As an author, your knee-jerk reaction might be: “No, I don’t need AI. Writers have done fine without it for centuries.”
True. But in 2025, the publishing landscape looks very different than it did even five years ago.
You may have seen ads claiming AI can help you write a book in a weekend and earn thousands on Amazon. Yes, those are scams. While you can technically write a book that fast, I’ve never met anyone who’s successfully sold an AI-generated book for thousands a month.
The kind of AI use I’m talking about isn’t about cutting corners. It’s about working smarter, not replacing the human touch.
How You Might Already Be Using AI
If you’re a working writer or publisher today, you’re probably using AI already—whether you realize it or not.
There are tools to:
- Check grammar and spelling
- Analyze story structure
- Help with research
- Rephrase clunky sentences
- Generate original art or book covers
- Write marketing copy or social media posts
No, I’m not recommending that you to outsource your entire writing process to AI. But these tools can help you write faster, edit more efficiently, and manage the business side of authorship with less stress.
In a publishing world where speed and volume matter, AI is your secret weapon.
Think of it this way: Imagine being a mechanic in 2025 who doesn’t know how to use a OBD2 diagnostic scanner. That mechanic would be at a disadvantage.
The same goes for authors who ignore today’s tools. You don’t have to use all of them—but you should at least understand what’s available.
That’s why the latest book in my “You Can Do It!” series for authors is all about artificial intelligence. I’m calling an “almost up-to-date guide” because, the technology is moving so fast, there because new apps are launching every month.
I’ll give you an overview of the best-known tools right now. You don’t have to use them all. In fact, there is a lot of duplication, and a waste of time and money. Instead, find a couple that work for you and get comfortable using them. Most have both free and paid versions—pricing for AI tools ranges from “free” to “are-you-kidding-me?”
Always use the free trial before committing. Ask other authors. Read reviews. The tool your friend loves might drive you crazy—and vice versa.
AI for Authors: An Almost Up-To-Date Guide will be available in early fall. Next month, I’ll give you more details, and an exact publication date.