Writing Books in Weeks, Not Years: Revolutionizing AI publishing with Dan Curran

What if publishing your book didn’t have to take months or even years but could be done in just weeks, without losing your authentic voice?

In this episode, Kevin Thompson talks with Dan Curran, founder of Chapters, a company reimagining the future of publishing by combining next-generation AI with human editorial excellence. Dan shares his entrepreneurial journey from running marketing agencies and doing M&A deals to launching a publishing platform that removes industry gatekeeping and makes writing a book enjoyable and accessible.

Along the way, Dan honors three people who profoundly shaped his career and life: Jason, a business partner who taught him the importance of preparation and financial fluency; Carla Boyd, who showed him patience and empathy in relationships; and John Ruhlin, whose generosity and networking acumen inspired Chapters’ launch.

Dan also shares moving client stories from a cancer doctor turned patient whose memoir will touch countless lives, to a Marine quadruple amputee whose words reveal unexpected poetry.

Whether you’ve dreamed of writing a book or want to hear how relationships open doors you never saw coming, this episode is packed with insights, inspiration, and human connection.

 

[00:00 – 03:00] From Storytelling to Marketing Success

• Dan’s lifelong fascination with documentaries and storytelling.
• Launching a marketing agency in 2000 and working with major brands like Anheuser-Busch.

[03:01 – 08:30] Meeting John Ruhlin & Building Chapters

• How EO (Entrepreneurs’ Organization) fostered deep connections.
• The early inspiration for Chapters and John Ruhlin’s role in its launch.

[08:31 – 14:30] Client Stories that Inspire

• A renowned cancer doctor’s personal battle with breast cancer.
• How telling her story will transform her work with patients.

[14:31 – 19:00] From the Battlefield to the Page

• A Marine quadruple amputee’s powerful memoir.
• How Chapters’ AI + interview process makes book creation faster and more authentic.

[19:01 – 28:10] Honoring Jason: Lessons in Preparation & Financial Clarity

• Learning to “speak banker” in high-stakes meetings.
• The lasting impact of understanding numbers and preparation.

[28:11 – 33:40] Honoring Carla Boyd: Patience, Empathy, and Seeing Everyone as “Misfit Toys”

• How Carla’s perspective shifted Dan’s approach to people and business.

[33:41 – 36:40] The Small Network That Changes Everything

• How a few key relationships are connected and drive massive impact.

[36:41 – 40:30] How Chapters Works & Why It’s Different

• Turning voice conversations into manuscripts in 10–14 weeks.
• Why human stories will be even more valuable in the AI era.

[40:31 – 41:16] Final Thoughts on AI and Life

• Dan’s perspective on embracing AI without fear.
• Encouragement to share your story for future generations.

Key Quotes

“The world of AI will make us crave human stories even more.” — Dan Curran
“Being prepared is the ultimate sign of respect in business.” — Dan Curran
“We’re all just misfit toys trying to figure it out.” — Dan Curran

Connect with Dan Curran
Website: www.chapters.io
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/currandan
Facebook: facebook.com/CurranDan

 

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