2025.
Sigil 2.5 improved performance on Windows, Linux and Mac
The new version
Sigil 2.5 represents a large set of bug fixes and new features. The most significant of these is the addition of an AppImage build of Sigil for Linux that is feature for feature equal to the builds we make for MacOS and Windows. New Features include MacOS, Windows and Linux AppImage updates to support latest QT, Python and pcre2 search engine. Developers have added ability to easily clear an Open With editor list, without need to edit ini files, new Search menu option that will hide the Find and Replace Window if open, resizable Alert Boxes to better see error messages, “Use Standard File Extensions” tool with menu and automator tool support. GetInfo feature was extended to all BookBrowser file types. For unnamed epubs Save-As now suggests a new name based on epub’s metadata.
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
2022.
Squibler adds editable corkboard
Book writing platform
Squibler has added several useful features. Corkboard view now offers an overview of the content along with its summary. Previously, users had to navigate to the appropriate section to view summary in the right sidebar. Now users can not only view but also edit summary directly in Corkboard. Another new feature is file and folder structure, which allows to create unlimited hierarchy. Additionally, the platform now includes a recycle bin in the editor, allowing users to delete and restore individual files or folders. Previously, only entire projects could be restored.
2021.
Ebook editor Manuskript improves search and spell-checker
A new version of
Manuskript (0.12) is introducing many exciting new features and improvements. One of the most notable changes is significantly improved search function, which now allows users to search for text using regular expressions across the entire project (including the plot, world, characters and structure). With customizable keyboard shortcuts, users can easily navigate and preview search results with a simple mouse hover. The new version also supports LanguageTool, a spell checker that offers suggestions and checks grammar for many languages. Additionally, a new logging system has been integrated. It provides detailed error reports and simplifies their correction. Other improvements include the ability to add characters and story elements directly from the editor, as well as remove characters in the viewpoint selection dialog.
2020.
Dabble refreshed its design on desktop
Ebook Editing software
Dabble has released some new desktop features. Dabble's developers have made several updates to improve the user experience. The icons have been improved for a crisper look, the font has been changed to match the user's operating system and section headings in the left-hand navigation have been adjusted for easier scanning. Preferences, profile and billing have been redesigned for easier use, particularly on touch devices. The new status bar at the bottom of the screen displays the word count and project save and sync status, while two quick buttons in the bottom-right corner allow users to toggle and disable focus mode and enter and exit full screen mode. To customize the manuscript and story notes, users can adjust fonts and formatting on a per-project basis. Additionally, the project doc at the top of the navigation allows users to name the project something different from the book's title, which is useful for identifying series or multiple versions of the same book.
2019.
Jutoh adds MOBI book generation
The latest version of
Jutoh 2.92, has been released and it comes with a new feature that allows users to generate Kindle files using Kindlegen, Calibre, or None for Kindle-optimized Epubs. If the Kindle mode is set to None when compiling a Mobipocket configuration, Jutoh will automatically assume an Epub file should be generated. The Kindlegen download dialog has been updated and now users can set the Kindle file generation method and install it from a local archive. Additionally, options for word count have been moved to their own Options page in the Word Count dialog, including a new option called "Paragraphs to exclude" that allows users to exclude paragraph styles from the word count. Finally, developers added a "Remove paragraphs by style" option to the Document Cleanup dialog, which lets users remove specific styles of paragraphs, such as notes, from their book in one step.
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.
2017.
Ebook editor Storyist adds Blurb ebook templates
The latest version of
Storyist for Mac, version 3.5, has been released. This version includes a highly requested feature: the ability to create PDFs for print using the book templates in Storyist. With the new book editor, users can add front matter, specify verso/recto pages and set trim size, margins and bleed to create a print-ready PDF. Additionally, Storyist has collaborated with Blurb, a well-known self-publishing platform, to offer book creation and distribution tools that allow users to easily print and sell their work. The software includes print-optimized templates that can be used to quickly create attractive Blurb Trade Books. Storyist can create ePub and Kindle ebooks for reading in your favorite ebook reader or publishing on iBookstore or Amazon.com.
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.
