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LivingWriter Review: Writing Software for Authors and Screenwriters

LivingWriter helps authors and screenwriters organize and draft long-form manuscripts. It is designed for writers who use visual plotting tools and structural templates to manage complex stories.

At a glance

Best for
Novelists, Screenwriters, Non-fiction authors, World-builders
Pricing
Pricing starts at $12.00 per month when billed yearly, or $14.99 per month. A 14-day free trial is available, and a lifetime one-time fee is available after registration.
Key use cases
Novel Plotting and Drafting, Screenplay Writing, Non-Fiction Book Planning, Manuscript Export for Publishing
Integrations
Scrivener import, PDF export, DOCX export, Google Drive export, Dropbox export
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LivingWriter is a writing tool designed for authors, novelists, and screenwriters who require more organization than a standard word processor. It provides dedicated boards for plotting, research, and character management.

The software supports drafting fiction, non-fiction, and screenplays. It includes various story structures and a visual system to reorder chapters and subchapters.

As a cloud-based application, it supports syncing across devices and automated backups. Writers may use AI tools to help generate outlines or summarize content to assist with creative blocks.

Buyers should confirm whether they prefer a subscription model or a one-time fee and verify if the export formats meet their publishing requirements.

Key Features

  • Plot and Outline Boards

    Visual drag-and-drop interfaces for organizing plot points and restructuring chapters.

  • Elements Board

    A central area to manage characters, locations, and objects with auto-suggest functionality during writing.

  • AI Writing Assistant

    Tools for outline generation, rewriting, chatting, and analysis to help structure narratives.

  • Research Board

    Organizes manuscript topics with sections for images, notes, and documents.

  • Writing Goal Tracking

    Supports setting and tracking word count goals for chapters, sessions, and manuscripts.

  • Cloud Sync and Backup

    Automatically saves work to the cloud with backups performed every 10 minutes.

Use Cases

  • Novel Plotting and Drafting

    Using plot boards and character elements to build a fictional world and draft a full-length manuscript.

  • Screenplay Writing

    Utilizing screenplay formatting and scene organization to draft scripts.

  • Non-Fiction Book Planning

    Applying templates for memoirs or self-help books while organizing research via the Research Board.

  • Manuscript Export for Publishing

    Exporting completed works to DOCX, PDF, or Amazon KDP formats.

Best For

  • Novelists
  • Screenwriters
  • Non-fiction authors
  • World-builders

Integrations

  • Scrivener import
  • PDF export
  • DOCX export
  • Google Drive export
  • Dropbox export
  • Amazon KDP export

Pricing

Pricing starts at $12.00 per month when billed yearly, or $14.99 per month. A 14-day free trial is available, and a lifetime one-time fee is available after registration.

FAQ

Who is LivingWriter designed for?

It is designed for authors, novelists, and screenwriters working on both fiction and non-fiction projects.

Does LivingWriter have a free trial?

Yes, it offers a 14-day free trial that does not require a credit card to start.

What happens to my work if I cancel my subscription?

You maintain access to your manuscripts in read-only mode for at least one year, allowing you to view and export your work.

Can I import work from other programs?

Yes, the software supports imports from other programs, including Scrivener.

Source category: Productivity

Source subcategory: AI Writing Assistant

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How AI is used

LivingWriter is a writing and plotting tool for authors and screenwriters that supports manuscript organization through AI-powered outlining and character management. It helps writers structure long-form projects with visual boards and templates.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Visual drag-and-drop organization for chapters and plots
  • Automatic cloud backups may reduce risk of data loss
  • Support for multiple story structures like the Hero's Journey
  • Auto-suggests characters and locations while typing

Cons

  • The software requires a subscription for continued writing access
  • Buyers should verify if the AI features meet their creative workflow needs
  • The lifetime fee requires a significant one-time investment