Choosing the Best AI Novel Writing Apps:

A 2025 Guide for Experienced and Aspiring Novelists

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Whether you’re an experienced author or an aspiring novelist, selecting the right AI-powered novel writing app can dramatically shape your creative process and productivity. This ranked guide provides concise, expert-written summaries of leading AI novel writing apps, highlighting each tool’s strengths, features, and pricing. Please note: this information is a summary written by perplexity.ai given prompting by Earnest Powell. For the most accurate and up-to-date details on features and pricing, always refer to each app’s official website before making your decision.

 

Here are the apps described in this article with links to details about each. 

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1. Sudowrite: Tailored specifically for fiction writers, it helps overcome writer's block, develop characters and plot, and generate story ideas. Click for more detail.

2. Jasper: Excels at long-form content generation and brand voice customization, making it a favorite for both fiction and non-fiction authors. Click for more detail.

3. Writesonic: Versatile for stories, articles, and book chapters, with templates and brainstorming tools for novelists. Click for more detail.

4. Copy.ai: Fast, template-driven content generation for fiction and non-fiction, with creative brainstorming features. Click for more detail.

5. Type.ai: Advanced document drafting and rewriting, designed for seamless long-form writing and collaboration. Click for more detail.

6. Scrivener: The gold standard for manual organization and project management in novel writing. Click for more detail.

7. ShyEditor: Blends adaptive AI creativity with a distraction-free environment and real-time story suggestions. Click for more detail.

8. Atticus: Combines novel writing and professional formatting in one easy-to-use platform. Click for more detail.

9. Dabble: Cloud-based with a user-friendly plot grid and goal tracking for streamlined drafting. Click for more detail.

10. LivingWriter: Modern, web-based with built-in story templates and real-time collaboration. Click for more detail.

11. Ulysses: Minimalist, distraction-free writing app for Apple users with seamless organization. Click for more detail.

12. Campfire: Modular platform for detailed worldbuilding, timelines, and lore management. Click for more detail.

13. yWriter: Free, scene-based tool for breaking novels into chapters and scenes with metadata tracking. Click for more detail.

14. Novlr: Cloud-based, distraction-free writing with progress tracking and motivation tools. Click for more detail.

15. Quoll Writer: Open-source app with strong project management and scene/chapter breakdowns. Click for more detail.

16. Notion: Flexible workspace for custom novel planning, worldbuilding, and research management. Click for more detail.

17. Squibler: Fast drafting with genre templates and AI-powered assistance for novelists. Click for more detail.

 

1. Sudowrite is a forward-thinking AI fiction writing assistant designed to enrich the creative process for novelists. It’s renowned for its ability to help writers brainstorm, draft, and revise, acting as both a creative partner and an automated beta reader. Sudowrite is highly praised by fiction writers for its unique blend of idea generation, writing support, and revision tools, making it a leader in AI-assisted storytelling.

Key Features:

1. Idea Generation & Brainstorming

• Brainstorming: Generate ideas for characters, plot points, worldbuilding, dialogue, and descriptions.

• Story Bible: Organize story elements (genre, style, synopsis, characters, worldbuilding) for AI-driven consistency.

• Canvas: Visually outline and organize your story, mapping plot points, arcs, and themes.

2. Writing Assistance

• Guided/Auto Modes: Continue your story with AI-generated text based on prompts or existing writing.

• Chapter Generator: Produce entire chapters from summaries or story beats.

• Expand: Add detail and flesh out scenes.

• Describe: Create sensory-rich descriptions for places, characters, and objects.

3. Revision & Editing

• Rewrite: Rephrase, shorten, expand, or intensify selected text.

• AI Feedback: Receive critiques and improvement suggestions on your writing.

4. Organization & Consistency

• Story Bible Integration: Maintain consistency across long works or series.

• Series Folders & Timeline: Organize notes and plot lines for multi-book projects.

Pricing:

• Hobby & Student: $19/month or $120/year (30,000 words/month)

• Professional: $29/month or $264/year (90,000 words/month)

• Max: $59/month or $528/year (300,000 words/month)

• Free 3-day trial available

 

2. Jasper is a leading AI writing platform known for its robust long-form content generation, brand voice customization, and workflow automation. While originally marketed for marketers and businesses, its advanced features and flexible editor make it a powerful tool for novelists and fiction writers seeking both inspiration and productivity.

Key Features:

1. Content Generation & Drafting

• Long-Form Content Creation: Generate entire chapters, scenes, or stories from prompts, with support for both fiction and nonfiction.

• Templates & Recipes: 80+ templates and customizable workflows for storytelling, dialogue, and descriptive passages.

• Brand Voice Customization: Train Jasper to mimic your unique writing style or character voices for consistency across your manuscript.

2. Writing Assistance & Editing

• Document Editor: Google Docs-style interface for drafting, editing, and formatting large projects.

• Tone of Voice Control: Adjust tone and style to fit different genres or narrative voices.

• Plagiarism Checker & Grammarly Integration: Ensure originality and polish grammar and punctuation within the platform.

3. Organization & Workflow

• Lookback Memory: Jasper remembers context from previous sections to maintain narrative consistency.

• Collaboration Tools: Invite co-authors or editors for real-time collaboration and feedback.

• SEO & Keyword Optimization: Integrate with Surfer SEO for content optimization (useful for web serials or author blogs).

Pricing:

• Creator: $49/month (1 user, 1 brand voice, SEO mode)

• Pro: $69/month (up to 5 users, 3 brand voices, advanced features)

• Business: Custom pricing (unlimited features, collaboration, API access)

• Free trial available

 

3. Writesonic

Writesonic is a versatile AI writing platform that excels at generating long-form content, including stories, articles, and book chapters. Its intuitive interface and wide range of templates make it a practical choice for novelists who want to brainstorm, draft, and revise quickly.

Key Features:

1. Content Generation & Brainstorming

• Story & Book Generator: Create entire stories or book chapters from a prompt, with options to specify genre, style, and length.

• Idea Generation: Generate plot ideas, character profiles, and scene outlines to overcome writer’s block.

• Templates: Creates templates based on user prompts.

2. Writing Assistance & Editing

• AI Paraphrasing & Expansion: Rewrite or expand existing text to add depth and detail.

• Grammar & Style Suggestions: Built-in grammar and readability checks for clean, polished prose.

• Summarizer & Rewriter: Condense or rephrase passages for pacing and clarity.

3. Organization & Export

• Project Management: Organize multiple drafts, chapters, and notes within the platform.

• Export Options: Download your manuscript in various formats for further editing or publishing.

Pricing:

• Free plan (limited words/month)

• Paid plans start at $16/month (increased word limits, premium features)

• Custom pricing for business/enterprise

• Free trial available

 

4. Copy.ai is an AI writing assistant known for its fast content generation, wide array of templates, and ability to produce both short- and long-form text. While popular among marketers, its creative tools and flexible editor make it suitable for novelists seeking to brainstorm, outline, and draft stories efficiently.

Key Features:

1. Content Generation & Brainstorming

• Long-Form Content Tool: Generate story chapters, scenes, or entire articles from prompts.

• Template Library: 90+ templates for storytelling, character development, dialogue, and more.

• Idea Generator: Quickly brainstorm plot points, character arcs, or worldbuilding elements.

2. Writing Assistance & Editing

• AI Rewriter: Instantly paraphrase or expand sentences and paragraphs for better flow or detail.

• Tone & Style Adjustments: Adapt writing style for different genres or narrative voices.

• Grammar & Clarity Checks: Basic editing tools for error-free drafts.

3. Organization & Export

• Workspace Management: Organize multiple projects, drafts, and notes in one place.

• Export Options: Download or copy content for use in other writing platforms.

Pricing:

• Free plan (limited credits)

• Pro: $36/month (unlimited credits, premium features)

• Team/Enterprise: Custom pricing

• Free trial available

 

5. Type.ai is an advanced AI-powered document editor designed for long-form writing, including novels, essays, and research papers. Its intelligent drafting and rewriting features, combined with strong organizational tools, make it a compelling option for authors who want a seamless, distraction-free writing experience.

Key Features:

1. Content Generation & Drafting

• AI-Powered Drafting: Generate and expand chapters, scenes, or essays from detailed prompts.

• Rewrite & Paraphrase: Instantly rework passages for tone, clarity, or style while maintaining narrative flow.

• Smart Suggestions: Context-aware recommendations for plot development, character arcs, and transitions.

2. Editing & Consistency

• Grammar & Style Checks: Automated grammar, spelling, and style corrections.

• Version History: Track changes and revert to previous drafts easily.

3. Organization & Collaboration

• Outline & Structure Tools: Build and rearrange outlines, chapters, and sections visually.

• Collaboration: Share documents with editors or co-authors for real-time feedback.

Pricing:

• Free plan (limited features)

• Paid plans start at $20/month (advanced drafting, collaboration, premium support)

• Free trial available

 

6. Scrivener is the gold standard for novelists who need deep organization and flexibility. Its reputation is stellar among professionals for managing large, complex writing projects. While the learning curve is notable, its features are designed to streamline the writing process for authors working on extensive works.

Key Features:

1. Organization & Project Management

• Binder: Break writing into chapters, scenes, and notes, organized in a single project file.

• Corkboard: Visualize and rearrange story elements with digital index cards.

• Folders & Metadata: Tag and categorize sections for easy navigation.

2. Research & Reference

• Research Storage: Store documents, images, PDFs, and web pages within your project.

• Split Screen: View research alongside your writing.

3. Outlining & Planning

• Outliner: Create and adjust outlines for story structure.

• Templates: Use built-in templates for novels, scripts, and research.

4. Drafting & Editing

• Flexible Writing: Write in any order and rearrange sections as needed.

• Snapshots: Save versions of your work for easy revision.

• Word Count & Goals: Set project and session targets.

5. Exporting & Publishing

• Compile Tool: Export your manuscript in various formats (Word, PDF, ePub, Kindle).

• Formatting Options: Prepare your work for agents, editors, or self-publishing.

Pricing:

• One-time purchase: ~$59 (Windows/Mac), ~$20 (iOS)

• 30-day free trial available

 

7. ShyEditor is a next-generation novel writing platform that integrates adaptive AI assistance with a distraction-free writing environment. Its unified knowledge base and real-time creative suggestions make it a dynamic co-pilot for both plotters and pantsers.

Key Features:

1. AI-Powered Creativity

• Adaptive AI: Generates plot, character, and dialogue suggestions tailored to your style and genre.

• Creative Prompts: Overcome writer’s block with context-aware inspiration.

2. Organization & Project Management

• Unified Knowledge Base: Manage chapters, characters, worldbuilding notes, and research with tags and labels.

• Version Control: Track changes and revert to previous drafts.

3. Writing & Editing

• Distraction-Free Interface: Focused environment for uninterrupted writing.

• Integrated Project Management: Keep all elements of your novel organized and accessible.

4. Consistency & Collaboration

• Story Bible: Maintain consistency across long works or series.

• Collaboration: Share projects and collaborate with co-authors or editors.

Pricing:

• Free tier (20 AI credits/month)

• Pro plan: $12/month for expanded AI credits and advanced features

 

8. Atticus is a modern, all-in-one novel writing and formatting tool. It’s highly regarded for its clean interface, ease of use, and ability to prepare manuscripts for publication without needing additional software.

Key Features:

1. Writing & Formatting

• All-in-One Platform: Write and format your novel for print or digital publication in one place.

• Live Preview: See how your book will look as you write and format.

2. Organization & Planning

• Drag-and-Drop Chapters: Easily rearrange chapters and sections.

• Goal Tracking: Set and monitor writing goals.

3. Export & Publishing

• Multiple Export Formats: Export to ePub, PDF, and print-ready files.

• Formatting Templates: Choose from a variety of professional book layouts.

4. Compatibility

• Cross-Platform: Works on Mac, Windows, Linux, and Chromebook.

Pricing:

• One-time fee: $147 (includes all future updates)

• No subscription required; no free version

 

9. Dabble is a cloud-based writing app known for its simplicity and powerful plotting tools. Its drag-and-drop interface and goal tracking make it accessible for beginners and robust enough for experienced novelists.

Key Features:

1. Plotting & Organization

• Plot Grid: Visualize your story’s structure and move scenes with ease.

• Scene Cards: Organize and rearrange your manuscript visually.

2. Writing & Drafting

• Cloud Sync: Access your work from desktop, mobile, or web.

• Autosave & Version History: Never lose your work and revert to previous drafts.

3. Progress Tracking

• Goal Setting: Set daily word count goals and track your progress.

• Milestone Tracking: Monitor your journey from start to finish.

4. Collaboration

• Real-Time Collaboration: Share your project with co-authors or editors.

Pricing:

• Subscription: ~$10/month

• Free trial available

 

10. LivingWriter is a modern, web-based app designed for novelists who want a beautiful, intuitive interface and built-in story templates. Its drag-and-drop organization and real-time collaboration features are highly praised.

Key Features:

1. Story Structure & Templates

• Story Templates: Use popular structures (e.g., Hero’s Journey, Three Act) to guide your plot.

• Drag-and-Drop Organization: Rearrange chapters and scenes easily.

2. Writing & Collaboration

• Real-Time Collaboration: Work with co-authors or editors live.

• Automatic Cloud Backup: Secure your manuscript with continuous saving.

3. Research & Reference

• Research Panel: Store notes, images, and references alongside your draft.

4. Progress Tracking

• Word Count & Goals: Set and monitor writing targets.

Pricing:

• Subscription: ~$9.99/month

• Free trial available

 

11. Ulysses is a minimalist writing app favored by Apple users for its clean, distraction-free interface and seamless organization. While it lacks deep plotting features, it excels at providing a focused environment for drafting and editing prose.

Key Features:

1. Writing Environment

• Distraction-Free Writing: Minimalist interface for focused work.

• Markdown Support: Write and format with ease.

2. Organization

• Sheets & Groups: Organize your writing into sheets and folders.

• Tags & Filters: Quickly find and manage your work.

3. Sync & Export

• Device Sync: Access your work on Mac, iPhone, and iPad.

• Export Options: Export to Word, PDF, ePub, and HTML.

4. Progress Tracking

• Writing Goals: Set and track word count targets.

Pricing:

• Subscription: ~$5/month or $40/year

• Free trial available

 

12. Campfire is a modular platform built for writers who need to manage complex worlds, timelines, and character arcs. It’s especially popular among fantasy and sci-fi authors for its depth and flexibility.

Key Features:

1. Worldbuilding & Organization

• Modular Tools: Add features for characters, timelines, maps, and world-building as needed.

• Lore Management: Keep track of all your world-building details.

2. Visualization

• Visual Organization: Arrange and connect story elements visually.

• Timeline Tool: Map out events and story arcs chronologically.

3. Collaboration

• Co-Authoring: Share and co-write with others.

4. Research & Reference

• Notes & References: Store detailed notes and research for easy access.

Pricing:

• Free basic plan

• Paid add-ons for advanced modules (pricing varies)

 

13. yWriter is a free, scene-based writing tool developed by a novelist for novelists. Its utilitarian interface is offset by powerful organizational features, making it a top choice for writers who want granular control over their manuscript without spending money.

Key Features:

1. Scene & Chapter Management

• Breakdown: Organize your novel into scenes and chapters.

• Drag-and-Drop: Rearrange scenes and chapters easily.

2. Metadata & Tracking

• Character & Location Tracking: Record details for consistency.

• Goal Setting: Monitor your writing progress with daily targets.

3. Backups & Versions

• Automatic Backups: Keep your work safe with regular saves.

• Version Control: Restore previous versions if needed.

4. Reporting

• Project Reports: Generate summaries and statistics about your manuscript.

Pricing:

• Free, with optional paid versions for extra features

 

14. Novlr is a cloud-based writing platform focused on simplicity and motivation. Its minimalist design, autosave, and progress tracking help writers stay focused, though its formatting and organizational tools are more limited than some competitors.

Key Features:

1. Writing Environment

• Distraction-Free Interface: Clean design keeps you focused.

• Cloud-Based: Write anywhere, with automatic saving and syncing.

2. Progress & Motivation

• Goal Setting: Set and monitor writing targets.

• Analytics: Track your writing stats over time.

3. Organization

• Version History: Access previous drafts and revisions.

4. Offline Support

• Work Offline: Write without internet and sync when reconnected.

Pricing:

• 14-day free trial

• Plans start at $10/month or $100/year

 

15. Quoll Writer is an open-source app praised for its strong project management tools and scene/chapter breakdowns. While its interface is less polished, it’s a powerful free alternative for writers who want to track characters, locations, and notes in detail.

Key Features:

1. Organization & Structure

• Scene and Chapter Management: Break your novel into logical parts.

• Character & Location Tracking: Keep detailed notes on story elements.

2. Writing & Editing

• Distraction-Free Mode: Focus on writing without interruptions.

• Notes & Annotations: Add comments and reminders within your manuscript.

3. Customization

• Open-Source: Customize the app to your needs.

4. Reporting

• Project Statistics: View word counts, progress, and more.

Pricing:

• Free

 

16. Notion is a flexible note-taking and project management tool that many writers adapt for novel planning. While not designed specifically for novels, its databases and templates allow for custom workflows, making it a favorite among tech-savvy writers.

Key Features:

1. Custom Databases & Templates

• Character & Plot Databases: Track story elements in custom tables.

• Template Gallery: Use or create templates for outlining, worldbuilding, and research.

2. Linking & Tagging

• Backlinks: Connect related notes and ideas for easy navigation.

• Tags & Filters: Organize and retrieve information quickly.

3. Collaboration

• Shared Workspaces: Work with co-authors or editors in real time.

4. Integration

• Productivity Tools: Connect with calendars, reminders, and other apps.

Pricing:

• Free plan available

• Paid plans for advanced features

 

17. Squibler is designed for writers who want to draft quickly using structured templates and AI-powered tools. Its genre-specific templates and Smart Writer AI make it easy to get started, but the subscription-only model and limited offline functionality may deter some.

Key Features:

1. Structured Drafting

• Genre Templates: Start with a pre-built structure for your story.

• Drag-and-Drop Organization: Move scenes and chapters with ease.

2. AI Writing Assistance

• Smart Writer: Generate ideas and rephrase sentences with AI.

• Prompt Library: Access hundreds of prompts for inspiration.

3. Progress Tracking

• Goal Setting: Set and monitor your writing targets.

• Analytics: Track your writing speed and productivity.

4. Collaboration

• Co-Authoring: Share projects with collaborators.

Pricing:

• Subscription: $20/month

• 14-day free trial available

 

Summary:
The top five—Sudowrite, Jasper, Writesonic, Copy.ai, and Type.ai—lead the pack for AI-powered novel writing in 2025, offering a blend of creativity, structure, and productivity for fiction authors. Each subsequent tool brings unique strengths, from Scrivener’s manual organization to Campfire’s worldbuilding and Novlr’s minimalist focus. Choose the platform that best matches your writing style, workflow, and publishing goals.

 

References

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Juliety. “7 Epic AI Fiction Book Writing Software Tools In 2025.” Last modified January 7, 2025. https://juliety.com/ai-book-writing-software.
 

Kindlepreneur. “15 Best AI Writing Tools for Authors (June 2025 Update).” Last modified June 19, 2025. https://kindlepreneur.com/best-ai-writing-tools/.
 

Type.ai Blog. “2025 Buyers’ Guide to Choosing the Best AI Writing Tool.” Last modified December 12, 2024. https://blog.type.ai/post/2025-buyers-guide-to-choosing-the-best-ai-writing-tool.
 

ShyEditor. “10 AI Writing Tools for Novelists in 2025.” Last modified February 14, 2025. https://www.shyeditor.com/blog/post/10-ai-writing-tools-for-novelists.
 

PCMag. “The Best Writing Apps for 2025.” Accessed July 5, 2025. https://www.pcmag.com/picks/the-best-writing-apps.
 

Squibler. “Best AI Book Writer in 2025.” Accessed July 5, 2025. https://www.squibler.io/ai-book-writer/.
 

Reddit. “Which AI Tool You Should Use In May 2025.” Last modified April 21, 2025. https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingWithAI/comments/1k4cvyg/which_ai_tool_you_should_use_in_may_2025/.
 

Reddit. “I tried 40+ writing apps. Here’s my brutally honest ranking for 2025.” Last modified June 18, 2025. https://www.reddit.com/r/software/comments/1le6hbm/i_tried_40_writing_apps_heres_my_brutally_honest/.
 

YouTube. “The Best AI Tools for Writing Fiction in 2025.” Last modified January 27, 2025. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FdGqy6FFBr0.