My Love-Hate Relationship With Scrivener
Hello, Writers!
There’s more to writing a book than putting words on paper or to digital memory. Regardless of the genre of your book, you will need to go through a similar set of steps before you publish your book. To do this, you will need a tool. When I first started writing, I started off using Word. Using a word processing programme was difficult. I had to format the document correctly from the first moment I typed my first word. This led me to use scriptwriting software when I first started writing screenplays. And later on, Scrivener*, a few years after I started writing fiction. It got a tonne of rave reviews from other well-respected authors, so I downloaded it to try.
Fast forward 18 months, and I’ve developed a love-hate relationship with Scrivener. I would like to add my relationship is more love than hate. When I first started out using Scrivener, I did find the software difficult to use. I’m not the type of person who loves reading instructions. I prefer to learn through experience. Here is my list of the pros and cons of using Scrivener.
The Pro’s
I’ve discovered there are more pros than cons to using Scrivener. I’m a “the glass is half full” type of woman, which is why I’m starting with the benefits of using scrivener.
So, let’s get started.
The Price Point
Scrivener is one of the cheapest writing software around at $45.00 (USD) or £37.41 for the ‘Mac OS X’ edition. It’s $5.00 more expensive than the windows edition. It’s a one time cost, so there is no annual subscription. However, it’s worth noting the applications for the iPhone and iPad do come at an extra cost of $19.99 or £14.99. I’m not going to compare the price to other popular programmes because it’s hard to make comparisons with programmes like Word. The reason for this is it comes in a bundle with other programmes. There’s no real benefit to making the comparison.

It Syncs with Mobile Apps
Designed for Authors and Writers
One of the reasons why scrivener loved by authors is because it’s created with its target market in mind. It’s a well thought out piece of software. It supports the writer at every step of the journey. When you first start a new project on Scrivener you’re given the choice of using a vast range of templates. There is a template for every type of project from blog to fiction and non-fiction with parts. These templates save you time setting up like you would have to do if you were writing for a programme like Word.
Scrivener is a one-stop place for every step of your writing journey. There are sections in Scrivener where you can create character profiles, location descriptions, and organise your research. My favourite feature by far is the ability to outline your story or nonfiction book. I use this feature to outline both genres. It’s definitely much better than creating an outline using flashcards.
Autosave
The Compile Feature
I love the compile feature in scrivener. It gives the user the ability to create a book that’s formatted for submission to CreateSpace or KDP. Scrivener has the ability to create ebooks in EPUB or Kindle ready formats. I would like to add, I’ve always submitted my e-books to KDP in an EPUB format. I’ve never used the compile to kindle option. The most interesting feature about Scrivener is its ability to compile to paperback format. You can change a lot of things in the compile feature. This takes the heartache out of purchasing another programme to convert your file to EPUB, MOBI or PDF.
It Comes with Tutorials
The Cons
Limited Design Abilities
It’s Difficult to Use
Concluding Thoughts
Thank you for listening, reading, commenting and sharing with such enthusiasm.
Your coach,
Amelia xx
I’m Amelia. When I’m not hosting the Authorpreneur Podcast™️ and the Book Nerd Podcasts, I write Mystery Novels under the pen name A. D. Hay. And, I’m the author of Suspicion, the Lawn, and the Candidate.
On this blog, I help new writers to finish their first draft, prepare their manuscripts for professional editing, and when they get stuck in the first draft phase or are confused about the revision process.
Right now, I’m editing and preparing my soon to be published mystery novels, Suspicion, Duplicity, 24 Hours, and Immunity for publication.