BookSetter vs Storyloft
BookSetter
booksetter.com
Storyloft
storyloft.appSide by side
| Figure | BookSetter | Storyloft |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | $33.17/mo |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | Yes | — |
| Open source | — | — |
| Web | Yes | Yes |
| Windows | — | Yes |
| macOS | — | Yes |
| Plans published | 7 | 4 |
| Spec score · Book Layout Software | 9.0 (#2) | 8.5 (#4) |
| API and SDKs | The reviewed maker pages do not publish a public API, SDK, webhook reference, or developer portal. | The public pages reviewed describe a hosted author application and do not provide API reference material or SDK downloads. |
| Exports | Eligible packages can include print-ready PDF, generic EPUB, Kindle-targeted EPUB, DOCX content, and validation reports. | Storyloft says users can export manuscripts as EPUB, PDF, or DOCX at any time. |
| Self-hosting | The product is presented as an online web service, with no self-hosted deployment package described. | The reviewed product pages describe browser and desktop access but give no self-hosting deployment option. |
| What it does | BookSetter is browser-based software that compiles structured manuscripts into validated ebook and print-ready files. | Storyloft is an author-focused workspace combining manuscript writing, AI editing, research, worldbuilding, illustration, formatting, cover design and publishing. |
Plans
BookSetter
- Free First Edition BetaFree
- Targeted update$9, paid once
- Additional launch book$29, paid once
- Regular single book$49, paid once
- 5-book Series Pack$149, paid once
- 10-book Backlist Pack$249, paid once
- 25-book Publisher Pack$499, paid once
Storyloft
- Start FreeFree
- Storyloft Pro$39 a month
- Storyloft Pro$398 a year
- Lifetime Access$399, paid once
In their own words
BookSetter
BookSetter is web-based software for turning a manuscript into ebook and print-ready files, with validation reports included in eligible packages. It accepts DOCX, Markdown, TXT, RTF, ODT, HTML, reStructuredText, AsciiDoc, Org, and LaTeX. Authors review a detected Book Map, choose an edition direction, compare rendered proofs, then export files such as print-ready PDF, generic EPUB, Kindle-targeted EPUB, or DOCX content. Reports address EPUB conformance, PDF preflight, accessibility, text integrity, font rights, and reproducibility. Optional metered AI can explain readiness evidence and propose DOCX formatting operations for review; deterministic parsing, rendering, and validation remain authoritative. A limited free beta is available to eligible verified creators for one account-bound manuscript package, subject to fair-use limits. Paid options include a $49.00 USD single-book package, alongside one-time targeted updates and multi-book packs. BookSetter prepares files but does not upload or distribute books to retail marketplaces. The terms say users retain manuscript ownership under a limited service license.
Storyloft
Storyloft is a writing, design, and publishing workspace for authors, available on the web and as desktop applications for macOS and Windows. Its manuscript editor works with Eddy, an AI editorial assistant that can analyze text in context and suggest edits. Eddy can also research the web and save structured citations to the manuscript library. Worldbuilding and illustration tools help organize characters, scenes, and artifacts while maintaining a consistent visual style. Authors can use book themes and cover design tools, then export print and ebook files, including EPUB; manuscripts can also be exported as PDF or DOCX. Storyloft says files can be prepared for services such as Kindle Direct Publishing and IngramSpark. The free plan covers one manuscript of up to 5,000 words, 10 image credits, and 20 Eddy conversations; writing beyond the word limit requires an upgrade. Storyloft Pro costs $39 a month, and Lifetime Access costs 399.00 USD once. The maker says private project content is not used to train AI models, Eddy acts only when authors request it, and the AI features can be left unused.