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Scrivener 3 for Windows has arrived!

Tech Stuff, Writing Life

Scrivener 3 for Windows released today! It looks great, and suddenly all my blog posts from the last three years are more relevant to everyone, lol. 😉

The update is not just good news for Windows users, but also those who’ve been working between Mac and OS, or Windows and iOS, because your files are compatible on both systems again.

If you purchased Scrivener 1 for Windows after November 20, 2017, then the upgrade is free. If you purchased it on or before that date, it’s half price.

If you’re ready to upgrade (Windows 7 SP1+ with .NET Framework 4.6.2+ required), here’s a quick overview of how it’s done.

  1. Go to https://www.literatureandlatte.com/scrivener/download and click the Download button under the Windows x64 heading.

2. Once it’s finished downloading, you can choose to Run the installer from your browser, or double-click the Scrivener-installer file in the Downloads folder on your hard drive.

3. Once Scrivener opens, you’ll be prompted to Buy Now. If you already have Scrivener, you want to ensure you get your discount, so click the “Upgrade from an older version” link.

4. You’ll be prompted to enter the email you used when you registered the old version, and the license code you received when you bought the old version. NOTE: If you can’t find the license, go to Literature & Latte’s “Lost License Recovery” page.

5. Once you've entered the requested info, click Check for Discount.

6. If Scrivener informs you that you’re eligible for a discount, click Get Coupon. (I believe this step is necessary because they changed licensing providers a few years back.)

7. The coupon code will appear. Copy it, just in case, but it should be automatically entered at the retail site when you click Buy Now.

8. Enter your payment information. Within a few minutes, your Scrivener version should be activated. You’ll receive an email with the license number, which you should keep in a safe place in case you ever need to reactivate your software, or for when you install it on another computer in your household. 

I’ll have news on updated courses soon. Until then, you can always find help on my Scrivener Articles page.

Are you excited?

No more MOBIs

Tech Stuff, Writing Life2 Comments

Did you get the email from Amazon’s Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) about their accepted file types for ebooks? In case you missed it, or were confused by the changes, here’s what you need to know if you format your ebooks in Scrivener.

  • For “reflowable” ebooks (see explanation below), Amazon no longer accepts MOBI files. They are asking for an EPUB or DOCX file, unless you’re using their Kindle Create program.
  • “Reflowable” books are those like you’re probably used to reading on your Kindle or iPad. They allow the person reading to resize or change the font and spacing, and the text just adjusts (reflows) to fit the screen without distorting the layout. The opposite of this would be a fixed layout file like a PDF, where if you enlarge the text, it extends off the edge of the screen and you have to scroll around to read it. Scrivener’s EPUB format creates reflowable text.
  • Any books you uploaded to KDP in the past are fine. Leave them alone.
  • Any books you plan to upload (or upload again to update) to KDP in the future should be in EPUB or DOCX format.

Bottom line: This actually makes your life easier! EPUB is one of the simplest file types to compile in Scrivener, so I recommend this route. In fact, KDP has accepted EPUB files for a long time, and I’ve been uploading them instead of MOBI for years now.

If you want to get better at compiling for EPUB, DOCX, or any other file type, I have classes for that at ScrivenerClasses.com. 😉

I’m also working on a video-only version for Mark Dawson’s Self Publishing Formula (SPF) that should be out later this summer. The video-only Scrivener 3 overview is already live at SPF.

New year, old process

Writing Life6 Comments

This is the year I start owning my writing process. Quit calling it horrible, or slow. Embrace it.

This is the year I recognize that doing it my way has helped me produce nine manuscripts, six published novels, a 400-page published work of nonfiction, dozens of short stories, over 250K words of blog posts, and more.

Where the “magic” (usually) happens.

My process may not be as fast or organized or glamorous as others’, but it works. And it’s mine.

My messy process is actually kind of fun too. And the more I go with it, the more fun I have, the more ideas I get, and the more I want to keep writing.

Why would I fight that? Why would I fight with myself?

So, in 2021, I’m leaning into it.

Finding the joy in it.

Finding myself in it.

Whatever your pursuits, I hope you’re able to do the same. Happy new year!

An auction for writers and readers

Random, Writing Life

The Romancing the Runoff auction starts today!

A group of authors led by Courtney Milan, Alyssa Cole, and Kit Rocha have donated some amazing items to support Fair Fight and other voting rights organizations for the Senate runoff race in Georgia.

Romancing the Runoff logo

My donation of a 1-hour Scrivener training session is probably only of interest to you if you’re a writer, but there are so many cool items on offer for everyone. Signed books, author critiques, virtual pajama parties, hand-made gifts, and lots of gift cards for books.

Here are a few highlights:

  • A copy of The Duke and I signed by Julia Quinn and some of the actors in the Bridgerton series.
  • A TV pilot consult with a Netflix show runner.
  • A virtual tea with Tessa Dare (including real tea and pound cake).
  • A gift basket from Farrah Rochon that includes a Kindle Fire, a signed copy of The Boyfriend Project, a gift card, and some treats.
  • A 1-month writing mentorship with Jeannie Lin.

Wow! How’s that for some gift ideas, either for that hard-to-buy-for person on your list or maybe just to treat yourself? Take a minute to check out the full list of items.

Bidding runs through November 24th. Good luck!