Wish I'd Known Then . . . For Writers

Real, Not AI: 20 Ways Authors Can Signal Humanity and Build Reader Trust


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310 / AI is getting better at producing words, audio, and even video, which raises the question for authors: how do readers know there’s a real person behind the book?

In this episode, we talk about how writers can stand out in a sea of AI content through leaning harder into trust, voice, and real connection. We share concrete ways to signal “I’m a real person” without forcing yourself to overshare or turn your life into content. 

✨ This week’s sponsor is: Reedsy https://reedsy.com/studio and https://reedsy.com/studio/templates

  • Why authenticity and connection matter more as AI output scales—and what history tells us about tech panic cycles
  • How parasocial relationships work, where they go sideways, and how real-world interaction cuts through the noise
  • Practical ways to show your humanity: imperfection, process sharing, physical objects, and curation
  • Protecting your author voice and using credibility signals to build lasting reader trust

📌 Get a PDF download of all the ideas: Real, Not AI: 20 Ways Authors Signal Humanity and Build Reader Trust

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We’d love to hear from you. Comments will be open on this episode in Substack: https://wishidknownthenpodcast.substack.com/subscribe

⚡Links:

  • Reedsy https://reedsy.com/studio and https://reedsy.com/studio/templates
  • Patty McGree on using grammar as your paintbox:
  • https://pod.link/1495247798/episode/QnV6enNwcm91dC0xODY2MDEzOA
  • Joanna Penn and The Creative Penn Podcast: https://pod.link/309426367
  • Thanks to long-time supporter Parker Finch: https://parkerfinch.com/

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🚀 Jami’s Consulting and Workshops: https://www.jamialbright.com/authorworkshops

❤️ Jami’s books https://amzn.to/3wSraA5

🔎 Sara’s books https://www.sararosett.com/bibliography/

📚 Sara’s How to Write a Series book and audiobook: https://www.sararosett.com/how-to-write-a-series/

The Big List of Craft and marketing books mentioned on WIKT podcast episodes https://bookshop.org/lists/recommenced-resources-for-writers-from-the-wish-i-d-known-then-podcast

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Wish I'd Known Then . . . For WritersBy Sara Rosett and Jami Albright

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