LivingWriter
LivingWriter is an advanced manuscript writing and organization platform. It allows authors and novelists to create, structure, and organiz...
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What is LivingWriter?
LivingWriter is a cloud-based writing app designed for authors, screenwriters, and writers of fiction, non-fiction, academics, and professionals to organize, plot, and create manuscripts efficiently. It features drag-and-drop organization for chapters, subchapters, and elements, on-screen sidebars for notes, goals, comments, and stats, and specialized boards for plotting, outlines, research, and elements to visualize and manage the entire writing process. With seamless cloud sync across web, desktop, iOS, and Android apps, automatic saves, and version history, it ensures writers can work anywhere without losing progress.
Key features include smart text auto-suggest for characters, locations, and objects with instant note access, time-tested plot templates like Three-Act Structure, Hero's Journey, and 27-Chapter Method, and AI tools such as Outline Generator for custom structures based on genre templates. It supports screenplay formatting, hierarchical organization, stashing text for later use, to-do lists, footnotes, tags, and statuses for detailed tracking. Collaboration allows sharing whole books or chapters for viewing or editing, with imports from tools like Scrivener and exports to PDF, DOCX, EPUB, Google Drive, Dropbox, and Amazon KDP Manuscript.
LivingWriter is ideal for novelists building worlds, screenwriters needing professional formats, non-fiction writers organizing research, and anyone seeking an intuitive alternative to traditional word processors. Its customization options like light/dark modes, themes, and distraction-free editing enhance focus, while privacy-focused AI deletes data per session without training on user content. The app evolves with user-suggested features, backed by reliable Amazon AWS infrastructure.
LivingWriter pricing
Pricing model: Freemium
14-day free trial with no credit card required, full access during trial. Paid plans: $14.99/month billed monthly, $12/month ($144/year) billed annually, $699 lifetime one-time fee after trial signup. All plans include novel/screenwriting, smart elements, advanced boards, exports, imports, cloud sync. Locked-in pricing, no increases for subscribers. Post-cancellation, read-only access for 1 year.
LivingWriter pros
- Drag-and-drop chapter reordering
- On-screen sidebar for notes and goals
- Plot, Outline, Research, Elements Boards
- Smart auto-suggest for story elements
- AI Outline Generator with genre templates
- Cloud sync across all devices
- Automatic saves and version history
- Screenplay formatting support
- Collaboration for sharing chapters
- Seamless imports from Scrivener
- Exports to PDF, DOCX, Amazon KDP
- Writing goals and session stats
- Stash feature for temporary text
- To-do lists and footnotes
- Custom themes and dark mode
- Hierarchical subchapter organization
- No lag on large manuscripts
- Privacy-focused AI sessions
LivingWriter cons
- Subscription-based model
- No perpetual lifetime access initially
- Learning curve for boards
- AI is optional, not core
- Limited free access post-trial
- No offline mode mentioned
- Dependent on internet for sync
- Mobile app still evolving
- Export options require paid plan
Frequently asked questions about LivingWriter
What is the free trial like?
14-day free trial with no credit card required, providing full access to all features including novel and screenwriting tools, smart elements, advanced plot boards, research boards, hierarchical organization, exports to various formats, device previews, and imports from other software.
What payment options are available?
Options include $14.99 per month billed monthly, $12 per month ($144 annually), and a $699 lifetime one-time fee available after registering for the free trial. Prices are locked in and will never increase for existing subscribers.
Why is LivingWriter subscription-based?
Subscription enables cloud syncing, minute-by-minute revision histories, constant new feature releases, and great support. Manuscripts are hosted forever on Amazon Cloud Servers with bank-level encryption, ensuring no data loss.
Is my data safe and private?
All data transfers via encrypted channels to Amazon Cloud Services. No support team access to your words. Data never shared, and you retain full copyright even after unsubscribing.
What happens after subscription ends?
Access to manuscripts continues for at least 1 year in read-only mode. Sign in anytime to view and export existing work, but no new writing is possible.
Can I import existing manuscripts?
Yes, seamlessly import from any program like Scrivener with a few clicks to continue your writing journey without hassle.
What export formats are supported?
Export entire manuscripts, chapters, elements, or notes to PDF, DOCX, directly to Google Drive or Dropbox, or Amazon Manuscript format for KDP publishing.
Does it support collaboration?
Share whole books or individual chapters with one click for viewing or editing. Notes for chapters and elements can also be shared with granular permissions.
Are there plotting templates?
Access famous outlines like Three-Act Structure, Hero's Journey, 27-Chapter Method, Romancing the Beat, Story Circle, and AI-generated custom structures based on your book description.
How does AI work in LivingWriter?
Optional AI assists with Outline Generation using genre templates, Element Generation with images, without storing data or using it for training—deleted after every session for privacy.