Write your novel. Keep everything on your machine.
The Novelist is a desktop writing workspace for authors — manuscripts, story bible, characters, locations, timeline, notes, and exports in one calm app. Your words stay on your computer, not in someone else's cloud.
What is The Novelist?
The Novelist is a local-first app for writers who want a dedicated place to draft books and manage story material — without renting server space or handing manuscripts to a SaaS platform. Open a workspace on your Mac, Windows, or Linux PC and everything lives in a folder you control.
Who it's for
Novelists, series authors, and worldbuilders who outgrow scattered docs and want manuscripts, characters, and research connected in one project.
What makes it different
No account required. No always-on internet. Optional AI runs through your own Ollama install or API keys you provide — never sent to us.
How it works
A simple workflow from first idea to export-ready manuscript.
Create a workspace
Pick a folder on your computer. The Novelist stores books, notes, media, and settings there — easy to back up with Time Machine, OneDrive, or a USB drive.
Write in the editor
Draft chapters in a focused editor with word goals, document history, and links to characters, locations, and notes from your story bible.
Build your story bible
Track characters, places, events, and research. See where entities appear across your book and jump between draft and reference in one click.
Export when ready
Export to HTML for free. Unlock Pro for print-ready PDF, ePUB, graph view, grammar checks, and AI manuscript analysis.
Features
Core writing tools are free. Pro unlocks publishing and advanced analysis plugins.
Books & chapters Free
Structured manuscripts with a chapter editor, cover image, and book preview.
Story bible Free
Characters, locations, timeline events, research, and cross-linked notes.
Notes & media Free
Color-coded notes and image assets stored inside your workspace folder.
Entity links Free
Connect chapters, characters, and locations so context travels with your draft.
Local AI (Ollama) Free
Optional drafting help using models you run locally — no cloud required.
HTML export Free
Styled HTML export for sharing drafts or converting elsewhere.
PDF & ePUB export Free
Print-ready PDF and e-reader packages with trim sizes and cover support.
Graph view Pro
Visual map of how characters, places, and documents connect in your project.
AI manuscript analysis Pro
Editorial suggestions across your full manuscript using your chosen AI provider.
Grammar & clarity Pro
Rule-based checks for grammar, clarity, and consistency while you write.
Setup guides
Connect free local AI with Ollama or cloud models with DeepSeek — detailed walkthroughs for macOS, Windows, and Linux.
Download
Official installers for macOS, Windows, and Linux. Need step-by-step instructions? Read the install guide.
Early access downloads
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Downloads unlocked. Choose your operating system below.
The Novelist Pro unlocks PDF/ePUB export, graph view, grammar checks, and AI manuscript analysis. Activate a license key under Settings → The Novelist Pro. Installed apps check for updates under Settings → Version & updates.