Novelcrafter

Fiction writing studio with a story bible and bring-your-own AI

Overview

Novelcrafter is built by writers for writers. The Codex tracks characters, locations and lore and links them across a series, planning tools show your scenes in grids and other views, and a chat workshop assistant remembers your story for brainstorming and review.

You bring your own AI: connect OpenAI, Anthropic, Google, Meta, Mistral, OpenRouter or a local model. The company says it is independent with no venture funding, and claims 243,000+ authors (vendor claim). It supports novels, poetry, screenplays, articles and fanfiction.

Key Features

  • The Codex: Story bible that auto-links characters, places and lore.

  • Planning tools: Scene card grids and several planning views.

  • Workshop chat: AI assistant that knows your story.

  • Bring your own model: Use the AI provider or local model you prefer.

  • Collaboration: Share with editors, proofreaders or writing groups.

Pricing

Starting price

$4/mo

  • Scribe: $4 per month. Unlimited books, series and universes, basic review features and the Codex. No AI integration or collaboration.

  • Hobbyist: $8 per month. Adds AI with bring-your-own-key, scene summarization and character extraction, generating from scene beats, and live chat support.

  • Artisan: $14 per month. Adds Workshop Chat features; advanced review features are listed as planned.

  • Specialist: $20 per month. Adds inviting users directly to novels and series, team management and priority support.

  • Trial and annual: 21 days of full access with no card required. Paying yearly gives 2 months off. Your own AI provider charges are separate.

Pros

  • Strong story organization: The Codex keeps series continuity straight.

  • No AI lock-in: You pick the model, so you control quality and cost.

  • Cheap entry: Scribe starts at $4 a month.

  • Generous trial: 21 days of full access with no card required.

Cons

  • AI costs are separate: Bring-your-own-key means you pay your AI provider on top of the subscription.

  • No AI on the cheapest tier: Scribe has no AI integration.

  • Setup learning curve: Connecting keys and learning the Codex takes time.

  • Collaboration is gated: Inviting users and creating teams needs the $20 Specialist tier.

What Makes It Unique

Novelcrafter pairs a deep story bible with a bring-your-own-model design, so authors keep control of which AI touches their manuscript.

Kay Score

8.1

/ 10

Tool Information

Pricing

$4/mo

Category

Writing & Content

Platform

Web / iOS / Android

Last Updated

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