Template
Novel Bible Template for AI-Assisted Fiction
A copy-ready novel bible template for characters, canon, world rules, plot threads, and chapter context.
Copy-ready novel bible
# Novel bible
## Story promise
- Working title:
- Genre and reader promise:
- Central dramatic question:
- Ending direction:
## Canon rules
- Facts that must never drift:
- Flexible ideas that may change:
- Questions intentionally left open:
## Characters
- Name:
- External goal:
- Private fear:
- Relationship constraints:
- Voice markers:
## World and timeline
- Places that matter:
- Rules of society, magic, or technology:
- Timeline anchors:
- Continuity hazards:How to use the template
Fill only the facts future chapters must respect. After drafting in Noveble, use Index to turn stable chapter decisions into approved story context. Use Diagnose before major revisions to catch contradictions against the bible. Pair this resource with the character sheet template, worldbuilding checklist, chapter outline template, and Noveble vs ChatGPT.
What belongs in a novel bible
A useful bible contains decisions, not every idea. Record canon, character state, promises, constraints, and unresolved mysteries. Leave speculative possibilities in notes until a chapter makes them real.
Quality checklist
- 1
Define the story promise
A reader can tell what emotional or genre promise the story is making.
- 2
Separate canon from atmosphere
Hard facts are clearly marked apart from vibes, aesthetics, and optional ideas.
- 3
Name continuity-sensitive details
Character facts, world rules, and timeline constraints that must not drift are explicit.
- 4
Tie context to chapters
Each important fact can be traced to a chapter or planned scene.
- 5
Leave room for discovery
Unknowns and open questions are recorded instead of prematurely solved.
- 6
Review after drafting
The template is updated after major chapter saves, not only before writing begins.
Frequently asked questions
Should I fill out every field before writing?
No. Fill the fields that protect continuity, then update the resource as the manuscript teaches you more.
Can I paste this into Noveble?
Yes. Use the template as planning material, then turn stable facts into approved story context through saved chapters and Index.
How detailed should the answers be?
Use short, specific statements. A useful fact is something a future chapter might contradict if it is forgotten.
Does this replace a novel outline?
No. This resource complements outlines by preserving context, constraints, and open promises.