Every writer should have a standard AI disclosure posted. They should also include it in their contracts. Anyone working with a writer — whether they’re a ghostwriter, an author, or any other kind of writer — deserves to know how they use AI. By posting this information, you make it clear to others which AI…
Newsletter 131. American business is the last bulwark against authoritarianism. Plus, large language models memorize whole books, Matthew McConaughey™, three people to follow, three books to read, and the virtual book coach. Enough, cried the business interests The checks and balances in our political system have been effectively neutered. Trump dominates the executive and the…
I’ve been intimately involved with five books by other authors in the last several years. I ghostwrote four and extensively edited and rewrote the fifth. All four of the ghostwritten books underperformed. I’m not just talking sales. I mean that they failed to accomplish their authors’ goals for generating business, increasing visibility, or boosting influence….
People think AI ethics for authors is complex. It shouldn’t be. There are subtleties, of course, but there are four basic principles to follow. All of this is the same whether you’re an AI enthusiast or an AI hater. If you agree, then make sure anyone you collaborate with agrees as well — publishers, coauthors,…
The news for nonfiction authors is bleak. Sales are down 8.4% year over year. Based on my recent experience with many authors pitching publishers, it’s harder than ever to get a book contract; even great book ideas are seeing rejections or meager advances. Of course, the real objective isn’t to get a deal, it’s to…
Last weekend, the two people I live with were sick. I wasn’t, but despite taking precautions to avoid infecting each other, it was pretty clear what was coming. Sure enough, I got sick on Monday and tested positive for flu. It’s sweeping the country. I suppose this is what I get for trying so hard…
Newsletter 130. I, Robot. Plus why spiking that “60 Minutes” story backfired, what people do when they should be reading books, three people to follow and three books to read. Why I turned myself into a chatbot My mission is simple: I’ve wanted to write a book since I first learned to read. Helping others…
I talk to authors about writer’s block all the time. It’s a common problem, but the causes are deep and psychological. Both practical solutions and emotional support can be helpful. I’ve written extensively about writer’s block. That’s what makes it a good test case. Could a chatbot trained on all that content provide the right…
It makes perfect sense to aim at the largest possible audience for your nonfiction book. Why create a book that’s designed for digital marketers when you could aim for all marketers — or maybe all executives? Hey, there must be millions of folks like that! Unfortunately, aiming at the largest possible audience is a dumb…