The current wave of artificial intelligence (AI) tools feels like something out of a science fiction novel. What the writers of those books probably never considered is how their own professions might be impacted by a tool like ChatGPT.
There’s good and there’s bad news. Starting with the bad: there’s no avoiding the impact of AI in the publishing industry. Things aren’t just going to continue how they have been, so authors don’t have the luxury of simply pretending AI doesn’t exist.
But we promised some good news too: AI has the potential to enhance the work of authors, not replace it.
We’re in the camp that firmly believes human creators will never be replaced. AI tools have no life experience, no unique genius; they’re just the summation of the data they’ve been fed. Authors will always bring more to the table.
But AI can help. With the right prompts, authors can be more productive, they can build stronger communities of readers and generally sell more books.
Here are the best ChatGPT prompts to help authors write their next book. Use them as inspiration, and customize them according to your needs.
- Overview of the main ways that Authors can use ChatGPT
- Idea Generation
- Character Development
- Dialogue Refinement
- Plot Troubleshooting
- Worldbuilding Assistance
- Writing Prompts
- Writing Feedback
- Research Assistance
(And if you’re more of a BARD or Google AI fan, these prompts should do well in those tools too!)
Overview of the main ways that authors can use ChatGPT
ChatGPT can assist in various aspects of the writing process, from idea generation to plot development and character design. It can provide story prompts, help structure your novel, or create dialogue for your characters.
Example prompt to generate a book outline:
Your task is to create a detailed outline for my next book titled [Book Title]. The book is aimed at [Target Audience].
The themes for this book are [Theme 1, Theme 2, Theme 3].
Here are some key elements this book should incorporate: [Element 1, Element 2, Element 3].
Please create a detailed book outline including the following sections:
Title: [Book Title]
Themes: As stated above
Key elements: As stated above
Book description: Detailed description of the book covering the themes and key elements
Writing plan: Steps to write the book
Publication strategy: How to publish and promote the book
Here are some more usecases:
| Use case | Example prompt |
| 1. Generating a book outline Authors can use AI to structure their book’s main points and chapters. This helps maintain consistency and flow throughout the book. Inputs: Book genre, premise, number of chapters | You are an expert in [historical fiction] writing. Generate a book outline based on the premise: [A young woman discovering her magical abilities in Victorian England]. The book should have [20] chapters. |
| 2. Chapters and sections AI can help authors organize their chapters and sections effectively. This contributes to a more organized writing process. Inputs: Chapter number, main events, setting | You are an expert at structuring novel chapters. For chapter [5] of a [fantasy novel], outline the main events that should occur when the protagonist [enters a mythical forest]. |
| 3. Plot development AI can assist authors in developing their plot. This ensures a compelling and coherent storyline. Inputs: Character names, plot events, climax, resolution | You are a plot development expert. For the story about [Alice], a [young detective], describe how the plot should unfold after she discovers a [mysterious letter], leading up to the climax and resolution. |
| 4. Establishing scene / setting AI can help authors create vivid and engaging settings. This enhances the reader’s immersion. Inputs: Setting location, time, characters involved | You are an expert in creating immersive settings. Describe a [haunting, abandoned mansion] at [midnight] where the main character, [James], will find an important clue. |
| 5. Publisher outreach AI can assist authors in drafting outreach emails to publishers. This saves time and increases the chances of getting a positive response. Inputs: Author’s name, book title, book genre, brief book description | You are an expert in crafting compelling outreach letters. Write an email on behalf of [Author’s Name] for their [book title] which is a [book genre]. The book is about [brief book description]. |
Idea generation
Task: Brainstorming ideas for a new book
Is this the end of writer’s block? ChatGPT can help authors brainstorm ideas, create unique plotlines, and develop intriguing characters for their books.
Here are a few example prompts you can use:
- You’re an AI specialized in generating creative ideas for books. Let’s brainstorm ideas for a new [science fiction novel]. Please suggest a few themes or settings you’re interested in exploring.
- You are a creative engine that helps authors in ideating new book concepts. Generate a unique premise for a [mystery novel] set in [Victorian England].
- As an AI, you’re trained to create fascinating plotlines. Based on the theme of [time travel], generate three interesting plot twists that could take place in a [thriller novel].
Character development
Task: Developing detailed characters for a book
ChatGPT can also help authors increase the depth of characters by suggesting their traits, backstories, and motivations.
Here are a few example prompts you can use:
- You are a character development expert. Create a detailed profile for a [female detective] in a [crime thriller], including her backstory, personality traits, and motivations.
- As an AI specialized in character development, create a compelling backstory for a [young wizard] in a [fantasy novel] based on the themes of [loss and resilience].
- Given the character’s role as a [villain] in a [superhero story], provide three unique character traits and motivations that would make him compelling to readers.
Dialogue refinement
Task: Refining dialogue between characters
It might seem counterintuitive, but ChatGPT can help make dialogue feel more human. If you’re struggling to create authentic-sounding interactions between characters, try using AI as a starting point and then trust your own humanity to refine the outputs.
- You are an expert in crafting dialogue. Create a conversation between a [rebellious teenager] and a [strict teacher] discussing the student’s poor performance at [school].
- As an AI trained in dialogue refinement, generate an intense argument between two characters: a [jealous sibling] and an [overachieving sibling].
- Create a heartfelt conversation between a [mother] and [daughter] where the mother reveals a [deep family secret].
Plot troubleshooting
Task: Resolving plot inconsistencies or gaps
Tired of changing your plot in an attempt to make everything make sense? ChatGPT can help you identify and resolve plot inconsistencies, making your stories more believable and helping with flow.
Here are a few example prompts you can use:
- You are an expert in resolving plot issues. Help me solve this inconsistency in my [fantasy novel]: The protagonist can [travel through time], but I’ve written a scene where they’re [trapped in the past]. How can I resolve this?
- As an AI trained in plot troubleshooting, suggest three possible solutions to this problem in my [mystery novel]: The detective finds a [clue] at the crime scene that [doesn’t match any of the suspects].
- Given that my [sci-fi novel] involves [interstellar travel], how can I address the issue of time dilation without confusing readers?
Worldbuilding assistance
Task: Creating a detailed world for a book
ChatGPT was trained on literally billions of data points. All of that information allows it to create content you can’t even begin to imagine. That means it can be an incredible partner in creating rich, immersive worlds for you stories. Authors might use the following prompts to add depth to settings or background.
Here are a few example prompts you can use:
- You are an expert in worldbuilding. Given the setting of a [medieval fantasy kingdom], describe the political system, cultural norms, and geographical landscape.
- As an AI specialized in worldbuilding, create an outline of the social hierarchy, technology, and architectural styles in a [futuristic dystopian city].
- Develop an overview of the magic system, mythical creatures, and historical events in a [high fantasy world] where [magic is drawn from natural elements].
Writing prompts
Task: Generating writing prompts
Want to reverse the roles a little bit? Let’s have ChatGPT prompt you! The AI tool can provide authors with unique and tailored prompts to help overcome writer’s block and spark new ideas.
Here are a few example prompts you can use:
- You are an AI that generates creative writing prompts. Please provide a unique prompt for a [romantic comedy] set in [Paris].
- As a prompt generator, suggest a compelling scenario for a [historical fiction] story set during the [American Civil War].
- Generate a plot twist for a [murder mystery] where the detective discovers that [the victim faked their own death].
Writing feedback
Task: Providing feedback on a piece of writing
Many authors already use tools like Grammarly or Word’s native spell checker. Well, ChatGPT goes beyond basic copy editing and can analyze an author’s writing, provide constructive feedback, and suggest improvements.
- You are an expert in analyzing and critiquing writing. Here is an excerpt from my [fantasy novel]: [Insert excerpt]. Please provide feedback and suggestions for improvement.
- As an AI trained in providing writing feedback, read this dialogue from my [crime thriller]. [Insert dialogue]. How can I make the conversation more realistic and engaging?
- Review this description of a [battle scene] from my [epic fantasy novel]. [Insert description]. How can I increase the tension and create a more vivid image?
Research assistance
Task: Assisting with research for a book
Working in non-fiction or historical fiction? ChatGPT can help conduct research, providing summaries of articles or books, answering specific questions, or suggesting relevant sources.
- You are an AI research assistant. Can you provide a summary of [World War II] for my [historical fiction novel]?
- As an AI trained in research, can you explain the basics of [quantum physics] for my [science fiction novel]?
- I’m writing a [medical drama]. Can you provide information on [cardiac surgeries], their risks and success rates?
These are just a few prompt examples for authors. If you take inspiration from the prompts, and adjust them to your specific needs or preference, there’s really no end to potential uses for ChatGPT.
