Is AI making nonfiction books obsolete? Not so fast.

In this episode of Finish the Damn Book, Susie Schaefer welcomes back Ally Machate, founder of The Writer's Ally, publishing strategist, and former Simon & Schuster editor, to explore how artificial intelligence is changing the publishing industry and what authors can do to make their books stand out.

Ally explains why basic how-to books face new competition from AI, while original experiences, storytelling, expert judgment, and meaningful reader connections remain essential.

In this episode, you'll discover:

• Why some nonfiction books are losing ground to AI and what that means for authors
• How personal stories and professional experience can make your book more valuable
• Why writing the right book matters more than simply getting published
• A publishing horror story involving a last-minute 100-page cut
• How collaborations and professional relationships help independent authors grow
• Why a book needs a strategy to become a valuable business asset

Plus, Ally shares a free training to help you evaluate your book idea before investing more time and money.

Free Training: Don't Write the Wrong Book

Discover Ally's five-step approach to creating a book that aligns with your audience and goals.

https://offers.thewritersally.com/finish-the-damn-book

Connect with Ally Machate

https://www.thewritersally.com

Finish the Damn Book Podcast helps aspiring authors, entrepreneurs, creatives, and writers finally complete the book they know they’re meant to write.

Hosted by Susie Schaefer, the podcast cuts through perfectionism, writer’s block, overwhelm, and publishing confusion with honest conversations about writing, publishing, book marketing, creativity, and the author journey.

Featuring authors, editors, ghostwriters, publishers, writing coaches, and industry professionals, each episode offers practical strategies to help writers finish, publish, and share meaningful books.

Topics include:
• Writing and revision tips
• Publishing and self-publishing guidance
• Book marketing and platform-building
• Creativity, confidence, and procrastination
• Encouragement for writers stuck in the messy middle

Many episodes close with Susie’s signature “Reflection Moment”, an intuitive conversation exploring creativity, identity, purpose, and the emotional side of becoming an author.

Whether you’re writing memoir, nonfiction, business, or personal development, Finish the Damn Book is here to help you trust your voice and finally bring your story to life.

Ready to move your book forward?
https://www.finishthebookpublishing.com/