Editorial illustration for Chatbots can draft a book by lunch; a third of authors now use AI
AI Book Writing: Authors Embrace Generative Tools Fast
Chatbots can draft a book by lunch; a third of authors now use AI
Chatbots are now churning out full‑length manuscripts in the time it takes most of us to finish a sandwich. The headline “Chatbots can draft a book by lunch” isn’t a gimmick; it reflects a speed that would have seemed impossible a few years ago. Yet the real question isn’t how fast a model can write, but how that capability is already reshaping the daily workflow of writers.
Across romance, sci‑fi, mystery and non‑fiction, a growing slice of the author community is turning to large language models for everything from plot sparks to whole chapter drafts. The practice is slipping under the radar, with many creators opting not to tell their audiences. That hidden adoption rate is what makes the following data point striking.
On top of that, imitating an author's style often requires just two books as training material. A BookBub survey of more than 1,200 authors across genres shows that about a third are using generative AI for plotting, outlining, or writing — the majority without disclosing it to readers. Even author
On top of that, imitating an author's style often requires just two books as training material. A BookBub survey of more than 1,200 authors across genres shows that about a third are using generative AI for plotting, outlining, or writing -- the majority without disclosing it to readers. Even authors who publicly oppose the technology are secretly signing up for Hart's AI writing classes, according to the Times. Claude delivers the most elegant prose, but can't do dirty talk Hart, who publishes under 21 different pen names, tested several AI models for her novels.
Are readers aware of what they’re buying? A growing share of romance titles now emerge from AI, and sales data cited by the New York Times suggest they perform well. Coral Hart, who churned out more than 200 novels last year with models such as Claude, reportedly earned six figures while keeping her use of the technology hidden.
A BookBub poll of over 1,200 authors across genres found roughly one‑third employing generative AI for plotting, outlining or full‑text drafting, most without disclosing it to their audience. Even writers who publicly criticize the tools admit to secret usage, according to the same survey. The claim that an author’s style can be mimicked with only two books as training material adds another layer of concern.
Whether this covert adoption will erode trust or simply become an accepted part of the publishing process is still uncertain. For now, the data show a notable, if quietly practiced, shift in how a sizable minority of writers approach their craft.
Further Reading
- Best AI Book Writing Software 2026: 10 Tools Compared (With Pricing) - Inkfluence AI
- 15+ Best AI Writing Tools for Authors in 2026 - Kindlepreneur
- Top AI Writing Tools for Authors in 2026 - Inkshift
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Common Questions Answered
How many authors are currently using generative AI according to the BookBub survey?
The BookBub survey of over 1,200 authors found that approximately one-third (roughly 45%) are using generative AI for various writing tasks. This includes using AI for plotting, outlining, or even full-text drafting, with many authors not disclosing their AI usage to readers.
What ethical concerns do authors have about using generative AI?
According to the survey, 84% of authors who don't use AI cite ethical concerns as their primary reason for avoiding the technology. The most frequently mentioned issue is that many generative AI tools were trained on copyrighted material without compensating the original creators, which many authors view as a form of intellectual theft.
How are authors like Coral Hart using AI in their writing process?
Coral Hart reportedly used AI models like Claude to draft over 200 novels in a single year, earning six figures while keeping her use of the technology hidden from readers. Her approach demonstrates how some authors are leveraging AI to dramatically increase their writing output and potentially their income.