Compiling a Novel from Scrivener

Yesterday I had a question about Scrivener from Debby. She asked: “My concern is if I work in Scrivener, is there a way I can transfer my work back to Word where I’d like my final document for editing and track change purposes? Could this be done through compiling, or at least by copy and pasting each chapter?”

Of course, responding to a question like that is easy if you’re an ex-computer salesman with thirteen years experience of selling and another twenty years of practical use. You take a screenshot. Sadly this gormless author hasn’t the faintest idea how to insert a screenshot into a reply, though, so instead, here’s my reply.

Scrivener is very easy to play with. It provides the author with a clear, easily customised environment to work in. It gives, on one page, all your research material, all the scenes and chapters of your novel or thesis or dissertation, and gives you an environment where you can sit and write, solid, without distraction. It is, for me, easily the best computer equipment for writing books. I don’t use it for short texts, but for a novel of a hundred and forty, hundred and sixty thousand words, it is – well, for me it’s essential now.

However, when you’ve written the book, how do you output?

Simple. This screenshot shows the compile menu.

A screenshot of my latest novel with the compile sub menu displayed

As you can see from this, there are numerous outputs you can use. Naturally I haven’t used all of them (yet). I have worked with Scrivener to produce ebooks, novels, scripts, and I’ve output into RTF, PDF, Word, .mobi and other formats and so far have not had a single issue in (I think) seven years of solid use.

The only glitch I do have is that when I output into Word, I cannot check it. Why? My last version of Word ceased to function three years ago. I asked how much for a new copy and was less than impressed to be told that it was bundled in MS OFFICE, and thus I’d have to pay some £160 for it. Since I have no use for spreadsheets, presentational software, a new email system or any of the other crud that comes with OFFICE, I declined that kind offer. Instead, after some research, I moved to Nisus Writer Pro. This is a package designed from the bottom up to work really well on Apple computers, and not only is it cheaper than OFFICE (less than one quarter of the price), it is also much easier, more intuitive, and logical than Word in my experience.

I should say, I am one of those rare things, a connoisseur of WP. I started with Wordplex, selling computers and software, moved to Wang Laboratories, then to Xerox, and over my twenty years as a professional author I’ve worked with WordPerfect (loved it), Word, iA Writer, Nisus and … well, you get the message. If it’s there, I’ve used it. Nisus is best, in my own opinion. You will have your own opinion, no doubt!

So, Debby, in answer to your question, yes, you can compile. Personally I’d go to RTF Word compatible because that’s what Keith, the wonderful man who invented Scrivener recommends, and I’ve always followed his advice. However, it’s easy to use and it’s free for a month’s trial, I think, so I’d just get it and play.

The main thing is, don’t worry about the bells and whistles. Those you can learn about later, if you want. The key is, just get it and start using it to type. It is a wonderful environment to work in.

I sound like a salesman – I should just say, I get no commission or freebies. Consider me an evangelical proponent of Scrivener!