AI will get better and better, and before long there will be more to consume than the market has an appetite for (already there in some ways).
Eventually it will be so saturated that people will seek out the artisan authors because they want human connection. They will value the work and creativity of another person over the churn of soulless creation that never ends.
I’m a firm believer people will want reality over AI. They will want human connection and will seek out the good story tellers. The ones that will be found are the ones that will do what you say.
So many thoughts on this article that I can’t fit them all here. Thanks for sharing.
Definitely what I'm counting on! I think AI is mostly replacing pulp authors, which does suck for them but I have a hard time seeing it affect the authors who truly foster human connection. By definition, it's something AI can't replace.
I'm of this mindset also: it won't be all people that want reality over AI, but it'll be enough. Much like people still paint realistic paintings, even though you can take a photo. People still make fancy, time consuming bread, even though you can get decent cheap stuff from the supermarket.
Humans like to do things, and connect with other humans who do things!
Yeah ultimately who is an A.I. servicing? It isn’t the reader. The market ultimately will not sustain it because the market won’t WANT it. Actual readers who care about story won’t abide the slop for long.
I’d like to offer an alternative view, that the most interesting perspectives will win, whether AI generated, human artisan, or some combination thereof.
Definitely possible. I'm not so close-minded as to assume I'm definitely right and always will be. I will say, though, that as far as this article goes, my goal wasn't to espouse the superiority of humans over AI so much as it was to offer writers a way to deal, cope, and survive. (I know that you're replying to Nate's comment rather than the post as a whole, so you're not contradicting what I just said. Just tossing this out there anyway.)
That’s important and I think artisan authors have reason to be optimistic. In reality I think there will be space for both. Robert Gordon in Australia does beautiful but machine-produced ceramics that sell at high volumes. Artisan ceramicists still exist happily alongside this and are valued for their craftsmanship. What I wonder is, for writing, what will act as features or a signal of craftsmanship? The style? The author’s promise that no AI was involved? A piece of software that guarantees provenance? It will be interesting to see.
Interesting to say the least! Personally, I think that "no AI was used" is sort of a hollow metric, because it stays at the surface of the question rather than actually thinking deeply about it. It's also a fuzzy line, because there's AI in a lot of the tools we already use without even meaning to use it, or even knowing. If someone brainstorms with AI, I don't think that invalidates the book at all, for instance.
If I could be so presumptuous as to venture a guess, I think it's about the effective transmission of an author's intent, authentically, to the reader. Which is basically another way of asking, "Is this book art?" I think that art is a distant form of telepathy: I want you to feel the genuine emotions that originated inside me.
I believe an A.I. cannot possibly possess an “interesting” perspectives on anything. Because it’s programmed either with someone else’s unique perspective on things, or no unique perspective at all, because it can only offer a multitude of different ones.
Oh good ess, do I ever relate! I have never been able to get in board with the rapid release trend. I love to take my time with my stories. Live in it. Dwell in it. Soak in it. I need to know readers will want to do the same when it goes out into the world. I don't sell many books at the moment but I am focusing on publishing the best stories I can and I will go from there. I really needed to read this. Thank you for seeing and being one of us artisan authors ❤️❤️❤️
I barely joined your Substack. But I’ve actually been a fan of you and the self publishing guys for a long time. I was listening to your podcast, like a decade ago?, Where has the time gone lol I had no idea that you had so many life changes, but it is so good to see you back. (I’ve also been living under a rock for the past few years lol I also went to one (your first ?) summit in Austin one year)
These words have hit particular home for me and I’m grateful that you decided to jump onto Substack. I’m wishing you all the best. I’m looking forward to hearing more from you because I’ve always felt like your words have deeply resonated with me, and it continues to be true today.
In fact the other day, I was listening to one of the self publishing books that you narrated, and it’s always at the light to hear your voice. Thanks so much for all you do!
Wonderful comment! Thank you. I haven't been posting much on here lately, but I'm starting to find that I need a place to talk about some of the stuff that didn't fit into my newly-rearranged professional life. Might take me a bit to come all the way back, but I do love this part of things more than I sometimes realize.
Haha - yeah, I use a fair amount of AI art, but only in cases where I'd otherwise use a free stock photo from Unsplash. I'm not anti-AI in most ways ... I just don't want to write books with it, and at the same time I know that many do. My job is to find a way to differentiate myself, not to cast judgment or draw any hard lines. This is just what works for me.
I should clarify that I'm not actually suggesting getting 1000 people on a mailing list. I'm suggesting striving for 1000 True Fans, which is much, much harder. Yes, it's a long road, but it can start with one person. That's the yin and yang of this: the best way is often the hardest way. The only way to get there is to begin somewhere ... and life won't be terrible until those 1000 arrive. 10 True Fans can be a huge blessing.
This resonates with me a great deal. I've just launched a new Substack blog that (at least so far) has been using AI generated artwork, while, at the same time, I am staunchly against using AI in my writing process (and would never do so).
In my first blog, I took the time to learn and use Inkscape to manually create all of the artwork, but that ended up taking (nearly) as much time as writing itself. So, at this point its a matter of economy, and I actually like the AI artwork created by Midjourney, but I find myself pondering whether there may be some hypocrisy in this practice. Also, I ask myself whether some people would automatically assume that AI is being used in my writing just because I've opted to use it for the artwork. Any thoughts on this?
I think it's only hypocritical if you decry something publicly and then embrace it for yourself. Personally, I try not to crap on the use of AI. Even for writing. Writing with AI is very much not for me, and I don't want to get lost in the deluge of AI-written books, so THAT much standing out matters -- about trying to be the signal instead of the noise, and all that. But I'm not AGAINST it per se. I just want to be able to survive on my own and not be choked out by it.
If either of us were talking about how bad AI is and then using the art, that would be crappy. As to assumptions? Eh, I don't think they go together. I could be wrong, but I don't really think my readers thought "AI post" when they saw the AI image. Who knows ...
Thanks for the response! I think that's very insightful, and a good reminder to be self-aware about potential hypocrisy. The age of AI is undoubtedly daunting but, at the same time, presents an intriguing opportunity for writers willing to seize it. Namely, finding a way to rise above the flood of AI-altered or AI-generated content--to become the signal and not get lost in the noise, to use your language. Given that there is so much noise (and only more to come), the potential for developing oneself as a guiding signal is exciting. All the best in your endeavors!
I'm not a prolific producer, and I feared I was wasting time on something I couldn't stop doing, whether it was selling or not. Why bother? haunted my thoughts. So, I decided to do it my way and not worry about everything I was doing "wrong.". And three months later, you validated my choice. I am still sifting through the Author Nation videos.
Thanks for this! Remember, this isn't a guarantee of success or a full-time author income. It is, however, one of the few remaining paths that will be viable long-term in my opinion ... and it's so rewarding while you build it.
Take a hint from J Robert Kennedy and Lauren Street as well as others. A series with the same characters draws people to keep buying books in the series. It certainly works for me.
Sure, but I'd qualify that by saying that at least in my opinion, even repeating characters can be drowned in the deluge of similar content. If you're doing this and it's working well, my guess is that your characters are providing that consistent human element that I'm talking about delivering as an author. Your characters are being "distinct and interesting and human enough to stand out" for you! :)
Just what needs to be said right now! You are so right- the world of AI, algorithms and spewing out 'content' just to stay in the game is stopping so many people from producing truly good work that will just get lost in the flood of more, more, more. I've always loved the idea of the artisan author - and it's really freeing to claim that title.
Yes to all this. I spent four decades working on my craft before breaking into traditional small press publishing (also an artisanal business model), and I’m encouraged by signs that a slow-writing model (like slow food and slow fashion) might thrive in the AI era. Some amazing, lovely, discerning readers will crave connection with actual human expression, not mimicry.
Great article! And reassuring - as an author of just 6 works and a seventh that has just entered its 3rd year of gestation, the idea of the artisan author holds a lot of appeal. Many thanks!
I write serial fantasy stories and have for a few weeks been able to sustain myself financially in part because of Substack and have in spite of my lack of a name sold 200 copies of my first serious volume and just republished another. Also hard at work on another 6-7 due this year.
Tortoise vs. hare. That's how I think more and more ... even if I start going fast again. It isn't really about speed; it's about your capacity and attention and care relative to how much you end up producing. In other words, you be you!
Thanks for this. I think I am (and always was) an artist type. But for the last few years, that seemed wrong. I'm glad to realize that it may have been right (for me, anyway) all along.
AI will get better and better, and before long there will be more to consume than the market has an appetite for (already there in some ways).
Eventually it will be so saturated that people will seek out the artisan authors because they want human connection. They will value the work and creativity of another person over the churn of soulless creation that never ends.
I’m a firm believer people will want reality over AI. They will want human connection and will seek out the good story tellers. The ones that will be found are the ones that will do what you say.
So many thoughts on this article that I can’t fit them all here. Thanks for sharing.
Definitely what I'm counting on! I think AI is mostly replacing pulp authors, which does suck for them but I have a hard time seeing it affect the authors who truly foster human connection. By definition, it's something AI can't replace.
I'm of this mindset also: it won't be all people that want reality over AI, but it'll be enough. Much like people still paint realistic paintings, even though you can take a photo. People still make fancy, time consuming bread, even though you can get decent cheap stuff from the supermarket.
Humans like to do things, and connect with other humans who do things!
That's my thinking. I'm sticking with old school litfic to connect with readers as a human.
Yes!!! There’s a reason why Literature is part of the Humanities.
Yeah ultimately who is an A.I. servicing? It isn’t the reader. The market ultimately will not sustain it because the market won’t WANT it. Actual readers who care about story won’t abide the slop for long.
I agree. Heck, I even wrote a substack article about this very topic, titled "The Human Connection in Writing."
I’d like to offer an alternative view, that the most interesting perspectives will win, whether AI generated, human artisan, or some combination thereof.
Definitely possible. I'm not so close-minded as to assume I'm definitely right and always will be. I will say, though, that as far as this article goes, my goal wasn't to espouse the superiority of humans over AI so much as it was to offer writers a way to deal, cope, and survive. (I know that you're replying to Nate's comment rather than the post as a whole, so you're not contradicting what I just said. Just tossing this out there anyway.)
That’s important and I think artisan authors have reason to be optimistic. In reality I think there will be space for both. Robert Gordon in Australia does beautiful but machine-produced ceramics that sell at high volumes. Artisan ceramicists still exist happily alongside this and are valued for their craftsmanship. What I wonder is, for writing, what will act as features or a signal of craftsmanship? The style? The author’s promise that no AI was involved? A piece of software that guarantees provenance? It will be interesting to see.
Interesting to say the least! Personally, I think that "no AI was used" is sort of a hollow metric, because it stays at the surface of the question rather than actually thinking deeply about it. It's also a fuzzy line, because there's AI in a lot of the tools we already use without even meaning to use it, or even knowing. If someone brainstorms with AI, I don't think that invalidates the book at all, for instance.
If I could be so presumptuous as to venture a guess, I think it's about the effective transmission of an author's intent, authentically, to the reader. Which is basically another way of asking, "Is this book art?" I think that art is a distant form of telepathy: I want you to feel the genuine emotions that originated inside me.
I believe an A.I. cannot possibly possess an “interesting” perspectives on anything. Because it’s programmed either with someone else’s unique perspective on things, or no unique perspective at all, because it can only offer a multitude of different ones.
I quit doing the genre books for money. I’m writing books I would want to read.
So we'll said. Quality, not quantity.
I remember back in 2012 when we all said "few readers follow the author."
That might still be true, but "few" is relative, and there are A LOT of readers.
Oh good ess, do I ever relate! I have never been able to get in board with the rapid release trend. I love to take my time with my stories. Live in it. Dwell in it. Soak in it. I need to know readers will want to do the same when it goes out into the world. I don't sell many books at the moment but I am focusing on publishing the best stories I can and I will go from there. I really needed to read this. Thank you for seeing and being one of us artisan authors ❤️❤️❤️
I do my best. :)
I barely joined your Substack. But I’ve actually been a fan of you and the self publishing guys for a long time. I was listening to your podcast, like a decade ago?, Where has the time gone lol I had no idea that you had so many life changes, but it is so good to see you back. (I’ve also been living under a rock for the past few years lol I also went to one (your first ?) summit in Austin one year)
These words have hit particular home for me and I’m grateful that you decided to jump onto Substack. I’m wishing you all the best. I’m looking forward to hearing more from you because I’ve always felt like your words have deeply resonated with me, and it continues to be true today.
In fact the other day, I was listening to one of the self publishing books that you narrated, and it’s always at the light to hear your voice. Thanks so much for all you do!
Wonderful comment! Thank you. I haven't been posting much on here lately, but I'm starting to find that I need a place to talk about some of the stuff that didn't fit into my newly-rearranged professional life. Might take me a bit to come all the way back, but I do love this part of things more than I sometimes realize.
I’m looking forward to hearing more from you then!
Thanks for this excellent piece which I find inspiring.
I also find it ironic that you use AI generated art in your article.
We cannot escape from AI. It is ubiquitous and will only become more and more pervasive.
You advise getting 1,000 people for a newsletter. That is wishful thinking for many people especially beginners or older people like me.
We will continue to write. Most of our output will go unnoticed. It is like monks in some isolated monastery doing what they are called to do.
Easy come, easy go.
Life passes and then the body dies.
Meanwhile, the human race races on to the lowest common denominator.
Hey there, Harold!
Haha - yeah, I use a fair amount of AI art, but only in cases where I'd otherwise use a free stock photo from Unsplash. I'm not anti-AI in most ways ... I just don't want to write books with it, and at the same time I know that many do. My job is to find a way to differentiate myself, not to cast judgment or draw any hard lines. This is just what works for me.
I should clarify that I'm not actually suggesting getting 1000 people on a mailing list. I'm suggesting striving for 1000 True Fans, which is much, much harder. Yes, it's a long road, but it can start with one person. That's the yin and yang of this: the best way is often the hardest way. The only way to get there is to begin somewhere ... and life won't be terrible until those 1000 arrive. 10 True Fans can be a huge blessing.
This resonates with me a great deal. I've just launched a new Substack blog that (at least so far) has been using AI generated artwork, while, at the same time, I am staunchly against using AI in my writing process (and would never do so).
In my first blog, I took the time to learn and use Inkscape to manually create all of the artwork, but that ended up taking (nearly) as much time as writing itself. So, at this point its a matter of economy, and I actually like the AI artwork created by Midjourney, but I find myself pondering whether there may be some hypocrisy in this practice. Also, I ask myself whether some people would automatically assume that AI is being used in my writing just because I've opted to use it for the artwork. Any thoughts on this?
I think it's only hypocritical if you decry something publicly and then embrace it for yourself. Personally, I try not to crap on the use of AI. Even for writing. Writing with AI is very much not for me, and I don't want to get lost in the deluge of AI-written books, so THAT much standing out matters -- about trying to be the signal instead of the noise, and all that. But I'm not AGAINST it per se. I just want to be able to survive on my own and not be choked out by it.
If either of us were talking about how bad AI is and then using the art, that would be crappy. As to assumptions? Eh, I don't think they go together. I could be wrong, but I don't really think my readers thought "AI post" when they saw the AI image. Who knows ...
Thanks for the response! I think that's very insightful, and a good reminder to be self-aware about potential hypocrisy. The age of AI is undoubtedly daunting but, at the same time, presents an intriguing opportunity for writers willing to seize it. Namely, finding a way to rise above the flood of AI-altered or AI-generated content--to become the signal and not get lost in the noise, to use your language. Given that there is so much noise (and only more to come), the potential for developing oneself as a guiding signal is exciting. All the best in your endeavors!
I'm not a prolific producer, and I feared I was wasting time on something I couldn't stop doing, whether it was selling or not. Why bother? haunted my thoughts. So, I decided to do it my way and not worry about everything I was doing "wrong.". And three months later, you validated my choice. I am still sifting through the Author Nation videos.
Thanks for this! Remember, this isn't a guarantee of success or a full-time author income. It is, however, one of the few remaining paths that will be viable long-term in my opinion ... and it's so rewarding while you build it.
Me too! But Johnny's workshop at AN was worth the cost of the entire conference, just in the advice he's sharing here!
I remember when I was waiting for an elevator and you did a drive-by to tell me that. Made my day!
Take a hint from J Robert Kennedy and Lauren Street as well as others. A series with the same characters draws people to keep buying books in the series. It certainly works for me.
Sure, but I'd qualify that by saying that at least in my opinion, even repeating characters can be drowned in the deluge of similar content. If you're doing this and it's working well, my guess is that your characters are providing that consistent human element that I'm talking about delivering as an author. Your characters are being "distinct and interesting and human enough to stand out" for you! :)
Man this was motivating
thanks for the encouraging point of view!
Just what needs to be said right now! You are so right- the world of AI, algorithms and spewing out 'content' just to stay in the game is stopping so many people from producing truly good work that will just get lost in the flood of more, more, more. I've always loved the idea of the artisan author - and it's really freeing to claim that title.
Yes to all this. I spent four decades working on my craft before breaking into traditional small press publishing (also an artisanal business model), and I’m encouraged by signs that a slow-writing model (like slow food and slow fashion) might thrive in the AI era. Some amazing, lovely, discerning readers will crave connection with actual human expression, not mimicry.
Great article! And reassuring - as an author of just 6 works and a seventh that has just entered its 3rd year of gestation, the idea of the artisan author holds a lot of appeal. Many thanks!
It's the only way I can see going forward, myself ... whether it works well or not, honestly!
Definitely agree that we're entering a new age.
I write serial fantasy stories and have for a few weeks been able to sustain myself financially in part because of Substack and have in spite of my lack of a name sold 200 copies of my first serious volume and just republished another. Also hard at work on another 6-7 due this year.
Tortoise vs. hare. That's how I think more and more ... even if I start going fast again. It isn't really about speed; it's about your capacity and attention and care relative to how much you end up producing. In other words, you be you!
Agreed, I write very slowly and am thinking it’s just best to go at my own speed than to try to match that of others.
Thanks for this. I think I am (and always was) an artist type. But for the last few years, that seemed wrong. I'm glad to realize that it may have been right (for me, anyway) all along.