Brave New Bookshelf Episode 25: Harnessing AI for Author Success

In this episode of Brave New Bookshelf, hosts Steph Pajonas and Danica Favorite chat with Lorna K. Bailey, an accomplished executive assistant with a deep knowledge of self-publishing. She brings valuable insights into how authors can streamline their workflows and boost productivity using AI and project management tools.

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Meet Lorna K. Bailey

Lorna K. Bailey isn’t just an executive assistant; she's a powerhouse in optimizing processes, especially for authors and entrepreneurs. Her journey into the self-publishing world began in 2014, inspired by her husband’s experiences as an indie author. Over the years, Lorna has fine-tuned her skills, helping creatives turn chaos into streamlined, efficient systems. Her secret? Balancing creativity with productivity through well-crafted workflows.

Why Systems and Processes Matter

Lorna shares the importance of having documented systems and processes, known as Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). For authors, these aren’t just for large publishing houses; they’re a game-changer for solo writers too. SOPs can alleviate decision fatigue, save time, and make it easier to scale up when workload increases.

Notion: The Author’s “Second Brain”

A major highlight of the conversation was Notion, described as a “second brain”. Notion can store everything from character profiles to marketing plans, allowing authors to access everything they need in one place. Lorna even offers a pre-built Notion template tailored for indie authors, making it easy for them to get started on organizing their creative processes.

Leveraging AI for Administrative Efficiency

While Lorna prefers to keep AI out of the creative aspects like writing book content or designing covers, she sees tremendous value in using AI tools like ChatGPT for administrative tasks. For example, she relies on AI for generating sales copy, drafting emails, and even scheduling tasks — especially during challenging times like when she was recovering from a broken arm.

Spotlight on Group Collector: A Hidden Gem

One lesser-known tool that Lorna highlighted is Group Collector. For those managing online communities, this software automates the process of adding new members from Facebook groups directly into your email lists. It uses AI to filter and vet entries based on set parameters, ensuring only qualified members make it through. If you've ever been overwhelmed by manually managing group entries, this tool can save you hours of time.

Embracing AI as a Virtual Assistant

As the conversation shifted to the future of virtual assistance, Lorna shared a comforting perspective for those worried about AI taking over their roles. She believes that embracing AI enhances job efficiency and opens doors to new skills and opportunities. By letting AI handle repetitive tasks, indies can focus on more meaningful work that drives growth and creativity.

For more insights from this episode, visit the podcast website. And check out Lorna K. Bailey’s website.