Writing a bookcan be an organizational nightmare.
You find yourself scribbling ideas, scenes, research notes, you name it, on napkins, in notebooks, on sticky pads, or keyboarding stuff into files you can’t find later on your computer.
如果您可以将所有这些东西，甚至照片，图形和图表放在一个地方怎么办？
EnterScrivener.
This book writing software calls itself the ultimate organization tool for writers.
So, is it? Could it be just the thing you’ve been looking for?
Let me cover its benefits, features, and pros and cons so you can decide.
（注意：如果您单击此处购买的链接Scrivener，我免费获得小佣金。）
What isScrivener?
Scriveneris book writing software developed more than a dozen years ago by an aspiring author frustrated with trying to keep his notes organized.
The result was a word-processing tool similar toMicrosoft Wordwith the organization capabilities of a tool likeEvernote.
多少钱ScrivenerCost?
It varies depending on your system:
- Mac OS: $49
- Windows：$ 45
- iOS (iPad): $19.99
These are one-time payments, but you do have to purchase separate licenses if you want it on both your computer and tablet/phone.
利弊
PROS
- 30天免费试用：购买之前Scrivener，一次免费的30天试用版可让您访问其所有功能。
- Free templates:Scrivenertakes into account that not all writers need the same type of help. A screenwriter requires something different from a poet, etc., so you can choose from among dozens of templates.
- Personalized setup and interfaces:Scrivener允许您自定义其许多功能以满足您的需求。
- 写作过程的所有阶段的关键功能
- 支持:Scrivenerincludes tutorials to walk you through its features.
缺点：
- Licenses for each platform: If you work on both a Mac and a Windows computer, you would have to buy a license for each.
- 陡峭的学习曲线: Even its most enthusiastic supporters admit it takes time to masterScrivener’smany features.
Key Features
Binders
屏幕左侧的该侧边栏可在一个地方保存章节，笔记和研究。
You can create as many folders as you like, even folders inside of folders, along with images, documents, and notes.
The Cork Board
Scrivener’s Cork Board takes what appears in your Binder and lays it out like sticky notes on a wall. You can move these around as you wish.
Templates
Anonfiction authorwill lay out their project differently from a novelist.Scrivenerprovides free templates to choose from.
It also allows you to import third-party templates (hundreds available online).
Project Goals and Targets
Scrivenerallows you toset targets and goalsfor your project, prompting you with how you’re doing. You can also set targets for individual writing sessions and track your progress with the “Writing History” feature.
颜色编码
To help keep you on track,Scrivener允许您对其各种元素进行编码。
从章节和场景到研究和笔记，您可以自定义标签以表示仍在的章节outline form, in draft stage, or complete.
分散注意力模式
Scrivenerhas so many features that this can become distracting. Their “Distraction Free Mode” allows the user to focus on only one thing at a time.
You can customize the page to feature notes or images or copy you want to work with, while removing anything you don’t need.
Statistics
以及跟踪单词计数，Scrivenerallows you to also monitor everything from character count, average sentence length, and even how often you use a certain word.
When editing your work, you can analyze individual documents or chapters.
The Inspector Tool
除粘合剂功能外，您还可以在页面的右侧侧边栏中打开可自定义的检查器，在其中您可以添加注释，评论，图片和关键字。
SomeScrivener用户发现此功能分散注意力，但其他人则在修订阶段发现它有用。
Linguistic Focus
This is a new feature inScrivener3, highlighting certain sections of your text. You can use this to在您的对话中回家or your use of adjectives, adverbs, and pronouns.
AutoSave
This common feature in book writing software solves a writer’s worst nightmare—your computer crashing before saving your work.
Scrivener自动保存你的工作像你write.
Publish To Almost Any Format
Finally,Scrivenerallows self-publishing writers to export or printmanuscriptsinto almost any format. You can save your project for paperback, hardcover, and eBook without having to create separate documents for each.
ScrivenerAlternatives
Bibisco
成本: Pay what you want
PROS:
- 自动保存您的工作
- Drag and drop feature allows you to rearrange your chapters
- The ability to create character and settings lists
缺点：
- 没有手机或平板电脑版本
- 出口的限制（仅PDF和.DOC）
- 有人说该软件感觉已经过时了
Bibiscowas created with novelists in mind, and its features help you research your book and stay organized.
The Novel Factory
成本: from $39.99
PROS:
- Customizable story templates
- 帮助创建和研究角色的工具
- 自动保存您的工作
缺点：
- Importing previous drafts is time consuming
- Available Only for PC
- Some find the software less intuitive thanScrivener
Campfire Pro
成本: from $49.99
PROS:
- Easy to use
- The ability to import and export characters
- 世界建设功能
缺点：
- Standard version offers limited features
- No built-in word processor, so you’ll need other software to accompanyCampfire Pro
- Some features are too complex
Campfire Prois designed to help you plan and research your book. It isn’t a word processor likeScrivener.
ScrivenerReview: Verdict
Many of my widely-published colleagues swear byScrivener,though they admit it comes with a steep learning curve. I personally use it mostly for managing my research. I still use Word to actually write my manuscripts.
If you’re willing to invest the time to master this powerful tool, it could well be worth its modest price.
