Manuscript
Manuscript: A long-form writing app with story planning, AI editing, and book exports for Windows and macOS. Ranked #50 of 135 in Writing Apps by our editors (4.5/10); pricing: 7-day trial; best for desktop authors wanting AI editing and book formatting.
At a glance
- Editor score4.5 / 10
- Pricing7-day trial
- Best forDesktop authors wanting AI editing and book formatting
- Free planNo
- Paid from$79 one-time
- Publishing toolsYes
- Facts checked24 Sep 2026
Where it wins
- Organizes characters, settings, timelines, and lore in a story bible
- AI editing offers reviewable changes alongside prose analysis
- Exports EPUB, PDF, DOCX, and KDP-ready files with book formatting controls
Where it doesn't
- Runs only on Windows and macOS, with no mobile apps
- No collaboration or version history is verified
- The seven-day Pro trial is limited; there is no free plan
Our verdict on Manuscript
Manuscript brings long-form drafting and book preparation into a desktop app for novelists. Its distraction-free editor is paired with chapter and scene organization, a story bible for characters, locations, timelines, and lore, plus a visual plot board and guided templates. Writing goals, milestones, and progress tracking support authors who want to manage a project from planning through drafting. It is aimed at solo and small-scale authors who prefer a focused writing workspace over a general-purpose document editor.
Planning and revision are closely connected. Authors can reorder chapters and scenes, track their status, and use the plot board to map story structure. AI-assisted editing and analysis can suggest changes that remain reviewable, giving the author control over revisions rather than applying edits without a chance to inspect them. The story bible offers a place to keep continuity details alongside the manuscript. Together, these features suit writers managing a novel’s moving parts; readers seeking collaboration or verified version history may want to compare other options.
Publishing tools and pricing are central to the offer. According to the vendor’s pricing page, Pro costs $79 USD as a one-time payment for a lifetime license and includes publishing and export tools, AI editing and analysis, and story bible and plotting tools. A seven-day Pro trial is available without a credit card, but there is no free plan. Manuscript works offline, stores manuscripts locally, and exports EPUB, PDF, DOCX, and KDP-ready files. Formatting controls include trim size, margins, and front matter. The app is available for Windows and macOS, with email support and a 30-day refund period. Authors focused on desktop drafting through publication may find its scope a good fit; those needing mobile access should look elsewhere.
Your product? Our editors can test Manuscript in depth and publish a review, labelled as paid · from $149/mo →
Manuscript pricing
All 2 Manuscript plans and prices →
Manuscript fact sheet
| Free plan | No |
|---|---|
| Paid from | $79 one-time |
| Publishing tools | Yes |
| Real-time collaboration | Not verified |
| Version history | Not verified |
| Offline mode | Yes |
| Mobile apps | No |
| Export formats | Extensive |
| Free trial | 7 days · no card needed |
| Money-back guarantee | 30 days |
| Deployment | Desktop |
| Platforms | Windows, macOS |
| Support | |
| Built for | Solo, Small business (editorial estimate) |
| Pricing | 7-day trial (source) |
| Website | getmanuscript.app |
| Facts checked | 24 Sep 2026 |
Alternatives to Manuscript
- Final DraftA screenplay-focused toolkit with deep planning, production, revision, and collaboration features.9.4
- ScrivenerA structured workspace for drafting, organizing, and compiling long-form work.9.3
- CeltxScriptwriting and production planning for screenwriters working with collaborators.9.2
See all Manuscript alternatives →
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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