #1 editing tool, but thankfully Fictionary is not a true competitor. It focuses on a completely different side of editing.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    So it\u2019s not one or the other, it\u2019s both!<\/p>\n\n\n\r\n

    \r\n
    \r\n
    \r\n
    \r\n \r\n \r\n <\/i>\r\n \r\n
    <\/div>\r\n \r\n \"Atticus\r\n \r\n <\/a> <\/div>\r\n <\/div>\r\n \r\n
    \r\n \r\n

    Formatting Has Never Been Easier<\/h3>\r\n <\/a>\r\n \r\n

    Write and format professional books with ease. \u00a0Never before has creating formatted books been easier.<\/p>\n Click here to see it in action<\/a> <\/div>\r\n\r\n <\/div>\r\n<\/section>\r\n\r\n\n\n\n

    How Does Fictionary Work?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Upon uploading a document, Fictionary breaks it down into chapters and scenes, identifying characters, points of view<\/a>, and major elements. The interface allows users to make edits, such as adding or removing characters, changing points of view, and adjusting word counts<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    It also generates graphs and reports to help writers analyze their work and align it with the recommended story arc.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Additionally, it provides “master class” lessons through email, featuring videos and PDFs covering various aspects of storytelling. While the software provides a structured approach to editing, it is ultimately a tool that depends on the skill and effort of the user. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Fictionary will guide you more than tell you what to do\/change, and this may be a good thing. It lets you learn more about building plot, characters, and setting on your own, by walking you through the process and helping you to visualize it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Pricing: How Much Does Fictionary Cost?<\/h2>\n\n\n
    \n
    \"fictionary<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

    Fictionary is a subscription-based service, offering monthly or annual payment options. There are three pricing tiers with monthly or annual rates:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      \n
    1. Storyteller:<\/strong> $19\/month or $14\/month with annual billing<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    2. Storyteller Premium:<\/strong> $29\/month or $21.58\/month with annual billing<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    3. StoryCoach: <\/strong>$49\/month or $33.25\/month with annual billing (editors only)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

      Is there a free version of Fictionary?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

      There is not a free version of Fictionary, but you can try the tool out for a 14-day free trial, which should be plenty of time to test it out and see if it\u2019s right for you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      But Fictionary IS offering a special 25% discount on monthly and annual plans for 12 months for those who use the code KINDLE25<\/strong> at check out. So definitely check that offer out!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Learn More About Fictionary Here<\/a><\/center>\n\n\n\n

      My Experience With Fictionary<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

      I was lucky enough to get my hands on a StoryTeller Premium version of Fictionary and spent a lot of time playing with the tool, uploading some of my books that I\u2019m currently working on, and becoming intimately familiar with all of its features.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      And believe me, it\u2019s got some good ones. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

      The following are a few of my thoughts around some of the features I encountered, what I did and didn\u2019t like about them, and how they compare to other editing platforms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Document Importing<\/h3>\n\n\n
      \n
      \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

      When you start out in Fictionary, you are prompted to either start a new manuscript from scratch, or import a new one. I chose the latter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      I've had some issues with other tools when it comes to importing book documents, so I was pleasantly surprised by how smooth the process was with Fictionary. It wasn't perfect, of course, but it was better than what I've experienced elsewhere.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      It managed to keep my formatting mostly intact and didn't lose any content, which was a nice change of pace. It's the little things like that which can make a difference when you're trying to focus on your writing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Tutorials<\/h3>\n\n\n
      \n
      \"Fictionary<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

      Fictionary really won me over with their tutorials and educational documentation. Instead of leaving you to figure everything out, they've got these helpful tutorials that guide you through the tool, and a lot of videos as well. Don\u2019t skip watching these videos!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Fictionary might have seemed a bit overwhelming if it weren\u2019t for all of this documentation, but I can gladly say I never felt lost, specifically because of all the guides.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      The documentation they provide is pretty thorough, too. It covers everything you need to know, so you don't feel lost or overwhelmed. They've definitely put some thought into making it an enjoyable experience for writers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Ease of Use and Design<\/h3>\n\n\n
      \n
      \"Fictionary<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

      I think this is worth mentioning. My initial impressions on the design of the tool were that everything looked clean and well designed. I'm sure you've come across tools that have cluttered interfaces and are just not fun to use, right? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Well, Fictionary didn't give me that vibe at all.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      It's clear that they've gone to great lengths to make sure the software doesn't feel overwhelming. I\u2019ve already mentioned the documentation, but also the layout is intuitive, and it's easy to find what you're looking for. Plus, the color scheme and fonts are easy on the eyes, which I genuinely appreciate as someone who stares at a screen all day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Cast of Characters<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

      Right after I imported my manuscript, the Cast of Characters features was one of the first things the software showed me. It automatically listed all my characters, which was pretty neat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      What I really liked about this feature was that it allowed me to pick my protagonist, make sure all my other character names<\/a> were accurate, and then it automatically discovers which scenes those characters are in, to help you get a clear picture of how balanced a scene is (or isn\u2019t) for those characters.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      It was at this point that I was really starting to pay attention to what Fictionary has going on here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Evaluate (The Reason You\u2019re Here)<\/h3>\n\n\n
      \n
      \"Fictionary<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

      The main feature of Fictionary can be found in the “Evaluate” tab, which presents your manuscript to you, along with a large panel on the right.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      That large panel is where the magic happens.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      However, there is a lot of work that needs to happen at this stage. Fictionary can only auto-populate so much of this material, meaning that you, the author, will need to walk through each scene and fill out all of this information.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      This is not a bad thing. This means that you will be prompted on certain aspects of your writing that you can improve. Perhaps you will find that you don't have character goals in each scene, for example.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      The section is divided into three main areas:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        \n
      1. Character<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      2. Plot<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      3. Setting<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

        And here are some of the prompts you will be given in each section, that you will fill out for each scene.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        1. Character<\/h4>\n\n\n\n