Best Self Publishing Tools for Authors

LivingWriter — Cloud Writing App with Templates, Boards & Collaboration

LivingWriter — Cloud Writing App with Templates, Boards & Collaboration

Draft faster with one-click templates, drag-and-drop boards, and smart elements. LivingWriter syncs across devices, supports collaboration, and exports to PDF/DOCX, Google Drive/Dropbox, and Amazon Manuscript for KDP.

Highlights

Why Authors Love LivingWriter

  • 🧱
    Boards for Plot, Outline & Research – Drag-and-drop chapters, plot points, and notes with dedicated Plot, Outline, Research, and Elements boards to keep everything organized.
  • 📚
    One-Click Templates – Start faster with famous frameworks (Three-Act, Hero’s Journey, Story Circle, Romancing the Beat, and more), then customize for your genre.
  • Smart Elements & Auto-Suggest – Characters, locations, and objects surface as you type, with instant access to notes and details.
  • 🤝
    Collaboration & Sharing – Share a whole book or specific chapters for viewing or editing with granular permissions.
  • ☁️
    Cloud Sync & Apps – Write anywhere with web, desktop, and mobile access; autosave and version history keep your work safe.
  • 📤
    Flexible Exports – Export PDF/DOCX, send to Google Drive or Dropbox, or output Amazon Manuscript for KDP.

Pricing

LivingWriter starts from $12/month (billed annually). Monthly is $14.99, with a $699 lifetime option. Pricing may change, so always check the latest details on their site.

Last checked: October 2025

💲 Check Latest Pricing

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Clean, cloud-based drafting with Boards for planning
  • Time-saving story templates and smart element suggestions
  • Easy collaboration and granular sharing
  • Exports for PDF/DOCX, Google Drive/Dropbox, and Amazon Manuscript

Cons

  • Subscription model; long-term cost vs one-time tools like Scrivener
  • Boards & modules add flexibility but some learning curve

LivingWriter FAQ

Is there a free trial?

Yes. LivingWriter offers a 14-day free trial with no credit card required.

What export formats are supported?

Export your manuscript as PDF or DOCX, send to Google Drive and Dropbox, or compile an Amazon Manuscript for KDP.

Can I import my existing work?

Yes. Import from other writing software (e.g., Scrivener) and continue in LivingWriter.

Does LivingWriter support collaboration?

Yes. Share a whole book or individual chapters for viewing or editing with specific permissions.

Are there templates for plotting?

Yes. Choose from time-tested outlines like the Three-Act Structure, Hero’s Journey, and Story Circle to jumpstart plotting.

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Scrivener is the industry-favorite writing software for novelists, nonfiction writers, and screenwriters. With flexible corkboard outlines, distraction-free writing, and export options for KDP, print, and ePub, Scrivener helps authors stay organized from first draft to finished manuscript. Used by bestselling authors worldwide, Scrivener combines research storage, note-taking, and formatting into one powerful app.