Which Productivity and Editing Software Should Writers Actually Use?
If you’re building a serious freelance writing career—or drafting a novel you plan to publish—you’ve probably asked:
What are the best tools for writers?
Is Scrivener better than LivingWriter?
Do I really need both ProWritingAid and Grammarly?
As a developmental editor who works primarily with fantasy and science fiction authors, I’ve seen manuscripts drafted in nearly every platform available. Some tools support your craft. Others complicate it.
Let’s break down what each software actually does—and who it’s best for.
Scrivener: The Structural Architect
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Best for: Complex, long-form fiction
Strength: Organization and manuscript control
Scrivener is built for writers managing large, layered projects. It allows you to:
- Break manuscripts into scenes and chapters
- Rearrange sections with corkboard view
- Store research, character sheets, and worldbuilding in one file
- Compile into EPUB, PDF, or DOCX
For fantasy writers building kingdoms (like your Greystar-level worldbuilding), Scrivener excels at containing moving parts without losing momentum.
Drawback:
The learning curve is real. It’s powerful—but not instantly intuitive.
Verdict: Ideal for serious novelists who need structure.
LivingWriter: The Guided Drafter
Best for: Writers who want built-in story guidance
Strength: Templates and cloud access
LivingWriter is more intuitive than Scrivener and includes:
- Story structure templates (Hero’s Journey, Save the Cat, etc.)
- Character and setting builders
- Cloud syncing across devices
- Distraction-free drafting
If you enjoy guided plotting systems, this tool can help keep you on track.
Drawback:
Less customizable than Scrivener.
Verdict: Great for writers who want structure without complexity.
Dabble: Clean, Modern Simplicity
Best for: Writers who want organization without overwhelm
Strength: Visual plotting grid
Dabble blends simplicity with smart structure:
- Drag-and-drop scene organization
- Visual plot grid
- Cloud-based access
- Minimal design
It’s less robust than Scrivener, but much easier to learn.
Drawback:
Fewer advanced compilation options.
Verdict: Excellent balance between structure and ease of use.
Evernote: The Research Companion
Best for: Research-heavy writers
Strength: Information storage and clipping
Evernote isn’t a drafting tool—it’s a research organizer. It allows you to:
- Clip web pages
- Store notes and references
- Organize research into notebooks
- Sync across devices
For historical or research-heavy speculative fiction, it’s useful for keeping worldbuilding references accessible.
Drawback:
Not built for manuscript drafting.
Verdict: A support tool—not a primary writing platform.
ProWritingAid: The Analytical Editor
Best for: Deep self-editing
Strength: Detailed writing reports
ProWritingAid analyzes:
- Sentence structure
- Repetition
- Overused words
- Pacing
- Dialogue tags
- Style consistency
It’s especially helpful before submitting to a professional editor. However, it cannot assess:
- Plot structure
- Character arcs
- Emotional depth
- Thematic resonance
Verdict: A powerful polishing tool—but not a developmental substitute.
Grammarly: The Final Proofing Pass
Best for: Surface-level corrections
Strength: Grammar and clarity
Grammarly excels at:
- Catching typos
- Fixing grammar
- Improving clarity
- Adjusting tone in business writing
But it often struggles with creative nuance and intentional stylistic choices in fiction.
Verdict: Excellent safety net—limited creative insight.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best writing software for novelists?
Scrivener is widely considered the best for long-form fiction due to its structural flexibility.
Is LivingWriter better than Scrivener?
LivingWriter is easier to use and cloud-based, while Scrivener offers deeper customization.
Do I need both ProWritingAid and Grammarly?
Not necessarily. ProWritingAid offers deeper analysis. Grammarly focuses on quick corrections.
Can writing software replace a professional editor?
No. Software cannot evaluate narrative structure, pacing, character development, or thematic cohesion.
My Professional Recommendation
If you’re building a serious manuscript:
- Draft in Scrivener, LivingWriter, or Dabble (choose based on your comfort level)
- Store research in Evernote
- Self-edit with ProWritingAid
- Run a final check with Grammarly
- Then consult a professional developmental editor
Software strengthens mechanics.
Editors strengthen storytelling.
And storytelling is what readers remember.
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