ChatGPT for Authors: How to Win the Publishing Game Using AI

A tactical guide to using AI at every stage: idea, draft, polish, launch, and beyond.

Aug 01, 2025

Most writers think AI is going to take their jobs.

But the truth is, AI isn’t here to replace you.

It’s here to help you work faster, think clearer, and stay motivated from start to finish.

Writing a book is a massive project. There are dozens of steps between your first idea and launch day. This guide will show you exactly how to use AI as your creative partner in each phase, with real examples and prompts you can try right now.

Let’s get started.

🟠 Phase 1: Preparation & Planning

Before you write a single sentence, you need to know three things:

What you’re writing, who you’re writing it for, and where it’s going.

This is where most writers drift. They jump in too early, get 10,000 words deep, and realize the idea doesn't hold.

AI helps you eliminate that guesswork. It gives you fast feedback on your concepts, helps you outline your book, and builds momentum from day one.

How AI Helps

Generate and test book ideas.
When you’re not sure what to write, AI can help you brainstorm.
Research your audience and market.
Instead of guessing what readers want, you can get data-backed summaries.
Outline your chapters.
A rough AI draft gives you something to build on.
Plan your schedule.
AI can help you create a realistic timeline.

Try These Prompts

“Give me 10 book ideas combining fantasy and climate change.”
“Summarize the top-selling books in self-help over the past 3 years.”
“Create a chapter outline for a non-fiction book about overcoming burnout.”
“Draft a reader persona for people who love books by Neil Gaiman.”
“Suggest a 3-month writing schedule with weekly goals for a 50,000-word draft.”

📚 Want a deeper dive on outlining strategy? Read this guide on how to outline your book like a pro

🟠 Phase 2: Writing & Development

This is where most writers stall out. Blank pages. Doubt. Endless rewriting.

Don’t overthink it, just get the first version out. AI can help you move from idea to draft fast, revise without friction, and even simulate reader feedback before you hit publish.

Here’s how to keep momentum through every stage of writing.

How AI Helps

Write your first draft.
Beat writer’s block with rough paragraphs, scene starters, and dialogue samples you can shape.
Revise and self-edit.
Clean up clunky lines, improve pacing, and strengthen weak transitions—without losing your voice.
Gather early feedback.
Ask AI to act like a beta reader and flag confusion, plot holes, or dry spots.

Try These Prompts

“Write the first paragraph of a thriller set in Venice.”
“Rewrite this paragraph to sound more emotional: [paste your text].”
“List 5 ways the main character can discover their friend is the villain.”
“Summarize the main themes in this chapter: [paste your text].”
“Act like a beta reader. What parts of this chapter feel slow or confusing? [paste text]”

🟠 Phase 3: Polishing Your Manuscript

Drafting is messy. Publishing isn’t.

This is where you shift from creative chaos to clear, professional execution. Great books aren’t just written but they’re edited, proofed, and packaged with precision.

AI can help you sharpen every sentence, fix what’s broken, and prep your book for the world.

How AI Helps

Edit your manuscript (content + line editing).
Tighten plot flow, smooth awkward phrasing, and cut repetition—fast.
Proofread for clarity and grammar.
Spot typos, missing words, and grammar glitches without paying by the hour.
Write your book description and metadata.
Get polished blurbs, keyword-rich copy, and SEO-friendly summaries.
Design your cover concept.
Test visual directions and styles to share with a designer—or generate your own via AI tools.

Try These Prompts

“Review this chapter and suggest improvements to pacing: [paste text].”
“Check this section for grammar and clarity: [paste text].”
“Write a book blurb in the style of Malcolm Gladwell: [summary].”
“Suggest 5 alternate titles for this manuscript about resilience.”
“List common clichés in this text and recommend replacements: [paste text].”
“Suggest keywords to help readers discover a book about healing from burnout.”
“Describe 3 visual styles for a nonfiction book cover about creative productivity.”

🟠 Phase 4: Publishing Logistics

This is where most creative people stall. Not because it is hard, but because it is unfamiliar.

Choosing the right platform. Uploading the right file. Setting the right price.

It is the part no one talks about but it is what makes your book available to the world. AI can help you stay organized, confident, and in control.

How AI Helps

Choose your publishing platform
Compare KDP, IngramSpark, Draft2Digital, and others. AI can break down the pros and cons fast.
Format and upload your book
Get checklists for EPUB, MOBI, and PDF requirements across platforms.
Set pricing and distribution strategy
Test pricing options, get market comparisons, and explore royalty settings.
Draft your author bio and profile
Get clean and professional copy that sounds like you, without overthinking it.

Try These Prompts

“Create a checklist for formatting an ebook for Amazon KDP.”
“Compare KDP and IngramSpark for indie publishing.”
“Recommend pricing tiers for a self-help ebook.”
“Suggest 7 keywords to help readers find a book about mindful productivity.”
“Draft a short author bio for an aspiring fiction author.”
“What is the best distribution plan for a debut novel targeting Gen Z readers?”
“How does wide publishing compare to Amazon exclusive?”

🟠 Phase 5: Launch & Promotion

A good launch builds momentum and gets your book noticed.

AI makes it easier to stay organized and consistent.

How AI Helps

Write launch emails and social posts
Skip the blank screen. Get engaging drafts for email, Instagram, LinkedIn, and more.
Create press releases and announcements
Craft a professional first draft you can fine-tune and send to media outlets.
Build your marketing timeline
Break down the pre-launch and launch phases into clear weekly action steps.

Try These Prompts

“Write a launch announcement email to my newsletter subscribers.”
“Draft 3 LinkedIn posts announcing my book release.”
“Create a 4 week pre launch marketing timeline for a non fiction book.”
“Write a press release about my new book.”
“Suggest hashtags for promoting a romance novel on Instagram.”

🟠 Phase 6: Post-Launch Growth

Publishing your book is not the finish line. It is the starting point of your author brand.

Most authors stop here. The pros double down.

Use AI to extend your book’s shelf life, deepen your reach, and build momentum into your next project.

How AI Helps

Request reader reviews
Draft polite and effective follow-ups that actually get replies.
Keep your marketing alive
Brainstorm blog posts, newsletters, and ad copy that keep your book in the spotlight.
Plan your next book
Reflect on what worked, what didn’t, and turn your momentum into your next project.

Try These Prompts

“Write a follow up email asking readers to leave a review on Amazon.”
“Suggest 5 blog post ideas to promote this book after launch.”
“Outline my next book about the same topic.”
“Draft a thank you email to my launch team.”
“Analyse Amazon reviews and summarize common feedback themes.”

🎁 Download Your AI Prompt Library

I’ve compiled all of these prompts and dozens more into a free downloadable PDF you can reference anytime.

👉 Download the Complete AI Prompt Library Here

Final Thoughts

AI doesn’t make you less of a writer. It makes you a faster, more efficient one.

Think of it as your creative assistant. Use these tools to get unstuck, stay focused, and bring your book into the world.

If you ever feel overwhelmed, remember: every author started here. Every author wondered if their book was good enough.

The difference is you’re taking action.

That’s what makes you a real writer.

Sriram Tawker

Discussion about this post