About NovelAI
NovelAI is an intriguing AI storytelling platform that aims to assist writers and creatives in crafting narratives that truly resonate. At its core, the platform leverages custom language models fine-tuned on a variety of literary works, which means it can generate text that feels rich and nuanced. One standout feature is its Lorebook, where users can store all their world-building details, character backgrounds, and plot notes. This is particularly useful for authors tackling lengthy projects who need to keep track of various elements without losing their minds. Additionally, the memory modules help maintain consistency across longer narratives, which is a godsend for anyone who's ever had to rewrite a chapter because they forgot a character's eye colour.
The pricing structure of NovelAI is straightforward: you can choose from three tiers—Tablet at £10/month, Scroll at £15/month, and Opus at £25/month. Each tier increases the number of features and context length available, with the Opus tier offering the most comprehensive access. However, it’s worth noting that while the pricing is relatively low, the value you derive depends heavily on how much you plan to use it. For casual users or those just dipping their toes into fiction writing, the lower tiers might suffice. But serious writers looking for depth may find themselves needing the more expensive plan sooner rather than later.
One of the unique aspects of NovelAI is its AI image generation capabilities, which are especially appealing for graphic novelists and game developers. The option to create anime-style visuals that match your narrative is a lovely touch, adding another layer to the storytelling process. However, the quality of the generated images can sometimes feel hit-or-miss, especially if you’re expecting high fidelity akin to professional illustrations. Overall, NovelAI is best suited for those who are deeply invested in narrative creation and can take advantage of its dual capabilities, but it might not meet the needs of everyone.
In terms of who should consider using NovelAI, it’s perfect for creative writers, game developers, and visual storytellers who want an all-in-one tool that can assist both with text and imagery. However, if you’re not serious about storytelling or are looking for a more traditional writing tool, you might want to explore other options. It’s a platform designed for those ready to dive into the creative process rather than just dabble in it.
Our Review
Verified 11 May 2026Reviewed by Delv Editorial, Delv Team
My experience with NovelAI has been quite the journey. As a technology journalist who often dabbles in creative writing, I was intrigued by the prospect of using AI to enhance my storytelling. When I first logged on, I was greeted by a sleek interface that made it easy to dive into my writing. The Lorebook was an immediate highlight for me; I’ve often struggled to keep track of character details in longer pieces, and this feature made it a breeze. I could easily jot down notes about my characters and their backstories, which helped me maintain consistency as I wrote.
The AI's ability to generate text was impressive, especially when I tweaked the parameters to suit my writing style. At times, it felt like my writing buddy was right there, offering suggestions that sparked new ideas. However, I did notice that the AI occasionally resorted to clichés, which meant I had to sift through and edit its outputs to find the gold nuggets. This wasn’t a deal-breaker, but it did add extra time to my writing process.
One aspect that stood out was the AI image generation feature. I was excited to see how it would visualise my characters, but the results were a mixed bag. Some images were surprisingly good, while others looked a bit off, making me wish I had more control over the artistic direction. I also found the need for a stable internet connection a bit limiting; there were moments when I wanted to write offline, and that just wasn't possible.
In terms of pricing, I opted for the Scroll tier at £15/month. While it offers a decent amount of features, I can see myself needing to upgrade to Opus for the full experience. If you’re serious about storytelling and need both text and visuals, it’s worth considering. However, if you’re just looking for a simple writing tool, there are more straightforward options out there.
Overall, I’d say NovelAI is perfect for creative writers and game developers who want an all-in-one platform for narrative development and visual storytelling. If you’re a casual writer or someone who prefers more traditional methods, you might want to skip this one. My time with NovelAI has been a blend of excitement and frustration, but I appreciate the potential it has to enhance my writing process in the long run.
Getting started with NovelAI
In this guide, you will learn how to set up your NovelAI account and start crafting your first story using its AI tools. By the end, you'll be able to create engaging narratives and manage your story details effectively.
Step 1: Sign up and set up
Step 2: Your first story
Step 3: Get better results
Pro tip
To save time, create a template for recurring character and setting types in your Lorebook. This allows you to quickly reference and update details without having to rewrite them each time.
Common mistake to avoid
Many beginners forget to save their progress. Be sure to click the "Save" button frequently in the story editor to avoid losing your work.
The Verdict
NovelAI is a solid choice for creative writers and game developers looking for a dual-purpose storytelling platform. While it has some limitations, particularly with image generation and occasional cliché outputs, its features like the Lorebook and memory modules make it a valuable tool. I recommend it for those serious about narrative development, but casual writers may find better options elsewhere.
Best For
- Creative writers looking for a comprehensive tool to enhance their storytelling.
- Game developers needing a platform to build immersive narratives and visuals.
- Graphic novelists wanting to visualize characters alongside their stories.
- Aspiring authors who need help managing complex plots and character details.
At a Glance
NovelAI is a storytelling platform that combines AI-generated text and image capabilities, making it a unique tool for writers and creatives. With custom language models and a Lorebook for world-building, it offers a comprehensive solution for narrative development and visual storytelling.
Strengths
- +The Lorebook feature is a game-changer for complex narratives, allowing writers to easily manage character backgrounds and plot points without losing their way.
- +Customisable parameters let users tailor the AI's output, which means you can adjust the tone and style to fit your unique voice.
- +The AI image generation is a fantastic addition for visual storytellers, enabling them to create characters and settings that match their narratives.
- +The memory modules ensure consistency across longer stories, which is essential for writers who want to avoid plot holes and character inconsistencies.
- +The user interface is intuitive, making it easy for both beginners and experienced writers to navigate and use the tool effectively.
Limitations
- -The image generation feature can be hit-or-miss; sometimes the visuals don't translate well, leading to disappointingly low-quality outputs that may not meet professional standards.
- -While the pricing is reasonable, you might find that the lower tiers lack essential features that serious writers would need, pushing you towards the more expensive options.
- -The AI's text generation can occasionally produce cliché phrases, which might require additional editing to ensure your writing feels fresh and engaging.
- -There’s a learning curve associated with the more advanced features, which could frustrate users looking for a straightforward writing tool.
- -The platform is predominantly web-based, which means you need a stable internet connection, limiting accessibility for those who prefer offline writing.
Use Cases
- -Novelists who want to keep track of intricate plots and character arcs without losing details as they write.
- -Game developers looking to create immersive worlds with rich narratives and visuals that complement their gameplay.
- -Aspiring writers who need a supportive platform to help them generate ideas and flesh out their stories.
- -Graphic novelists who want to visualise their characters and settings quickly, saving time in the early stages of development.
- -Creative writing students looking for a tool that can help them experiment with different writing styles and genres.
