Writing a book can be a big adventure. But with today’s technology, it has become easier to become a better book writer and overcome the writer’s block.
In this post, we will show you how ChatGPT can help authors write better books, create book outlines, and more using ChatGPT prompts.
For those who don’t know what ChatGPT is, it is a language model driven by AI that OpenAI made. It helps users answer questions, write emails, articles, and code, and provide writing ideas and comments.
According to statistics, ChatGPT had 180.5 million users globally, with 100 million people using it weekly, including 92% of the Fortune 500 companies.
This means that, like everyone else, bookwriters can also benefit from ChatGPT in several ways.
Ready to find out how?
Let’s get started!
Can You Write a Book Using ChatGPT
Yes you can.
ChatGPT is a powerful AI tool that can help you with writing by giving ideas, drafting sections, and even editing. People use it to create stories, articles, and more.
For a book, ChatGPT can help from the beginning to the end. First, it can brainstorm ideas and outlines. Then, it can write drafts for chapters. After that, it can help with revising and improving the text.
Remember
While ChatGPT can do a lot, you will add creativity and a personal touch to your stories and books. Also, checking facts and editing is important because ChatGPT might not always be correct.
Best ChatGPT Prompts for Authors (Book Writers)
Authors and bookwriters can use ChatGPT to write books in various ways. No need for character development exercises, worldbuilding techniques or reading tons of “How to Become an Author” resources.
With the below ChatGPT prompts, you can easily create sci-fi novels, character backstories, fiction, non-fiction, and novel writing.
Our prompts cover:
Let’s look at all the different workflows of book writing that ChatGPT can help you with and the prompts that can generate mindblowing outputs for the same.
ChatGPT Master Prompt for Book Writing
Now, this is the master prompt or the system prompt for ChatGPT. ChatGPT system prompts govern the AI’s conversational responses.
They create conversations or ask questions to help the AI respond appropriately and focus. These prompts help the language model produce more accurate and relevant outputs by narrowing the AI’s response, keeping it on topic, and providing the needed information.
Now, this system prompt is the main prompt that will guide your ChatGPT chat to act as a book writer:
ChatGPT System Prompt for Book Writers:
Hey CHatGPT, act as an experienced book writer who has written almost 50 New York Times Best Sellers. Write a book with the following details:
Title: [Title]
Genre: [Genre]
Target Audience Age Group: [Target Audience Age Group]
Writing Style: [Formal/Informal/Conversational/Other]
Point of View: [First Person/Second Person/Third Person Limited/Third Person Omniscient]
Tense: [Present/Past]
Book Type: [Fiction/Non-fiction/Memoir/Self-help/Other]
Setting: [Time Period] and [Location]
Main Characters: [Number of Main Characters], [Names], [Backstories], [Personalities], [Physical Appearances], [Motivations]
Supporting Characters: [Number of Supporting Characters], [Names], [Roles in Story], [Backstories], [Personalities]
Antagonists: [Names], [Backstory], [Motivation]
Narrative Arc: [Introduction], [Rising Action], [Climax], [Falling Action], [Resolution]
Themes: [Core Messages], [Moral of the Story]
Conflict: [Type of Conflict - Man vs. Man/Man vs. Self/Man vs. Society/Man vs. Nature/Man vs. Technology]
Plot Twists: [Key Plot Twists] and [How they affect the story]
World-Building Details: [Political System], [Cultural Norms], [Geography], [Magic System/Technology]
Climactic Event: [Description of Climactic Event]
Ending: [Happy/Sad/Ambiguous]
Subplots: [Number of Subplots], [Descriptions], [How they interlink with the main plot]
Book Length: [Word Count Goal]
Chapter Outline: [Number of Chapters], [Titles], [Key Events per Chapter]
Research Topics: [Subject needing research]
Tone: [Serious/Humorous/Satirical/Dark/Optimistic/Pessimistic]
Imagery: [Descriptive/Minimalist], [Key Visuals]
Dialogue Style: [Witty/Realistic/Formal/Informal/Archival]
Writing Inspirations: [Favorite Books/Authors/Genres]
Special Requests: [Any specific elements or directions for the book]
Additional Notes: [Any other details or preferences]
Deadline: [Time Frame for Completion]
Now, let’s fill the above prompt with some sample data and see how it will work:
Complete ChatGPT System Prompt for Book Writers:
Assist me in writing a young adult fantasy novel titled 'The Last Ember,' featuring Alyra, an orphan turned warrior with fiery red hair who discovers her royal lineage and must reclaim her homeland from Lord Darkwell, the usurper. The story is set in medieval Eldoria, with a third-person limited point of view, past tense, and a conversational style. It will include knightly traditions, forgotten magic, mythical creatures, and subplots involving espionage and political alliances. The book should have an optimistic tone, descriptive imagery, witty dialogue, and be inspired by epic sagas like 'A Song of Ice and Fire.' I aim to complete a 90,000-word manuscript within six months.
Here is the output that ChatGPT produced using the above prompt:
ChatGPT then asked us if we would like to start with the first chapter of the book; when we asked it to go on, here’s how the results were:
In this case, you could have also created better characters or generated a complete outline of the number of chapters you wanted.
The above prompt is an ALL-IN-ONE-GO prompt, which means you can get everything with one single ChatGPT prompt and don’t have to provide separate prompts for every individual book writing workflow.
But what if you want to create book outlines, characters, and storyboards separately?
In that case, here are the prompts for every book writing workflow.
ChatGPT Prompt for Generating Book Outline
This prompt might help you start writing a detailed and compelling fiction or non-fiction story outline.
Here’s a ChatGPT prompt that can help you generate a book outline.
Prompt:
"Create a detailed outline for a [Book Type] book titled '[Title]', set in [Setting] during [Time Period], with [Number of Main Characters] main character(s) named [Main Characters' Names] who are [Main Characters' Descriptions]. The story should start with [Initial Event], followed by [Key Events] leading to a climax involving [Climax Event]. The narrative should resolve with [Resolution Event], ensuring themes of [Themes] are woven throughout, with subplots including [Subplots]. The tone should be [Tone] with a pace that is [Pacing]. Include chapters titled [Chapter Titles], each with a distinct purpose, such as [Purpose of Each Chapter], and ensure character development arcs for [Character Arcs]. Also, incorporate a conflict of [Type of Conflict], and ensure the book's length is approximately [Word Count Goal] words."
Example of How to Fill This Prompt:
"Create a detailed outline for a Fiction book titled 'The Whispering Shadows', set in an ancient, enchanted forest during the age of myth and magic, with two main character(s) named Eliana and Corin who are a fierce warrior with a hidden power and a cunning sorcerer with a troubled past. The story should start with Eliana discovering a mysterious amulet, followed by a series of trials that test their abilities and resolve leading to a climax involving a confrontation with a dark entity that seeks to corrupt the forest. The narrative should resolve with the restoration of peace and the revelation of Corin's true heritage, ensuring themes of courage, friendship, and the balance between light and dark are woven throughout, with subplots including Eliana's quest to learn about her lineage and Corin's struggle to overcome his inner demons. The tone should be adventurous and mystical with a pace that is steady and building towards intense moments. Include chapters titled 'The Amulet's Call', 'The Trial of Flames', 'Echoes of the Past', each with a distinct purpose, such as introducing the magical world, challenging the heroes, revealing backstory, and ensure character development arcs for Eliana's acceptance of her destiny and Corin's redemption. Also, incorporate a conflict of Man vs. Supernatural, and ensure the book's length is approximately 80,000 words."
ChatGPT Prompt for Character Development
ChatGPT prompts for character development can incredibly benefit you as an author. You can explore different facets of your characters, such as their fears, desires, and internal conflicts, adding depth and authenticity to your storytelling.
Prompt:
"Develop comprehensive profiles for characters in a [Genre] story titled '[Title]'. For the protagonist(s) [Protagonist Names], detail their [Physical Traits], [Personality Traits], [Backstories], [Goals], and [Obstacles] they must overcome, leading to their [Character Arcs]. For the antagonist(s) [Antagonist Names], describe their [Motivations], [Strategies], and [Influences on the Protagonist]. Outline the supporting characters [Supporting Characters' Names] with their [Roles in the Story], [Unique Characteristics], and [Impact on the Protagonist's Journey]. Specify character motivations, highlighting [Internal/External Drivers] that propel them through the story. Detail character relationships, mapping out the [Interpersonal Dynamics] between characters, including [Alliances], [Rivalries], and [Romantic Entanglements]. Incorporate [Character Flaws] that add complexity and [Growth Opportunities]. Ensure that each character's development supports the overarching [Theme(s)] of the story."
Example:
"Develop comprehensive profiles for characters in a Fantasy story titled 'Heart of the Ancients'. For the protagonist(s) Elena and Rowan, detail their sharp eyes and scarred hands, resourceful and skeptical nature, orphaned upbringing and mysterious lineage, to restore the ancient grove, and the empire's soldiers and enchanted beasts they must overcome, leading to their realization of their true powers and heritage. For the antagonist(s) Lord Malifax, describe their quest for immortality, manipulation of political figures, and tempting Elena and Rowan with false promises of peace. Outline the supporting characters Mira the Seer, Bran the Shieldbearer, and Lysa the Swift with their guidance, protection, and scouting, wise yet cryptic insights, and impact on Elena and Rowan's tactics and morale. Specify character motivations, highlighting Elena's internal drive to belong and Rowan's external push to prove his worth that propel them through the story. Detail character relationships, mapping out the friendship and emerging trust between characters, including the alliance with the forest spirits, rivalry with the imperial general, and Rowan's unspoken love for Elena. Incorporate Elena's naivety and Rowan's recklessness that add complexity and opportunities for Elena to gain wisdom and for Rowan to find humility. Ensure that each character's development supports the overarching themes of destiny, power, and unity in the story."
ChatGPT Book Writing Prompt for Setting and Atmosphere
Using this prompt, you can create vibrant and evocative settings, set the mood, and establish the atmosphere that best suits your narrative.
Prompt:
"Construct a vivid setting and atmosphere for a [Genre] novel titled '[Title]'. Begin with the primary location [Primary Setting], detailing its [Geographical Features], [Climate Conditions], and [Cultural Significance]. Describe the time period, whether [Historical Era], [Future Setting], or [Fantasy World], and how it shapes societal norms and daily life. Define the broader world by including [Political Landscape], [Economic Conditions], [Religions and Beliefs], and [Technological Advancements] or [Magic Systems]. For secondary settings like [Villages/Cities/Other Planets], provide [Specific Details] that distinguish them and contribute to the narrative. Establish the mood by detailing [Common Local Legends], [Public Festivals], and [Daily Routines of Inhabitants]. Include sensory descriptions that encompass [Sights], [Sounds], [Smells], and [Textures] to immerse the reader fully. Elaborate on how the setting and atmosphere evolve with the plot, using [Environmental Changes] like [Seasonal Shifts] or [Cataclysmic Events] to reflect the story's progression. Ensure the setting and atmosphere accentuate the [Themes] and [Mood] of the story and interact dynamically with the characters' [Journeys and Transformations]."
Example of a Prefilled Prompt:
"Construct a vivid setting and atmosphere for a Post-Apocalyptic novel titled 'Echoes of the After'. Begin with the primary location the ruins of New Eden, detailing its overgrown skyscrapers, harsh, rainy climate, and symbolism as a fallen utopia. Describe the time period as 2050s post-cataclysm, and how it shapes societal norms and daily life with scavenging, bartering, and survivalist culture. Define the broader world by including fragmented territories ruled by warlords, scarce resources leading to trade-based economies, cults around new apocalyptic deities, and rudimentary steam-powered technology amidst lost advanced tech. For secondary settings like the Enclave and the Dead Zones, provide fortified underground bunkers and hazardous, mutant-infested wastelands that distinguish them and contribute to the narrative. Establish the mood by detailing tales of the old world, the rare 'Day of Remembrance' festival, and the daily routines of bunker inhabitants versus surface scavengers. Include sensory descriptions that encompass the sight of rust and verdure overtaking concrete, the sound of rain and distant thunders, the smell of wet earth and metal, and the texture of tattered clothes and reclaimed tools to immerse the reader fully. Elaborate on how the setting and atmosphere evolve with the plot, using environmental changes like the emergence of a toxic fog or the discovery of a lush valley untouched by destruction to reflect the story's progression. Ensure the setting and atmosphere accentuate the themes of hope and resilience and interact dynamically with the characters' struggle to rebuild and redefine humanity."
ChatGPT Book Writing Prompt for Generating Story Plot
To create a Story Plot for your next book, you can use this ChatGPT prompt:
"Craft a comprehensive plot for a [Genre] story titled '[Title]'. Start with [Character], who [Initial Character Situation] in [Setting]. When [Inciting Incident] occurs, they must [Objective]. Along their journey, introduce [Secondary Characters] who [Help/Hinder] the protagonist. Include [Number of Key Events] pivotal events such as [Key Event 1], [Key Event 2], and [Key Event 3] that escalate tension and challenge the character, leading to [Climax] where [Climactic Action/Decision]. Ensure there is [Type of Conflict] between [Protagonist] and [Antagonist], representing [Thematic Elements]. After the climax, have [Resolution] where [Outcome of Protagonist's Journey] and [State of the World/Characters]. Conclude with [Ending Type] that leaves the reader with [Message/Question/Feeling]. Add depth by weaving in subplots such as [Subplot 1] and [Subplot 2], which should [Tie Into Main Plot/Contribute to Character Development]. The plot should be structured to maintain [Pace] and [Emotional Rhythm], leading to a satisfying [Conclusion]."
Using the above prompt, we created a storyline, and here are the results:
If you want to read the whole plot you can check out the below image. With our prompt, we have generated a title, how characters will act and the entire plot.
ChatGPT Prompt for Refining Dialogues between Characters
ChatGPT can help you develop natural and engaging conversations, ensure that each character’s voice is distinct, and refine the dynamics between characters.
By using the prompt below, you can address specific dialogue challenges, explore different emotional tones.
Prompt:
“Enhance dialogue for a [Genre] story titled ‘[Title]‘. Focus on characters [Character A] and [Character B] in the scene [Scene Description]. [Character A] should convey [Emotion/Information] while [Character B] responds with [Contrasting Emotion/Information]. The dialogue must [Advance the Plot/Reveal Character/Increase Tension] and reflect [Each Character’s Background/Personality/Education Level]. Include subtext that suggests [Underlying Tensions/Secrets/Relationship Dynamics] without directly stating them. Ensure the exchange fits the [Story’s Tone/Pacing] and consider [Cultural Nuances/Language Specifics] where applicable. Rewrite the following exchange to increase impact and emotional depth: ‘[Current Dialogue]‘.”
ChatGPT Prompt for Writing Feedback
Now, after completing your whole book using ChatGPT, you might want to get feedbacks too. Well, ChatGPT can easily provide feedbacks and help you in editing the sections that feels fluff or vague.
Here’s the prompt to get feedbacks on your book writing:
"Provide constructive feedback for a [Genre] manuscript titled '[Title]'. Evaluate the [Structure], [Character Development], [Pacing], and [Thematic Consistency]. Comment on the [Dialogue] and its authenticity, and how well the [Plot Developments] align with [Character Motivations] and [Reader Expectations]. Offer specific suggestions to improve [Areas Needing Work] and compliment [Areas of Strength]. Address how well the story fulfills [Genre Expectations] and [Audience Engagement]. Provide examples for improvement, such as '[Specific Text]', and explain how changes might enhance the overall narrative."
ChatGPT Prompt for Author Branding
Using the above ChatGPT prompts, you can write any fiction, non-fiction or children’s book. But what about marketing and branding?
You need a marketing strategy for your book to sell it, and here’s the ChatGPT prompt to help you out:
"Develop an author branding strategy for [Author Name] who writes [Genre(s)] and is preparing to publish '[Title]'. Outline steps for [Building an Online Presence], including [Social Media Platforms] and [Content Strategy] tailored to [Target Audience]. Create a plan for [Community Engagement] that involves [Reader Interactions] and [Brand Consistency]. Formulate tactics for [Promotions and Marketing], considering [Budget], [Book Launch Timeline], and [Outreach Opportunities]. Offer advice on [Publishing Avenues], whether [Traditional/Self-Publishing], and [Networking with Industry Professionals]. Provide a list of [Marketing Materials] needed, such as [Book Covers, Author Photos, Promotional Graphics], and how to effectively utilize them in a [Marketing Campaign]."
Using the above prompt, ChatGPT can guide you with all sorts of marketing ideas, campaigns and more so that you can market your book well.
Here’s a breakdown of what each part of the prompt does:
ChatGPT Book Writing Prompts for Various Use Cases
There are other important elements of book writing, to cover them up, here’s a table with the most important use cases and prompts:
| Use Case | ChatGPT Prompt |
|---|---|
| Theme Exploration | “Identify and expand on the themes in [Title] by exploring [Character’s] journey and how it reflects [Theme].” |
| Scene Setting | “Describe a scene in [Location] where [Character] experiences [Event] that’s crucial for [Story Development].” |
| Conflict Creation | “Introduce a conflict involving [Character] and [Opposing Force] that complicates [Character’s Goal].” |
| Pacing Adjustment | “Adjust the pacing in [Manuscript Section] to create [Desired Effect] in the narrative flow.” |
| Backstory Integration | “Weave [Character’s] backstory into the plot without disrupting the current pacing and action.” |
| Subplot Development | “Develop a subplot for [Secondary Character] that supports the main plot through [Subplot Action/Theme].” |
| Character Description | “Craft a detailed description of [Character] that captures their personality and physical traits through [Action].” |
| Emotional Layering | “Add emotional depth to [Scene] by showing [Character’s] internal reaction to [Event].” |
| Sensory Detailing | “Enhance [Scene] by adding sensory details that evoke the senses of sight, sound, smell, touch, and taste.” |
| Dialogue Naturalization | “Revise the dialogue between [Character A] and [Character B] to make their conversation more natural and engaging.” |
And That’s a Wrap!
Hope you liked this post. We have tried to cover all the best ChatGPT prompts so that you can crystalize your book ideas into reality using AI.
If we missed anything, do let us know in the comments section. Also, do not forget to check out our other resources:
