Back in May, 2009 I posted a list of software applications for writers looking for outlining tools. This is a revised list based on some of the comments sent in. New additions are in blue.
Online
- StoryRight – an online outlining tool which allows scene by scene outlines, character dossiers and plot summarise. Free
Software packages available for purchase
- Text tree – downloadable outliner available for purchase. Demo available (17 uses only)
- Idea Cruncher – software for organising ideas. Simple tree-like structure. Demo available (30 days)
- StoryView, by Write Brothers, Inc - a rather enthusiastic Write Brothers program for outlining and brainstorming available for purchase. I tried this product several years ago. To be honest I didn’t find the interface particularly easy on the eye, but mostly the reviews have been good for this product. Demo available
- DramaticaPro, Write Brothers, Inc -a comprehensive program for Mac and PC users that allows character creation, comprehensive plotting, brainstorming and more. DramaticaPro is a popular program with many writers, but it’s not for me. Demo available
- Page Four – a clean looking program with plot outliner, character summaries and a simple word processor.
- Writer’s Cafe – comprehensive software for writings with outlining and word processing capabilities. Demo available
- My Novel – allows planning of a novel from the original idea, to characters, plot and chapter profiles and writing it. Demo available
- Story Master Pro – plan and structure your novel with Story Master Pro. Demo available
- Liquid Story Binder – wordprocessor and comprehensive plotting tool. Demo available
- Story Planner
- UV Outliners – one pane outliner for Windows. Trial version available for download
Free downloadable outliners and software
- Ume Outliner – a single-paned outliner for Windows. Download a free “preview” version of the outliner. A release version will be available for purchase soon.
- yWriter – comprehensive outliner and word processor tailored for novelists.
Templates (free)
- Outlining worksheets and checklists- Download worksheets from Karen Weisner’s bookFrom first draft to finished novel, or read her article Y0ur novel blueprint.
- Ten point plot template – download template with sample
If you know of any other outliners please let me know so I can update the list.
thank you for the information ..
very interesting to read ..
Please visit also the http://www.alvernod.com
This site presents a lot of interesting information .. thank you ..
http://www.alvernod.com
Scrivener http://www.literatureandlatte.com/scrivener.html is a very popular outliner for writiers.
http://thinklinkr.com is a web-based outliner that’s great for collaborative work.
Vishu, I haven’t added Scrivener because it is for Mac and I use Windows – I’m not being bias, just am unable to test it so cannot recommend it. I have heard it is one of the best though.
do you use any of these, Sharon?
I know one writer who uses software – I never have.
Jennifer, I don’t use any of these, but I have tested most of them. I use MS Word and OneNote. With OneNote I can make my own outlines and customise the templates.