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Head-to-head · Book Writing Software

Scrivener vs Novilot

  • Updated Sep 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 5 checks side by side
Higher score Scrivener #1 in Book Writing Software 8.9/10 From $23.99 · 30-day trial ✓ 0 of 5 features Visit Scrivener
Novilot #7 in Book Writing Software 6.9/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 4 of 5 features Visit Novilot

Scrivener leads on 0 checks, Novilot on 5, and 0 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 5 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.

Our verdict

  • Highest scoreScrivener · 8.9/10
  • Free planonly Novilot
  • Most featuresNovilot · 4 of 5

Scrivener scores higher on our rubric for book writing software: 8.9 against 6.9 out of 10; our editors rank them #1 and #7.

Novilot offers free plan; Scrivener doesn't. Novilot offers outlining tools; Scrivener doesn't publish it. Novilot offers manuscript formatting; Scrivener doesn't publish it. Novilot offers collaboration; Scrivener doesn't. Novilot offers revision history; Scrivener doesn't publish it.

Scrivener is the better fit for serious long-form authors. Novilot is the better fit for free writers needing continuity checks.

  • Scrivener fits best

    Serious long-form authors

  • Novilot fits best

    Free writers needing continuity checks

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Side by side

Feature Scrivener 8.9/10 Visit ↗ Novilot 6.9/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 8.9 6.9
Ranking #1 in Book Writing Software #7 in Book Writing Software
Best for Serious long-form authors Free writers needing continuity checks
Pricing model Paid Free
Starting price Not published Not published
Free plan — ✓ (best)
Free trial — —
Deployment Desktop, Mobile Cloud
Platforms macOS, Windows, iOS Web
Integrations 4 integrations 2 integrations
Features Scrivener 0/5 · Novilot 4/5
Outlining tools Not published ✓ (best)
Manuscript formatting Not published ✓ (best)
Cloud sync Not published Not published
Collaboration — ✓ (best)
Revision history Not published ✓ (best)
Specs
Supported platforms Not published web
Export formats extensive DOCX, EPUB, PDF, HTML, Markdown
Our review
Pros
  • 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.
  • Continuity audits flag contradictions across chapters.
  • Story Bible suggestions track characters, locations, and world details.
  • Exports manuscripts to DOCX, EPUB, PDF, HTML, and Markdown.
Cons
  • 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.
  • Web-only access limits offline and desktop workflows.
  • AI and other features use credits with a rolling 30-day allowance.
  • Cloud backup to Dropbox or GitHub is push-only, not two-way sync.
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 →

Novilot is a browser-based writing workspace for novelists who want planning, drafting, manuscript organization, and continuity support in one place. Its free plan includes manuscript writing and organization, a Story Bible, and Continuity…

Read the review →
  1. ScrivenerBook Writing Software 8.9From $23.99 · 30-day trial
  2. NovilotBook Writing Software 6.9Free plan

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.

  • Novilot — where it wins

    • Continuity audits flag contradictions across chapters.
    • Story Bible suggestions track characters, locations, and world details.
    • Exports manuscripts to DOCX, EPUB, PDF, HTML, and Markdown.

    Where it doesn't

    • Web-only access limits offline and desktop workflows.
    • AI and other features use credits with a rolling 30-day allowance.
    • Cloud backup to Dropbox or GitHub is push-only, not two-way sync.
  • Scrivener8.9/10 · From $23.99 · 30-day trial

    A deep, focused workspace for organizing, drafting, researching, and compiling long-form work.

    Visit ScrivenerFull verdict →
  • Novilot6.9/10 · Free plan

    A broad free writing workspace for novelists who need continuity checks.

    Visit NovilotFull verdict →

More comparisons

All book writing software comparisons → · Full ranking →

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Sep 2026

Last updated · How we research and update