The Complete Writing & Publishing Platform
Palimpsest is a full-stack environment for writers, editors, publishers, and creative teams. From first draft to publication - writing, editing, collaboration, design, and distribution - all in one place.
Built for Writers
Everything you need from blank page to bookshelf. Project setup, structured writing, version control, research management, and multi-format export.
Project Organization
Genre templates, goal tracking, character databases, timeline builders, and research vaults.
Rich Writing Environment
Structured documents, focus modes, distraction-free UI, and a pro-grade editor with version history.
Continuity Tools
Cross-document linking, entity consistency checks, timeline validation, and auto-generated glossaries.
Quality Checks
Grammar & spell check, style linting, readability analysis, and repetition detection.
Productivity
Task boards, milestones, writing sprints, Pomodoro timers, and habit-tracking streaks.
Export Anywhere
DOCX, PDF, EPUB, MOBI, Markdown, and print-ready packages. Full ownership of your files.
Local-First Architecture
Your writing stays on your device. No account required. No internet needed. No vendor lock-in.
100% Yours
All files stay local. Encrypt, backup, and export anytime. Your data never leaves your machine.
Works Offline
Write anywhere without internet. Sync when you reconnect - if you want to.
Version Control
Full diff/restore capabilities. Track authorship. Revert changes. Compare any two versions.
Simple, Transparent Pricing
Start writing for free. Upgrade when you need team features or specialized tools.
Author Free Forever
- Unlimited projects and documents
- Full writing and editing tools
- Project organization and structure
- Version history and backups
- Export to DOCX, PDF, EPUB, MOBI
- Character and location databases
- Timeline and continuity tools
- Writing goals and productivity tracking
- Offline-first, local data storage
Pro Coming...Eventually
- Everything in Author, plus:
- Team collaboration and real-time editing
- Editor, Publisher, and Designer roles
- Comments, track changes, and reviews
- Role-based permissions and workflows
- Cloud sync and backups
- Advanced publishing tools
- Professional typesetting and design
- Specialized workflows (audio, translation, etc.)
Pro Roles & Workflows Pro License
Specialized tools for every role in the publishing ecosystem. Available with a Pro license.
🖊️ Editor
- Track changes and suggestions
- Threaded comments and editorial letters
- Revision requests with due dates
- Copy editing and style enforcement
📚 Publisher
- Stage gates and approval workflows
- Asset management (covers, ISBNs, metadata)
- Distribution and retail exports
- Contracts and royalty tracking
🎨 Designer
- Typography and style presets
- Cover and interior design tools
- Print-ready PDF/X outputs
- Trim sizes and professional layouts
🎙️ Audiobook Producer
- Script extraction and formatting
- Pronunciation guides
- Chapter timing markers
- ACX-ready exports
🌐 Translator
- Translation memory
- Glossary synchronization
- Segment-based workflow
- CAT tool integration (XLIFF)
👥 Team Collaboration
- Real-time co-editing
- Role-based permissions
- Review gates and approvals
- Audit trails and attribution
Ready to Write?
Join writers who choose to own their work. Start with the free Author tools - upgrade to Pro when you need team features.
What is a Palimpsest?
Ancient Layers of Meaning
A palimpsest is an ancient manuscript where the original text was carefully scraped away, allowing a new text to be written on the same parchment. Rather than erasing the past, the older writing remained as a subtle layer beneath.
This practice reveals something profound about writing itself: our best work comes from iterating, layering ideas, and building upon what came before. It's about revision as creation.
Palimpsest the tool honors this tradition—a space where your writing can evolve, layer, and transform without losing the authenticity of your voice.