Get useful critique from an AI (without losing your voice)
Prompts that make AI act like a tough developmental reader instead of a cheerleader or a rewriter.
Steps
- Tell the AI not to rewrite anything; ask for diagnosis only.
- Ask for problems ranked by impact, with page/quote references.
- Compare with a structural tool (Fictionary) or human beta readers before acting.
Copy-ready prompts
Act as a blunt developmental editor for [genre]. Do NOT rewrite my prose. Read the chapter and list the 5 biggest problems (pacing, stakes, clarity, character motivation), ranked by impact, each with a quote. Then list 3 things working well.
Tools for this workflow
- Claude: Long-manuscript critique and developmental feedback.
- ChatGPT: Brainstorming, outlining, critique and a custom GPT loaded with your style sheet.
- Sudowrite: Brainstorming, unsticking scenes and getting AI feedback on fiction drafts.
- Fictionary: Self-editing structure: scenes, pacing and plot arcs before line edits.
- AutoCrit: Genre-aware self-editing reports.
AI output can be wrong. Check facts and keep final prose in your own voice. See using AI responsibly.