Artificial Intelligence

NovelAI The Future of Storytelling

Mandi D 4 August 2023
Table of contents

NovelAI is an innovative platform that leverages the capabilities of artificial intelligence (AI) to assist with storywriting and text-to-image synthesis tasks. It operates as a cloud-based service, utilizing the Software as a Service (SaaS) model, and is accessible through a paid subscription model.

The NovelAI service was initially introduced to the public as a beta version on June 15, 2021. Following extensive testing and refinements, the platform was officially launched by its parent company, Anlatan, on April 28, 2021. Recognizing the need for visually appealing content in storytelling, NovelAI further expanded its feature set by integrating an image generation tool on October 3, 2022. This new feature allows users to convert text prompts into visual imagery, providing a more immersive experience for story creation and consumption.

NovelAI Features Explained

NovelAI is a cutting-edge tool that applies the power of advanced artificial intelligence (AI) to the realms of story creation and visual representation. It equips its users with the ability to weave intricate and captivating narratives, as well as to create dynamic visualizations.

One of the key components of NovelAI’s technology stack is the GPT-based Large Language Models (LLM). These AI models are renowned for their capacity to generate sophisticated and coherent prose, which forms the backbone of the storywriting process in NovelAI. By using these models, users can create narratives that are not only engaging but also possess a high degree of linguistic complexity and subtlety.

In addition to text generation, NovelAI showcases an impressive text-to-image synthesis feature. This feature is powered by a custom implementation of the Stable Diffusion text-to-image diffusion model, a publicly available source that has been tweaked to align with NovelAI’s specific needs.

This model, aptly named NovelAI Diffusion, is capable of transforming text prompts into corresponding visual images. It has a unique ability to generate entirely new images based on existing ones, thereby offering users a chance to visualize their narrative in more imaginative ways.

To further enhance the capabilities of NovelAI Diffusion, the model was trained on a Danbooru-based dataset. Danbooru is a large-scale, tagged image database commonly used for machine learning, which enables the Diffusion model to handle a wide variety of image generation tasks.

In a major update on April 1, 2023, NovelAI introduced ControlNet features into their NovelAI Diffusion model. This innovative development further expands the model’s capabilities, offering users more control and flexibility in their image generation process. With the integration of ControlNet, users can direct the AI’s creativity more precisely, resulting in images that are closer to their envisioned outcomes.

NovelAI has also released multiple in-house LLMs, including Calliope, a finetuned GPT-Neo-2.7B model, and Sigurd, an Opus-exclusive GPT-J-6B finetuned model. On March 21, 2023, Anlatan became one of the first CoreWeave customers to deploy NVIDIA’s H100 Tensor Core GPUs for new LLM model inferencing and training. Most recently, Anlatan named their H100 cluster as Shoggy, used to pre-train an undisclosed 8192 token context LLM in-house model.

Advantages of Using NovelAI

NovelAI provides a multitude of benefits that make it an invaluable tool for various users, particularly authors and content creators. Its core strength lies in its capacity to simplify and enhance the process of crafting narrative content and visual elements.

With NovelAI, users can generate both text and images based on specific prompts, converting abstract ideas into tangible outputs. This makes it an incredibly powerful tool for anyone in need of creative assistance. Whether you are an author working on a novel, a content creator brainstorming for your next project, or simply someone with a penchant for storytelling, NovelAI can be your reliable partner.

The service also prioritizes user data privacy and offers a customizable experience. NovelAI operates on encrypted servers, ensuring that your data and creative process remain secure and private. The customizable editors add another layer of convenience, allowing users to tailor their content creation process according to their specific needs and preferences.

In terms of content ownership, NovelAI maintains a clear and fair policy. According to its terms of service, any content generated by a user – be it an individual or a corporation – rightfully belongs to the user. This provides users with the confidence and assurance to freely create and innovate, knowing that their outputs are their own.

Moreover, NovelAI demonstrates a commendable commitment to privacy by ensuring that generated images are not stored locally on their servers. This policy not only respects user privacy but also adds an extra layer of security, making NovelAI an even more appealing choice for anyone in search of a reliable and user-friendly content creation tool.

The NovelAI Pricing Model

NovelAI operates on a subscription model, with several tiers to cater to different user needs and budgets:

  • Paper Tier (Free Trial): Allows you to experiment with Text generation for free, providing 100 free Text and Text to Speech generations.
  • Tablet Tier ($10 USD monthly): Offers unlimited Text and Text to Speech generations for the duration of the subscription, along with 1000 Anlas for Image Generation and Module Training.
  • Scroll Tier ($15 USD monthly): Includes all the benefits of the Tablet tier, with an added larger Context Size for better storytelling.
  • Opus Tier ($25 USD monthly): The premium subscription with all previous tier benefits, including access to NovelAI’s best AI storyteller, Krake, the option of generating longer outputs, and a special benefit for Image Generation that allows you to generate images free of Anlas cost under certain conditions. Opus subscribers also get 10,000 Anlas refilled every month.

The currency used within NovelAI, known as Anlas, is given to users upon subscription and refills when the subscription renews. Anlas are used for Image Generation and Custom Module Training. If necessary, users can purchase additional Paid Anlas, although these are not included in the monthly refill and will only be spent once all refillable Subscription Anlas are depleted.

Wrapping Up: The Impact of NovelAI

NovelAI stands at the forefront of a new era in content creation, offering a unique blend of narrative generation and visualization. It provides a dynamic and innovative platform for users to explore the bounds of their creativity and bring their ideas to life in both textual and visual formats.

Powered by advanced AI technologies, NovelAI is a testament to the potential of artificial intelligence in enhancing our creative capabilities. From generating intricate stories to crafting vivid images from text prompts, the platform demonstrates the expansive possibilities of AI-assisted creation. This is not merely a tool for writing or image generation—it’s a comprehensive solution that expands the creative landscape for all users.

The flexible subscription model of NovelAI further adds to its appeal, making it accessible to a wide range of users. Whether you’re a professional author, a budding content creator, or someone who simply enjoys storytelling, NovelAI’s various subscription tiers are designed to cater to your specific needs and budgets.

In conclusion, NovelAI is not just a platform—it represents a significant shift in the way we approach content creation. By marrying advanced AI with user-centric design, it is poised to redefine our interactions with narrative content, paving the way for a new era of storytelling that is both immersive and inclusive. This is the beginning of a revolution in content creation, and NovelAI is leading the charge.