Podcast Summary: "The AI Writing Trend No One Is Talking About"

Coffee With Cole: The Digital Writing Podcast
Host: Nicolas Cole
Episode: The AI Writing Trend No One Is Talking About
Release Date: May 16, 2025

Introduction: Unveiling the Hidden AI Writing Revolution

In this compelling episode, hosts Alex and Blake delve into an emerging AI trend poised to revolutionize the world of digital writing, particularly nonfiction. They argue that while AI's impact on content creation is widely recognized, a significant shift in how authors monetize their work remains largely unnoticed.

Blake [00:06]: "Nobody is talking about this AI trend."

Redefining Nonfiction Books in the Age of AI

Nonfiction Books as Training Prompts

Alex introduces the concept that traditional nonfiction books serve as "long form training prompts for human beings." He contrasts this with AI, which can process the same content more efficiently and effectively.

Alex [02:21]: "Nonfiction book, not with 100% of readers... only one person out of every ten successfully implements the knowledge."

AI-Enhanced Monetization Models

The discussion progresses to how authors can transform their books into high-value AI-driven products. Instead of selling a book for $30, authors can package their content as a comprehensive AI prompt or integrate it into a Software as a Service (SaaS) platform, allowing them to charge significantly higher prices or subscription fees.

Alex [00:58]: "I could sell it as a long form training prompt... I could charge $300 for it. I might even be able to charge $3,000 for it."

The Legacy of Nonfiction Authors and New Opportunities

Traditional Business Models

Alex and Blake critique the conventional approach where nonfiction authors primarily profit from book sales and leverage those books to secure speaking and consulting gigs. They highlight that most authors earn modest advances and limited royalties, with only a select few achieving significant financial success.

Alex [09:04]: "The vast majority of nonfiction authors are not making crazy amounts of money, not even like semi crazy amounts of money off of their books."

AI-Based Business Models

Contrasting the traditional model, the hosts emphasize the potential of AI-driven approaches. By treating a book as valuable intellectual property (IP) and integrating it into AI platforms, authors can create ongoing revenue streams through subscriptions or high-ticket consulting services, thereby maximizing their earnings.

Blake [13:02]: "Take your long form book... treat it as a long form prompt."

Implications of the Shift

Types of Nonfiction Authors in the AI Era

The conversation identifies three emerging categories of nonfiction authors:

1. AI Spammers: Individuals who use AI tools to mass-produce low-quality books targeting specific keywords, capitalizing on existing demand without prioritizing quality.

   Alex [22:02]: "AI spammers... generate serious revenue by churning out hundreds of these books."

2. Uneducated Authors: Writers who resist adopting AI and new monetization methods, resulting in diminished earnings and outdated business practices.

   Alex [23:43]: "They are going to earn a fraction of what their knowledge is worth."

3. Established Industry Leaders: Authors with significant resources who continue to publish traditional books for status and personal branding, leveraging their established reputation to explore AI-based opportunities.

   Alex [24:41]: "People like Ray Dalio might continue to write books because they're already made all their money."

Economic and Industry Impact

This paradigm shift threatens to disrupt the traditional publishing landscape. As more authors adopt AI-driven models, the demand for conventional book publishing may decline, leading to fewer quality products from established publishers and an influx of AI-enhanced, high-value offerings.

Alex [30:35]: "There could be fewer available products to buy from traditional publishers."

Conclusion: Rethinking the Nonfiction Author's Path

Alex and Blake conclude by urging nonfiction authors to reconsider the traditional path of book writing. They advocate for embracing AI and alternative monetization strategies to fully capitalize on their knowledge and insights. The hosts foresee a future where intelligent, entrepreneurial writers leverage AI to achieve unprecedented financial success, leaving behind those who cling to outdated models.

Alex [31:30]: "If you're thinking of writing a nonfiction book, the first question you should ask yourself is, does it have to be a book?"

Key Takeaways:

• AI as a Monetization Catalyst: AI offers nonfiction authors new avenues to monetize their content beyond traditional book sales.

• Shift in Business Models: Transitioning from one-time sales to subscription-based or high-ticket models can significantly enhance revenue.

• Emerging Author Archetypes: The rise of AI will differentiate authors into spammers, uneducated traditionalists, and innovative industry leaders.

• Impact on Publishing: Traditional publishers may face challenges as the demand shifts towards AI-integrated products and services.

This episode serves as a crucial exploration of how AI is transforming the landscape for nonfiction writers, urging them to adapt and seize new opportunities in the digital age.