Independent publishing is both rewarding and challenging. It gives authors complete creative control, but it also means managing every stage of production — from writing and editing to cover design, illustration, marketing, and distribution. Each of those steps requires time, skill, and often a significant financial investment.
For many indie authors, that cost can be a barrier. A beautifully illustrated cover or professionally designed page layout can cost hundreds, sometimes thousands, of pounds — and that’s before printing or advertising even begins. It’s a reality that has stopped countless stories from ever reaching readers.
That’s why I view AI as an invaluable resource.
When used thoughtfully and ethically, AI tools can help independent authors create, design, and share their work on a level that was once reserved for large publishing houses. It doesn’t replace talent or storytelling — it amplifies it. It provides creative freedom, accessibility, and the ability to bring ideas to life that might otherwise remain unseen.
For me, AI has become a supportive tool rather than a shortcut. It allows me to design covers that capture the tone and emotion of my stories, create concept art to inspire characters and settings, and experiment with colour palettes and layouts — all without the prohibitive cost that often comes with traditional production methods. It enables me to keep full creative control while maintaining a professional standard across my books.
But the key to using AI responsibly lies in one word: ethics.
I believe AI can only have a positive place in the creative world if it’s used with respect. That means:
- Never referencing or copying living artists’ names or artwork in prompts.
- Ensuring that all generated images are original and story-specific.
- Treating AI as a creative collaborator, not as a way to imitate or replace others’ work.
- Remaining transparent about how it’s used in the creative process.
When used this way, AI becomes an empowering tool — not a threat to artistry, but an extension of it. It opens opportunities for independent creators, parents, educators, and small publishers to share stories that might otherwise never be told.
I understand why AI raises concern within creative communities. New technology always does. But rejecting it entirely overlooks its potential to democratise storytelling — to help more people express themselves, publish their ideas, and reach readers around the world.
For me, AI has made the impossible possible. It has allowed me to build vibrant, imaginative books that reflect my stories exactly as I see them. It has made creativity more accessible, publishing more achievable, and storytelling more inclusive.
Used ethically, AI is not a replacement for human creativity — it’s a bridge to it.
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