Head-to-head · Book Writing Software
Scrivener vs LivingWriter
Scrivener leads on 0 checks, LivingWriter on 2, and 0 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 2 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.
Our verdict
- Highest scoreScrivener · 9.4/10
- Free planonly LivingWriter
- Free trialboth
- Most featuresLivingWriter · 1 of 5
Scrivener scores higher on our rubric for book writing software: 9.4 against 8.7 out of 10; our editors rank them #1 and #6.
LivingWriter offers free plan; Scrivener doesn't. LivingWriter offers collaboration; Scrivener doesn't.
Scrivener is the better fit for serious long-form authors. LivingWriter is the better fit for AI-assisted writers seeking broad tools.
- Scrivener fits best
Serious long-form authors
- LivingWriter fits best
AI-assisted writers seeking broad tools
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Side by side
| Feature | Scrivener 9.4/10 Visit ↗ | LivingWriter 8.7/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | 9.4 | 8.7 |
| Ranking | #1 in Book Writing Software | #6 in Book Writing Software |
| Best for | Serious long-form authors | AI-assisted writers seeking broad tools |
| Pricing model | Paid | Free plan + paid |
| Starting price | $23.99 one-time | — |
| Free plan | — | ✓ (best) |
| Free trial | 30 days | 7 days |
| Free trial length | 30 days | 7 days |
| Deployment | Desktop, Mobile | Cloud, Desktop, Mobile |
| Platforms | macOS, Windows, iOS | Web, Windows, macOS, iOS, Android |
| Integrations | 4 integrations | 2 integrations |
| Features Scrivener 0/5 · LivingWriter 1/5 | ||
| Outlining tools | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Manuscript formatting | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Cloud sync | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Collaboration | — | ✓ (best) |
| Revision history | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Specs | ||
| Supported platforms | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Export formats | extensive | extensive |
| Our review | ||
| Pros |
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| Cons |
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| Our verdict | Scrivener is a long-form writing application for novelists, screenwriters, academics, journalists, and other writers managing substantial projects. Its binder-style structure lets authors divide work into sections, folders, and subfolders,… Read the review → |
LivingWriter is a cloud-based writing application for authors, screenwriters, novelists, students, and professionals who want one workspace for drafting, planning, research, and manuscript organization. Its editor supports chapters and… Read the review → |
Strengths and trade-offs
Scrivener — where it wins
- Binder, corkboard, outliner, and folder views organize complex manuscripts.
- Research, snapshots, targets, backups, and progress tracking stay with the project.
- Compiles manuscripts, screenplays, and ebooks into extensive export formats.
Where it doesn't
- No Google Docs-style real-time collaboration is provided.
- Separate perpetual licences are required for macOS, Windows, and iOS.
- Availability is limited to macOS, Windows, and iOS.
LivingWriter — where it wins
- Free plan includes a full editor, PDF export, and 3 AI requests monthly
- Planning boards, revision history, autosave, and cloud synchronization
- Exports to DOCX, PDF, EPUB, print, and Amazon KDP
Where it doesn't
- Free plan supports one manuscript and up to 25,000 words
- Free plan limits AI use to 3 requests per month
- Offline mode is not available
- Scrivener9.4/10 · 30-day trial
A deep, focused workspace for organizing, drafting, researching, and compiling long-form work.
Visit ScrivenerFull verdict → - LivingWriter8.7/10 · Free plan · 7-day trial
A broad, AI-assisted writing workspace with planning, collaboration, and publishing tools.
Visit LivingWriterFull verdict →
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All book writing software comparisons → · Full ranking →
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Last updated · How we research and update