Ghostwriter vs AI Story Builders
A side-by-side look at pricing plans, free tiers, features, pros and cons, updated for 2026. AI Story Builders is completely free, while Ghostwriter is paid.
At a glance
Best for
Pricing model
Starting price
Free plan
Made by
Based in
Rating
Key features
- Writing in Word
- Styles and tones
- Quick-action prompts
- 50 personas
- Translation
- OpenAI, Gemini and Grok models
- Character and location database
- Timeline tracking
- AI story continuation
- Guided rewrites
- Windows and web versions
| Feature | Ghostwriter | AI Story Builders |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | AI writing add-ins for Microsoft Word and Office with your own API key | Novel-writing app that keeps AI consistent with your characters and timelines |
| Category | Writing | Writing |
| Pricing model | Paid | Free |
| Starting price | $50 one-time | Free |
| Free plan | No | Yes, fully free |
| Made by | Ghostwriter AI | AI Story Builders |
| Based in | – | – |
| Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Key features |
|
|
Pricing compared
AI Story Builders is completely free, while Ghostwriter is paid.
Free plan
Cheapest paid plan
Top plan
Free trial
2 plans
Word Basic
$50 one-time
- Single-user key
- Styles, tones and length controls
Word PRO
$100 one-time
- Single-user key
- Quick-action prompts
- 50 agents and personas
- Translation
Prices in USD, checked Oct 29, 2026 or later. Plans change often, so confirm on each tool's site before you buy.
Pros and cons
Ghostwriter
- One-time purchase, no subscription
- Works across Windows, Mac, web and iPad
- Choose your own model provider
- Requires your own paid API key
- Single-user product keys
- Key delivery can take about an hour
AI Story Builders
- Software is free
- Keeps long stories consistent
- Low running cost on your own key
- Needs an OpenAI API key
- Desktop app is Windows only
- Takes setup to fill the story database
Which one should you choose?
Choose Ghostwriter if you want:
- One-time purchase, no subscription
- Works across Windows, Mac, web and iPad
- Choose your own model provider
Watch out: requires your own paid api key.
Choose AI Story Builders if you want:
- Software is free
- Keeps long stories consistent
- Low running cost on your own key
Watch out: needs an openai api key.
Ghostwriter vs AI Story Builders FAQ
What is the difference between Ghostwriter and AI Story Builders?
Ghostwriter: AI writing add-ins for Microsoft Word and Office with your own API key. AI Story Builders: Novel-writing app that keeps AI consistent with your characters and timelines. Both are writing tools.
Is Ghostwriter or AI Story Builders cheaper?
AI Story Builders is completely free, while Ghostwriter is paid.
Do Ghostwriter and AI Story Builders have free plans?
Ghostwriter: No. AI Story Builders: Yes, fully free.
Who makes Ghostwriter?
Ghostwriter is made by Ghostwriter AI.
Who makes AI Story Builders?
AI Story Builders is made by AI Story Builders.
Which should I choose, Ghostwriter or AI Story Builders?
Choose Ghostwriter if you value one-time purchase, no subscription and works across windows, mac, web and ipad. Choose AI Story Builders if you value software is free and keeps long stories consistent.