Authr vs NovelAI
NovelAI is a private, unfiltered AI storyteller with a lorebook and image generation, great for interactive fiction. Here is how Authr compares.
Choose NovelAI if…
…you want interactive or roleplay fiction, private generation, or images.
Choose Authr if…
…you're writing a novel you mean to finish and publish.
Authr vs NovelAI at a glance
| Authr | NovelAI | |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | Agent-first book-writing app: manuscript, story bible and a team of AI agents in one place | AI storyteller and image generator |
| Platform | Web, on any computer or phone browser | Web |
| Price | Free; Pro $19/month ($190/year); Studio $49/month ($490/year) | Tablet $10/month, Scroll $15, Opus $25 |
| Free plan | Yes, your first book with every writing tool | Small free trial |
| AI | Seven built-in agent roles plus custom ones; any external agent too | Built in, its own models |
| Your own AI key | No keys needed. On Pro, bring your Claude or ChatGPT | No |
| API | Yes, full REST API on Pro | Text and image generation API |
| MCP server | Yes: work from Claude and ChatGPT on Pro | No |
| Story bible | Codex with automatic mention tracking | Lorebook |
| Relationship map | Yes, relationship graph | No |
| Timeline | Yes | No |
| Collaboration | 2 collaborators on Pro, 9 on Studio, unlimited beta readers | No |
| Export | Word and Markdown; EPUB and print PDF on Pro | Story files, plain text |
NovelAI details checked 4 November 2026 from its own website where it would load. Prices change; check NovelAI for the latest. Spot something out of date? Tell us at support@authr.shop.
Where NovelAI is stronger
- Stories are encrypted in your browser before they're stored.
- Unlimited text generation on every paid tier.
- Image generation in the same subscription.
Where Authr is different
- A real manuscript tree with corkboard, plot grid, relationship graph and timeline.
- Collaboration and agent roles that review and suggest, not just continue the text.
- An MCP server and webhooks for your own agents, and EPUB, DOCX and PDF export.
Questions
What's the main difference between Authr and NovelAI?
NovelAI is a private, unfiltered AI storyteller with a lorebook and image generation, great for interactive fiction. Authr is a manuscript tool: parts, chapters and scenes, a story bible, and agents that review and edit the book under your approval.
Does Authr have a lorebook?
Its equivalent is the codex: characters, places, objects and rules that agents read before writing, linked automatically wherever they're mentioned.
Is Authr free?
Yes. The Free plan covers your first book with every writing tool and about 15 agent tasks a month. Pro is $19 a month and Studio $49.
Other comparisons
Try Authr next to NovelAI.
Free, with every feature. Import your draft and see what the agents make of chapter one.