Reedsy Studioreedsy.com
FreemiumFree browser-based planning, writing, collaboration & pro formatting.
Web
Atticus alternatives
24 writing & drafting tools for self-published authors, similar to Atticus. Compare pricing and platforms, then pick what fits your workflow.
Vellumvellum.pub
One-timePremium Mac-only formatting (and light writing) producing polished ebook/print files.
Mac
Adobe InDesignadobe.com
SubscriptionIndustry-standard layout for complex print interiors.
MacWindows
Affinity Publisheraffinity.serif.com
One-timeOne-time-purchase InDesign alternative for layout.
MacWindows
BookWright (Blurb)blurb.com
FreeFree design software for photo/visual books.
MacWindows
Calibrecalibre-ebook.com
FreeFree open-source ebook management & format conversion.
Open sourceMacWindowsLinux
Campfirecampfirewriting.com
FreemiumModular worldbuilding + writing; pay only for the 18 modules you use.
WebMacWindowsMobile
Dabbledabblewriter.com
SubscriptionCloud novel-writing app with Plot Grid, goal tracking, drag-drop scenes.
WebMacWindows
diybooktemplates.comdiybooktemplates.com
PaidPro Word-based formatting templates.
FastPencilfastpencil.com
FreeBrowser-based writing + publishing platform.
Web
Final Draftfinaldraft.com
One-timeIndustry-standard screenwriting software with beat board.
MacWindows
FocusWritergottcode.org
FreeFree distraction-free full-screen writing app.
MacWindowsLinux
Google Docsdocs.google.com
FreeFree cloud word processor; best-in-class collaboration for editors/beta readers.
Web
Jutohjutoh.com
One-timeAffordable cross-platform ebook creation software.
MacWindowsLinux
Kindle Createamazon.com
FreeFree Amazon tool for Kindle ebook formatting.
MacWindows
Laterpresslaterpress.com
FreeFiction editor where outline/worldbuilding live inside the editor and power AI generation.
AIWeb
LivingWriterlivingwriter.com
SubscriptionCloud writing with genre templates (Save the Cat, Hero's Journey) + story-element tracking.
Web
Manuskriptmanuskript.it
FreeFree open-source tool supporting the Snowflake outlining method.
Open sourceMacWindowsLinux
Microsoft Wordmicrosoft.com
SubscriptionIndustry-standard word processor; most trad-pub novelists draft here.
Novelcrafternovelcrafter.com
SubscriptionCodex story-bible platform; connect your own LLM (OpenAI/Claude/Gemini via OpenRouter).
AIWeb
NovelMagenovelmage.com
One-timeOffline-capable novelist app with local AI (Ollama/LM Studio) and lifetime license.
AIDesktop
Novlrnovlr.org
SubscriptionClean cloud novel-writing tool with habit/progress tracking; writer-owned.
Web
Plottrplottr.com
SubscriptionVisual timeline/outlining and series-bible software; 40+ story templates; "no AI."
AIWebMacWindowsMobile
Pressbookspressbooks.com
SubscriptionWeb publishing tool for print + digital, strong for educational/nonfiction.
Web