Dabble
What it is
Dabble is a writing tool for fiction authors, particularly novelists, with plotting, drafting, editing, and co-authoring features. Its Plot Grid organizes plot lines, plot points, and labels, alongside character profiles and worldbuilding tools. The editor includes focus mode, daily word-count goals, auto-numbered chapters, and scene organization. Writers can use sticky notes, comments, highlights, and grammar and style checks, with the listed editing tools included in the Author plan and above. Co-authors can collaborate on a manuscript in real time. Dabble says it provides automatic cloud backup and sync, as well as regular online and offline backups. Projects can be exported to the web, Word, and Google Docs, and the product includes a NaNoWriMo word tracker. It is available through a browser and on Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, and Android. There is no free plan; a 14-day trial is listed. Paid plans start at $19 a month. After a subscription ends, existing manuscripts and notes remain viewable and exportable, but become read-only.
For and against
For
- Plot Grid combines story structure with character and worldbuilding tools.
- Co-authors can work on the same manuscript in real time.
- Works through a browser and on desktop and mobile platforms.
- Existing work remains viewable and exportable after cancellation.
Against
- There is no free plan.
- A 14-day trial is listed.
- After a subscription ends, work becomes read-only.
- Paid plans start at $19 a month.
The verdict
Dabble brings fiction planning, writing, editing, and co-authoring into one tool with multiple platform options. Check the plan details for editing features and keep in mind that work becomes read-only after a subscription ends.
Who it suits
Dabble suits fiction writers, from first-time hobbyists to professional authors, who want tools for plotting and drafting. Its real-time co-authoring may also suit writers working on a manuscript together.
Plans and prices
Writer
Unlimited manuscripts · cloud backup and sync · access on any device · goals and stats
Read 30 Sep 2026 · dabblewriter.com
Author
Everything in Writer · editing tools · advanced grammar and style checks · beta-reader and editor support
Read 30 Sep 2026 · dabblewriter.com
Bestseller
Everything in Author · DabbleU Academy · live workshops · exclusive courses and recordings
Read 30 Sep 2026 · dabblewriter.com
Lifetime Author Access
All Dabble Author features · unlimited Author updates and future Author features
Read 30 Sep 2026 · dabblewriter.com
On the record
- After cancellation
- After a subscription ends, users can still view and export existing manuscripts and notes, but the work becomes read-only.dabblewriter.com · read 30 Sep 2026
- AI and ownership
- Dabble says it will not use user content to train AI models and that authors retain copyright in their work.dabblewriter.com · read 30 Sep 2026
- Audience
- Dabble says it is designed for novel writers ranging from first-time hobbyists to professional authors.dabblewriter.com · read 30 Sep 2026
- Backups
- Dabble says it provides automatic cloud backup and sync and regular online and offline backups.dabblewriter.com · read 30 Sep 2026
- Collaboration
- Co-authoring lets writers invite a co-author to collaborate on the same manuscript in real time.dabblewriter.com · read 30 Sep 2026
- Editing
- Editing tools include sticky notes, comments, highlights, and built-in grammar and style checks.dabblewriter.com · read 30 Sep 2026
- Export formats
- extensivedabblewriter.com · read 19 Sep 2026
- Free trial
- The 14-day trial includes access to all premium features and does not require a credit card.dabblewriter.com · read 30 Sep 2026
- Integrations and exports
- Dabble's home page lists exports to the web, Word, and Google Docs, and a built-in NaNoWriMo word tracker.dabblewriter.com · read 30 Sep 2026
- Mobile apps
- Yesdabblewriter.com · read 19 Sep 2026
- Offline mode
- Yesdabblewriter.com · read 19 Sep 2026
- Platform availability
- Dabble offers Windows, Mac, and Linux downloads and says it can also be used in a browser; its pricing page states support for iOS and Android.dabblewriter.com · read 30 Sep 2026
- Plotting
- The Plot Grid organizes stories with plot lines, plot points, and labels, alongside character profiles and worldbuilding tools.dabblewriter.com · read 30 Sep 2026
- Product
- Dabble is a writing tool designed for aspiring and seasoned fiction authors, especially novelists.dabblewriter.com · read 30 Sep 2026
- Publishing tools
- Yesdabblewriter.com · read 19 Sep 2026
- Security
- Dabble says work is stored locally and synced over an encrypted connection, with server data encrypted at rest; support staff may access writing to provide support.dabblewriter.com · read 30 Sep 2026
- Support
- Support is available by email and live chat, with help documents and bug reporting also offered.dabblewriter.com · read 30 Sep 2026
- Version history
- Yesdabblewriter.com · read 19 Sep 2026
