Ellipsus review
Ellipsus links collaborative fiction drafts with comments, version tools, and AO3 publishing.
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Ellipsus gives authors, editors, co-authors, and beta readers a shared browser-based workspace for writing and revising stories. Its focus is collaborative fiction: documents can be shared through links with role-based permissions, and collaborators can edit in real time, comment, and chat. Connected drafts let writers compare versions side by side and merge changes, while version history supports comparison and restoration. Writers can also organize documents in folders, export and download them, and publish to Archive of Our Own (AO3). Giphy is another listed integration. The product is web-only, with no offline mode or mobile apps currently available, so it suits teams comfortable working in a browser more than writers who need to draft offline or on native mobile apps.
The free plan includes unlimited documents, drafts, collaborators, syncing, and sharing, making it practical for groups that want shared drafting without a subscription. Ellipsus Plus is offered in three forms: the monthly plan is $6 per month for 24 payments, with Plus features available immediately; the annual plan is $60 per year for two annual payments, which count toward ownership of the Plus license; and the one-time license costs $99 for perpetual Plus access. These are distinct payment paths rather than simply monthly and annual renewals: writers considering Plus should weigh the payment commitments against whether they want ongoing access or a perpetual license. A 7-day free trial is also offered.
The strongest reason to choose Ellipsus is its connected revision workflow, which combines comparison and merging with comments, chat, and version restoration in one collaborative space. AO3 publishing adds a direct path from drafting to sharing fiction with that community. That focus is narrower than an offline-capable writing setup: the browser-only platform and lack of offline syncing may not suit writers who need to work without internet access or prefer mobile apps. Pick Ellipsus for browser-based teams developing shared stories; consider another writing app if offline work or native mobile access is essential.
Ellipsus pros and cons
- Where it wins
- Free plan includes unlimited documents, drafts, collaborators, and sharing
- Connected drafts support side-by-side comparison and merging
- Collaborators can comment, chat, and publish to Archive of Our Own
- Where it doesn't
- Browser-based access; native apps are planned, not currently available
- No offline mode or offline syncing
- Plus monthly ownership requires 24 payments
Ellipsus fact sheet, pricing and score →
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