Uncovering the Best True Novelist Alternatives for Writers

True Novelist provides a comprehensive online platform for authors to craft their novels, organize story elements, track progress, set goals, and manage research. While it offers a robust set of features for dedicated writers, many users seek True Novelist alternative solutions that might better fit their specific workflow, budget, or preferred operating system. This guide explores some of the top contenders that offer similar, and sometimes even enhanced, capabilities for your next literary masterpiece.

Top True Novelist Alternatives

Whether you're looking for a free, open-source solution, a powerful desktop application, or a web-based tool with collaborative features, this list of True Novelist alternatives has something for every writer. Dive in to discover the perfect tool to bring your story to life.

Scrivener

Scrivener is a highly regarded True Novelist alternative, often considered the gold standard for long-form writing. Available as a freemium model ($$$) across Mac, Windows, iPhone, iPad, PlayOnLinux (PlayOnMac), and Wine, it acts as a versatile typewriter, ring-binder, and scrapbook all in one. Key features like Corkboard, Character database, Scene Management, Distraction-free writing, Document compiler, and export options to Word, ePub, and PDF make it an incredibly powerful tool for organizing complex narratives, similar to True Novelist but with a more integrated approach to project management.

Manuskript

Manuskript stands out as an excellent free and open-source True Novelist alternative for writers on Mac, Windows, and Linux. It offers a comprehensive suite of tools including an outliner, character management, plot development, and a distraction-free editor. Its robust features like Tracking of characters, Tracking of locations, Tracking of plots, Visual timeline, and Export to ePub/PDF make it a strong competitor, especially for those seeking a no-cost, highly customizable solution.

Bear

Bear is a beautiful and flexible writing app, perfect as a True Novelist alternative for note-taking and prose, especially for users on Mac, iPhone, and iPad (Freemium, $$$). While not exclusively a novel writing tool, its strong Markdown support, Cloud sync, Encryption, Notetaking, and Tags features make it ideal for research, brainstorming, and drafting smaller sections of a novel, offering a distraction-free environment for focused writing.

Hemingway Editor

For writers focused on refining their prose, Hemingway Editor (Commercial, $$$) is an excellent True Novelist alternative available on Mac, Windows, and Web. This app specializes in making your writing bold and clear by highlighting common errors like wordy sentences, adverbs, and passive voice. Its features, including Automated proofreading, Distraction-free UI, Grammar check, and Writing assistance, complement any novel writing process by improving readability and clarity.

Ulysses

Ulysses is a powerful text editor for creative writers, serving as a strong True Novelist alternative for Mac, iPhone, and iPad users (Commercial). It offers an integrated environment with MarkDown support, Distraction-free writing, Brainstorming tools, and seamless Sync with iCloud. Its ability to export to ePub and PDF makes it a complete solution for authors looking for a streamlined and elegant writing experience.

bibisco

bibisco is a novel writing software available as a freemium and open-source True Novelist alternative for Linux, MacOS, and Windows. It simplifies the novel writing process with features like Character development, Novel planning, Timeline, Distraction free writing, and Scene Management. Its portability and export options to Word, ePub, and PDF make it a versatile choice for authors seeking structured support for their story.

Gingko

Gingko offers a unique approach to writing and organizing ideas, making it an interesting web-based True Novelist alternative (Freemium, SaaS). Its tree-document structure allows for natural idea flow, supporting Brainstorming, Collaborative writing, Document structure management, and Real time collaboration. With Markdown support and export to LaTeX, Gingko is ideal for writers who think visually and need a flexible outlining tool.

Quoll Writer

Quoll Writer is a free and open-source True Novelist alternative for Windows, designed to help writers focus on their words with a clean, uncluttered interface. It's rich in features, including a powerful Outliner, Distraction free writing, Story Management, and Writing statistics. Its export capabilities to ePub and PDF, along with writing assistance and suggestions, make it a robust choice for serious novelists.

TextMaker

TextMaker, part of SoftMaker Office, is a Microsoft Word-compatible word processor that can serve as a functional True Novelist alternative. Available as a freemium offering for Windows, Linux, Windows Mobile, Android, and Android Tablet, it provides essential word processing features like Autocompletion and the ability to export to ePub and PDF, making it suitable for drafting and formatting your novel.

Byword

Byword is a commercial True Novelist alternative ($$$) designed to make writing more enjoyable with Markdown on your Mac, iPhone, and iPad. It emphasizes a distraction-free writing environment, offering features like Dropbox integration and Grammar check. While simpler than full-fledged novel-writing software, it's excellent for focused drafting and quick note-taking related to your novel.

Exploring these True Novelist alternative options allows you to find the software that perfectly aligns with your writing style, organizational needs, and platform preferences. Each tool offers unique strengths, so consider which features are most critical to your creative process before making your choice.