It has now been more than two years since I published my original article, The Best Free Novel Writing Software. While the free novel writing software market hasn’t changed a whole lot, I wanted to take a look at a few new programs out there as well as talk about some of the updates made to programs on the old list. In this updated version for 2018, I took a fresh look at all of the software from the old list and tested a handful of others to help you find the best free scrivener alternatives that fit your writing style.

Quoll Writer

Quoll writer is a really exciting addition to the list. I tested a few other programs that weren’t on the old list, but Quoll was the only one that made the cut. The user interface is smooth and very easy to figure out. Like other writing software, you can add characters, chapters, and research. Plus it’s got a ton of unique features which are all customizable. For instance, with Quoll you can set up a warm-up every time you open it up to write. It’s also got a really neat editor feature which will allow you to work with an editor directly in Quoll. Yes, I signed up and I will most definitely be offering my editing services to any interested Quoll users. Quoll’s distraction free mode is easily the best I’ve seen from any free writing platform, including those that are made for the sole purpose of being distraction free.

Download: PC

yWriter 6

yWriter is still one of the most popular open source novel writing programs and once you get past its 90’s looking interface, it’s easy to see why. With perhaps a little less flair as its paid alternatives, it’s got just about everything you could need to write your novel. However, the most interesting update to yWriter is that a mobile app is now available for both iOS and Android. I beta-tested the iOS app and I highly recommend it for anyone looking to write on the go. The app is $4.99 but considering the fact you’re saving $45 by not using Scrivener, you’re still ending up way ahead.

Download: PC · Linux · iOS · Android

Bibisco

When I first used Bibisco when writing this article the fist time around, I was impressed with its organization. While organization features on other novel writing programs can seem a bit archaic or over-involved, Bibisco keeps it simple and it really works. The best news is that Bibisco is now available for Mac as well as PC and Linux. This is welcome news for many Mac users since the options for open-source novel writing programs is very limited for Mac.

Download: PC · Mac · Linux

Manuskript

From the start I was really impressed by Manuskript’s UI. You can tell that the developers have been focusing on giving Manuskript users a clean writing experience that is too often missing from other open-source writing programs. While I like the new UI improvements, the best part about Manuskipt may just be how easy it is to jump from one part of your story to the next and access plot and character notes. It would really benefit from implementing some sort of distraction free writing feature though. That’s the only thing I really feel is missing as they’ve continued to improve the platform. It doesn’t have the robust features that some of the other programs on this list has, but it’s perfect for someone who finds those extra goodies a bit distracting.

Download: PC · Mac · Linux 

FreeWriter

Freewriter is a great software and while there is a paid version, the free version is very robust. It’s got loads of features to help you write more efficiently. However, for me the excess of features was always a little much. I’m also not a fan of the interface which is probably why I never considered using Freewriter as my go to writing software myself. That aside, it’s a great program that allows you to do pretty much anything you can think of. Of all the free Scrivener alternatives, Freewriter is still the one with the most features.

Download: PC

I have worked hard to make sure I only promote the best free Scrivener alternatives out there. If there is a good alternative that isn’t on this list, let me know in the comments and I will consider including it.