15 Best Free and Paid Story Writing Apps Recommended by Professional Authors

The best story writing apps recommended by professional authors are Scrivener (best for complex novel structuring), Ulysses (best for distraction-free Apple-ecosystem writing), Dabble (best cloud-based plotting), and Reedsy Book Editor (best free formatting tool). While general word processors like Microsoft Word suffice for basic drafting, modern authors leverage dedicated story writing software to manage complex plots, character arcs, world-building bibles, and professional manuscript formatting. Choosing the right tool depends on your operating system, planning style (plotter vs. pantser), and budget.

Writing a novel, screenplay, or short story is a monumental task that requires more than just a blank digital page. It demands organization, focus, and structural integrity. In the modern publishing landscape, professional writers rely on specialized software to streamline their creative workflows, track character development, and compile publication-ready manuscripts. Whether you are an aspiring novelist drafting your first chapter or an established author managing a multi-book series, finding the perfect tool is essential to your productivity.

To help you navigate the crowded market of literary software, we have analyzed, tested, and compiled the definitive list of the 15 best free and paid story writing apps. Many of these tools are used daily by the professional team at Collins Ghostwriting to deliver polished, industry-standard manuscripts for clients worldwide.

Quick Comparison of the Top Story Writing Apps

Before diving into the detailed reviews of each application, here is a high-level overview of how the top story writing apps compare in terms of pricing, platform availability, and core strengths.

App Name	Price Model	Supported Platforms	Best For
Scrivener	Paid (One-time license)	macOS, Windows, iOS	Complex novel structuring and deep research management
Ulysses	Paid (Subscription)	macOS, iOS	Distraction-free writing and Apple ecosystem integration
Dabble	Paid (Subscription)	Web, macOS, Windows, iOS, Android	Cloud-based plotting and NaNoWriMo tracking
Plottr	Paid (Subscription or Lifetime)	macOS, Windows, iOS, Android	Visual outline generation and character timeline mapping
Wavemaker	Free	Web, PWA (Cross-platform)	Free visual plotting and offline database management
Reedsy Book Editor	Free	Web	Ebook formatting, typesetting, and direct export
LivingWriter	Paid (Subscription)	Web, macOS, Windows, iOS, Android	Modern cloud-based novel writing with smart templates
Novlr	Free & Paid tiers	Web, Desktop (Offline support)	Minimalist writing interface with integrated writing analytics
FocusWriter	Free (Donationware)	Windows, Linux, macOS	Complete distraction-free drafting with customizable themes
Atticus	Paid (One-time purchase)	Web (Cross-platform)	All-in-one writing, plotting, and professional formatting
ProWritingAid	Free & Paid tiers	Web, Desktop, Browser Extension	Deep-dive stylistic editing and grammar analysis
Bibisco	Free & Paid tiers	Windows, macOS, Linux	Character-driven novel planning and world-building bibles
Milanote	Free & Paid tiers	Web, macOS, Windows, iOS, Android	Visual storyboarding, mood boards, and organic plotting
Google Docs	Free	Web, iOS, Android	Real-time collaboration and cloud-accessible drafting
GitBook	Free & Paid tiers	Web	Highly structured, wiki-style world-building and documentation

Deep-Dive Reviews: The Best Paid Story Writing Apps

Paid story writing applications typically offer advanced features such as offline databases, complex metadata tagging, timeline builders, and professional compilation engines. These tools are designed for authors who require robust systems to manage extensive creative projects.

1. Scrivener: The Industry Standard for Novelists

Created by Literature & Latte, Scrivener is widely regarded as the gold standard for long-form writing. Unlike traditional linear word processors, Scrivener allows you to break your manuscript into small, manageable chunks—such as scenes or chapters—and rearrange them using a drag-and-drop virtual corkboard.

• Key Features: Corkboard view, split-screen editor, metadata tagging, target word count trackers, and a powerful “Compile” engine that formats your draft for EPUB, PDF, or paperback.
• Pros: Unrivaled organization capabilities; no internet connection required; one-time purchase fee rather than a recurring subscription.
• Cons: Steep learning curve; the interface can feel overwhelming for beginners; sync between macOS and Windows requires third-party cloud services like Dropbox.

2. Ulysses: The Ultimate Apple-Ecosystem Editor

For writers who operate exclusively within the Apple ecosystem, Ulysses offers an elegant, markdown-based environment. It strips away visual clutter, leaving you with a clean editor that synchronizes seamlessly across Mac, iPad, and iPhone via iCloud.

• Key Features: Markdown XL syntax, unified library, built-in proofreader, export to PDF, DOCX, and EPUB, and direct publishing to WordPress and Medium.
• Pros: Stunningly beautiful, distraction-free interface; flawless cloud syncing; excellent organization using nested folders and keywords.
• Cons: Available only on Apple devices; subscription-only pricing model which some writers dislike.

3. Dabble: The Modern, Cloud-Based Scrivener Alternative

If you love the organizational structure of Scrivener but prefer the modern, web-accessible nature of Google Docs, Dabble is the perfect middle ground. It features a clean interface with a built-in “Plot Grid” that helps you track multiple storylines, character arcs, and subplots visually.

• Key Features: Drag-and-drop Plot Grid, automatic cloud syncing, distraction-free fade-out mode, goal tracking, and character/world-building folders.
• Pros: Works on any device with a web browser; offline writing capabilities with auto-sync; gentle learning curve compared to Scrivener.
• Cons: Requires a monthly or annual subscription; lacks advanced compiler formatting options for print-on-demand publishing.

4. Plottr: The Premier Visual Story Outliner

While not a traditional word processor, Plottr is an indispensable tool for visual planners. It allows you to build color-coded timelines, outline scenes, organize character profiles, and structure your narrative using established story templates like the Hero’s Journey or the Three-Act Structure.

• Key Features: Interactive timeline, character sheets, custom world-building templates, and seamless integration with writing apps like Scrivener and Microsoft Word.
• Pros: Highly visual and intuitive; excellent for series planning; exports directly to Scrivener projects.
• Cons: You cannot write your full manuscript directly inside the app; it is strictly an outlining and planning tool.

5. LivingWriter: Smart Templates and Cloud Convenience

LivingWriter is a modern web application tailored specifically for storytellers. It features a sidebar that displays your story elements, outlines, and notes right next to your active manuscript, ensuring you never lose track of a character’s eye color or a plot point while drafting.

• Key Features: Outlining boards, smart character auto-complete, pre-made story templates (e.g., Save the Cat!), and real-time co-authoring.
• Pros: Very user-friendly interface; great mobile companion apps; excellent automatic backups.
• Cons: Subscription costs can add up over time; relies heavily on an active internet connection for the best experience.

6. Atticus: The All-in-One Writing and Formatting Powerhouse

Atticus is a relatively new player in the market, designed to compete with both Scrivener (for writing) and Vellum (for formatting). It allows authors to write their books and immediately format them into gorgeous, professional print and ebooks without needing to hire an expensive typesetter.

• Key Features: Built-in book formatting templates, custom chapter themes, word count goal tracking, and cross-platform web-based accessibility.
• Pros: One-time purchase fee with lifetime updates; produces industry-standard, print-ready PDFs and EPUBs; works on Windows, Mac, Linux, and Chromebooks.
• Cons: The writing editor is somewhat basic compared to Scrivener; requires an internet connection to load the app.

Deep-Dive Reviews: The Best Free Story Writing Apps

For budget-conscious authors or those just starting their writing journey, free story writing apps offer remarkable functionality without any financial commitment. Many of these tools rival paid software in terms of usability and design.

7. Wavemaker: The Ultimate Free, Cross-Platform Outliner

Wavemaker is a progressive web app (PWA) built specifically for novel writing. It features a suite of planning tools, including a virtual corkboard, a mind-mapping tool, a timeline builder, and a database cards system to organize your research.

• Key Features: Snowflake method tool, grid planner, mind maps, database cards, and Google Drive backup integration.
• Pros: 100% free with no hidden paywalls; works offline; can be installed on virtually any device.
• Cons: The interface looks slightly dated; manual syncing to Google Drive is required to prevent data loss.

8. Reedsy Book Editor: Free Professional Typesetting

The Reedsy Book Editor is a powerful, web-based tool that allows you to write, edit, and format your book simultaneously. It is designed to take the headache out of self-publishing by automatically managing margins, page numbers, and tables of contents.

• Key Features: Distraction-free editor, real-time collaboration with professional editors, automated typesetting, and instant export to clean EPUB and PDF files.
• Pros: Completely free to use; produces beautiful, professional-grade book files; perfect for authors planning to upload directly to Amazon KDP or IngramSpark.
• Cons: Limited custom design options for interior layout; requires an active internet connection.

9. FocusWriter: Zero-Distraction Drafting

FocusWriter is a lightweight, open-source word processor designed to hide everything except your words. By utilizing a hide-away interface, it blocks out notifications, desktop icons, and system menus, allowing you to enter a state of deep flow.

• Key Features: Customizable background themes, typewriter sound effects, daily word count goals, and basic writing statistics.
• Pros: Completely free; runs smoothly on older computers; excellent for raw drafting phases where formatting is not required.
• Cons: No organizational features for chapters or scenes; does not support complex plotting or research management.

10. Bibisco: Deep Character Development and World-Building

Bibisco is a desktop application designed around the philosophy that great stories are driven by great characters. It guides you through a comprehensive interview process for each of your characters, helping you understand their psychology, physical traits, and personal histories before you write a single scene.

• Key Features: Character interview templates, geographic and object tracking, narrative strand analysis, and scene-by-scene sequencing.
• Pros: The community edition is free forever; outstanding character development framework; offline desktop storage.
• Cons: Advanced features (like global search and timeline views) require a one-time upgrade to the Supporters Edition.

11. Milanote: Visual Storyboarding and Mood Boards

Milanote is a highly visual tool that feels like a digital whiteboard. While it is used across various creative industries, authors find it incredibly valuable for building character mood boards, mapping out complex mystery plots, and organizing visual research.

• Key Features: Infinite canvas, drag-and-drop cards, image integration, web clipper, and collaborative boards.
• Pros: Highly intuitive and visually satisfying; great for visual thinkers and pantsers who need organic planning spaces.
• Cons: The free plan limits the number of cards you can use; not designed for writing full-length manuscripts.

12. Google Docs: The King of Real-Time Collaboration

While Google Docs is a general word processor, its reliability, accessibility, and real-time collaboration features make it a staple for many professional authors, co-writers, and editors.

• Key Features: Real-time co-editing, version history, voice typing, cloud storage, and a robust library of add-ons.
• Pros: Free, incredibly reliable, and accessible from any device; seamless sharing with beta readers and editors.
• Cons: Lacks specialized novel-writing features like corkboards, character sheets, and complex manuscript compiling.

Hybrid and Specialized Writing Tools

Some tools do not fit neatly into a single category but are essential components of a professional author’s software suite. These applications assist with stylistic editing, visual world-building, and cloud-based minimalist drafting.

13. Novlr: The Aesthetic Writer’s Choice

Novlr is a beautifully designed, minimalist writing platform that offers integrated writing courses, advanced analytics, and automatic cloud backups. It provides a serene writing space that encourages consistent daily progress.

• Key Features: Dark/light/sepia themes, automatic offline saving, writing goals, and grammar integration.
• Pros: Beautiful aesthetic; excellent progress tracking; built by writers for writers.
• Cons: Requires a subscription for full access, though they offer a generous free tier.

14. ProWritingAid: Your Virtual Developmental Editor

ProWritingAid is more than just a spell checker; it is a comprehensive developmental and stylistic analysis tool. It generates detailed reports on pacing, transition words, sensory details, and repetitive sentence structures to help you polish your manuscript before submission.

• Key Features: Over 20 distinct writing reports, real-time grammar suggestions, plagiarism checking, and direct integration with Scrivener, Word, and Google Docs.
• Pros: Incredibly detailed stylistic feedback; helps you learn and improve your writing style over time.
• Cons: The free tier is limited; premium licenses can be expensive for hobbyist writers.

15. GitBook: Wiki-Style World Building

For fantasy and sci-fi authors who require extensive world-building bibles, GitBook is an unconventional but highly effective tool. It allows you to organize your lore, magic systems, histories, and character genealogies into a searchable, nested document structure.

• Key Features: Markdown support, nested page hierarchies, powerful search, and collaborative editing.
• Pros: Clean, modern interface; perfect for managing massive, complex fictional universes.
• Cons: Designed primarily for software documentation, so there is a slight learning curve for creative writers.

How Professional Authors Choose Their Writing Software

Every writer’s creative process is unique, meaning there is no single “best” tool that works for everyone. When selecting your story writing software, consider the following key factors:

1. Plotter vs. Pantser Methodology

If you are a Plotter (someone who outlines every scene before writing), tools like Plottr, Scrivener, and Dabble are invaluable. They allow you to visualize your narrative structure and move blocks of text around easily. If you are a Pantser (someone who writes by the seat of their pants), you may prefer minimalist, distraction-free environments like Ulysses, FocusWriter, or Google Docs that let you focus purely on the flow of prose.

2. Device Ecosystem and Portability

Do you write exclusively at a desktop computer, or do you draft ideas on your phone during your daily commute? If you need to switch between devices seamlessly, cloud-based apps like Dabble, LivingWriter, or Google Docs are your best options. If you prefer working locally without relying on an internet connection, desktop programs like Scrivener or Bibisco offer superior offline stability.

3. Self-Publishing vs. Traditional Publishing Routes

If you plan to self-publish, you will need to format your final manuscript for retail platforms. Software like Atticus and the Reedsy Book Editor save you hours of formatting work by exporting clean, professional EPUB and PDF files directly. If you are pursuing traditional publishing, you simply need a tool that can export to a standard double-spaced Microsoft Word (.docx) file, which almost all apps support.

Real-Time Google Search Queries & Author FAQs

What is the best app for writing a book for beginners?

For beginners, Dabble or Reedsy Book Editor are highly recommended. They offer clean, user-friendly interfaces that do not require tutorials to master, unlike Scrivener, which has a steeper learning curve.

Can I write a novel entirely on a free app?

Absolutely. Many bestselling authors have written novels using free tools like Google Docs, Wavemaker, or Reedsy Book Editor. The quality of your writing depends on your dedication and skill, not the price of your software.

Is Scrivener worth the money?

Yes, for most serious novelists, Scrivener is well worth the one-time purchase price. Its ability to hold research materials, character sheets, outlines, and multiple drafts within a single project file is unmatched by standard word processors.

Finding Your Perfect Creative Flow

Ultimately, the best story writing app is the one that gets you to write. Whether you prefer the visual timelines of Plottr, the distraction-free elegance of Ulysses, or the robust compilation tools of Scrivener, your software should support—not hinder—your creative process. Don’t hesitate to take advantage of free trials to test-drive these platforms before committing. Happy writing!