How writers can use AI

(Without letting it write the book!)

Artificial intelligence has become one of the most polarizing conversations in publishing. Some writers are excited about the possibilities. Others are deeply skeptical—and frankly, many concerns are valid.

Questions about copyright, consent, training data, and the future of creative work are not going away anytime soon. But somewhere between “AI will replace authors” and “AI should never be touched under any circumstances” is a more practical conversation:

How can writers use AI as a support tool without outsourcing the actual art of writing?

Personally, I think the most useful role for AI is in reducing friction in the writing and publishing process so humans have more time and energy for creativity and connection. Or, as Joanna Penn puts it: writers can become “AI-Assisted Artisans.” I love that phrase because it keeps humans at the center of the creative process and AI then becomes just one tool among many that humans can use to reach their creative goals.

Human creativity is still the point

One of the biggest misconceptions about AI is that using it automatically means you're having it generate stories wholesale. But that’s not the only option—and for many writers, it’s not even the most interesting one.

Joanna Penn often talks about the importance of writing “the books only you can write.” In a world increasingly flooded with generic content, elements like the human voice, lived experience, emotional intelligence, discernment, and taste become even more valuable.

Readers still connect with:

• vulnerability

• perspective

• storytelling instincts

• emotional truth

• originality

• relationships with creators

AI cannot replicate a lifetime of human experience. What it can do is help remove some of the repetitive administrative and organizational work surrounding the creative process.

Used thoughtfully, that can free writers to spend more time doing the deeply human work that matters most.

The copyright and privacy conversation

Before discussing practical uses, it’s important to acknowledge the concerns many writers have, especially regarding AI machine learning, copyright, and privacy. I'm approaching this part of the conversation assuming that we are discussing non-AI-generated manuscripts.

So first, let's address: Is it safe to paste my manuscript (in whole or part) into an AI platform?

The answer is nuanced. AI platforms have different policies regarding data retention, model training, and privacy. Consumer versions of AI tools (usually free) may have different (usually less) protections than (paid-for) enterprise or business plans. Some companies allow users to opt out of training, while others offer stronger contractual protections through API or enterprise products.

Writers should absolutely:

• read privacy policies carefully

• understand whether training is enabled on that particular platform

• avoid uploading highly sensitive or unpublished material without understanding the risks

Additionally, editors and other publishing service providers should use discretion with client work or confidential content. (To me, this is a no-go. As an editor, I do not share or input client work into AI models, ever.)

There are also ongoing legal and ethical debates around how some AI systems were originally trained. Authors are right to pay attention to those conversations and how those issues develop into meaningful policy actions over time.

At the same time, there is a meaningful difference between using AI to organize marketing ideas or summarize story notes and asking it to generate an entire novel (either from your vague ideas or from scratch).

For many writers, the most practical uses of AI happen well outside the creative core of the book itself and this is what I'll dive into in the next five suggestions.

Five practical ways writers can use AI

1. Brainstorming and idea development

Every writer gets stuck sometimes. AI can function like a brainstorming partner when you need help generating:

• title ideas

• subtitles

• chapter organization

• comp titles

• reader personas

• marketing angles

• narrative themes

The important distinction is that the writer still makes the decisions. AI may generate options, but discernment remains human.

2. Administrative support

Many writers and business owners spend enormous amounts of time on tasks adjacent to their actual creative work. AI can help with:

• organizing story notes

• summarizing meetings with clients or service providers

• drafting emails

• creating book launch checklists

• managing timelines

• turning scattered thoughts into structured outlines

For creatives juggling multiple responsibilities, reducing administrative overload can create more mental space. Every hour not spent formatting a checklist or sorting through pages of notes is an hour that can be spent writing, editing, designing, researching, or connecting with readers.

3. Marketing assistance

Marketing is one of the areas where writers often feel overwhelmed—not because they lack ideas, but because content creation across multiple platforms is time-consuming. AI can assist with:

• social media captions

• newsletter subject lines

• podcast pitch ideas

• FAQ generation

• ad copy variations

• metadata keywords, categories, etc.

  
  

Importantly, this does not mean abandoning your voice, even in media outside of writing your book. A thoughtful approach uses AI to support communication, not manufacture authenticity.

4. Accessibility and reader support

This may be one of the most positive uses of AI in publishing. AI tools can help authors make their work more approachable and accessible through the creation of:

• summaries

• discussion questions

• study guides

• glossaries or other reference material

• chapter recaps

• companion resources for readers

Writers can also use AI to think more intentionally about readability and clarity for diverse audiences. For nonfiction authors especially, these tools can help remove barriers between readers and ideas.

5. Improving collaboration with creative professionals

AI can also strengthen collaboration between authors and the humans they work with—editors, designers, formatters, marketers, and cover artists.

Sometimes writers know what they want creatively but struggle to articulate it clearly. AI can help organize:

• creative briefs

• revision feedback

• aesthetic references

• tone descriptions

• branding ideas

Instead of saying, “I want it moodier somehow,” a writer may be able to use AI to clarify the emotional tone or visual direction they’re trying to communicate, whether that's through suggestions for word choice or description, or creating a visual to support their vision.

The human element becomes more important, not less

One of the most interesting ideas Joanna Penn discusses is that in an AI-heavy world, human connection may actually become more valuable.

Readers increasingly want authentic perspectives and stories from voices they can trust. They're looking to build community through direct interaction with creators. Transparency and emotional resonance form the foundation for creating these kinds of interactions.

The truth is, we don't need to be afraid of AI because the abundance of generated content in publishing may make genuinely human work stand out even more. That means writers can become more intentional about sharing their unique voice, lived experiences, and creative perspective to build relationships with readers and add emotional depth to their work.

AI can assist with systems, organization, and efficiency. But art is (and I think always will be) human.