AI Can’t Publish Your Book for You—And That’s a Good Thing
- Jan Zucker
- Apr 8
- 4 min read
Hey everyone,
I’m taking over for Jan this week. I am Kristine, project manager and Jan’s right hand at DCC. I’ve been with DCC for three years, and in that time, I’ve watched the publishing industry transform at a speed no one could have predicted. Trends come and go, platforms rise and fall, and AI—well, AI has become the talk of the town.
The funny thing is, we at DCC have been AI enthusiasts long before ChatGPT could even get the right number of fingers on a hand. We've tested AI-generated outlines, used it to speed up research, and even played around with AI-generated book covers. It's an incredible tool.
But here’s something I need to say loud and clear:
You can’t hand your entire publishing process over to AI and expect great results.
And if you do? Well, you’re not publishing. You’re just letting an algorithm shuffle words together and hoping for the best.
AI Can Assist, But It Can't Create Human Magic
When ChatGPT’s latest model was released, I spent an evening testing its storytelling abilities. I fed it a writing prompt I’ve used for years, one that usually sparks something deep and personal in human writers.
The AI’s response? Well-structured. Grammatically correct... And completely soulless.
It didn’t struggle with words. But it had no voice. No perspective. No lived experience. It was just… a rearrangement of everything it had read before.
That’s the problem with using AI for books. It can mimic style. It can speed up research. But it cannot create something truly original.
And yet, people keep asking: Should we just automate the whole process?
I have a better question:
If you take humans out of publishing, what are you left with?
Publishing Is More Than Just Words on a Page
Let’s be real—writing the book is just one part of the journey. AI can’t:
Understand market trends the way humans do – Data can tell you what’s selling, but it can’t predict why people will love a book six months from now.
Build relationships in the industry – Publishing has always been about connections. AI can generate an email, but it won’t build trust with an agent, editor, or bookstore.
Tell a story that actually matters – The best books come from lived experiences, emotions, and perspectives—things no AI can replicate.
This is why the best authors, editors, and publishers are not just content creators. They are world-builders, culture-shapers, and thought leaders.
And that brings us to our next big discussion…
How to NOT Get Replaced by AI in Publishing
AI is here to stay—but that doesn’t mean you have to worry about being replaced. The key? Leaning into what AI can’t do.
If you’re an author writing your own manuscript
Develop a distinct writing voice that AI can’t replicate.
Share personal experiences, insights, and emotions in your work—something AI lacks.
Focus on deep storytelling and originality instead of generic, trend-chasing content.
If you’re an editor
AI can check for grammar, but it can’t refine storytelling, pacing, or emotional impact.
Lean into developmental editing and manuscript coaching—helping authors shape their books in ways AI simply can’t.
Build strong author relationships and create customized editing processes.
If you’re a cover designer
AI can generate images, but it doesn’t understand marketing, audience psychology, or the unique nuances of a brand.
Master typography, composition, and human-centric design that aligns with the author’s vision.
Focus on creating covers that stand out in a competitive market, not just “look pretty.”
If you’re a publisher
AI can produce content, but publishing is about connections, curation, and strategy.
Build a strong author brand rather than just churning out books.
Adapt AI tools for efficiency but stay at the forefront of innovation and industry trends.
Publishing is evolving, and the professionals who thrive will be the ones who bring something AI can’t (at least for now): creativity, strategy, relationships, and human intuition.
Next Roundtable: “Publishing Without AI—Is It Possible, Desirable, or Necessary?”
This is the conversation we need to have. Because while AI is here to stay, publishing needs a human touch more than ever.
Join us for a powerful discussion with Beth Werner, Founder and President of Author Connections, Professional Editor, and Marketing/Sales Advisor. With decades of experience in the publishing world, Beth has witnessed firsthand how technology has transformed the industry—but she remains a firm advocate for the irreplaceable role of human expertise in crafting, refining, and marketing books.
AI can speed up processes, but it lacks the intuition, depth, and artistry that turn a book into something unforgettable. In this exclusive session, we’ll cut through the hype and explore where AI fits—and where it falls short—in publishing.
Register here: Roundtable Discussion | DCC Website
If you’re a writer, editor, or publishing professional, you don’t want to miss this discussion.
And tell me—what do YOU think? Should AI have a place in publishing, or is it a disaster waiting to happen? Hit reply and let’s talk.
Keep creating,
Kristine
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