Brave New Bookshelf Episode 27: AI, Publishing, and Big Dreams

In this episode of Brave New Bookshelf, hosts Steph Pajonas and Danica Favorite dive deep into the transformative impact of AI on the publishing world over the past year and set the stage for an exciting 2025. Whether you’re an AI enthusiast or cautiously curious, there’s plenty of insight here on how authors can harness technology to elevate their craft and streamline their processes.

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

A Year in Review: 2024

Highlights from Author Nation

Reflecting on a busy and innovative year, Steph and Danica shared key moments, including their involvement in Author Nation and other industry events. A standout theme? The growing openness among authors toward AI tools. While skepticism lingered early on, many writers now view AI as a powerful ally, whether for brainstorming, managing non-writing tasks, or generating creative concepts for cover designs and blurbs.

For instance, PublishDrive unveiled two groundbreaking tools in 2024: an AI-powered cover generator and a metadata/blurb generator. Even the skeptics found value in these innovations—not as final products but as a foundation for collaboration with professional designers or editors.

The Shifting Perception of AI

Steph and Danica noted a noticeable shift in attitudes toward AI throughout the year. Authors who were initially anti-AI began experimenting with these technologies, highlighting the rapid evolution of the publishing landscape. Recognizing the need for ongoing dialogue, PublishDrive is conducting a  survey to better understand authors’ experiences and attitudes toward AI in publishing.

Looking Ahead: Goals for 2025

Steph’s Vision: Becoming an “AI-Assisted Studio”

Steph unveiled her ambitious plans for 2025: transforming her creative process into an “AI-assisted studio.” This approach integrates AI across multiple mediums, including video, audio, and interactive content. Leveraging tools like OpenAI’s Sora and Runway ML, Steph aims to bring her stories to life in ways that transcend traditional formats such as books or eBooks.

Danica’s Focus: Bandwidth and Automation

For Danica, 2024 was a whirlwind of personal highs and lows, leaving little room for deep creative work. Determined to reclaim her bandwidth, she’s setting her sights on automation in 2025. Inspired by a recent podcast episode featuring Chelle Honiker, Danica plans to streamline her workflows using AI tools.

Predictions & Trends in Publishing

The Explosion of Multimedia Storytelling

Steph and Danica predict that 2025 will usher in a new era of multimedia storytelling. With advancements in text-to-video technology, tools like Sora are making it easier for indie authors to create professional-quality videos based on their stories. This is a game-changer for those dreaming of transforming their books into films or series.

The Rise of Artificial General Intelligence (AGI)

While AGI remains years away from mainstream adoption, its potential to revolutionize creative industries is undeniable. Steph and Danica anticipate significant shifts as this technology matures, likely within the next two to five years.

Ubiquity of Embedded AI

Danica emphasized how AI is becoming an integral part of everyday tools, from Microsoft Word’s Copilot features to Amazon’s ad algorithms. Rather than resisting these changes, she urged authors to learn how to work with these tools effectively.

Conferences & Events in 2025

Looking to connect with Steph and Danica in person? Here are two must-attend events:

1. Future of Publishing Mastermind & Conference: March 2025 in New Orleans.
2. AuthorNation: November 2025 in Las Vegas.

These gatherings offer invaluable opportunities to learn about integrating AI into your writing business while networking with forward-thinking authors.

The Brave New Bookshelf podcast’s 2024 finale reminds us of the power of embracing change and staying curious. As we look toward 2025, the message is clear: AI isn’t here to replace creativity but to empower it. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a newcomer, the future of publishing holds endless possibilities.

For more insights from this episode, visit the podcast website.