# LacunAI — Full Documentation

> LacunAI is a purpose-built writing environment for book authors — not a general chatbot. It combines a rich-text novel editor, Magic Scaffold outliner, Story Bible, Author Blueprint, three-tier AI editing (developmental, line, copy), query letter tools, literary agent database, submission tracker, and one-click publishing to EPUB, KDP, and PDF. Manuscripts stay local on your machine; AI features use cloud APIs but never train on your work. Free trial with no credit card. Author plan from $29/month.

## Quick Links
- Short overview: https://lacunai.com/llms.txt
- Help center: https://lacunai.com/support
- Blog: https://lacunai.com/blog
- Sign up: https://lacunai.com/register

## What LacunAI Is
LacunAI is a complete AI writing suite built specifically for book authors — not screenwriters, not marketers, not general chat. It replaces a stack of separate tools (Scrivener + ChatGPT + ProWritingAid + query spreadsheets + Vellum) with one integrated environment.

### Core Philosophy
- **Local-first**: Manuscripts and project files stay on your machine
- **Manuscript-aware AI**: Every AI feature has full story context — characters, plot, voice, world rules
- **Optional suggestions**: AI assists; you stay in control of every word
- **End-to-end**: Plan → draft → edit → query agents → publish in one app

## Feature Pages
- [AI Writing Assistant](https://lacunai.com/features/ai-chat): An intelligent chat panel beside your editor that reads your full manuscript, brainstorms plot solutions, detects plot holes, and builds your Story Bible.
- [Author Blueprint](https://lacunai.com/features/author-blueprint): Generate a professional Author Blueprint from your manuscript: comp titles, target audience, hook, and positioning for agents and publishers.
- [AI Editing Suite](https://lacunai.com/features/editing): Publisher-grade AI editing in three modes: developmental (structure and pacing), line (prose and voice), and copy (grammar and consistency).
- [Magic Scaffold](https://lacunai.com/features/magic-scaffold): Generate a complete novel outline with acts, chapters, scene beats, and character relationships from a prompt, genre, and word count target.
- [Planning Suite](https://lacunai.com/features/planning): Character databases, timelines, corkboards, mind maps, Plot Forks, and worldbuilding tools connected to your manuscript.
- [Publishing Hub](https://lacunai.com/features/publishing): One-click export to EPUB, KDP, and print-ready PDF. AI cover designer, ISBN manager, metadata editor, and royalty calculator.
- [Query Hub](https://lacunai.com/features/querying): Query letter builder, synopsis generator, comp title finder, literary agent database, and submission tracker for traditional publishing.
- [Story Bible](https://lacunai.com/features/story-bible): AI extracts characters, locations, rules, and relationships from your manuscript into a searchable Story Bible while you write.

## Alternatives
- [Scrivener Alternative for Novelists Who Want AI Built In](https://lacunai.com/alternatives/scrivener-alternative) (short: https://lacunai.com/compare/lacunai-vs-scrivener): LacunAI is a strong Scrivener alternative when you want the same long-form novel workflow (chapters, corkboard, research) plus manuscript-aware AI editing, Story Bible, query letter tools, and publishing export in one local-first app. Scrivener remains better if you only need a traditional binder-style editor with no AI and maximum manual control.
- [Sudowrite Alternative with Editing, Query & Publishing Built In](https://lacunai.com/alternatives/sudowrite-alternative) (short: https://lacunai.com/compare/lacunai-vs-sudowrite): LacunAI is a practical Sudowrite alternative when you need more than AI prose generation: structured planning, three editing modes, Story Bible continuity, literary agent workflow, and export to EPUB/KDP. Sudowrite is often stronger for rapid generative drafting and playful story engines if that is your only goal.
- [Novelcrafter Alternative for End-to-End Book Projects](https://lacunai.com/alternatives/novelcrafter-alternative) (short: https://lacunai.com/compare/lacunai-vs-novelcrafter): LacunAI competes with Novelcrafter as an AI-native novel workspace with planning, codex-style world data, and multi-model AI. LacunAI differentiates with publisher-grade editing modes, Author Blueprint positioning, literary agent tooling, and a desktop local-first app plus publishing export.
- [ChatGPT Alternative for Writing a Novel (Not Just Chatting)](https://lacunai.com/alternatives/chatgpt-novel-writing-alternative) (short: https://lacunai.com/compare/lacunai-vs-chatgpt): LacunAI is the better choice than ChatGPT alone when you are writing a novel because it combines a long-form editor, automatic Story Bible, structured planning, three editing modes, and query/publishing tools with AI that always has manuscript context. ChatGPT remains useful for one-off brainstorming if you already subscribe.
- [Atticus Alternative for Authors Who Need AI Before Formatting](https://lacunai.com/alternatives/atticus-alternative) (short: https://lacunai.com/compare/lacunai-vs-atticus): LacunAI is an Atticus alternative when you need AI-assisted drafting and editing, Story Bible continuity, and literary agent workflow—not only post-draft formatting. Atticus remains a strong choice if your manuscript is finished and you primarily need polished EPUB/print layout and theme control.
- [Vellum Alternative for Cross-Platform Novel Writing](https://lacunai.com/alternatives/vellum-alternative) (short: https://lacunai.com/compare/lacunai-vs-vellum): LacunAI is a practical Vellum alternative when you need cross-platform novel writing, AI editing, and agent query tools—not only Mac-only ebook and print layout. Vellum stays the premium pick for final Apple-ecosystem formatting polish when the manuscript is already complete.
- [ProWritingAid Alternative for Novel-Length Editing](https://lacunai.com/alternatives/prowritingaid-alternative) (short: https://lacunai.com/compare/lacunai-vs-prowritingaid): LacunAI is a ProWritingAid alternative for novelists who want developmental and line editing tied to manuscript context—not only grammar, style, and repetition reports. ProWritingAid remains excellent for sentence-level audits and integrations with Word and Scrivener when you already have a separate drafting stack.

## Guides & Answers
- [Best AI Novel Writing Software in 2026](https://lacunai.com/answers/best-ai-novel-writing-software): The best AI novel writing software in 2026 depends on your stage: Sudowrite and Novelcrafter excel at AI-native drafting; Scrivener plus separate AI tools suit manual control; LacunAI is strongest for an end-to-end path (plan → draft → edit → query agents → publish) with local-first storage and manuscript-aware AI.
- [Best AI Book Editing Software for Novelists](https://lacunai.com/answers/best-ai-book-editing-software): The best AI book editing software for novels separates developmental feedback (structure, pacing, character arcs), line editing (voice and sentence flow), and copy editing (grammar and consistency). LacunAI provides all three modes with manuscript context; Grammarly and ProWritingAid focus on sentences; ChatGPT requires custom prompts per chapter.
- [How to Write and Publish a Novel with AI](https://lacunai.com/answers/how-to-write-and-publish-a-novel-with-ai): To write and publish a novel with AI in 2026: (1) outline acts and chapters with a scaffold tool, (2) draft in a manuscript-aware editor while Story Bible tracks characters, (3) run developmental then line then copy AI editing passes, (4) either query agents with generated synopses and letters or export EPUB/KDP from a publishing hub. Keep AI suggestions optional and verify facts and voice yourself.

## Writing & Editing
- **Rich-text editor** with chapter management, word goals, and export
- **Magic Scaffold**: AI-generated story outline (acts, chapters, scene beats)
- **Planning hub**: Corkboard, character database, timeline, mind maps, Plot Forks, world builder
- **Story Bible**: Auto-extracted characters, locations, rules, and relationships
- **Author Blueprint**: Market positioning, comp titles, hook, and audience analysis
- **AI editing**: Developmental, line, and copy editing with inline comment tracking
- **Voice dictation**: OpenAI Whisper transcription in the editor

## Query & Publishing
- **Query Letter Builder** and **Synopsis Generator**
- **Literary agent database** and **submission tracker**
- **Publishing Hub**: EPUB, PDF, KDP export, cover designer, ISBN/metadata, royalty calculator
- **Translation Tool** and **Audiobook Studio** (desktop)

## Pricing
- **Starter** ($15/mo): Line, copy & developmental editing, Magic Scaffold, Story Bible, query tools, corkboard
- **Author** ($29/mo): Everything in Starter + Publishing Suite, cover designer, voice dictation, ISBN/metadata, 5× AI usage
- **Pro** ($49/mo): Everything in Author + agent database, submission tracker, priority support, highest AI limits
- Credit packs available for additional AI usage (Settings → Billing)
- Free trial: full app access, no credit card required

## Help Center Topics (https://lacunai.com/support)
- Getting Started: first project, interface tour, profile setup, keyboard shortcuts
- Writing Features: editor, chapters, voice dictation, export
- AI Features: chat assistant, Story Bible, editing modes, Author Blueprint
- Billing & Account: plans, credits, subscription management
- Troubleshooting: sync, performance, common issues

## Blog
Complete index (7 posts): https://lacunai.com/blog/llms.txt

### The October Query Window: 12 Literary Fiction Agents Accepting Submissions in Late 2026
- URL: https://lacunai.com/blog/the-october-query-window-12-literary-fiction-agents-accepting-submission
- Markdown: https://lacunai.com/blog/the-october-query-window-12-literary-fiction-agents-accepting-submission.md
- Category: AI for Creators
- Lead summary: Elena finished her novel on a Tuesday in late September. Ninety thousand words. Four years of drafts, two abandoned structures, one divorce she insists is unrelated. The book follows a retired cartogr

### The October Query Window: Fantasy Literary Agents Accepting Submissions in Late 2026
- URL: https://lacunai.com/blog/the-october-query-window-fantasy-literary-agents-accepting-submissions-i
- Markdown: https://lacunai.com/blog/the-october-query-window-fantasy-literary-agents-accepting-submissions-i.md
- Category: AI for Creators
- Lead summary: Of every hundred queries an agent reads, perhaps two or three earn a request for pages. That is not a rumor. That is arithmetic, and it is the arithmetic you walk into every time you press send. The g

### From Raw Manuscript to KDP: The Frictionless Self-Publishing Pipeline
- URL: https://lacunai.com/blog/from-raw-manuscript-to-kdp-the-frictionless-self-publishing-pipeline
- Markdown: https://lacunai.com/blog/from-raw-manuscript-to-kdp-the-frictionless-self-publishing-pipeline.md
- Category: AI for Creators
- Lead summary: The Final Mile Mirage Mara typed the last period of her novel at 11:40 on a Tuesday night. She saved the file. She closed the laptop halfway, then opened it again to make sure the save had held.

### Anatomy of a Query Letter That Actually Gets Requested
- URL: https://lacunai.com/blog/anatomy-of-a-query-letter-that-actually-gets-requested
- Markdown: https://lacunai.com/blog/anatomy-of-a-query-letter-that-actually-gets-requested.md
- Category: AI for Creators
- Lead summary: You finished the book. Ninety thousand words, three years, one divorce from your own social calendar. You deserve a parade, or at least a quiet evening with something poured. Instead, you open a blank

### Your Manuscript Never Leaves the Desk: The Case for Local-First Writing Software
- URL: https://lacunai.com/blog/your-manuscript-never-leaves-the-desk-the-case-for-local-first-writing-s
- Markdown: https://lacunai.com/blog/your-manuscript-never-leaves-the-desk-the-case-for-local-first-writing-s.md
- Category: AI for Creators
- Lead summary: Somewhere right now a novelist is scrolling through a terms-of-service update she did not request. It is eleven paragraphs long, and one of them mentions "improving our services using content...

### The Developmental Edit Nobody Warns You About (And How AI Catches What You Miss)
- URL: https://lacunai.com/blog/the-developmental-edit-nobody-warns-you-about-and-how-ai-catches-what-yo
- Markdown: https://lacunai.com/blog/the-developmental-edit-nobody-warns-you-about-and-how-ai-catches-what-yo.md
- Category: AI for Creators
- Lead summary: Elena finished her first draft on a Sunday night in March. Eighty-six thousand words. She printed nothing, told no one, and went to bed feeling like a person who had done something difficult...

### The Broken Chapter Four: Why Outlines Collapse and How Story Bibles Save Them
- URL: https://lacunai.com/blog/the-broken-chapter-four-why-outlines-collapse-and-how-story-bibles-save-
- Markdown: https://lacunai.com/blog/the-broken-chapter-four-why-outlines-collapse-and-how-story-bibles-save-.md
- Category: Novel Craft & Planning
- Lead summary: Somewhere around the end of chapter three, a quiet thing happens. You are still enjoying yourself. The opening has momentum, the protagonist has a limp or a secret or a dead brother, and the outline y


## FAQ
- **Is my manuscript safe? Will AI train on my writing?** — Your manuscript never leaves your computer. LacunAI is a local-first desktop app, so everything is stored on your machine, not in our cloud. We use AI APIs to power suggestions, but your full manuscript is never sent to or stored by us. No AI model ever trains on your work.
- **How is this different from just using ChatGPT?** — ChatGPT is a general-purpose chat tool. LacunAI is a purpose-built writing environment with a rich-text editor, chapter management, character databases, corkboards, timelines, story structure tools, query letter generators, a literary agent database, and one-click publishing to EPUB/KDP/PDF.
- **Does it work offline?** — Yes. The core editor, planning tools, and all your project files work completely offline. AI-powered features require an internet connection, but your writing is always accessible and editable without one.
- **What's included in the free trial?** — Full access to the entire app: editor, planning tools, AI features, and publishing. No credit card required.
- **Can I import my existing manuscript?** — Yes. LacunAI imports DOCX, PDF, and plain text files from Word, Google Docs, or Scrivener.
- **Will AI replace my writing voice?** — No. Every suggestion is optional. The AI works as a skilled collaborator that sees your manuscript's context — your sentence rhythms, vocabulary, and character voices.
- **What editing tools are available?** — Three distinct modes: developmental editing (structure, pacing, arcs), line editing (prose and flow), and copy editing (grammar and consistency). All suggestions appear as inline comments you accept or reject.
- **How does story planning and scaffolding work?** — Magic Scaffold generates a full story outline from a prompt, genre, and target word count. Refine it on the corkboard, timeline, Plot Forks, and World Building hub.
- **How does LacunAI help with querying literary agents?** — The Query Hub includes a Query Letter Builder, Synopsis Generator, Comp Title Finder, Query Tracker, and Response Analyzer for the traditional publishing journey.
- **Can I self-publish and create an audiobook inside LacunAI?** — Yes. The Publishing Hub exports EPUB, PDF, and KDP-ready formats with cover designer, ISBN management, metadata editing, translation tools, and Audiobook Studio narration.
- **Should I use the desktop app or the web app?** — We recommend the desktop app (Tauri) for full offline support, performance, and every feature including audiobook studio. The web app is great for quick access from any browser.

## Contact & Legal
- Support: support@lacunai.com
- Legal / privacy: legal@lacunai.com
- Privacy: https://lacunai.com/privacy
- Terms: https://lacunai.com/terms
- Cookies: https://lacunai.com/cookies