How to connect DeepSeek in The Novelist

This guide shows how to connect DeepSeek's cloud API to The Novelist on macOS, Windows, or Linux. DeepSeek runs on DeepSeek's servers (not your machine), so you need an internet connection and an API key. Use this when you want strong cloud models without installing Ollama locally.

Overview

The Novelist uses an OpenAI-compatible API for cloud providers. DeepSeek is the default API preset in Settings. When you use AI features, The Novelist sends the relevant text (selection, prompt, or manuscript excerpt) to DeepSeek using your API key — not a shared Novelist account.

You will:

Create a DeepSeek account and generate an API key.
Enable the right plugins in The Novelist.
Set provider type to DeepSeek / API with base URL https://api.deepseek.com and model deepseek-chat.
Paste your API key, Test connection, then Save.

Prefer fully local AI? See How to connect Ollama in The Novelist.

Requirements

The Novelist installed — install guide · download
Internet connection whenever you use DeepSeek-powered features.
A DeepSeek Platform account with billing or free credits configured (DeepSeek sets pricing; check their site for current rates).
For full-manuscript AI analysis, The Novelist Pro and the Manuscript Analysis plugin (see below).

Get a DeepSeek API key

Step 1 — Create an account

Open platform.deepseek.com in your browser.
Sign up or log in (email or supported sign-in methods).
Complete any verification DeepSeek requires. Add a payment method or redeem credits if prompted — API calls are billed per token according to DeepSeek's pricing page.

Step 2 — Create an API key

In the DeepSeek Platform dashboard, open API keys (or API Keys in the sidebar).
Click Create API key (or similar).
Give the key a label you will recognize, e.g. The Novelist.
Copy the key immediately — many platforms show it only once. Store it in a password manager. Do not commit it to git or share it publicly.

Security: Treat your API key like a password. If it leaks, revoke it in the DeepSeek dashboard and create a new one.

Enable plugins in The Novelist

AI settings appear only after you enable at least one AI-related plugin. Open Plugins in the sidebar and turn on:

For drafting & rewrite (editor AI)

Local AI (Ollama) — yes, enable this even for DeepSeek. The plugin gate unlocks the AI Provider settings and editor AI tools for any configured provider (local or API).

For full-manuscript analysis (Pro)

AI Manuscript Analysis — requires The Novelist Pro license.

Grammar checks and graph view are separate Pro features and do not require DeepSeek.

Configure Settings → AI Provider

Open Settings in The Novelist.
Scroll to AI Provider.
Under provider type, select DeepSeek / API (not Ollama Local). The form should pre-fill defaults when you switch types.
Set these values:
- Base URL: https://api.deepseek.com
- Model: deepseek-chat (DeepSeek's general chat model; suitable for drafting and analysis)
- API key: paste the key you copied from DeepSeek Platform
Click Test connection.
Wait for a success message. If the test lists available models, that confirms the API is reachable.
Click Save to store the configuration in your workspace.

Defaults recap: Base URL https://api.deepseek.com · Model deepseek-chat · Provider type API.

Other OpenAI-compatible APIs

The same DeepSeek / API mode works with other OpenAI-compatible endpoints (OpenAI, OpenRouter, local LM Studio, etc.) by changing the base URL, model name, and API key. This guide focuses on DeepSeek because it is the built-in preset.

What you can do after connecting

AI drafting & rewrite in the chapter editor — highlight text or open the AI assistant panel for suggestions and rewrites.
Manuscript analysis (Pro + plugin) — run editorial-style feedback across your book using DeepSeek as the backend.

Each request sends only the text needed for that action to DeepSeek's API. Your workspace files remain on disk in your chosen folder.

Privacy & billing

Where your text goes

With DeepSeek (cloud API), prompt and manuscript excerpts are transmitted to DeepSeek's servers for processing. The Novelist does not host your AI requests. Read DeepSeek's privacy policy for how they handle API data.

For maximum privacy, use local Ollama instead — nothing leaves your computer.

Cost

DeepSeek charges per token for API usage. Long manuscripts used in analysis cost more than short rewrite selections. Monitor usage in the DeepSeek Platform dashboard and set limits if they offer them.

API key storage

The Novelist stores your provider settings in your local workspace database. Keep your workspace folder backed up and private, same as your manuscript files.

Troubleshooting

Test connection fails with 401 Unauthorized

API key is wrong or expired — create a new key and paste it again.
Extra spaces before/after the key — re-paste carefully.
Account has no credits or billing issue — check DeepSeek Platform balance.

Connection timeout or network error

Check internet access.
Corporate firewall or VPN may block api.deepseek.com.
Confirm base URL is exactly https://api.deepseek.com (no trailing path).

Model not found

Use deepseek-chat unless DeepSeek documentation lists a newer default.
Check DeepSeek's model list in the platform for renames or deprecations.

AI Provider section missing

Enable Local AI (Ollama) under Plugins first (this unlocks AI settings).

Manuscript analysis unavailable

Activate The Novelist Pro.
Enable the AI Manuscript Analysis plugin.
Ensure AI Provider test succeeds and settings are saved.

Related guides

How to connect Ollama in The Novelist — free local AI, no API key.
All guides
Install The Novelist