I haven’t written much about AI before, mostly because I’ve been having conversations about it in real life.
AI is a heavily debated topic, particularly in the literary and writing world, and it seems that almost every conversation comes with some degree of dissension. There are strong opinions on both sides, and I don’t intend to take on the entire AI debate here.
Instead, I want to talk about generative AI tools and how writers and authors can use them thoughtfully.
Tools such as ChatGPT, Claude and Gemini are relatively new, but generative AI has been around in various forms for some time. What has changed is how accessible and visible these tools have become—and how quickly authors, particularly independent authors, have begun incorporating them into their writing and publishing processes.
I’ve added the AI topic to my Author PR workshops because I have to. Many of the independent authors I work with are already using these tools, and they have questions about how to use them responsibly and effectively.
And yes, I use ChatGPT and Claude myself.
How I Use AI
I use generative AI primarily as an assistive tool, not as a replacement for my own thinking or writing.
For example, I may use it to help with:
- Formatting proposals and contracts
- Organizing tables and information
- Refining a professional bio
- Polishing a press release
- Tightening a book synopsis
- Refining a sentence or two
- Looking at something I’ve written from another perspective
Notice that I said refining, polishing and tightening.
I don’t ask AI to write my proposals, press releases, bios or other professional materials from scratch. I write them myself and may use AI to help me improve clarity, organization or wording.
There’s a big difference between asking a tool to help you refine something you’ve created and handing over the creative process entirely.
What About Creative Writing?
This is where I draw my own line.
I don’t use AI to write my poetry or other creative work. In fact, I think of my use of AI in much the same way I think about the editing tools already built into Microsoft Word.
I might ask AI to help me consider whether a sentence could be clearer. But the ideas, voice, perspective and creative decisions remain mine.
My voice. My words. My work.
For me, AI is a tool, not the author.
But AI Isn’t Infallible
Here’s where I think writers need to be especially careful.
AI can be incredibly useful, but it is not a substitute for knowledge, research, judgment or due diligence.
Generative AI tools can provide information confidently even when that information is incomplete, outdated or simply wrong. So if you’re using AI to research a topic, verify what it tells you. Check the original sources. Read beyond the AI-generated response.
Don’t automatically assume that something is true because a chatbot said it.
Knowledge is power.
What About Publishing?
I’m certainly not a publishing guru, and I don’t pretend to be one. When it comes to the rapidly changing conversation around AI and publishing, I turn to people who are much more knowledgeable than I am.
One of my favorite resources is publishing industry expert Jane Friedman, who has written extensively about AI, authorship and what is and isn’t acceptable in the traditional publishing world.
I’ve found her guidance particularly useful because she provides context rather than simply jumping into the “AI is good” or “AI is bad” debate.
If you’re a writer considering traditional publishing—or simply trying to understand how AI is affecting the publishing industry—I encourage you to read her work and stay informed.
AI Isn’t Going Away
Whether you love AI, dislike it, are somewhere in the middle, or simply don’t know what to make of it yet, one thing seems pretty clear:
AI isn’t going away.
That doesn’t mean you have to use every new tool that comes along. And it certainly doesn’t mean you should surrender your creativity or your voice to technology.
But I do believe writers should understand what’s happening.
Explore. Ask questions. Learn how these tools work. Understand their limitations. Know what you’re comfortable using them for—and where you draw the line.
For independent authors in particular, AI can be an invaluable tool for certain administrative, organizational and editorial tasks.
Just don’t get lost in it.
Use AI as a tool. Do your due diligence. Stay informed. And, most importantly, keep your own voice at the center of your work.
