Bartleby

Bartleby

By Mark Szymczyk

Bartleby is a book formatting app for writers to convert Scrivener projects into EPUB files on iOS.

The App DNA

What makes this app unique?

The app removes the technical friction of manual EPUB coding for authors who already use Scrivener as their primary writing environment.

For Writers who use Scrivener or Markdown and require a simplified tool to format and export their work into EPUB files.

Key features

MultiMarkdown Importedge

Converts compiled Scrivener projects into formatted book files, positioning the app as a specialized utility for Scrivener users.

Manual Text Taggingstandard

Graphical interface for marking chapter titles and headings without manual coding.

EPUB Exportstandard

Generates professional-looking EPUB files for distribution on Amazon and other stores.

How much does it cost?

freeFree

Bartleby is currently distributed as a free tool with no visible IAP or subscription gates.

Velocity

Dormant developmentShow more...

The app has not received a single update in 1,026 days, indicating a complete cessation of development activity. There is no evidence of ongoing maintenance, feature expansion, or live operations. The project appears to be abandoned by its publisher.

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Who built it?

Mark Szymczyk

1 app tracked · Productivity

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User Sentiment

What do users think recently?

The recent review mood reads upset.

How are ratings & reviews evolving?

App Store
1.00 · 1

What users say, by theme

What Frustrates Users
  • The application fails to launch or perform any intended functions following the latest update

1 of 1 recent reviews analyzed · limited sample

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Competition

Competitive landscape for Bartleby

How's the Productivity market?

Bartleby occupies a narrow niche in the productivity category as a free Scrivener-to-EPUB converter. The 1.0-star rating across a single review highlights the critical impact of its current non-functional state on user perception.

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The rivals identified

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The Analyst's Read

Key takeaways for Bartleby

Where is it heading?

The outlook for Bartleby is negative due to the extended period of inactivity and the current inability to launch. Without an immediate fix for the crash, the app will continue to lose any remaining relevance in the writing productivity space.

  • The 34-month update gap indicates the app is in a zombie state, which prevents it from delivering any value to users.
  • Total functional failure on launch erodes the user base, leading to a complete loss of utility for the target audience.

The SWOT

Core Strengths
  • MultiMarkdown import reduces friction for Scrivener users
Critical Frictions 2 weaknesses inside
Growth Levers
  • Open-source migration to allow community patching
Market Threats 1 threat identified

Next best moves

1 Invest

Audit launch-time crash because the app is non-functional upon launch → restore core utility

The counter-intuitive read

The lack of updates is not just a…

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Bottom line

Bartleby is currently a non-functional asset that requires a code audit to resolve launch-time crashes. If the developer cannot commit to a maintenance cadence, the project should be sunset to prevent further brand damage.

Unlock 2 critical frictions, 1 market threat and the analyst’s take.

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FAQ

Is Bartleby still being updated?
No, Bartleby has not received an update since November 2023, and users report that the app is currently non-functional upon launch.
Does Bartleby work with Scrivener?
Bartleby is designed to import MultiMarkdown files compiled from Scrivener projects, though current launch-time crashes prevent this functionality from working.
Is there a free alternative to Bartleby?
While Bartleby is free, its current non-functional state makes it unusable. Writers should look for alternative EPUB conversion tools that are actively maintained.

Sources

  1. [1] App Store

Report last updated

Disclosure: Independent intel to help mobile builders succeed.

AI-powered analysis with automated quality gates, built from publicly available sources. Marlvel.ai is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by Bartleby, its developer, the app publisher, Apple, or Google Play. All trademarks, logos, and screenshots referenced remain the property of their respective owners.

Cite this report

Marlvel.ai. “Bartleby Intelligence Report.” Updated Sep 18, 2026. https://marlvel.ai/apps/bartleby

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