Project Studio

Exporting

Export a clean Word (.docx) copy of your manuscript straight from the writing view — for editors, beta readers, or your own records.

Why Export?

Export your manuscript to Word when you need to:

  • Send it to a professional editor
  • Share it with beta readers
  • Keep a personal backup outside StorytellerOS
  • Open it in Google Docs, LibreOffice, or Pages

Note

Looking to publish your book — an ebook file for Kindle, or a print-ready paperback or hardcover — instead of a Word document? That is handled by Publishing Studio, not the export button described here. Skip ahead if that is what you need.

What You Get

The writing view currently exports one format: a Word document (.docx). There is no format picker and no options dialog — clicking Export always produces the same clean, ready-to-share manuscript file.

  • Industry standard for sharing with editors and formatters
  • Opens in Microsoft Word, Google Docs, LibreOffice, and Pages
  • Track-changes compatible
  • Chapter headings included, with a page break before each new chapter

Tip

Most editors and beta readers are happy with a Word file. If someone asks for an ebook or a print file instead, send them to Publishing Studio, not this export.

How to Export

  1. Open your book in the writing view
  2. Click the Export button
  3. Wait a moment while your manuscript is prepared
  4. Your browser downloads the Word file automatically

Your Work Is Yours

You can export your complete manuscript at any time. Your work is never locked into StorytellerOS — export it and take it anywhere.

Exporting for Professional Editors

The exported file already uses chapter headings and page breaks between chapters, so it is ready to send as-is. A couple of tips:

  • Ask your editor which format they prefer before sending — most accept .docx
  • Name the file clearly (for example, AuthorName_BookTitle_Draft.docx)
  • Rename the downloaded file before attaching it to an email, since it downloads with a generic name

Exporting for Beta Readers

Beta readers can open the same Word file in Word, Google Docs, or any free document reader. If a beta reader would rather read on a Kindle or e-reader app, Publishing Studio can generate an ebook file for that instead — see Publishing Studio.

Creating Backups

Export regularly for your own offline backups:

  • Export a fresh Word copy after finishing a draft or a big round of edits
  • Store it on an external drive or in your own cloud storage
  • Include the date in the filename so you can tell copies apart

StorytellerOS keeps your manuscript safe, and you can also connect optional backups (Airtable, GitHub, Drive, or a zip file) — but it is still smart to keep your own Word copies as you go.

Troubleshooting Exports

Export button is disabled or spinning

  • Wait a few seconds — larger manuscripts take a little longer to prepare
  • Refresh the page and try again if it seems stuck

Missing content in the exported file

  • Check that all your chapters and scenes are saved in the writing view
  • Confirm scenes are in the order you expect before exporting

Formatting looks off in Word

  • Content pasted in from another app can carry hidden formatting — retype or use "paste as plain text" in the editor
  • Chapter headings and page breaks are applied automatically and cannot currently be customized

Covers Are Separate

The Word export does not include a cover image. Cover art is managed from the book's Variations tab and is used automatically when you generate an ebook or print file in Publishing Studio.

Best Practices

  • Export before major edits — Keep a backup of your current draft before big changes.
  • Use descriptive filenames — Include the book name, date, and version when you rename the downloaded file.
  • Keep master copies — Store your Word exports as your archival format.
  • Export a final version — After all edits are in, export one clean final copy for your own records.