2025.
Vellum improved page background and border setup
Mac-based ebook creation software
Vellum has released the new version 3.9. It enables authors to apply background not only in the first page but to every page of content. You can add a vintage paper texture, a wintery scene or a sparkling star field, then choose whether to apply it to just one chapter or your entire book. Also the new version allows to set up artistic page borders, like Floral filigree or Flickering flames. Page Borders are your chance to color outside the lines. Both new functions are in the new Background and Border section of Styles. Besides, in the update color output has been overhauled to better match Adobe tools like InDesign. Full Page Image now includes controls for full bleed Image Scale. Tooltips for custom images now display original filename and image size
2023.
Manuskript now allows to track writing goals
The free open-source writing tool
Manuskript has released version 0.15 with several new features. Users can now set a writing goal for their current session to stay on track. Additionally, users can drag and drop elements from the outline view to the editor which is simplifying working with multiple panes. The list of supported interface languages has been expanded and translations are now more consistent. Furthermore, keyboard shortcuts now work regardless of the user's language settings. The new version of Manuskript is available for Windows, Mac and Linux.
2022.
Sigil adds user templates
Open-source Ebook Editing software
Sigil has released version 1.9.20, which includes several new features. Users can now create new empty xhtml and css files from a user-template.xhtml and user-template.css and the latest version of MathJax (3.2.2) has been added for mathml support in Preview. Additionally, users can now cycle through two different custom stylesheets (or none at all) for use with Preview and the FindReplace dialog user interface has been redesigned to minimize size while adding features. Other new features include a FindReplace "Text" only checkbox and support to exclude tags from search, a Toggle Line Wrap Mode and its support added to CodeView via pop-up menu, a Dry Run Replace dialog to act as "Replace All" what if (Shift + Count All), a Replacement filter dialog to allow users to delete unwanted replacements before applying Replace All (Shift + Replace All) and a Counts Report to Saved Searches to show Saved Search Group counts by search.
2021.
LivingWriter has introduced the Research Board
LivingWriter has introduced a new feature Research Board, which serves as a tool for researching historical events. For example, it could be used to explore the cultural characteristics of a specific region or the political and economic structure of a feudal society for a medieval fantasy novel. The Research Board provides authors with a dedicated space to work on their research, eliminating the need for universal features like "History Notes" or "Global Notes" or even a separate notebook or app. Now, whenever you find a good source, such as an article or document or simply have a thought or idea you want to develop further, you can click "Add New" in the Research Board and select the type of entry you want to add.
2019.
Dabble enables Co-authoring
Ebook Creation software
Dabble now makes it easy to work on a project with one or more authors in real-time. Changes made by any author are automatically synced to the cloud and all authors working on the project will have access to all of their Dabble features. To add a co-author to your Project, click on the Invite a Co-Author button in the co-authoring settings. A new box will appear below Invitations. Enter the email of the person you would like to add as a co-author and click the Invite button. It’s important to note that the email you use to invite someone must be the email associated with their Dabble account. Co-authors have full access to the features and functionality of their Dabble subscription. Users without a subscription will only be able to view the Project in a read-only mode.
2018.
Scrivener for macOS adds Dark mode and Scriptwriting improvements
Software for writers
Scrivener has released the new version 3.1 for macOS. One notable addition is full support for Dark Mode in macOS 10.14, which also allows complete control over the interface colors. Scrivener 3.1 also offers improvements to scenario writing, such as support for the NEXT and CONTINUE commands when compiling to PDF and the ability to not break sentences across pages in scripts. Improvements in Compile function also include the ability to add a cover image when compiling to PDF, improved compilation options for print-on-demand services and direct formatting for EPUB 3 and Kindle KF8 formats. Additionally, a new "focus mode" is available, allowing you to gradually hide everything but the current line, sentence or paragraph as you write.
2016.
Reedsy launched Google Docs for books
Reedsy, the marketplace for editors, cover designers and more, has introduced a book editor designed to seamlessly collaborate with your editors and produce a final manuscript. While this isn’t the first book editor, Reedsy’s book editor focuses on collaboration. It may not be as robust as Scrivener or Ulysses, but that’s not the primary goal. You can draft your manuscript in Scrivener and then complete the editing process in Reedsy. Think of this book editor as a Google Docs for books. It allows you to write and edit in your browser with everything saved in real-time. Multiple people can edit simultaneously, leave comments and track changes. It eliminates the cumbersome back-and-forth process associated with Word documents and confusing file names.
