Transform AI from confused assistant to trusted writing partner
Novel-OS is a structured workflow system that gives AI the context it needs to help you write compelling fiction—consistently and efficiently. Stop wrestling with inconsistent prose and lost plot threads. Start writing novels that sound like you.
Works With Any AI Tool | Any Genre or Length | Your Voice, Your Way
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Unlike basic AI setups, Novel-OS provides three layers of context:
Result: AI writes prose that sounds like YOU |
Replaces random prompting with proven workflows:
Result: Complete novels faster with consistent quality |
Completely customizable to your process:
Result: AI partner that thinks YOUR way |
Novel-OS works like briefing a human writing partner—each layer builds complete understanding of your creative process.
graph TD
A[Layer 1: Standards] --> B[Layer 2: Novel]
B --> C[Layer 3: Manuscripts]
C --> D[AI writes in YOUR voice]
Set once, use everywhere
| Component | Purpose | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Writing Style | Narrative voice, POV, prose style | ~/.novel-os/standards/ |
| Genre Guides | Genre conventions & techniques | standards/genre-guides/ |
| Narrative Techniques | Character development, pacing | standards/narrative-techniques.md |
Project-specific creative vision
- Premise — What you're writing and why it matters
- Writing Plan — Story phases and completion targets
- Decisions — Key creative choices with rationale
- Novel Style — Voice specific to this story
Location: .novel-os/novel/
Detailed writing roadmap
- Story Outline — Plot structure and character arcs
- Character Profiles — Development and relationships
- Writing Tasks — Scene-by-scene objectives
Location: .novel-os/manuscripts/[date-story]/
The Result: Your AI has everything needed—how you write, what you're writing, and what to write next.
# One-line install
curl -sSL https://raw.githubusercontent.com/forsonny/book-os/main/setup.sh | sed 's/\r$//' | bash |
# PowerShell (Recommended)
Invoke-WebRequest -Uri "https://raw.githubusercontent.com/forsonny/book-os/main/setup.ps1" -OutFile "setup.ps1"
.\setup.ps1# Command Prompt Alternative
curl -o setup.bat https://raw.githubusercontent.com/forsonny/book-os/main/setup.bat
setup.bat |
# WSL-optimized install
curl -sSL https://raw.githubusercontent.com/forsonny/book-os/main/setup-wsl.sh | sed 's/\r$//' | bash
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What this installs: Core Novel-OS framework to
~/.novel-os/with writing standards and workflow templates.
Important: Customize the standards files after installation to match your writing preferences!
Claude Code Integration (Click to expand)
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macOS/Linux: curl -sSL https://raw.githubusercontent.com/forsonny/book-os/main/setup-claude-code.sh | sed 's/\r$//' | bash |
Windows: # PowerShell
Invoke-WebRequest -Uri "https://raw.githubusercontent.com/forsonny/book-os/main/setup-claude-code.ps1" -OutFile "setup-claude-code.ps1"
.\setup-claude-code.ps1 |
WSL: # WSL-optimized
curl -sSL https://raw.githubusercontent.com/forsonny/book-os/main/setup-claude-code-wsl.sh | sed 's/\r$//' | bash |
Enables commands: /plan-novel • /create-outline • /write-scenes • /analyze-manuscript
Installs output style: novel-os-assistant - Optimizes Claude Code for novel writing workflows
Cursor Integration (Click to expand)
First: Navigate to your novel project's root folder
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macOS/Linux: curl -sSL https://raw.githubusercontent.com/forsonny/book-os/main/setup-cursor.sh | sed 's/\r$//' | bash |
Windows: # PowerShell
Invoke-WebRequest -Uri "https://raw.githubusercontent.com/forsonny/book-os/main/setup-cursor.ps1" -OutFile "setup-cursor.ps1"
.\setup-cursor.ps1 |
Enables commands: @plan-novel • @create-outline • @write-scenes • @analyze-manuscript
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macOS/Linux: # Quick check
ls ~/.novel-os/ |
Windows: # Full verification
.\verify-installation.ps1# Alternative
verify-installation.bat |
What verification checks: File structure • Dependencies • Troubleshooting guidance
For the best Novel-OS experience in Claude Code, switch to the specialized writing output style:
/output-style novel-os-assistant
This transforms Claude Code into a creative writing specialist optimized for Novel-OS workflows.
Pro tip: The more specific your standards, the more consistent your AI assistance!
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macOS/Linux:
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Windows:
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Use the /plan-novel command
/plan-novel
I want to write a literary fiction novel about a woman who inherits
her grandmother's bookshop in a small coastal town.
Key themes: family legacy, small-town community, second chances
Target readers: Adult literary fiction fans who enjoy character-driven stories
Writing style: Third person limited, lyrical prose, present tense
What AI Will Create (Click to see)
- Novel structure (
.novel-os/novel/directory) - Story premise (
premise.mdwith complete vision) - Writing roadmap (phases, milestones, targets)
- Creative decisions (documented with rationale)
- Custom style guide (novel-specific voice)
Use the /analyze-manuscript command
/analyze-manuscript
I want to install Novel-OS into my existing mystery novel project.
I have 3 completed chapters and detailed character notes.
What AI Will Analyze (Click to see)
- Current structure (files, chapters, organization)
- Writing style (voice, POV, genre detection)
- Documentation (reflects existing content)
- Integration (adds completed work to writing plan)
Use the /create-outline command
/create-outline
Create a detailed outline for my 1920s Chicago mystery novel.
Focus on the detective's investigation of a speakeasy murder.
What Gets Created (Click to see)
- Complete story outline (plot structure & pacing)
- Character profiles (arcs, relationships, development)
- World-building (setting details & atmosphere)
- Writing tasks (scene-by-scene breakdown)
Use the /write-scenes command
/write-scenes
Write the opening scene where Detective Murphy discovers
the first clue hidden in the speakeasy's secret room.
How AI Writes (Click to see)
- Your exact style (voice, tone, technique)
- Character consistency (dialogue, behavior, growth)
- Plot advancement (follows outline structure)
- Progress tracking (updates milestones automatically)
- Session management (clear start/stop points)
AI checks your writing plan and suggests the next scene or chapter to tackle. |
Creates structured character work with clear objectives. |
AI reads your tasks and picks up exactly where you stopped. |
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| Problem | Solution | Location |
|---|---|---|
| AI not matching style | Add specific examples to standards | standards/writing-style.md |
| Inconsistent characters | Detail voice & behavior patterns | Character profiles |
| Plot off track | Clarify goals in story outline | manuscripts/story-outline.md |
| Scenes wrong length | Adjust structure guidelines | standards/writing-style.md |
| Problem | Quick Fix | Details |
|---|---|---|
| "Novel-OS files aren't accessible" | source ~/.bashrc |
WSL Troubleshooting Guide |
| Commands not working | Use WSL installers | curl -sSL https://raw.githubusercontent.com/forsonny/book-os/main/setup-wsl.sh | bash |
| Path resolution errors | Verify: echo $HOME |
Should show /c/Users/YourName or /home/YourName |
| Permission issues | Fix: chmod -R 755 ~/.novel-os ~/.claude |
Complete WSL Guide |
WSL Verification: curl -sSL https://raw.githubusercontent.com/forsonny/book-os/main/verify-wsl-installation.sh | bash
Need more help? Check the verification script or review installation steps above.
Global Standards Structure (Click to expand)
~/.novel-os/ (or %USERPROFILE%\.novel-os\ on Windows)
├── standards/
│ ├── writing-style.md # Your narrative voice & prose
│ ├── narrative-techniques.md # Story structure & development
│ └── genre-guides/ # Genre-specific conventions
│ ├── literary-fiction.md
│ ├── mystery-thriller.md
│ └── fantasy-sci-fi.md
└── instructions/
├── plan-novel.md # Novel initialization
├── create-outline.md # Story planning
├── write-scenes.md # Writing coordination
├── write-scene.md # Individual scene writing
└── analyze-manuscript.md # Existing novel integration
Novel Project Structure (Click to expand)
your-novel-project/
├── .novel-os/
│ ├── novel/ # Created by /plan-novel
│ │ ├── premise.md # Complete story vision
│ │ ├── premise-lite.md # AI context summary
│ │ ├── writing-style.md # Novel-specific style
│ │ ├── writing-plan.md # Phases & milestones
│ │ └── decisions.md # Creative decision log
│ └── manuscripts/ # Created by /create-outline
│ └── 2025-01-15-story-name/
│ ├── story-outline.md # Complete structure
│ ├── story-outline-lite.md # AI context summary
│ ├── sub-specs/
│ │ ├── character-profiles.md
│ │ └── world-building.md
│ └── tasks.md # Scene-by-scene plan
└── chapters/ # Your actual novel content
├── chapter-01.md
├── chapter-02.md
└── ...
If you find Novel-OS helpful for your writing journey, consider supporting the project:
Your support helps maintain and improve Novel-OS for the writing community!
Novel-OS is adapted from Agent-OS by Brian Casel at Builder Methods
Specifically designed for fiction writers who want AI assistance with creative control
Transform your AI into the writing partner you've always wanted