Fictionary Review for Writers

Review of Fictionary Book Editing Software

I originally intended to publish a single Fictionary review for writers blog post as part of the PurdyBooks Writing Tools for Middle Grade Authors ongoing series. But it turns out that Fictionary is a collection of writing tools rather than a single writing entity. So I will be writing a series of four blog posts (one per month) about Fictionary.

Fictionary is powerful web-based editing software designed specifically for writers. It offers a unique approach to editing by focusing on the structure and elements of storytelling. Here’s a breakdown of what Fictionary offers:

Structural Editing: Fictionary helps writers analyze and revise the structure of their novels. It provides tools to visualize and assess key story elements such as plot, character arcs, pacing, and story flow.
Automated Story Analysis: The software automatically analyzes manuscripts and generates visualizations to identify areas for improvement. Writers can quickly spot weaknesses in their story’s structure and make targeted revisions.
Character Development: Fictionary assists writers in developing well-rounded characters by analyzing their arcs, motivations, and interactions throughout the story. Writers can ensure consistency and depth in character development.
Plot Enhancement: Writers can use Fictionary to strengthen their plot by visualizing the narrative arc, identifying plot holes, and improving pacing. The software helps ensure that the story maintains tension and engages readers from beginning to end.
Ease of Use: Fictionary offers an intuitive interface that makes it easy for writers to navigate and utilize its editing tools. Writers can focus on improving their story without getting bogged down by complex software.

I have many different writing tools at my fingertips, and I was beginning to think I wouldn’t need any more… until I tried Fictionary. It was as if this software was made specifically for me. I am a big fan of prewriting and planning, and Fictionary certainly provides plenty of architectural tools for prewriting. In fact, it was a wee bit overwhelming at first. (See tip #3 below to help overcome this issue.) But once I jumped into the software and began using it on a daily basis, I found that it was almost like taking a series of college level courses on the real, nitty-gritty foundations of writing. A beginner could certainly benefit from Fictionary, but it’s also a higher-level writing tool for advanced writers. I have advanced degrees in both reading and writing, plus I taught writing for over a dozen years, PLUS I have published over 15 books. Yet I still managed to take my fiction writing skills up a couple notches after utilizing the Fictionary software and courses.

Fictionary Tools and Pricing

As I mentioned above, Fictionary offers many different tools for subscribers. Let’s take a look at some of the tools with a brief description of each.

StoryTeller Software: StoryTeller software by Fictionary is a comprehensive tool designed to enhance the storytelling process for writers. It provides an array of features aimed at analyzing and improving the structural elements of a manuscript, including plot, character development, pacing, and story flow. With its intuitive interface and automated analysis tools, StoryTeller empowers writers to visualize their story’s strengths and weaknesses, enabling them to make targeted revisions that elevate the overall quality of their work.
Writer Support: Fictionary provides robust training and support for writers, offering comprehensive resources to help them maximize the software’s capabilities. From detailed tutorials and user guides to responsive customer support, Fictionary ensures that writers have the knowledge and assistance they need to effectively utilize the software in their writing process.
Fictionary Live!: Experience interactive and personalized editing support with Fictionary Live! Guided Editing courses, tailor-made for writers dedicated to honing their craft. Led by seasoned StoryCoach Editors, each session provides real-time guidance as you work through your story, offering live instruction, weekly editing assignments, and direct Q&A sessions. Say goodbye to pre-recorded videos and hello to dynamic Zoom sessions focused on strengthening your manuscript at every turn.

Fictionary Pricing

Fictionary has two different levels of pricing:

Fictionary StoryTeller is $19 per month and comes with automated story editing software, fifteen story insights, and step-by-step editing assistance. It allows users to edit three manuscripts at a time.
StoryTeller Premium is $39 per month and offers all of the features of StoryTeller plus Fictionary Live! guided editing courses. It also allows you to track changes and comments. Plus, it gives you the ability to edit ten manuscripts at a time.

As mentioned above, I benefitted greatly from starting out in StoryTeller Premium as I learned the ins and outs of the extensive offerings.

Recommendations for Getting the Most out of Fictionary

Obviously, you have the option of jumping straight into Fictionary as you begin your writing and publishing journey. You can do that and produce a fine novel while learning many great writing tips and tricks. But here are some supplemental suggestions that might help make the process easier and more efficient.

I recommend getting the book, Secrets to Outlining a Novel. It was written by the founder of Fictionary and one of the awesome instructors. Between the book, the website’s instructional videos and the Fictionary classes, you will have a greater understanding of the entire process of crafting a novel using the StoryTeller app.
Utilize the Scapple app (by Scrivener) as a brainstorming tool to help you keep your ideas in a visual, easily editable format while compiling and organizing your StoryTeller outline.
Start out with a 14 day free trial of StoryTeller Premium. After that, you should continue for at least a couple months with the premium level subscription. One of the nice characteristics of Fictionary is the ease with which you can switch back and forth between Fictionary Storyteller and Fictionary Storyteller Premium. By starting out in the premium level, you can utilize all of the Fictionary features, including the helpful classes that will allow you to learn how to use the software from the very beginning.

Fictionary Tips and Tricks

Tip – I found it helpful to have three screens open at once: my iPad, my laptop and my monitor. On the iPad, I had the book, Secrets to Outlining a Novel. On the laptop I had the Fictionary app up and running. On the monitor, I had Scapple on the screen. (Scapple is an inexpensive Literature and Latte product that is great for creating a visual representation of your project.) While I was outlining my book with the Fictionary app, I was referring to the Secrets to Outlining book. At the same time, I was adding items to my Scapple timeline so that I always had a big-picture representation of my story. After I have utilized the Fictionary method for a couple books, I can probably eliminate the need for the iPad assistance, but I foresee always using the combination of Fictionary and Scapple since that is a nice way to see both individual portions of my novel while also seeing a timeline of the whole story. Most links to books on this page are affiliate links. Other links are not affiliate links.