Question for the resident authors...or just interested parties....

[oaken1]

I am looking at acquiring a writing software. I want something that produces an end product that can be formatted for ebooks, but then re formatted for print...and I would also like myltiple ebook formats as Barnes and Noble uses a different format from Amazon/Kindle.

I am currently looking at Scrivener. It seems to have everything I need but also looks a little complicate.
I like Campfire.. but the truth is I am kinda paranoid about using a web based software...because there are people all over the internet just waiting for the opportunity to steal my work...right??

anywya...any input you guys may have is greatly appreciated.. rather you are a known author, a stealth author..or just some guy with an opinion(wink, wink)..as we all know the internet is full of guys with opinions..

help me out here fellas.

 

[Brian in Mesa]

@Dan H
@jefftheshark
@Stout

 

[Dan H]

Scrivener is, IMO, the gold standard.

However, it is primarily a writing/plotting/outlining tool. You will still need to format your finalized manuscript.

My choice there is Vellum. It’s pricey, but it’s so dead simple that it’s more than paid for itself. Note that Vellum is Mac-only and there is no Windows equivalent, so if you’re locked into that ecosystem you may want to look at alternative options.

My process is pretty much:

1) Complete draft and editing work in Scrivener
2) Export to Word (docx) format.
3) Import docx into Vellum.
4) Format chapter headings, fonts, etc
5) Output to ebook (various) and print formats (PDF)

 

[oaken1]

Scrivener is, IMO, the gold standard.

However, it is primarily a writing/plotting/outlining tool. You will still need to format your finalized manuscript.

My choice there is Vellum. It’s pricey, but it’s so dead simple that it’s more than paid for itself. Note that Vellum is Mac-only and there is no Windows equivalent, so if you’re locked into that ecosystem you may want to look at alternative options.

My process is pretty much:

1) Complete draft and editing work in Scrivener
2) Export to Word (docx) format.
3) Import docx into Vellum.
4) Format chapter headings, fonts, etc
5) Output to ebook (various) and print formats (PDF)

Thanks Dan.
Seems I am looking at pretty much the same process but with a windows equivalent for Vellum.

 

[oaken1]

@Dan H
@jefftheshark
@Stout

Thanks B...I was trying to keep from calling the fellas out publicly.

Just in case they wanted to maintain some anonymity

 

[oaken1]

Scrivener is, IMO, the gold standard.

However, it is primarily a writing/plotting/outlining tool. You will still need to format your finalized manuscript.

My choice there is Vellum. It’s pricey, but it’s so dead simple that it’s more than paid for itself. Note that Vellum is Mac-only and there is no Windows equivalent, so if you’re locked into that ecosystem you may want to look at alternative options.

My process is pretty much:

1) Complete draft and editing work in Scrivener
2) Export to Word (docx) format.
3) Import docx into Vellum.
4) Format chapter headings, fonts, etc
5) Output to ebook (various) and print formats (PDF)

I am a bit worried... I am pretty good with hardware but when it comes to software I am not very tech savvy at all. Have you found scrivener to be intuative for a first time user?... my sources say the learning curve is very steep

 

[Dan H]

There is a pretty steep learning curve, but there are plenty of resources out there on YouTube and elsewhere to work through issues.

 

[Stout]

@Dan H
@jefftheshark
@Stout

Thanks for the mention here, BIM, but this definitely isn't my area of expertise. I have only ever self published one book, a short story collection, and basically my friend did all the work lol I only made that one because it was out of print so readers could get hold of it before reading the sequel collection.

From folks I know that use software, Scrivener is the bee's knees. I just use word with a bunch of folders myself. Now, caveat emptor: Whatever you get, it has to be transferable, PERFECTLY, to word. Word is the gold standard for submitting manuscripts. Unless you never plan to submit to any presses or mags.

 

[Chaplin]

Scrivener is great but there is a bit of a learning curve for it. I also use an online tool called TOME which is nice.