Welcome!

As a self-publishing author, staying ahead means using new technology to make your work easier and reach more readers. This self-paced lesson, perfect for busy writers like you, explores cutting-edge tools like artificial intelligence (AI) (computers that help with tasks like writing or editing) and blockchain (a secure digital record for payments or book sales). You’ll also plan a sustainable author platform (your online presence) to keep publishing long-term. Expect to spend 2–3 hours on this lesson, but go at your own pace!

What You’ll Learn:

• How AI tools can help with writing, editing, and audiobooks.

• How blockchain makes royalties and book sales fairer.

• How to plan a long-term author platform.

• Future trends like Web3 and AI analytics to stay competitive.

Part 1: AI Tools for Authors

AI (artificial intelligence) is like a smart assistant for writing and publishing. Here are free or affordable tools to try:

• ProWritingAid (Free/Paid, prowritingaid.com):

  • Checks grammar, style, and readability, like a virtual editor.

  • How to Use: Sign up for the free version, upload your manuscript, and follow suggestions to improve clarity.

  • Why It’s Great: Saves time on self-editing before hiring a pro.

• Jasper (Paid, Free Trial, jasper.ai):

  • Writes book blurbs or social media posts based on your input.

  • How to Use: Try the free trial, enter your book’s theme (e.g., “romance novel”), and generate a blurb.

  • Why It’s Great: Creates engaging marketing text fast.

• Descript (Free Trial, descript.com):

  • Creates audiobooks with AI-generated narration (a computer reading your book aloud).

  • How to Use: Upload your manuscript, use the free trial to test AI voices, and export an audio file.

  • Why It’s Great: Audiobooks are growing, and this makes them affordable.

Tip: Start with free trials to test tools without spending money.

Part 2: Blockchain for Publishing

Blockchain is a secure digital system that tracks transactions, like royalties (money from book sales) or book ownership. It’s like a tamper-proof ledger.

• Publica (publica.com):

  • Uses blockchain to sell eBooks and pay royalties transparently.

  • How to Use: Sign up, upload your eBook, and sell directly to readers.

• Book.io (book.io):

  • Sells books as NFTs (non-fungible tokens), unique digital items readers can own.

  • How to Use: Create an account, mint your book as an NFT, and offer exclusive content (e.g., bonus chapters).

• Why It Matters: Blockchain ensures you get paid fairly and lets you sell special editions, appealing to collectors.

Part 3: Building a Sustainable Author Platform

A strong author platform keeps you connected with readers for years. Here’s how to plan it:

• Website: Update your WordPress.com site (free) with new books and a blog (1 post/month).

• Email List: Use Mailchimp (free) to send quarterly newsletters with updates.

• Social Media: Pick 1–2 platforms (e.g., TikTok, Instagram) and post weekly about your writing.

• Engage Readers: Reply to reader comments or emails to build loyalty.

• Tip: Spend 1–2 hours/week on your platform to balance with your busy schedule.

Part 4: Future Trends – Web3 and AI Analytics

Publishing is evolving, and these trends will keep you ahead:

• Web3: A new internet where readers own digital items (e.g., NFT books) and authors sell directly via blockchain. Example: Sell a signed digital copy on Book.io.

• AI Analytics: Tools that analyze reader data (e.g., what genres are trending) to target marketing. Example: Future versions of Publisher Rocket may predict reader preferences.

• AR/VR: Augmented reality (AR) or virtual reality (VR) book trailers may let readers “step into” your story. Tools like Canva may soon support AR.

• Why It Matters: These trends help busy authors reach readers creatively and efficiently.

Part 5: Your 3-Month Plan

Create a 3-month plan to use one new tool (e.g., Descript for audiobooks) and maintain your platform:

• Month 1: Try a free AI tool (e.g., ProWritingAid) and post 2–3 times on social media.

• Month 2: Set up a Mailchimp email list and send one newsletter.

• Month 3: Explore a blockchain platform (e.g., Publica) or create a new book page on your website.

Tip: Use the assignment to draft your plan and stay organized.

What’s Next?

• Take the quiz to test your knowledge.

• Complete the assignment to create your 3-month plan.

• Join the forum (if available) to share your ideas.

• Download the resources to explore AI and blockchain.

Resources:

• AI Tools Guide (PDF) – Tips for using ProWritingAid, Jasper, and Descript.

• Web3 Glossary (PDF) – Key terms like blockchain and NFT explained.

Lesson 4 Assignment: Create a 3-Month Plan

Instructions: Plan your author career for the next 3 months, using one new tool (e.g., AI or blockchain) and maintaining your author platform. This helps you stay ahead, even with a busy schedule. Work at your own pace!

Steps:

1. Choose one tool from the lesson (e.g., ProWritingAid, Descript, Publica).

2. Create a 3-month plan in Word, Google Docs, or plain text:

   • Month 1: Use the tool (e.g., test ProWritingAid’s free version) and post 2–3 times on social media.

   • Month 2: Set up an email list (e.g., Mailchimp) or update your website.

   • Month 3: Try a blockchain platform (e.g., Publica) or add a new book page.

3. Write a short explanation (100–150 words) of why you chose this tool and how it fits your goals.

Submission:

• Upload your plan (DOCX, PDF, or text).

• Include your 100–150-word explanation in the text box or file.

Evaluation (for self-assessment):

• Plan (40%): Includes 3 months with specific tasks.

• Tool Choice (30%): Uses one tool from the lesson.

• Explanation (30%): Explains tool choice and goals.

Tip: Use the AI Tools Guide (PDF) and Web3 Glossary (PDF) to choose your tool.