Fable → Literal
Move from Fable to Literal
Fable doesn't expose your reading data via export, so a direct importer isn't possible. The path below is what actually works today.
The honest version
Fable is a closed platform — there\'s no CSV export, no public API, and no documented way for a third-party tracker to read your library. That\'s their decision and we respect it, but it means "import from Fable" can\'t be a single-click operation no matter who builds the tool.
The good news: most Fable users have a Goodreads profile from before Fable, or have been syncing books to Goodreads in parallel. If that\'s you, the Goodreads bridge below brings your full library across in five minutes.
How to bring your library across
- 1
Check your Goodreads
Sign in to Goodreads. If your library there is current and complete, run the Goodreads importer on Literal — done. - 2
If you only used Fable, rebuild on Literal directly
Sign up, search for your favourite books, and add them. Literal's search is fast — most readers add 100 books in an hour. The investment lasts. - 3
Bring your reviews across one at a time
For the books that matter, copy your Fable review text and paste it into Literal. Tedious but one-time. Most people find they only deeply review 20–30 books.
What Literal does that Fable doesn't
Open data
Literal exports your library as CSV anytime. Your reading history stays portable.
Goodreads importer
One-click migration from Goodreads — the largest book tracker in the world.
Highlights and moments
Save quotes and notes with page numbers. A first-class feature, not buried.
Public profiles and shelves
Share your reading publicly if you want — or keep it private. Your choice.
No invite gating
Sign up free, no waitlist, no premium feature locks for tracking.
Dark mode
Across web, iOS and Android. Properly implemented, not a half-finished afterthought.
Frequently asked questions
- Why can't Literal pull my Fable library directly?
- Fable doesn't expose any way for outside tools to read your library — no CSV export, no public API. Without that, a direct importer is technically impossible.
- Has anyone built a workaround?
- Some users have tried scraping their own Fable profile via the web app, but it's fragile and breaks when Fable changes their layout. We don't recommend or support that route.
- If Fable opens up an export, will you support it?
- Yes, immediately. We monitor this and would ship a Fable importer the same week they release a public export.
- Can I still use Fable and Literal at the same time?
- Yes. Nothing is connected, so updating one doesn't affect the other. Many readers run both in parallel for a few months while they decide.
- Is Literal really free?
- Yes. Free to use, no ads, no usage limits.
