Brave New Bookshelf Episode 37: Wide Strategies & Translations With Monica Leonelle From Writer MBA

In this episode of Brave New Bookshelf, hosts Steph Pajonas and Danica Favorite sat down with Monica Leonelle – author, innovator, and co-founder of Writer MBA – to explore how artificial intelligence is reshaping the publishing landscape. With over 50 titles to her name and a track record of embracing bold, forward-thinking strategies, Monica brings a refreshing and insightful perspective.

Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music | YouTube | iHeartRadio | RSS Feed

Monica Leonelle: Ahead of the Curve Since 2009

Monica has been independently publishing since 2009, carving out a name for herself in both fiction and nonfiction. Her genres of choice? Fantasy and romance on the fiction side, and publishing education for nonfiction. From early experiments with dictation to promoting wide distribution before it was trendy, Monica has always been a step ahead.

With her partner Russell Nohelty, Monica co-founded Writer MBA, a platform designed to empower authors with practical knowledge about crowdfunding, direct sales, serialization, and now, AI. “We’ve always believed that if you want to make a change in this industry, you can,” Monica explains.

Creating Space for Big Conversations at Writer MBA

One of the hallmarks of Monica’s work is her commitment to fostering a safe, open environment for discussing cutting-edge technologies. At the latest Writer MBA conference, she helped facilitate conversations on everything from AI-generated covers to real-time novella creation using AI tools like Plotdrive.

The goal? Encourage exploration without fear or stigma.

One particularly memorable session demonstrated a full AI-assisted writing process, revealing the staggering potential of LLMs (Large Language Models) to support creative work, without replacing the human touch.

From Skepticism to Integration: Monica’s AI Journey

Like many authors, Monica’s initial reaction to AI was one of hesitation. There was (and still is) resistance in parts of the publishing community to even discussing AI tools. But curiosity led her to private communities (like AI Art for Authors) where she discovered that many authors were already experimenting quietly.

Her turning point came when she joined Future Fiction Academy and heard a simple, game-changing piece of advice: “Find one part of your process where you’re stuck or frustrated and let AI help.”

That gave Monica the freedom to start small – using AI for outlining and transcription – and gradually expand into areas like drafting and editing.

For nonfiction, ChatGPT has become an essential tool in her workflow, especially when transforming raw transcripts into polished drafts. It’s a natural extension of her earlier use of dictation and a testament to how AI can amplify rather than replace an author’s voice.

Translations: Breaking the Language Barrier

Monica sees translations as the next major frontier in publishing. Wide distribution has always been about reaching as many readers as possible. And AI-powered translation tools are making that dream more attainable than ever.

With platforms like Scribe Shadow and customizable LLM workflows using tools like Claude, Gemini, and Plotdrive, authors can now translate their books into multiple languages with a fraction of the cost and effort previously required.

She’s also a fan of PublishDrive, which simplifies international distribution and offers a flat-fee pricing model, perfect for authors looking to go wide.

“Translations are going to be a gateway drug,” added Steph Pajonas during the episode. “Once authors see what AI can do here, they’ll be curious to try it elsewhere too.”

AI as a Spiritual Companion (Yes, Really!)

In one of the most unexpected and delighted parts of the conversation, Monica revealed that she’s trained ChatGPT using her own six spirituality books to serve as a kind of personalized spiritual coach.

“I used to do this with tarot cards,” she said with a laugh. “Now I use ChatGPT to reflect my thoughts back at me.”

This approach not only helps her process complex ideas but also opens the door to a fascinating possibility: author-specific chatbots that could answer questions based on an author’s full body of work. Imagine asking a “Writer MBA chatbot” for real-time advice based on Monica and Russell’s library!

Key Takeaways from Episode 37

In closing:

• AI Should Extend, Not Replace: Integrate AI where it enhances your unique process. Start with areas where you’re stuck or need support.
• Translations Are a Game-Changer: Use affordable tools to reach international readers and expand your audience globally.
• Iterate and Adapt: Your workflow is a living system. Test, tweak, and evolve it over time.
• AI Can Unlock Creativity: When used with intention, AI can help you see your work in new and powerful ways.
• Repurpose What You Have: From transcripts to multi-format adaptations, AI can help you maximize the value of existing content.

Monica’s journey is a powerful reminder that with curiosity, creativity, and the right tools, authors can not only keep up with a changing industry, but lead it.

Be sure to visit Writer MBA. For more insights from this episode, visit the podcast website.