5 Ways Writers Can Use AI to Help With Book Marketing

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You've written the book, but now comes the hard part: getting it into readers' hands. Whether you're self-publishing or going the traditional route, marketing is the bridge between your book and its readers—and for most writers, it's the part that feels most overwhelming.

But here’s the thing: marketing doesn’t have to drain your creative energy or steal your writing time. With the right tools, it can actually feel simple, even fun.

That’s where AI comes in. Think of it as your personal marketing assistant—ready to brainstorm, organize, and execute so you can focus on what you do best: telling stories that matter.

Let’s explore five beginner-friendly ways AI can help you market your book and connect with readers.

1. Build Your Author Platform (Even If Tech Scares You)

Your author website is the foundation of your marketing efforts—it’s your home base, the one place on the internet you completely control. When readers discover your work, they’re going to Google you. And what they find matters.

Let’s be real: your website isn’t just a digital business card—it’s a tool that turns casual browsers into loyal readers. It’s where people can learn about you, explore your books, and take action, whether that’s signing up for your newsletter, buying your book, or following you on social media. But here’s the catch: staring at a blank website page can feel paralyzing. What do you put on the homepage? How do you make your books stand out? And how do you create a site that looks professional without spending thousands of dollars or weeks of your life?

AI can simplify the entire process of building your website by helping you create polished, engaging content for every key page. Whether it’s your “About” page, a compelling book description for your “Books” page, or a clear call-to-action for your newsletter signup, AI can take your ideas and turn them into professional copy in minutes. And don’t worry—using AI doesn’t require any coding skills or tech wizardry. Platforms like ChatGPT are as simple as typing into a chat box, making it easy for anyone to get started.

What this looks like:

• Homepage: You can ask AI to help you craft a headline and tagline that immediately capture your genre and style. For example, “Escape into Small-Town Mysteries with Heart” or “Epic Fantasy Adventures for Readers Who Love Strong Heroines.”
• Books Page: Provide AI with the genre, main character, and stakes of your story, and it can generate multiple book descriptions that hook readers. You can even ask for variations—one that’s suspenseful, one that’s romantic, one that’s atmospheric—and choose the one that fits best.
• About Page: Share a few details about your background, why you write, and what themes you explore, and AI will turn your thoughts into a polished bio that feels authentic and professional.
• Newsletter Signup Page: AI can help you write a short, compelling pitch for why readers should join your list. For example, “Get exclusive sneak peeks, behind-the-scenes updates, and a free short story when you subscribe!”

The best part? You’ll end up with a website that feels cohesive, professional, and uniquely you—without spending a fortune or agonizing over every word. Even better? Your website becomes a powerful tool for connecting with readers, showcasing your work, and growing your audience.

2. Write Your Welcome Emails Without Starting From Scratch

Your email list is marketing gold—these are readers who’ve said, “Yes, I want to hear from you!” But let’s be real: most writers freeze after that first “Thanks for subscribing” email. What comes next? How do you keep the momentum going without sounding awkward or salesy?

Here’s the thing: that first impression through your welcome sequence is everything. It sets the tone for your entire relationship with readers. Nail it, and you’ll have fans who can’t wait to buy everything you write. Miss the mark—or worse, send nothing—and they’ll forget why they subscribed in the first place.

This is where AI can step in and save the day. Instead of staring at a blank screen, you can use AI to generate the entire structure and ideas for your welcome sequence. It’s like having a marketing coach whispering in your ear, “Here’s what works.” Think warm introductions, personal stories about why you write, behind-the-scenes peeks at your process, and invitations to connect. These are the elements that turn casual subscribers into superfans.

For example, you could tell AI, “I write fantasy novels with strong female leads. My lead magnet is a free short story, and I email my list twice a month.” From there, AI can create a framework for 5-7 emails that build connection over time. You’ll get suggestions for subject lines, hooks, and even calls-to-action. Then, all you have to do is add your personal stories, your voice, and your unique details. It’s like starting with a template, but one that’s tailored just for you.

The best part? Readers will feel genuinely connected to you from day one. They’ll look forward to your emails instead of ignoring them. And when your next book launches? They’ll be first in line to buy.

3. Brainstorm Social Media Content That Connects

Social media can feel like shouting into the void, especially when you're sitting there thinking, "What on earth should I post today?" And when the ideas don’t come, it’s easy to either post sporadically or give up entirely.

But here’s the thing: readers don’t just want to buy your book—they want to know you, the person behind the words. They want to see the stories, quirks, and behind-the-scenes moments that make your work come alive. The challenge? Coming up with fresh, engaging content every single day is exhausting.

This is where AI can be a total game-changer. In just one brainstorming session, AI can help you generate months of content ideas—yes, months. We’re talking 30, 50, even 100 ideas that you’d never think of on your own. Think character spotlights, behind-the-scenes glimpses, reader polls, writing tips, book aesthetics—the variety is endless.

Here’s how it might look: You spend an afternoon with AI, asking for content ideas based on your genre, themes, and audience. It might suggest fun prompts like, “What your main character’s coffee order says about them,” or engaging questions like, “Poll: Which chapter ending made you gasp?” You take these ideas, batch-create content when you’re feeling inspired, and schedule it out so your feed stays active without the daily pressure.

The best part? You’re not just posting for the sake of posting—you’re creating content that connects. Your readers stay engaged, your social media presence feels consistent, and you get to focus on what you do best: writing.

4. Write Book Descriptions That Sell

Your book description is your ultimate sales tool. It’s the bridge between a curious browser and a committed buyer. But let’s be honest—condensing 80,000 words into 150? That can feel like trying to squeeze a galaxy into a snow globe.

Here’s the thing: you could have written the next great American novel, but if your description doesn’t capture that magic, readers will never know. Most authors either write a dry summary that reads like a Wikipedia page or give away way too much of the plot. Neither approach sells books.

This is where AI can completely change the game. Instead of agonizing over every word, you can use AI to create multiple versions of your description, each highlighting a different angle of your story. Imagine a character-driven version that dives into your protagonist’s journey, a high-stakes version that amps up the tension, an atmospheric version that immerses readers in your world, or even a comp-title version that positions your book alongside fan favorites. Seeing your story from these different perspectives can help you uncover the version that makes it absolutely irresistible.

Here’s how it works: you give AI the basics—your genre, main character, central conflict, stakes, and that one unique element that makes your book stand out. In return, it generates five (or more!) descriptions. Maybe you love the opening hook from version one, the stakes from version three, and the final line from version five. You can mix and match until you’ve crafted the perfect description that feels like you and sells like crazy.

The best part? You’ll end up with a book description that makes readers think, “I have to read this RIGHT NOW.” The kind that drives those one-click purchases and sends your book climbing the charts.

5. Draft Podcast Pitches That Get You Booked

Podcast guesting is one of the most powerful ways to get your book in front of new audiences. One great interview can sell more books than months of social media posts—and the best part? You’re connecting with an audience that’s already engaged and ready to listen. But here’s the problem: most writers have no idea how to pitch themselves in a way that actually gets a “yes.”

Here’s the reality: podcast hosts are inundated with pitches. Dozens, sometimes hundreds, every single week. Most of them? Generic, boring, or completely off-base for the show. If your pitch doesn’t stand out, it’s getting deleted faster than you can say “unsubscribe.” And that means you’re missing out on the chance to connect with hundreds—or even thousands—of potential readers.

This is where AI can be your secret weapon. Instead of sending out cookie-cutter pitches, you can use AI to craft personalized, standout emails that make hosts excited to have you on their show. AI can help you research podcasts, analyze the types of guests they feature, and even identify the topics that resonate most with their audience. It’s like having a PR assistant who knows exactly how to position you as the perfect guest.

Here’s how it works:

• Step 1: Identify podcasts in your genre or that align with your book’s themes.
• Step 2: Use AI to research recent episodes, understand the host’s style, and pinpoint what their audience loves. For example, if the host often interviews authors about their creative process, AI might suggest pitching a topic like “How Writing My Novel Helped Me Overcome [Insert Personal Challenge].”
• Step 3: Let AI help you draft a pitch that shows you’ve done your homework. It can highlight your unique value, suggest talking points tailored to their audience, and make it easy for the host to say, “Yes, let’s book you!”

The result? More podcast bookings, which means more visibility, more credibility, and more book sales. And the best part? These interviews live forever online, continuing to attract new readers long after they air. It’s the kind of marketing that keeps working for you, even when you’re off writing your next book.

Final Thoughts

Remember: AI isn't here to replace your creativity or your voice. It's here to handle the heavy lifting so you can focus on what you do best—writing stories that matter.

Marketing is simply how you ensure they reach the readers who need them most—and with AI by your side, that process can feel lighter, faster, and more aligned with your creative flow.

So, pick one area where you're stuck. Maybe it's that author bio you've been putting off. Maybe it's the email welcome sequence you know you need. Maybe it's finally pitching that podcast you've been eyeing.

Whatever it is, let AI help you take that first step. Your stories deserve to be found—and now you have the tools to make it happen.

Ready to simplify your book marketing? Grab these five FREE AI prompts to c raft a standout author bio that hooks readers, brainstorm social media content that feels authentic, write a book description that sells, and pitch podcasts to get your book in front of readers.