Authr vs Novelcrafter
Novelcrafter is a deep codex-first writing environment where you plug in your own AI provider, local models included. Here is how Authr compares.
Choose Novelcrafter if…
…you want to pay your model provider directly, run local models, or need its deeper codex tooling.
Choose Authr if…
…you want AI that works without setup, editorial agents that suggest rather than overwrite, and the option to bring Claude Code or Cursor into the book.
Authr vs Novelcrafter at a glance
| Authr | Novelcrafter | |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | Agent-first book-writing app: manuscript, story bible and a team of AI agents in one place | Codex-driven novel writing, bring your own AI |
| Platform | Web, on any computer or phone browser | Web, installable as an app |
| Price | Free; Pro $19/month ($190/year); Studio $49/month ($490/year) | Scribe $4/month (no AI), Hobbyist $8, Artisan $14, Specialist $20 |
| Free plan | Yes, unlimited books, every feature | 21-day trial, no free plan |
| AI | Seven built-in agent roles plus custom ones; any external agent too | No AI of its own: connect OpenRouter, OpenAI, Anthropic, Ollama, LM Studio and others |
| Your own AI key | No keys needed. Bring your own agent over MCP instead | Yes, including local models |
| API | Yes, full REST API on every plan | No |
| MCP server | Yes, official, on every plan | No |
| Story bible | Codex with automatic mention tracking | Codex with mention tracking and progressions (strong) |
| Relationship map | Yes, relationship graph | Relations between entries |
| Timeline | Yes | Mention and marker timelines |
| Collaboration | Up to 3 people on Pro, 10 on Studio | Invites on Specialist |
| Export | EPUB, DOCX, Markdown, plain text, print-ready PDF, JSON | DOCX, Markdown |
Novelcrafter details checked 4 November 2026 from its own website where it would load. Prices change; check Novelcrafter for the latest. Spot something out of date? Tell us at support@authr.shop.
Where Novelcrafter is stronger
- Bring-your-own-key across many providers, including local models through Ollama or LM Studio: a real win for privacy and cost.
- A deeper codex toolset, with progressions, appearance heatmaps and a matrix view.
- A very cheap way in: $4 a month without AI, $8 with your own key.
Where Authr is different
- AI included, with about 15 agent tasks free every month. No API key or provider setup to start.
- Outside agents can call in: an official MCP server, REST API and webhooks. Novelcrafter calls models out; nothing can work on the book from outside.
- Agents in roles that comment and file inline suggestions you accept or reject, a free plan, and EPUB, PDF and JSON export.
Questions
What's the main difference between Authr and Novelcrafter?
Novelcrafter is a deep codex-first writing environment where you plug in your own AI provider, local models included. Authr includes the AI, gives it editorial jobs, and opens the book to outside agents over MCP and a REST API.
Does Authr let me use my own API key?
Not for in-app agents. Instead you can connect your own agent, running on whatever model you like, over MCP, the REST API or webhooks. Those external agents are unlimited on every plan.
Can I import from Novelcrafter?
Export your novel from Novelcrafter as DOCX or Markdown and import it into Authr; headings become parts, chapters and scenes.
Is Authr free?
Yes. The Free plan has every feature and unlimited books, with about 15 agent tasks a month for in-app agents. Agents you connect over MCP or the API are unlimited on every plan. Pro is $19 a month and Studio $49.
Other comparisons
Try Authr next to Novelcrafter.
Free, with every feature. Import your draft and see what the agents make of chapter one.