Chapter 1 Craft Audit

Know exactly where your opening stands — before you rewrite a single word.

This prompt walks you through a 6-step audit of your Chapter 1 against the authors you're actually studying. You'll get an 8-dimension matrix with quoted evidence, an honest read of where you're most off from your comps, and one revision question to sit with.

Works with Claude, ChatGPT, or any AI.

Is pasting comp chapters okay?

Yes — this is the same as studying a book at your desk and taking craft notes. Copyright law covers reproduction and distribution, not a private AI session. Keep the chat private, don't post the output publicly, and you're in the clear.

✦ Open in Claude

Start a fresh chat each time you run this on a new book or draft.

What you'll work through

1Paste your Chapter 1

2Name your comp authors

3Paste each comp chapter

4Build the 8-dimension matrix

5Get the honest read

6Receive one revision question

Tips for best resultstap to expand

Use authors you've read recently — not wishlist comps. The closer the lane, the sharper the matrix.
Paste the actual first chapter, not a summary. Claude verifies with quotes from the real text.
When you get to Step 5, resist the urge to defend your choices. The honest read only works if you let it land.
Save the matrix from Step 4 somewhere. It's a reference you'll return to on every future draft.