In this episode of the “From Startup to Wunderbrand” podcast, Nicholas Kuhne interviews Bo Bennett, a social psychologist, entrepreneur, and author. Bo has spent over a decade in the self-publishing industry, and in this interview, he shares his unique perspective on how the landscape has changed, particularly with the introduction of AI.

Bo Bennett’s Journey in Self-Publishing

Bo started writing books after selling his first company in 2001, and his first book, “Year to Success,” was a massive 740-page tome filled with practical advice. He initially struggled with traditional publishers, who rejected his book for being too long or not fitting into a profitable formula. Realizing that the traditional publishing world prioritized quick profits over content, Bo chose the self-publishing route. This decision led him to create Ebookit, a platform that has helped many authors publish their work in ebook, print, and audiobook formats.

The Role of AI in Modern Publishing

Bo discusses how AI has revolutionized the way authors write and publish books. While he has written dozens of books manually, he also acknowledges how AI tools have made the process more efficient. He explains how AI can help with everything from generating book content to editing and formatting, cutting down on the time and resources traditionally needed for book production.

Ethics in AI-Generated Writing

A significant portion of the conversation revolves around the ethical implications of using AI in writing. Bo shares his thoughts on the fine line between using AI to assist in the writing process and taking full credit for an AI-generated book. While he is comfortable with AI helping to organize ideas or improve language, he believes it’s unethical to attribute AI-written content to oneself, especially when it includes academic or professional titles such as Ph.D. or M.D.

Balancing Creativity and Marketability

Bo advises aspiring authors to strike a balance between creativity and marketability. He explains that while it’s important to write for personal satisfaction, successful books also need to cater to the market. He stresses the importance of research and instinct in identifying what readers want, while also producing content that stands out in a crowded industry.

The Future of AI and Language Learning

Bo is particularly excited about AI’s potential in language learning. He is currently working on a project that leverages AI to teach new languages, offering an interactive experience that rivals traditional methods. By combining AI with ebooks, audiobooks, and videos, Bo believes that language learning can be more immersive and accessible than ever before.