Side by side
Author's Forge vs novelWriter
Both stand on book writing software. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.
Free plan LinuxMacWindows
Author's Forge offers book-focused organization, formatting, offline writing, and several publishing formats across three desktop platforms. Consider the AI credit limits and content handling if you plan to use its paid AI features.
Visit Author's Forge
Free plan LinuxMacWindows
novelWriter offers structured document organization and manuscript export for fiction projects across Linux, Windows, and macOS. Mac users should note that releases are discontinued, though the Python package remains an installation option.
Visit novelWriterThe facts
| Author's Forge | novelWriter | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | Not published | Not published |
| Runs on | Linux, Mac, Windows | Linux, Mac, Windows |
| Lowest paid plan | Pro: $20 a month | Free or on request |
| Plans published | 4 | 1 |
| Maker | Not published | novelWriter |
| Website | authorsforge.com | novelwriter.io |
| On book writing software | #4 of 34 | #8 of 34 |
Author's Forge: what it does well
- Organizes libraries, series, books, and chapters.
- Core writing features work offline without an account.
- Exports EPUB, PDF, DOCX, and Markdown.
- Available for macOS, Windows, and Linux.
What to know first
- Free plan includes no AI credits.
- Monthly AI credits do not roll over.
- AI use may send content portions to providers.
novelWriter: what it does well
- Free and open source.
- Organizes documents with tags and cross-references.
- Builds manuscripts for print and multiple export formats.
- Project files can use sync tools and version control.
- Critical error reports are not automatically submitted.
What to know first
- Current downloads list Linux and Windows packages.
- macOS releases are discontinued.
- Not intended for technical writing or research organization.
- Update checks contact GitHub’s public API.
Alternatives to Author's Forge Alternatives to novelWriter The whole list