Ready-to-Use ChatGPT Prompts for Authors in Australia

These prompts are designed to be copied directly into ChatGPT, Claude, or another large language model. Each prompt is written to produce a useful, specific output for authors working in Australia. Adjust the bracketed placeholders to match your project details.

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Writing and Craft

Developing a story concept:

"I want to write a [genre] novel set in [setting — e.g. contemporary Australia, near-future Sydney, rural Queensland in the 1950s]. The central question or conflict I'm interested in exploring is [describe]. Please help me develop 3 distinct story concepts, each with a different approach to this material. For each concept, describe the protagonist, the central conflict, the stakes, and the emotional core of the story."

Writing a scene outline:

"I'm writing a [genre] novel. Here is the context for the scene I need to write: [describe what has happened before this scene, who is in it, where it takes place, and what needs to happen in it]. Please write a detailed scene outline — not the scene itself, but a beat-by-beat breakdown of what happens, what each character wants, and what changes by the end of the scene."

Developing a character:

"I'm writing a [genre] novel. I need to develop a character who is [describe role in story — e.g. the protagonist's estranged sister, the antagonist, a mentor figure]. Here is what I know about them so far: [describe]. Please help me develop this character more fully — their backstory, their core wound, their desire, their fear, their contradictions, and how they might change over the course of the story."

Getting unstuck on a scene:

"I'm writing a [genre] novel and I'm stuck on a scene. Here is the context: [describe the scene, what's happened before it, and what needs to happen in it]. I've tried [describe what you've tried]. Please suggest 5 different ways I could approach this scene — different entry points, different perspectives, different emotional registers — that might help me find a way through."

Writing a synopsis:

"I've written a [genre] novel. Here is a summary of the plot: [describe the plot in as much detail as you can]. Please help me write a one-page synopsis suitable for submission to Australian literary agents and publishers. The synopsis should cover the main plot, the protagonist's arc, the key turning points, and the ending. Write it in present tense, third person."

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Query Letters and Submissions

Writing a query letter:

"I've written a [genre] novel. Here are the key details: title [title], word count [word count], genre [genre], comparable titles [list 2–3 recent comparable titles], premise [one sentence], plot summary [2–3 sentences], protagonist [describe], central conflict [describe], stakes [describe], and a brief author bio [describe your relevant background]. Please help me write a query letter suitable for submission to Australian literary agents. Keep it under 300 words."

Writing a pitch for a non-fiction book:

"I want to write a non-fiction book about [topic]. The target audience is [describe]. The book would cover [describe the key areas]. My credentials for writing this book are [describe]. Please help me write a book proposal overview — covering the premise, the market, the audience, the competition, and why I'm the right person to write this book. Keep it under 400 words."

Writing a cover letter for a short story submission:

"I'm submitting a short story to [publication name]. The story is [title], approximately [word count] words, [genre]. Please help me write a brief cover letter that introduces the story, mentions any relevant publication credits, and follows standard submission etiquette. Keep it under 150 words."

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Marketing and Platform Building

Writing an author bio:

"I need to write an author bio for [your name]. Here are the key facts: [list — genre, published works, awards, relevant background, location]. Please write 3 versions — a short bio (50 words), a medium bio (150 words), and a long bio (300 words). Write in third person."

Writing a newsletter for readers:

"I want to send a newsletter to my reader list. The main news I want to share is [describe — e.g. new book announcement, cover reveal, upcoming event, behind-the-scenes update]. Please help me write a newsletter that feels personal and engaging, shares the news clearly, and includes a call to action. Keep it under 400 words."

Writing social media posts for a book launch:

"I'm launching [book title] on [date]. Please write a 4-week social media content plan for the launch — covering the 3 weeks before release and the week of release. For each week, suggest 3 post ideas with draft captions for Instagram and Facebook. The tone should be [describe — e.g. warm and personal, witty, literary]."

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Business and Administration

Understanding Australian publishing contracts:

"I've received a publishing contract from an Australian publisher. I want to understand the key clauses before I have it reviewed by a lawyer. Please explain what I should look for in the following areas: [choose — advance and royalties / rights granted / territory / reversion of rights / option clause / moral rights]. Note: I'll have the contract reviewed by a lawyer or the Australian Society of Authors before signing."

Writing a grant application for a writing project:

"I'm applying for [describe grant — e.g. Australia Council for the Arts, Create NSW, Creative Victoria]. The project I'm applying for is [describe]. Please help me write a compelling project description that covers what I'm creating, why it matters, who the audience is, and what the outcomes will be. Keep it under 400 words and avoid jargon."

Writing a pitch for a writers festival appearance:

"I want to pitch a session idea to [festival name]. My session idea is [describe — topic, format, what the audience will get from it]. My credentials are [describe]. Please help me write a pitch email that presents the session idea clearly and compellingly. Keep it under 200 words."

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These prompts are starting points. The more specific context you provide, the more useful the output. Always review and edit AI-generated content before using it in your work.