In March, when I first discussed the possibility of an article on AI and self-publishing with our columnist Nigel George, I was worried that it might just be a passing fad. It’s now late May and still every week I’m seeing more and more articles about how this technology could disrupt the writing and publishing industries, from AI-written titles overloading the Amazon storefront, software that makes novelists obsolete, or even as a disputed issue in the striking US screenwriters’ negotiations with Hollywood studios.
I’m glad Nigel agreed to write a three-part series on the topic. He takes a sensible, even-handed look at the role of AI tools in the writing process, and makes a convincing case these tools can be a good thing for writers. They will not be able to replace an author’s voice, but they may help you get done with some of the pesky admin tasks that come with being a writer.
Also this month, I spoke with the author Mark Spencer about his experience writing and publishing Ocean of Self, which examines two of his passions: ocean diving and meditation. Mark learned some valuable lessons about the self-publishing process since releasing Ocean of Self several years ago, and I believe his interview is well worth reading as a guide for someone looking to publish their first book. He presents generous details about what worked for him, what didn’t, and the services he used; his conclusion that ‘the marketing process is where authors should direct their time and energy’ is one that many writers should heed!
Happy reading (and writing)!
Brad Jefferies
Editor, Independent Publishing
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