Scrivener Review 2024: Is it Cost Effective?

  • Editor
  • June 14, 2024
    Updated
Scrivener-Review

A firsthand exploration of a tool I’ve not only scrutinized closely but also integrated into my daily writing routine to test its features. In the search to find the best AI writing tool, Scrivener is the writing tool that caught my attention. Now, it’s time to see if it can stand up to the mark and surpass all expectations.

After thoroughly testing each feature it boasts, I’m here to share my comprehensive insights in this Scrivener review.

Comprehensive-Analysis-of-AI-Writing-Tool

This isn’t just another review; it’s an exploration of how Scrivener can transform your writing process, backed by personal experience and rigorous evaluation. By the end of this article, you’ll have all the information you need to decide if Scrivener is the investment that your writing journey requires.

Let’s look at the fact that why Scrivener stands out for its ability to adapt to various writing styles and requirements in this AI tool review.

Scrivener Review – My Verdict (3.5/5)

As an expert of AI writing tools, I’ve precisely evaluated Scrivener, particularly for its prowess in structured academic compositions and managing other multiple writing projects.

Scrivener shines with its affordability, offering a standard license at $59 for macOS/Windows and a $23.99 option for iOS users, not to mention a $50 educational discount and a US$ 59.99 bundle deal. It supports an initial word count of 20000, catering to extensive projects without the need for additional seats, making it ideal for individual scholars and writers.

While it provides basic templates suitable for various genres, its standout feature is the support for any language that macOS can spell-check, alongside essential tools like plagiarism and grammar checks.

Despite its lack of a specific language model or integration capabilities, Scrivener ensures data security, a critical aspect for any writer. The 30-day free trial, coupled with a 100% money-back guarantee within 30 days, underscores its user-friendly approach.

Customer support is readily available via Email, enhancing the user experience.

For those seeking a detailed analysis of how Scrivener compares to other tools in the market, I invite you to review the accompanying table, where I’ve meticulously rated each tool against industry practices.

Get ScrivenerOur Top Recommendation for AI writing tool

My Evaluation Against Industry Standards

Let’s look at the multiple factors in this Scrivener review to determine if it stands out among the other best AI writing tools in the market.

Feature Details My Ratings
Best for Structured academic writing, organizing complex writing projects. (5/5)
Pricing $23.99 for iOS, $59 for macOS/Windows standard license, $50 for educational license, and US$ 59.99 for bundle offer. (3.5/5)
Word count Starting from 20000 words (3.5/5)
No of seats Not applicable (0/5)
Templates Basic templates available for different genres (3/5)
Languages supported Any language supported by macOS for spell-checking (4/5)
Plagiarism Check Yes (5/5)
Grammar Check Yes (5/5)
Credits/Month Not applicable (0/5)
Language model Not applicable (0/5)
Integration Not applicable (0/5)
Data Security Yes (5/5)
Free Trial 30-day free trial (terms apply to macOS and Windows versions) (5/5)
Customer support Available via Email (3.5/5)
Refund policy 100% money-back guarantee (5/5)
Refund coverage days 30 days of purchase (5/5)

Detailed Analysis of its Key Features – Scrivener Review

Continuing this Scrivener review, let’s look at what features impresses me the most:

What is the Scrivener tool good for?

I find Scrivener exceptionally well-suited for structured academic writing and organizing complex writing projects. Its robust organizational features make it ideal for researchers, novelists, and anyone juggling large documents or multiple pieces of a project.

How Much Does Scrivener Cost?

Scrivener offers great value for its pricing. It costs $59 for a standard license on macOS/Windows, $23.99 for iOS users, and there’s a $50 option for those eligible for an educational license. A bundle offer is also available at US$ 59.99 , making it accessible for a wide range of users.

Get ScrivenerOur Top Recommendation for AI writing tool

What is the Word Count Limit of Scrivener?

It effectively supports starting projects from 20000 words, accommodating the needs of extensive writing projects without imposing a strict upper limit. This flexibility is particularly beneficial for long-form writers and academics.

What Kinds of Templates are Provided by Scrivener?

Scrivener provides basic templates for a variety of genres, including fiction, non-fiction, scriptwriting, writing horror stories, and academic research. As a reviewer, I appreciate this feature because it simplifies the process of starting new projects by offering a structured framework tailored to specific writing needs.

Does Scrivener Provide Language Support?

Yes, Scrivener supports any language that macOS can spell-check, which I find to be a significant advantage for multilingual writers. This feature ensures that users are not limited by language barriers when creating content, enhancing its usability across diverse linguistic backgrounds.

Does Scrivener Provide a Plagiarism Checker?

Scrivener provides a plagiarism checker, a crucial tool for academic writers and professionals aiming to maintain the integrity of their work. This feature adds an essential layer of confidence in the originality of the content produced within the platform.

Does Scrivener Provide a Grammar Checker?

Yes, Scrivener incorporates a grammar checker, which I find indispensable for ensuring the quality and professionalism of written content. This tool aids in identifying and correcting grammatical errors, contributing to the overall polish of the final manuscript. For those looking to further refine their document’s quality, considering editing AI output for style and tone consistency can also be crucial. This ensures that not only are grammatical errors addressed but the content flows smoothly and maintains a consistent voice throughout.

How Secure is My Data While Using Scrivener AI Tool?

Data security is paramount in any writing tool, and Scrivener does not disappoint. In my assessment, it ensures data security, allowing writers to focus on their creativity without concerns over data breaches or loss. This commitment to security is a significant plus for any user.

How Long is Scrivener’s Free Trial?

Scrivener offers a 30-day free trial, which I consider generous. This period allows users to thoroughly explore its features and usability before making a purchase decision. It’s worth noting that these 30 days are based on actual use, not consecutive calendar days.

How Can I Contact the Scrivener Team?

Scrivener’s team can be contacted via Email. In my experience, their support team is responsive and helpful, providing assistance and answers to queries in a timely manner, which enhances the overall user experience.

You can reach out for assistance through dedicated email channels for each platform: macOS users can contact scrivener-mac@literatureandlatte.com, Windows users can use scrivener-win@literatureandlatte.com, and mobile iOS users have the address scrivener-mobile@literatureandlatte.com at their disposal.

What’s the Refund Policy Provided by Scrivener?

Scrivener stands behind its product with a 100% money-back guarantee. As a reviewer, I find this policy reassuring, as it reflects the company’s confidence in its software and its commitment to customer satisfaction.

How Long is Refund Coverage Days Provided by Scrivener?

The refund coverage extends to 30 days from the date of purchase. This period gives users ample time to evaluate the software’s fit for their writing needs, ensuring that they can make an informed decision without financial risk.

What are the unique selling points of the Scrivener AI tool?

From providing crockboard to familiar text editing, scrivener provides multiple unique selling points which makes this tool to stand out among other various AI tools. In this Scrivener review I have discussed them all, let’s have a look:

From Blank Page to Book—Your Way

Scrivener revolutionizes the way writers approach their work, providing an all-encompassing application that marries writing, research, and organizational tools into a single, seamless interface.

From-Blank-Page-to-Book-Your-Way

Piece it Together

Scrivener’s unique “Scrivenings” mode exemplifies its adaptability, allowing users to toggle between editing individual sections or viewing the manuscript as a cohesive entity.

Piece-it-Together

Familiar Text Editing

While writing this scrivener review, I came across this exceptional feature. The transition to Scrivener’s editor is seamless for anyone accustomed to traditional word processors, offering a rich suite of formatting options.

Familiar-Text-Editing

Formatting Presets

Using artificial intelligence Scrivener’s Styles feature streamlines the formatting process, enabling one-click adjustments to text attributes and layout.

Whether condensing a block quote or emboldening a heading, Styles ensures consistency and efficiency, particularly when adjusting formats between different output types, such as ebooks and PDFs.

Corkboard

Scrivener’s digital corkboard reimagines the traditional index card planning method, linking each section of the project to a virtual index card.

Corkboard

Outliner

The outliner feature extends Scrivener’s organizational prowess, offering a detailed overview of chapters, parts, or the entire manuscript.

It not only allows for drag-and-drop reorganization but also provides access to metadata, word counts, and synopses, empowering writers to fine-tune their work’s structure with precision.

Outliner

Templates and Icons

Scrivener enhances project customization through templates and icons, enabling the creation of reusable templates for new sections or character and location sheets. Custom icons can be assigned to these templates or any section, aiding in quick identification and navigation within the project.

Scriptwriting

For those in scriptwriting, Scrivener offers specialized features that automate formatting, allowing writers to concentrate on storytelling. Compatibility with industry standards, including direct printing and exporting to Final Draft, underscores Scrivener’s commitment to meeting professional needs.

Tools for Non-Fiction

Non-fiction writers benefit immensely from Scrivener’s support for footnotes and comprehensive research library integration. Out-of-the-box templates for general and academic non-fiction writing streamline the creation process, making Scrivener an indispensable tool for factual storytelling.

Snapshots:

Scrivener’s Snapshots feature allows writers to save iterations of their work before making significant changes. This ensures that no idea is ever truly lost, as you can always revisit and restore previous versions. The Compare function highlights differences between versions, making it easier to track changes or revert to earlier drafts.

Auto-Save and Backups:

With Scrivener’s auto-save, the frustration of lost work due to forgetting to hit “Save” is a thing of the past. The software regularly saves progress and also offers automatic backup options when opening or closing projects, providing an essential safety net for your writing.

Write Anywhere:

Scrivener’s cross-platform capabilities mean you can start your work on a desktop and continue on your iOS device, allowing for a flexible writing process that adapts to your lifestyle. Licenses for each platform are sold separately, supporting a seamless writing experience across devices.

Set Targets and Watch Your Progress:

Goal-setting is integral to Scrivener. You can establish word or character count targets for your project or individual sections and monitor progress in real-time. Additionally, the Writing History feature tracks your daily output, helping maintain productivity.

Metadata:

Metadata options in Scrivener are robust, offering the ability to color-code sections, track progress with status labels, and tag keywords. Custom metadata fields can also be created, providing a high level of customization to suit the project’s needs.

Metadata

Collections:

Collections in Scrivener let you group related documents from anywhere in your project. These can be smart lists that dynamically update to show documents that require attention or scenes from a specific viewpoint, aiding in the organization and focus of your writing.

Print, Export, Publish:

Scrivener’s comprehensive exporting tools mean that your manuscript can be shared in any format needed. From printing submission-ready formats to exporting to Word, RTF, or PDF, to saving screenplays with script notes or creating e-books for platforms like Amazon, Scrivener supports writers all the way to publication.

Pros And Cons

In this section of the Scrivener review, I have discussed its pros and cons for you to make an informed decision.

Pros

    • Scrivener offers an all-in-one platform for writing, organizing, and researching, making it highly efficient for managing large projects.
    • The software’s corkboard and outliner features provide flexible and powerful tools for structuring and planning your work.
    • Scrivener’s compatibility with various file formats allows for easy import and integration of research materials and drafts.
    • Customizable templates and formatting presets streamline the writing process and ensure consistency across documents.
    • Scrivener supports scriptwriting with specialized formatting features, making it versatile for different types of writing projects.

Cons

    • There is a steep learning curve for new users, which can be daunting and time-consuming.
    • Scrivener’s abundance of features can sometimes overwhelm writers who prefer a more minimalist writing environment.
    • The software requires a one-time purchase, which might be a barrier for users looking for free writing tools.
    • Collaboration and sharing features are limited, making it less suitable for projects requiring team input.
    • Scrivener is primarily desktop-based, and while there is a mobile app, it may not offer the same level of functionality and ease of use as the desktop version.

Scrivener Pricing Plans

Each of these plans is designed to fit the varied requirements of writers, whether they prefer the robustness of a desktop environment or the flexibility of mobile writing.

Scrivener-Pricing-Plans

The straightforward pricing structure of Scrivener ensures that writers have access to a comprehensive set of tools without the worry of additional costs down the line.

Scrivener for macOS

For macOS users, Scrivener offers a Standard License priced at US$ 59.99 . This license provides full access to the Scrivener suite, enabling users to harness the full power of its writing and organizational capabilities on any macOS device running macOS 10.13 or later. The one-time fee ensures users have complete ownership of the software, without the need for recurring subscriptions.

Scrivener-for-macOS

Scrivener for Windows

Windows users can also obtain a Standard License for Scrivener at the same price of US$ 59.99 . This version is tailored for the Windows operating system, requiring a 64-bit version of Windows 10 or higher and a minimum display resolution of 1024x768px. It offers parity with the macOS version in terms of features, allowing for a seamless transition for users who operate across different platforms.

Scrivener-for-Windows

Scrivener for iOS

For writers on the move, Scrivener’s iOS version is available for $23.99. This app is compatible with iPad, iPhone, and iPod Touch, requiring iOS 11 or later. While the iOS app is designed for mobile use and necessitates a Dropbox account for sync features, it brings a significant portion of Scrivener’s desktop power to portable devices, allowing for writing and editing on the go.

Scrivener-for-iOS

Scrivener Bundles

Scrivener acknowledges the diverse needs of its users by offering a bundle package. Priced at $95.98, the bundle includes separate licenses for both macOS and Windows, catering to users who utilize both operating systems in their workflow. The bundle offers a discounted rate compared to purchasing each license individually, providing a cost-effective solution for cross-platform compatibility.

Scrivener-Bundles

Get ScrivenerOur Top Recommendation for AI writing tool

Scrivener Alternatives: Comparing with AI Writer and Final Draft

When considering a writing tool that meets specific needs, it’s essential to explore alternatives to Scrivener. Four noteworthy contenders in the writing software arena are Squibler io, Notion AI, Hemingway Editor, and Wordtune.

Squibler io Notion AI
squibler-logo notion-logo
Hemingway Editor Wordtune
hemingway-editor-logo wordtune-logo-aaai

FAQs

Here are some of the most commonly asked questions about the Scrivener.

Scrivener’s pricing ranges from $23.99 to US$ 59.99 . The cost may vary slightly depending on promotions or educational discounts, so it’s best to check the official Literature and Latte website for the most current pricing.

Yes, Scrivener is widely used by professional authors for its organizational and writing tools tailored to complex projects.

While Scrivener is top-notch, alternatives like Final Draft or AI Writer may be better for users seeking scriptwriting specialization or a more minimalist writing environment, respectively.

Many renowned writers use Scrivener for their work, including best-selling authors like Michael Marshall Smith and Neil Cross.

Conclusion

That’s it from my side for this Scrivener review and I hope this helps you make an informed decision whether you should invest in this tool or not.

In wrapping up this Scrivener review, it’s clear that tools like Scrivener are not just enhancing the way we approach writing; they’re revolutionizing it.

The seamless integration of organizational features, combined with the flexibility to cater to writing styles and formats, sets a high bar for what AI writing tool can achieve.

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Dave Andre

Editor

Digital marketing enthusiast by day, nature wanderer by dusk. Dave Andre blends two decades of AI and SaaS expertise into impactful strategies for SMEs. His weekends? Lost in books on tech trends and rejuvenating on scenic trails.

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