📝 Review Monday: Atticus – The All-in-One Tool for Writers Who Want to Publish

Scrivener meets Vellum (and works on Windows too).

📚 What Is Atticus?

Atticus is a browser-based (and downloadable) app for writers that combines novel writing, book formatting, and manuscript export in one package. It was created by Dave Chesson, the founder of Kindlepreneur, to provide a Scrivener alternative that also lets you format like Vellum (but for Windows, too).

It’s built with indie authors in mind—especially those who want control of their publishing process without learning six different tools.

✅ What Atticus Gets Right:

🖊 1. Writing + Formatting, Together
No need to jump between Scrivener, Word, and Vellum. You can write your novel, organize chapters, and export a beautifully formatted EPUB or PDF, all in one place.

📦 2. Formatting Is Incredibly Easy
Choose from stylish templates, customize chapter headers, add ornamental breaks, set up front and back matter—and preview everything instantly. It looks pro-level, even if you’re not a designer.

🧩 3. Works on Mac, Windows, Chromebook, and Web
Unlike Vellum (Mac only), Atticus works almost everywhere. You can write and format on your PC, then review the layout on your iPad.

🧠 4. Designed for Authors
Everything about Atticus is tailored to indie authors. The features aren’t bloated—they’re purposeful. Chapter goals, word counts, drag-and-drop scenes. It’s a minimalist’s dream.

🔄 5. Lifetime Purchase
One-time payment of $147 gets you access forever—including all updates. No subscription. No hidden fees. That’s rare.

❌ Where Atticus Falls Short:

🌐 1. Internet-Dependent for Most Features
Although you can download a local version, the formatting engine relies heavily on the cloud. If your connection is spotty, it’s not ideal.

🧪 2. Still Evolving
Compared to Scrivener’s decades of polish, Atticus is still adding features. Things like character notes and full corkboard-style plotting are basic or still on the roadmap.

🧰 3. Not Ideal for Complex Research Projects
If you’re juggling timelines, character arcs, multiple documents, and worldbuilding? Scrivener still wins. Atticus is more “get it done and get it out there.”

📚 4. Formatting Templates Aren’t Infinite
You can’t customize every font or spacing element. You’re working within sleek, well-designed boundaries—but still, boundaries.

🧠 Best For:

Indie authors ready to format and publish
Writers who want clean, easy tools for both writing and layout
Windows users who envy Vellum
Authors writing multiple books in a series

🙅‍♂️ Not Great For:

Worldbuilders and heavy researchers
Writers who need advanced planning tools
People with unreliable internet
Minimalists who already love their current combo (e.g., Docs + Reedsy)

⭐ Verdict:

Atticus is the tool for novelists who don’t just want to write a book—they want to finish and publish it, beautifully.

It’s not as powerful as Scrivener for brainstorming, but it wins in ease, export, and elegance. If you’re nearing the finish line (or starting with publishing in mind), it’s hard to beat.

🦦 Summary:

Usefulness for Novelists: 9/10
Formatting Power: 10/10
Planning Tools: 5/10

Writester