Novlr

Active

Country: United Kingdom (GB)
Founded: 2014
Developer: Novlr (writer-owned cooperative)
Pricing: Freemium
Open source: No
Platforms: Web, macOS, Windows, iOS, Android

Indexes

Writing/Word Processing

Overview

Novlr is a cloud-based writing platform designed specifically for long-form creative writing projects such as novels, memoirs, and manuscripts. The platform emphasizes a distraction-free writing environment with a minimalist interface, organizing content into projects, chapters, and scenes. Novlr distinguishes itself through its writer-owned cooperative model introduced in 2023, which gives users community involvement and co-ownership options rather than traditional SaaS ownership.

Key Features

Distraction-Free Writing Environment - Minimalist interface with full-screen focus mode and typewriter settings to reduce visual clutter and maintain writing flow.
Project Organization - Hierarchical structure organizing work into projects, books, chapters, and scenes for efficient management and revision.
Writing Analytics and Progress Tracking - Dashboard displaying daily, monthly, and project-wide word counts and writing statistics to monitor productivity.
Goal Setting and Tracking - Personal goal-setting features with progress visualization and goal celebrations to maintain writing motivation.
Integrated Notes Section - Built-in notes for character bios, research, plot points, and planning to keep reference materials within the same workspace.
ProWritingAid Integration - Advanced proofreading and editing tools powered by ProWritingAid available in higher-tier plans.
Cross-Device Syncing - Real-time cloud synchronization allowing seamless writing across multiple devices with automatic backup.
Export and Publishing Options - Multiple export formats and ebook publishing capabilities for preparing manuscripts for distribution.

Pricing

Plan	Price	Includes
Free	$0	Up to 5 projects, basic writing interface, word count tracking, dark mode
Plus	$6/month (billed annually)	Unlimited projects, writing analytics, no-code author website, community access
Pro	$14/month (billed annually)	Advanced ProWritingAid tools, unlimited version history, ebook publishing, Academy courses
Lifetime Pro	$499 one-time	Lifetime access, exclusive features, co-ownership benefits, all Pro features

Platforms & Requirements

Novlr is a web-based platform accessible through any modern browser on Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android devices. The platform supports real-time syncing across devices when online and maintains offline writing capability. No specific minimum system requirements are documented, though browser compatibility is required for web access.

Integrations & Ecosystem

ProWritingAid (grammar and editing)
Ebook export (multiple formats)
Author website builder (Plus plan and above)
Cloud backup and sync
Writing group community features

Alternatives

App	Difference
Plottr	Offers more advanced story templating and visual plotting tools compared to Novlr's basic outline features.
Scrivener	Desktop-focused application with more granular formatting control and longer market presence, though steeper learning curve.
Google Docs	General-purpose document editor lacking novel-specific features like scene organization and writing analytics.
Atticus	Provides integrated self-publishing and formatting tools alongside writing, whereas Novlr focuses primarily on drafting and editing.

Reputation

Novlr is recognized as a focused, user-friendly platform for novelists prioritizing distraction-free writing and community engagement. The writer-owned cooperative model is viewed positively for transparency and user control compared to traditional SaaS platforms. Limitations include basic plotting and outlining features compared to specialized story-planning tools, lack of real-time collaboration, and no image support. The platform maintains a loyal user base among independent authors and solo writers seeking simplicity over feature complexity.

Sources (10)