Novelcrafter

Novelcrafter is a novel writing app that combines a manuscript editor, a Codex story bible and optional AI assistance, for fiction authors who want structure and AI help without handing over control of their book. Its standout choice is model freedom: instead of selling its own AI, it lets you connect the provider you prefer, from major labs to models running on your own computer. The Codex then feeds your characters and lore into every prompt, so suggestions stay consistent with your world.

What is Novelcrafter used for?

Novelcrafter is used to plan, draft and revise long fiction, especially series where keeping track of details gets hard.

• Building a Codex of characters, places, items and lore that links itself to mentions in the manuscript
• Sharing one Codex across every book in a series so details stay consistent
• Outlining acts, chapters and scenes and checking structure in different planning views
• Brainstorming, drafting or rewriting scenes with AI using your own prompts
• Chatting with AI about your story with Codex context on the Artisan plan and up
• Inviting co-authors, editors or beta readers to collaborate on a project

Who Novelcrafter is best for

Novelcrafter suits indie and traditionally published novelists, fan fiction writers, series authors and genre writers in romance, fantasy and thrillers who juggle large casts. It also works for screenplays, short stories and non-fiction. Writers who want a single subscription with AI included and no setup may prefer an all-in-one tool, and people who never want AI can use the cheapest plan as a plain writing app.

Novelcrafter pricing

As of October 2026, Novelcrafter offers a 21-day free trial with all features unlocked and no credit card required. Scribe costs $4 per month and covers unlimited books, series and universes without AI. Hobbyist costs $8 per month and adds AI with your own API key. Artisan costs $14 per month and adds chat features and advanced review tools. Specialist costs $20 per month and adds collaborative writing and team management. Annual billing gives two months off, and prices are localized by region. AI usage is paid to whichever model provider you connect, so budget for that separately.

Novelcrafter limitations

• You need to set up an API key or local model before AI features work
• Model costs vary by provider and are not included in the subscription
• There is no permanent free plan once the trial ends
• The number of options can feel heavy for writers who just want a blank page

Novelcrafter vs alternatives

Sudowrite is the better choice if you want fiction-tuned AI built in, with one bill and no provider setup. NovelAI suits writers who want an all-in-one subscription with its own models for storytelling and image generation. Squibler offers a simpler AI book writing experience for people who want guided drafts quickly. ProWritingAid is the stronger pick for line editing and style reports rather than drafting. Novelcrafter wins on organization through the Codex and on freedom to choose or switch AI models.

Tips for getting started with Novelcrafter

Spend your first trial session filling the Codex with your main characters and locations, because AI help improves sharply once that context exists. Start with an inexpensive model through OpenRouter to learn how prompts behave before trying premium models. Use the planning views after each act to catch dropped threads early, and save prompts that work as reusable shortcuts.

Novelcrafter FAQ

Is Novelcrafter free?

No, but Novelcrafter has a 21-day free trial with all features and no credit card. Paid plans start at $4 per month.

Does Novelcrafter include AI?

Novelcrafter supports AI from the Hobbyist plan up, but you connect your own provider, such as OpenAI, Anthropic, Google, OpenRouter or a local model, and pay that provider for usage.

Can I use local AI models with Novelcrafter?

Yes. Novelcrafter can connect to models running on your own machine through LM Studio or Ollama.

Novelcrafter vs Sudowrite: which is better?

Sudowrite is better if you want built-in fiction AI with no setup, while Novelcrafter is better for story organization and choosing your own AI models.