How to Write a Book with AI in 2026 (Fiction & Non-Fiction Guide)

Can AI Help You Write a Book?

AI won’t write your entire book for you — and you wouldn’t want it to. But AI is an extraordinary writing partner that helps you outline, draft, edit, and overcome writer’s block. Authors using AI tools report completing books 3-5x faster while maintaining their unique voice.

This guide covers both fiction and non-fiction approaches, from initial concept to published book.

Best AI Tools for Book Writing

Tool	Best For	Strengths	Price
Claude	Long-form non-fiction	Deep analysis, consistency	$20/mo
ChatGPT	Brainstorming & outlining	Creative ideas, versatile	Free / $20 mo
Sudowrite	Fiction writing	Story engine, prose style	$19/mo
Jasper	Marketing copy for books	Book descriptions, ads	$49/mo
ProWritingAid	Editing & style	Grammar + style analysis	$30/mo
Atticus	Formatting & publishing	Book layout, export	$147 one-time

Non-Fiction Book Writing with AI

Phase 1: Research & Outline (1-2 weeks)

1. Use ChatGPT to brainstorm book concepts and validate your idea
2. Generate a detailed table of contents with chapter summaries
3. Research each chapter topic with AI — compile key facts, statistics, and examples
4. Create a chapter-by-chapter outline with main points and sub-topics

Phase 2: Drafting (2-4 weeks)

1. Write one chapter at a time using AI as a writing partner
2. Use Claude for drafting — it handles long-form content consistently
3. Feed your outline, key points, and voice preferences to AI
4. Review and rewrite each AI draft in your own voice
5. Aim for 3,000-5,000 words per chapter, 10-15 chapters for standard non-fiction

Phase 3: Editing (1-2 weeks)

1. Use ProWritingAid for grammar, style, and readability analysis
2. Ask Claude to review chapters for logical flow and consistency
3. Read the entire manuscript aloud (or use text-to-speech)
4. Get beta reader feedback

Fiction Book Writing with AI

Phase 1: World & Character Building

• Use ChatGPT to develop character profiles, backstories, and motivations
• Build your world’s rules, geography, and history with AI assistance
• Create a plot outline using story structure frameworks (3-act, Hero’s Journey)
• Sudowrite’s Story Engine helps maintain plot consistency

Phase 2: First Draft

• Sudowrite excels here — it understands narrative voice and can continue scenes in your style
• Write 500-1,000 words yourself, then let AI continue or suggest alternatives
• Use AI for dialogue generation — provide character voices and context
• Don’t edit during drafting — get the story down first

Phase 3: Revision

• Use AI to check for plot holes and inconsistencies
• Ask AI to suggest stronger openings for weak chapters
• ProWritingAid catches overused words and passive voice
• Human beta readers remain essential for fiction

Publishing Your AI-Assisted Book

• Amazon KDP — Self-publish ebook and paperback (free to publish, 35-70% royalties)
• Book description — Use Jasper to write compelling Amazon descriptions
• Cover design — Use AI image tools for concept, then hire a designer for final cover
• Formatting — Atticus handles professional ebook and print formatting

Ethical Considerations

• Be transparent about AI assistance if asked
• AI is a tool, not the author — your ideas, voice, and editing make it your book
• Amazon KDP requires disclosure of AI-generated content
• Focus on originality — AI should enhance your unique perspective, not replace it