EPISODE · Sep 7, 2026 · 10 MIN
AI Isn’t Why Your Books Aren’t Selling
from The Wordslinger Podcast · host J. Kevin Tumlinson
A WORDSLINGER 10-SHOTIs AI really the reason your books aren’t selling?Writers have plenty of legitimate reasons to be concerned about artificial intelligence, AI-generated books, changing algorithms, publishing platforms, and an increasingly crowded marketplace. But blaming AI for a struggling writing career won’t help you build a better one.In this Wordslinger 10-Shot, J. Kevin Tumlinson talks about why writers should stop thinking in terms of competition and start building something far more valuable: a direct relationship with their readers.Instead of depending entirely on Amazon, advertising platforms, algorithms, or whatever marketing tactic happens to be working this month, writers can build their own ecosystem through mailing lists, direct sales, strong reader relationships, and a platform they control.AI may be an obstacle. But the obstacle can become the way forward.If you’re an author, indie publisher, creator, or creative entrepreneur trying to build a sustainable career around your work, this episode is about focusing your energy on the things you can actually control.00:00 Welcome to the Wordslinger 10-Shot00:41 Is AI responsible for writers struggling?01:29 Writers aren’t really competing with each other02:31 Marketing is much bigger than advertising03:22 Why marketing strategies stop working03:51 Stop blaming AI for your lack of success04:35 Quality, craft, and finding the marketing that fits you05:43 Build your own reader ecosystem06:44 Protect yourself from platform dependence07:27 Build your mailing list and direct reader relationships08:07 The obstacle is the way: turning AI into an advantage09:16 Final thoughts and the challenge for writersJoin Kevin’s mailing list and get a free book:https://kevintumlinson.com/joinmeVisit the Knovelton Bookshop at knoveltonbooks.comGET 15% OFF YOUR ENTIRE ORDER AT CHECKOUT WITH CODE STORYCUTSIf you’re serious about writing better books, finding readers, navigating publishing, and building a sustainable creative career, subscribe to Wordslinger. This channel is dedicated to practical, experience-driven guidance for writers at every stage of the writing and publishing journey.Subscribe, leave a comment, and tell me: Has AI changed the way you approach your writing or publishing career? And what are you doing to build a relationship with readers that you control?FIND KEVIN:Find Kevin and his books:https://kevintumlinson.comJoin Kevin on Substack:https://kevintumlinson.substack.comWordslinger Podcast home page:https://wordslingerpodcast.comSERVICES FOR AUTHORS:Polish your writing and make it ready for publishing with ProWritingAid:https://tidd.ly/3NCdlk5Publish your book to every major retailer online, get your book into print and ebook, and get support the whole way at Draft2Digital:https://draft2digital.com/wordslingerFind a virtual assistant to help you market your books and more at AuthorAnchor:https://authoranchor.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
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What this episode covers
In this Wordslinger 10-Shot, Kevin challenges the idea that AI is to blame when writers struggle to sell books or build a career. Instead of obsessing over competition, algorithms, or AI-generated content, he argues that writers should focus on what they can control: better storytelling, smarter marketing, and stronger relationships with readers. The real advantage comes from building your own platform—especially your mailing list, direct sales channels, and reader community—so your career is less dependent on any one retailer, trend, or technology.
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AI Isn’t Why Your Books Aren’t Selling
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