15 AI Tools Every Fiction Author Should Know About

We’ve been inundated with AI tools. All of them promising to make our processes faster and more efficient.

The last time I checked Capterra, there were 478 AI tools categorized as AI Writing Assistant Software.

Capterra, for those unfamiliar, is the world's leading software review and selection platform. It provides companies and individuals with detailed information and user reviews to help them make informed decisions about software purchases.

With so many tools available, how does a writer decide what AI tool they should be using?

A good place to start is with this list. For each step in the fiction writing process, from idea to manuscript finalization, here are the top 3 tools in each category that every fiction author should know about.

1. Idea Generation

A. ChatGPT

ChatGPT is an AI language model developed by OpenAI that can generate creative ideas, plot twists, and dialogue based on prompts. Its ability to provide endless variations of a concept makes it an invaluable brainstorming partner.

Best Suited For: Creative Visionary (Innovator)

B. Jasper AI

Jasper AI, formerly known as Jarvis, helps writers generate ideas, outlines, and even whole paragraphs based on given prompts. Jasper’s “Content Improver” helps turn rough ideas into polished concepts quickly.

Best Suited For: Methodical Writer (Strategist), Creative Visionary (Innovator)

C. Plot Generator

Plot Generator is an AI-powered tool that provides random plot ideas, character suggestions, and other story elements based on user-defined criteria. It's perfect for overcoming writer’s block and sparking new story ideas.

Best Suited For: Creative Visionary (Innovator)

2. Planning and Outlining

A. NovelAI

NovelAI is an AI-powered tool that helps writers generate story ideas, outlines, and even complete scenes. It uses AI to suggest plot points and character development ideas based on the writer's input.

Best Suited For: Creative Visionary (Innovator), Methodical Writer (Strategist)

B. ScribeCount

ScribeCount is an AI-powered analytics and tracking tool for authors that provides detailed insights into sales, reader demographics, and marketing effectiveness, which can inform better planning and outlining decisions.

Best Suited For: Methodical Writer (Strategist), Detail-Oriented Craftsperson (DC)

C. Fictionary

Fictionary is an AI tool that helps writers outline and improve their story structure by analyzing elements like plot, character, and setting. The Story Map feature provides a detailed analysis of story arcs and plot points.

Best Suited For: Detail-Oriented Craftsperson (DC), Collaborative Storyteller (Connector)

3. Writing First Draft

A. Wordtune

Wordtune is an AI writing assistant that helps rewrite sentences to improve clarity and style. Its “Rewrite” feature provides multiple versions of the same sentence to choose from.

Best Suited For: Creative Visionary (Innovator), Detail-Oriented Craftsperson (DC)

B. Sudowrite

Sudowrite is designed specifically for fiction writers to help brainstorm, develop story ideas, and generate entire scenes or chapters. Its AI can continue writing from a given prompt, making it easier to overcome writer’s block and maintain flow.

Best Suited For: Creative Visionary (Innovator), Solo Scribe (Self-Starter)

C. AI Dungeon

AI Dungeon is a text-based AI game that can help writers generate story content interactively. Its open-ended story generation is ideal for sparking creativity and overcoming writer’s block.

Best Suited For: Creative Visionary (Innovator)

4. Revising and Editing

A. ProWritingAid

ProWritingAid is a comprehensive editing tool that checks for grammar, style, and readability. It offers detailed reports and suggestions to improve overall writing quality.

Best Suited For: Detail-Oriented Craftsperson (DC), Methodical Writer (Strategist)

B. Grammarly

Grammarly is a widely-used writing assistant that provides real-time grammar, spelling, and style suggestions. Its tone detector helps ensure your writing matches the desired voice and style.

Best Suited For: Solo Scribe (Self-Starter), Detail-Oriented Craftsperson (DC)

C. AutoCrit

AutoCrit analyzes a manuscript for pacing, dialogue, and other key elements to help improve storytelling. It provides genre-specific feedback, making it tailored for different writing styles.

Best Suited For: Detail-Oriented Craftsperson (DC), Collaborative Storyteller (Connector)

5. Finalizing the Manuscript

A. Draft2Digital

Draft2Digital uses AI to help format manuscripts for different eBook and print platforms, ensuring a professional and consistent look across all formats.

Best Suited For: Methodical Writer (Strategist), Solo Scribe (Self-Starter)

B. Vellum AI

Vellum AI is an extension of the popular Vellum software, now incorporating AI to enhance the formatting process. It automates layout design, ensuring that both eBooks and print books have a polished, professional appearance.

Best Suited For: Methodical Writer (Strategist), Detail-Oriented Craftsperson (DC)

C. PerfectIt

PerfectIt is an AI-powered tool that checks documents for consistency and style issues. It helps ensure that the manuscript adheres to a specific style guide, which is essential for maintaining professionalism in the final product.

Best Suited For: Detail-Oriented Craftsperson (DC), Methodical Writer (Strategist)

There you have it. Fifteen tools to help you in your writing process.

Be aware that some of these tools can be used for more than one category. I’ve slotted them in their areas of strength.

So happy you dropped by.

Lorraine

Bestselling Author and A.I. Writing Consultant / Creator of The Writer Working Style Assessment

P.S. Don’t hesitate to leave a comment below to share your thoughts. I read every one!