Today, I want to wade into a topic that’s been stirring up some mixed feelings in the writing and publishing world: using AI in book marketing.
Let’s be honest—AI can really divide. For some authors, it’s a hard no, and for others, it’s a super helpful assistant that saves time and boosts visibility. The key thing I want you to take away is that this is a personal decision, not a prescription. My goal isn’t to convince you to use AI, but simply to show you where it can fit into your post-publishing process and support your marketing if you decide to take that route.
Think of AI as just another tool in your toolbox, not a threat to your creativity.
After covering a lot of the indie publishing basics over the last four months, it’s time to dive into some deeper conversations—ones that don’t just revolve around facts and instructions, but also opinions and the real-world choices we all have to make as indie publishers. So, today I’m leaning into AI: what to use it for, what to avoid, and where it might give you a little edge.
AI: Where It Already Sneaks Into Our Process
If you think you’ve written your book “AI-free,” consider this: many of the tools we use every day are already powered by AI. Spellcheck? Grammarly? Microsoft Word’s built-in suggestions? All AI-based. These tools now go way beyond fixing typos; they help with style, rewording, and even tone. Even search engines use AI algorithms when we research topics, and apps like ProWritingAid or Hemingway Editor leverage natural language processing.
Be sure to listen to the audio, where I cover more of this in-depth.
So, when people say they object to AI in publishing, what they usually mean is generative AI—text or images created from scratch by artificial intelligence. The worry is that these tools might replace our voices, or misuse other people’s content. I respect the purists out there! Transparency is important. For example, if you’ve used AI to generate images for your book cover or for substantial writing or rewriting, platforms like KDP will now ask what role AI played.
And if you’ve used AI in a major way, it’s worth a note in your copyright page (think, “After formulating my ideas, I used artificial intelligence to help put them into book format”).
Where I Use AI—And Where I Don’t
I never advocate for writing a book with AI from start to finish. Readers are savvy—they know when a book sounds robotic or repetitive. If your book is fully AI-generated, your reader probably won’t be eager for book two.
But after my writing and editing are done? That’s where AI can shine.
As an indie author, I don’t have a marketing team. I have to wear all the hats: writing back cover copy, bios, press releases... and honestly, marketing is the part I enjoy the least. So, I use AI as my assistant.
Let me walk you through my process:
1. Back Cover Copy
This is one of my favorite places to use AI. I’ll draft my blurb about the book—usually for nonfiction—and then I give that, plus some notes about my target reader and the core content, to ChatGPT. I’ll say, “Make this more compelling,” or “Keep it third person,” or “Add these keywords.” Sometimes I ask for just a light polish, and other times I want a complete refresh—but I always edit heavily afterward. I want to keep my voice. If AI strays too far, I push back and say, “Stay closer to my draft.”
2. Author Bio
I write my long, detailed author bio. Then I’ll ask AI to condense it to fit the back cover (around 50 words), making sure it highlights the experience most relevant to the book’s theme. Again, I never use what it gives me verbatim—I always tweak it to make sure it sounds like me.
3. Marketing Materials and Brainstorming
Once I have my book description and bio locked in, I’ll use them as a basis to create other things:
Sample interview questions for podcast appearances.
Lead magnet ideas to attract new readers.
Social media announcements and engagement questions (not just "Buy my book!" but real conversation starters).
Calls to action that feel natural, not salesy.
Short video scripts for book launches or trailers.
Reader challenges or giveaways to boost engagement.
Sometimes I even ask AI to analyze my tone: “Does this sound friendly, or too salesy?” or, “Help me add a little urgency, but not sound pushy.”
The Power of Feedback
AI is like having an always-available assistant to bounce ideas off of or help me get unstuck. At the end of the day, though, I see it as just that—a tool. It doesn’t replace my creativity, my story, or my connection to my readers. Whether you choose to use AI for bits of your marketing or stick to traditional methods, the choice is yours.
If you haven’t tried AI as a marketing assistant yet, give it a shot! And if you have, I’d love to hear how you’re using it—leave a comment.
Remember, as an indie author, you’re the boss of your own publishing company. Use what feels right for you and your readers.
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