NovelCrafter vs Sudowrite vs Journzy
In NovelCrafter vs Sudowrite, the difference is the API key: NovelCrafter runs on yours and Sudowrite includes the models with credits. Journzy is something else, an AI that checks the manuscript you write yourself, free or at $19/month.
The three tools, point by point
The NovelCrafter and Sudowrite facts come from their pricing and feature pages, checked on October 26, 2026.
| Feature | Journzy | NovelCrafter | Sudowrite |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | Free, or Author at $19/month or $180/year, plus tax | $4 to $20 a month (Scribe, Hobbyist, Artisan, Specialist) | $10, $22 or $44 a month (Hobby & Student, Professional, Max) |
| Free plan | Yes. Free never expires | No. A 21-day trial, no card | No. A free trial, no card |
| API key | Not needed | Your own key from Hobbyist. Usage is paid separately | No. Models included, with credits |
| Does the AI write your text? | No. It never writes into the manuscript | Yes. Scenes from beats, chat and summaries | Yes. Write, Rewrite, Describe and Expand |
| Continuity checks, with evidence | Author: every flag comes with the quote that proves it | No contradiction check against the codex is listed | Lists series continuity. We have not tested how it works |
| Story bible or codex | Sheets with aliases, relationships and facts that change over time (Free) | A wiki-style codex, praised in reviews | A Story Bible with characters, synopsis and worldbuilding |
| Languages | Native Spanish (Spain) and English | Does not state languages. The AI depends on the model you connect | Says it supports 30+ languages |
| Platform | Browser, with offline writing (Free) | Web | Web |
| A fit for writers who | Writes every word and wants continuity checked | Wants to co-write and pick the model, on their own key | Wants a ready-to-use AI, with credits |
Verified October 2026
NovelCrafter vs Sudowrite: what separates them
Both tools use AI to write with you. NovelCrafter leans on structure: a wiki-style codex that feeds the chat and the scene drafting, with the model you choose and your own API key. Sudowrite leans on language: Write, Rewrite, Describe and Expand, with its own fiction model plus third-party models, and credit-based pricing.
If you want to pick the provider and control the cost per token, NovelCrafter gives you that control. If you would rather skip setup and use the AI from day one, Sudowrite's credits cover that.
Where Journzy fits
Journzy does not compete on drafting. It is built for people who write every word. On Author, the AI compares every scene with your story bible and shows the quote that proves each flag. On Free you get the bible, worldbuilding with maps, outline, versions, beta readers, proofreading and export. The AI cannot write, rewrite or expand your manuscript.
Journzy has clear limits. It does not generate text or let you pick a model. It is a new product. The continuity check is in Author, not Free.
Who should choose which
- NovelCrafter if you want to co-write with an AI and choose the model, and accept managing your API key.
- Sudowrite if you want drafting speed and a ready-to-use AI, with credits.
- Journzy if you write every word yourself and want something to check continuity, at a flat price or free.
They are not mutually exclusive. You can draft with one of the first two and check the manuscript in Journzy.
How to move to Journzy from either one
- Export your manuscript as Word (.docx) or Markdown, or copy the text. In NovelCrafter, choose prose only and switch on the act and chapter titles.
- Import it in write.journzy.com. Check the chapter and scene preview: Journzy saves nothing until you confirm.
- Build the bible by hand on Free. On Author, extraction after import suggests characters and places, each with its quote. You decide what to add.
Frequently asked questions
Which is better, NovelCrafter or Sudowrite?
It depends on what you want to control. NovelCrafter lets you choose the model with your own API key and leans on its codex. Sudowrite includes the models and works on credits from day one.
Does either of them check the continuity of my novel?
NovelCrafter does not list a contradiction check against the codex. Sudowrite lists series continuity, but we have not tested how it works. In Journzy, the continuity check belongs to Author and every flag comes with its evidence.
Which one costs less?
Journzy has a Free plan that never expires. With AI, Author costs $19 a month. NovelCrafter starts at $8 with AI, plus the usage on your key. Sudowrite starts at $10 a month, with credits.
Do I need an API key in Journzy?
No. No Journzy plan asks for an API key.
Keep reading
A NovelCrafter alternative with no API key
A NovelCrafter alternative with no API key: Journzy is free or $19/month, and its AI checks your manuscript without writing it. Facts verified October 2026.
A Sudowrite alternative that doesn't write for you
A Sudowrite alternative with no generated text: Journzy is free or $19/month, with no credits, and its AI checks your manuscript without writing it.
Find plot holes and continuity errors before your readers do
A continuity checker that reads each scene against your story bible and shows the quote behind every flag. Part of the Author plan, never rewrites your text.
A story bible that keeps up with your manuscript
A character database and series bible with aliases, appearance maps and facts that change over time. The Free plan never expires. Author adds Discoveries.