Neo

Product Introduction

1. Definition: NEO is a locally-hosted, Electron-based desktop application designed as a minimalist, distraction-free word processor specifically for long-form fiction and novel writing. It is an open-source project developed by author Hugh Howey.
2. Core Value Proposition: NEO exists to provide a focused, book-centric writing environment that automates manuscript formatting in real-time, allowing authors to concentrate solely on drafting without the bloat and distractions of general-purpose word processors. Its core value is in its opinionated design for novelists, by a novelist.

Main Features

1. Book-Centric Manuscript View: The editor formats text to resemble a printed book page as you type. It automatically handles chapter numbering, drop caps for new chapters, and typographic conventions like em dashes, true ellipses, and curly quotes. The technology is implemented via custom CSS (styles.css) and JavaScript (app.js) within an Electron shell, rendering HTML to simulate a book layout.
2. Intelligent Bookshelf Library: Instead of a file list, WIPs (Works in Progress) are displayed as books on virtual shelves, which can be customized and organized by series or status. Each book cover displays a progress bar tied to user-defined word count goals. This is managed through a local file system (~/Documents/NEO Library) where each project is a folder containing HTML chapter files and JSON metadata.
3. Minimalist Formatting with Enter Key: The application uses a semantic formatting system powered by keystroke detection in the renderer process. A single Enter creates a new paragraph, two Enter presses insert a *** section break, and three Enter presses create a new chapter. This eliminates complex toolbar navigation, enforcing a focus on continuous writing.
4. Non-Destructive Editing Tools (Darlings & Placeholders):
   • Darlings: Allows writers to drag selected text to a "Darlings" tab, removing it from the main manuscript while storing it with positional metadata for potential later restoration.
   • Placeholders: Using the shortcut ⌘⇧X (Cmd+Shift+X on macOS), writers can insert a marked placeholder (e.g., for a missing name or fact). These are tracked in a sidebar panel, creating a built-in revision checklist without breaking writing flow.
5. Local-First Architecture & Export: NEO operates entirely offline, saving data as plain files (HTML, JSON) on the user's disk. It includes robust export functionality to industry-standard formats including EPUB 3 (compliant with KDP guidelines), Microsoft Word (.docx), PDF, HTML, Markdown, and plain text. The EPUB generation is a key technical feature, building a proper table of contents from the manuscript structure.

Problems Solved

1. Pain Point: Distraction and complexity in writing software. General word processors (e.g., Microsoft Word, Google Docs) are filled with irrelevant formatting tools and menus, while specialized tools like Scrivener can have a steep learning curve. NEO solves this by providing a zero-learning-curve, visually calming interface that only shows book-relevant formatting.
2. Target Audience: The primary user personas are fiction authors, novelists, and aspiring writers engaged in long-form narrative projects. It is particularly suited for "pantsers" (writers who fly by the seat of their pants) due to its fluidity, but includes outlining features for "plotters." It also serves writers concerned with data ownership who prefer local, subscription-free software.
3. Use Cases:
   • Drafting a Novel: The core use case is writing a first draft from start to finish in a focused environment.
   • National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo): With built-in word count goals, sprint timers, and progress charts, it is an ideal tool for NaNoWriMo participants.
   • Manuscript Preparation for Publishing: The one-click export to KDP-ready EPUB and standard .docx formats simplifies the submission process to agents, editors, or self-publishing platforms.
   • Project Management for Series Writers: The bookshelf with custom shelves allows authors to visually manage multiple series or pen names in one unified library.

Unique Advantages

1. Differentiation: Unlike Scrivener (complex, feature-rich) or Ulysses (subscription-based, Markdown-focused), NEO is free, open-source, and prioritizes a single, unwavering vision: a book-like writing experience. It differs from cloud-based tools by being fully local, ensuring data privacy and permanent access without fees.
2. Key Innovation: The "format-as-you-write" technology is its key innovation. By rendering the manuscript to look like a final book page in real-time—complete with automated chapter styling and typography—it provides immediate visual feedback and satisfaction that mirrors the final product, a psychological boost not found in other word processors.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Is NEO writing software free? Yes, NEO is completely free and open-source software (FOSS) released under the MIT License. There are no subscriptions, in-app purchases, or feature limitations.
2. Can I use NEO for writing on Windows and Mac? Yes, NEO is a cross-platform desktop application. Official installers are provided for both macOS (.dmg or ARM64) and Windows (.exe), built using the Electron framework.
3. Where does NEO save my files and are they safe? NEO saves all your work locally in the ~/Documents/NEO Library folder on your computer. Files are stored as plain HTML and JSON, making them human-readable and easily backed up. The app also creates automatic daily ZIP backups retained for two weeks.
4. How does NEO handle exporting to Amazon KDP? NEO features a dedicated EPUB 3 export function that builds a compliant table of contents and structures the file according to Kindle Direct Publishing's technical guidelines, streamlining the self-publishing upload process.
5. Can I import my existing manuscript from Word or another writer? Yes, NEO includes an import function for .docx, .txt, and .md files. It attempts to automatically detect chapters and scene breaks, though some manual cleanup may be required for complex documents.