How to Use AI to Write a Book. Overcome Writer’s Block with AI Assistance

By Mihaela Bidilică

Artificial intelligence (AI) has emerged as a revolutionary tool in our daily lives, especially when writing books. 

With AI book writing, authors are experiencing a new frontier of creativity and efficiency. This technology has been subtly integrated into everyday experiences through features like auto-correct and virtual assistants like Alexa and Siri. 

New technologies have always sparked debates and fears, yet they have been pivotal in advancing our society. For authors, the advent of AI-assisted writing and automated book writing tools can be an opportunity to enhance their storytelling. 

This article aims to show the proper use of artificial intelligence for authors, highlighting how it can be a valuable ally in writing and self-publishing. 

Key takeaways:

  • AI content creation harnesses computer systems' ability to mimic human intelligence, such as learning, reasoning, and problem-solving, speeding up the book-writing process. AI writing tools help users generate text using concepts like natural language generation and machine learning. However, these changes need ethical considerations, particularly in avoiding plagiarism and bias and ensuring content quality.
  • AI writing assistants speed up the writing process by generating ideas, editing suggestions, and crafting sections. With support in researching, writing, editing, design, and marketing, AI-powered tools are trusted allies for authors and publishers.

A. Notes on AI Content Creation

AI enables computer systems to execute tasks that usually necessitate human-like intelligence, including learning, reasoning, and problem-solving. 

When writing a book with AI, such capabilities translate to generating ideas, text editing suggestions, and writing entire sections. Using AI writing software to generate content can change the writing process, helping authors get out of writer's block faster.

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1. How AI writing tools work

When speaking AI, terms like natural language generation for books, machine learning for writing, and large language models are standard. 

For most, understanding the basic concept that each AI system is designed as a helpful tool is sufficient. Whether for article writing or book creation, you're in control.

Many AI writing assistants can generate text rapidly. Computer vision use cases, anomaly detection using machine learning, or machine learning consulting show the various fields in AI being expanded upon. Now, entire books and novels can be created in days or weeks.

But with so much content being generated, there are some ethical concerns regarding the usage of AI writing software. For authors using AI tools, understanding how to bypass AI detection can ensure the originality and authenticity of their content, providing a significant advantage in the publishing process. Learning techniques to pass AI detection can help maintain the integrity of your work and uphold literary standards.

Readers seek value in books, whether from AI, human authors, or a combination of the two. AI should be viewed as an augmentative tool, enhancing rather than replacing human efforts.

2. Ethical concerns behind AI authorship tools

There is some skepticism surrounding AI tools, and as with any tool, its use can be for better or worse. 

Here are some concerns about using AI to write a book:

  • Plagiarism in AI content creation

A major worry is plagiarism, as AI algorithms might produce content similar to existing works. This concern spans across how to integrate AI into an app, ebook, audio, and beyond. To mitigate this in an ethical manner, use AI-generated material as a basis for inspiration. 

Since ChatGPT sources information from the internet, it may inadvertently include copyrighted material or infringe on intellectual property rights. In such cases, legal repercussions and copyright infringement responsibilities fall on you, the author. 

Please note that the copyright of a book primarily written by AI may be a contentious issue, especially given the evolving legal frameworks that aim to differentiate between human and AI intellectual property. When citing sources, follow proper citation guidelines. Besides, it’s important to recognize that AI-generated content should be considered a starting point rather than a final piece.

Also, keep in mind that the U.S. Copyright Office has been examining copyright law and policy issues related to artificial intelligence technology, including works generated using AI tools and the use of copyrighted materials in AI training. In Europe, the EU has a comprehensive law on AI, the “AI Act.”

  • Fighting bias

AI algorithms may deliver content that could be discriminatory or offensive. We shape the AI's output by controlling its inputs.

Use your judgment and expertise when using AI to write a book, ensuring the final content reflects your intended message and values.

  • AI hallucinations

As artificial intelligence technologies become more popular for tasks such as homework assistance, work-related research, or health-related questions, a significant limitation is becoming evident: AI models sometimes fabricate responses.

Experts have started describing this phenomenon of AI producing inaccurate information as "hallucinations" or "confabulations," a term used by Meta's AI head in a tweet. On social media, some users bluntly label these chatbots as "pathological liars."

B. How to Use AI in (E)Book Writing

This is a short review of how to use AI to write a book (in every step of the publishing process).

1. Research your niche

Understanding market demand for your topic, or its profitability, is crucial. AI assists in this by analyzing search trends and social media patterns. 

🤖Tools for this stage:

a) ChatGPT
  • Use ChatGPT to create customer profiles to deepen your understanding of your target audience.
b) Google Trends
  • Use Google Trends to analyze the popularity of keywords over time and across regions.

2. Create the plot structure

Gone are the days when a creative slump meant seeking inspiration from a walk, a podcast, or a new book. Now, a conversation with an AI chatbot can instantly spark many ideas. 

Planning plot twists or constructing fictional worlds has never been more straightforward for authors. 

Writing a book with AI as an assistant offers idea generation based on your interests and genre. 

🤖Tools for this stage:

a) ChatGPT

Use ChatGPT to give you plot ideas once you have a clear niche for your new book.

  • Use ChatGPT to support your research in a specific era by asking numerous questions to grasp the time or specific historical details.
  • Use ChatGPT to give you detailed descriptions to back your character development or offer suitable names in a specific historical setting.
  • Use ChatGPT to help you outline your novel storyline based on your previous AI-powered research.
  • Use ChatGPT to edit and make suggestions regarding your tone of voice. You can use the ChatGPT free version or upgrade to Plus.
b) Sudowrite

Use Sudowrite for everything I mentioned above. This AI writer software ensures precise writing support by using variants of the CHAT GPT-3 algorithm (GPT.3; GPT3.5; GPT.4) and its unique narrative processors.

Sudowrite stands out for its unique ability to offer authors insights into potential reader feedback, allowing for a deeper understanding of their audience. The software boasts a user-friendly interface, ensuring swift story development.

Additionally, Sudowrite provides a vast library of resources to equip authors with all the necessary tools. This AI-powered novel writer supports multiple languages, adapting to the user’s input language. And if you’re interested in adding it to your toolkit, simply search for ‘Sudowrite: AI Fiction Writer for Google Docs’ as a Chrome Extension.

So, can AI write a book? Maybe not entirely, but a tool like Sudowrite will certainly help you.

3. Choose a title

You can opt for AI support whenever you want to choose an engaging and relevant title for your ebook.

🤖Tools for this stage:

  • Use ChatGPT, Gemini, or Bing Copilot to generate diverse title ideas.

4. Start with AI novel writing

Writing an ebook, whether to share knowledge or narrate a story, is simplified with AI novel writing software. Once your plan and outline are ready, the writing phase begins.

Here's how to write a book with AI:

  • Consider specific prompts. When you use AI to write a book, detailed prompts yield more relevant AI-generated content, leading to content that aligns better with your intended topic or theme. The more precise and descriptive your prompts, the higher the likelihood of generating content that meets your expectations.
  • Stay on topic to make sure that the AI-generated content remains relevant and focused. It’s important to keep prompts and subsequent discussions aligned with the main subject. Avoiding tangents into unrelated areas helps maintain consistency and keeps the AI on track with your core objectives.
  • Fact-check: always (!) verify the prompts' accuracy when you use AI to write a book. Cross-referencing AI-generated content with reliable sources is essential to ensure the integrity and credibility of your final product.

🤖Tools for this stage:

a) Sudowrite
  • Use Sudowrite to create drafts and assist with editing tasks like rephrasing and sentence structure improvement. Sudowrite is particularly beneficial for new writers, providing insights into various writing techniques. It supports experimentation with different writing styles and genres, offering a sense of collaboration.
b) Jasper
  • Use Jasper to generate creative and engaging content quickly. Ideal for those facing tight deadlines and who need ideas for a plot or for anything content marketing-related.
c) Rytr
  • Use Rytr for blog posts and marketing content. It stands out for its ability to quickly generate high-quality, engaging text.
d) WriterZen
  • Use WriterZen for SEO-friendly content. It offers a suite of features, including keyword research, content planning, and plagiarism checking, making it a valuable asset for digital marketers and writers. WriterZen stands out for its ability to analyze and suggest keywords that can significantly enhance online visibility and audience engagement.

💡For more AI book writer tools, read our article on AI Writing Software.

5. Edit with AI

Can AI write books? Yes, but not without a human’s input and authenticity.

While AI can lay down a solid foundation, personalizing and refining the content will make it more engaging and authentic. 

Editing also helps smooth out any awkward phrasing or inconsistencies common in AI-generated text. AI editors can do part of the work. If you can opt for your text to be reviewed by an actual human editor, we advise you to do it.

However, you can use AI tools to spot spelling mistakes and offer suggestions for enhancing clarity and style. 

🤖Tools for this stage:

a) Grammarly
  • Use Grammarly to correct grammatical errors, identify plagiarism, and get a citation formatting guide.
b) sentence rephraser
  • Use sentence rephraser to improve sentence structure and make content readable for search engines and readers.

6. Create a design using AI

You can create images for your book's cover and interior using AI. The cover of your book is the first aspect that captures a reader's attention.

There are quite a few AI-based tools that can generate cover concepts tailored to your book’s genre, title, and your name as the author.

The interior design of your book is equally vital. You can use AI tools to create custom images, graphs, and charts, adding a unique and personal element to each chapter.

🤖Tools for this stage:

a) Midjourney 
  • Use Midjourney to create unique and visually captivating cover designs.
b) Canva
  • Use Canva to design engaging layouts and graphics.

7. Promote your book

Use AI's ability to incorporate marketing tactics into your book promotion strategy.

🤖Tools for this stage:

a) Jasper
  • Use Jasper to create marketing campaigns, emails, and social media content.
b) Social media automation tools
c) Semrush

Trust the Process

My advice: write a book using AI not as a substitute for human creativity but as a powerful ally that enhances and refines your ideas. 

AI writing software and AI-assisted writing tools open up new possibilities, enabling you to explore creative depths and streamline the writing process, creating a more fulfilling overall writing experience. 

Whether generating compelling narratives, conducting research, or even editing drafts, an AI book writer can be a steadfast companion in your journey from a blank page to a published work.

With platforms like PublishDrive, the potential of AI in the publishing industry is further realized. This integration of AI tools with publishing platforms empowers authors not just in the writing phase but also in the crucial stages of marketing and distribution. 

The ease and efficiency provided by these tools democratize the publishing process, making it accessible to authors irrespective of their experience level and allowing publishers to reach hard-to-access markets and increase their revenue.