AI Publishing Academy Review: Are the Mikkelsen Twins Legit?

After years of chasing every online side hustle imaginable-from affiliate marketing to dropshipping-I finally cracked the code to building a true six-figure business on the internet. Like many entrepreneurs, I started out juggling my day job with late-night experiments in passive income, always searching for that elusive breakthrough. Now, running my online businesses full-time, I’ve seen firsthand what works, what’s hype, and what’s just a waste of time.

That’s why I was so curious when I first heard about the AI Publishing Academy by the Mikkelsen Twins. With the explosion of AI tools and the promise of passive income through self-publishing, I wanted to see if this program actually delivers on its bold claims-or if it’s just another shiny object in the crowded world of online business opportunities.

In this review, I’ll break down my honest experience with the Academy, share what stood out to me as a seasoned entrepreneur, and help you decide if it’s worth your time and investment.

What is AI Publishing Academy?

As someone who’s spent years testing every online business model under the sun, I’m always skeptical of “shortcut” courses. But AI Publishing Academy isn’t just another empty promise. It’s a comprehensive online program that teaches you how to make money by self-publishing eBooks and audiobooks on Amazon-without needing to be a writer yourself. The core of the course is leveraging artificial intelligence to streamline the entire publishing process: from brainstorming book ideas and researching profitable niches, to outlining, drafting, and even formatting your book.

The curriculum walks you through every step, including:

• Using AI tools like ChatGPT for idea generation, outlining, and content creation
• Conducting customer and market research to identify what sells
• Hiring and managing ghostwriters if you want a human touch
• Designing covers, formatting manuscripts, and creating compelling book descriptions with AI
• Publishing on Amazon and Audible, and marketing your books for maximum visibility

What really stands out is the focus on automation and efficiency. The course is packed with video modules, downloadable resources, cheat sheets, and access to a private community for support. The ultimate goal? To help you build a scalable, passive income stream by publishing books that continue to sell long after you’ve moved on to your next project.

Recommendation: Here’s The Best Alternative

Who Created AI Publishing Academy?

AI Publishing Academy was created by Christian and Rasmus Mikkelsen, better known as the Mikkelsen Twins. If you’ve spent any time around the self-publishing world, you’ve probably seen their names-or their YouTube ads. These guys went from hustling out of their parents’ apartment to building a $50 million-a-year business teaching others how to succeed with Amazon publishing.

Their reputation is a bit of a mixed bag, which is common for big personalities in the online business space. On one hand, they have a massive following (over 70,000 YouTube subscribers and 15,000 Instagram followers), and they’ve reportedly trained more than 55,000 students in their methods. Their own publishing success is well documented, and they’re known for being transparent about their journey from struggling students to digital entrepreneurs.

On the other hand, their aggressive marketing style and the high price of their courses have drawn criticism from some corners. But there’s no denying they’re experts in the self-publishing field, and their results-and those of many of their students-speak for themselves.

Who is AI Publishing Academy For?

If you’re looking for a get-rich-quick scheme, this isn’t it. But if you’re an aspiring author, an entrepreneur, or just someone who wants to build a legitimate online business without having to write every word yourself, AI Publishing Academy is definitely worth considering.

This program is ideal for:

• People who want to start an online business but don’t have traditional writing skills
• Busy professionals looking to create passive income streams
• Side hustlers ready to scale up and automate their publishing efforts
• Anyone interested in leveraging AI to speed up content creation and reduce costs
• Those who want step-by-step guidance, community support, and live coaching as they build their publishing business

Whether you’re a total beginner or have tried self-publishing before and struggled to gain traction, the Academy’s AI-driven approach can help you overcome the biggest hurdles-especially the time and effort it usually takes to get your first book live. Just be prepared to put in the work, and don’t expect overnight riches. Like any real business, your results will depend on your effort, creativity, and willingness to learn.

Recommendation: Here’s The Best Alternative

How is AI Publishing Academy Structured?

As someone who’s invested in a lot of online courses, I always look for a clear, actionable structure-and AI Publishing Academy delivers on that front. The program is broken down into five main modules, each packed with step-by-step lessons and practical tools. Here’s a quick overview of what you’ll find inside:

• Mindset Training: Lays the psychological foundation for success, helping you develop the right habits and mindset for building a publishing business.
• Book Creation: Shows you how to use AI for brainstorming ideas, with resources like their “Ultimate AI Prompt Sheet” for ChatGPT to generate book topics and outlines quickly.
• Content Production: Teaches you how to leverage AI and ghostwriters to produce high-quality book content, including multiple lessons on hiring and managing ghostwriters, and using AI for drafting and editing.
• Packaging & Publishing: Covers everything from designing book covers (even using AI art tools like Midjourney), formatting, proofreading, and writing compelling book descriptions with AI. You’ll also learn how to upload your book to Amazon and set up your author profile.
• Marketing Strategies: Dives into pricing strategies, review generation (like the Pubby Review Method), copyrighting, and using Amazon Author Central to boost your book’s visibility and sales.

Beyond the core modules, you get access to a private Facebook group with nearly 40,000 members and live coaching calls five times a week, which is invaluable for troubleshooting and staying motivated.

Are AI Publishing Academy Students Getting Results?

I know results are what really matter. From what I’ve seen-and from my own experience-students are seeing real success, but it’s not a magic bullet. For example, Trevor Somerville, a former student, shared that he started with zero experience and was able to build a publishing business that gave him more freedom and flexibility. He highlights that the step-by-step approach and supportive community were crucial for overcoming challenges, especially when dealing with the technical and marketing aspects.

The course boasts a 4.7 out of 5 stars rating on Trustpilot, and has been featured positively in Forbes and Inc. for helping people achieve financial freedom through self-publishing. Many students mention that while the initial investment is significant, the community and ongoing support are worth it, and some have recouped their investment and more, though it does require real work and perseverance.

Here’s a quick testimonial that stood out to me:

“The training materials are okay but the community alone is worth the investment! I haven’t recuperated the cost of the program yet but I have a good feeling I’ll get there. It’s not an easy business, it will take a lot of perseverance.”

Recommendation: Here’s The Best Alternative

How Much Does AI Publishing Academy Cost?

Let’s talk numbers-because this is a serious investment. The cost of AI Publishing Academy has been listed at several price points, but the most common recent figures are:

• $1,995 (sometimes offered as a “discounted” price)
• $4,000–$6,000 for the full program, with options to split into four monthly payments of $1,500

This makes it one of the more expensive online business courses out there. However, you do get access to live group coaching, a large private community, and their proprietary AI writing software.

Refund Policy:
There’s an action-based 1-year money-back guarantee. This means if you complete the required steps and don’t see results, you can request a refund within a year. To qualify, you’ll need to follow the specific criteria outlined in their Terms of Service, and submit your request through their dashboard or by email.

In my experience, the high price tag can be daunting, but if you’re serious about building a self-publishing business and willing to put in the work, the resources and support provided can make it worthwhile. Just make sure you’re ready to commit before jumping in.

Praises For AI Publishing Academy

Reflecting on my experience and the feedback I’ve seen from other students, there are several standout strengths of AI Publishing Academy that deserve recognition:

• Comprehensive, Step-by-Step Curriculum:
  The course leaves no stone unturned. From niche research and AI-powered content creation to marketing and scaling, the modules walk you through every stage of building a self-publishing business. This structure is especially helpful for beginners and those who want a clear, actionable roadmap.

• Cutting-Edge AI Tools:
  The integration of proprietary tools like Publishing.ai is a game-changer. These tools help streamline brainstorming, outlining, and even drafting, saving hours of manual work. For me, being able to automate tedious tasks meant I could focus more on strategy and scaling my business.

• Supportive Community:
  The private Facebook group and frequent live coaching calls are huge assets. Whenever I hit a roadblock, I found answers quickly from either the support team or fellow students. Many users echo this sentiment, saying the community alone justifies the investment.

• Proven Success Stories:
  There are plenty of testimonials from students who’ve hit significant milestones. For example, some have reported earning tens of thousands in royalties, and others credit the course with giving them the confidence and tools to finally launch their first book. The program’s Trustpilot rating (4.7/5) and recognition from major publications like Forbes and Inc. also add credibility.

• Focus on Building a Sustainable Business:
  Instead of just teaching you how to publish a single book, the Academy emphasizes building a scalable, long-term business. I appreciated the modules on branding, portfolio management, and leveraging Amazon’s global platform for consistent, passive income.

Recommendation: Here’s The Best Alternative

Criticisms For AI Publishing Academy

Of course, no program is perfect, and AI Publishing Academy has its fair share of criticisms-some of which I’ve experienced firsthand or seen in the wider community:

• High Cost of Entry:
  The price tag is steep, often running several thousand dollars. While you do get a lot of value, this upfront investment can be a barrier for many people, and there are additional costs for ghostwriters, narrators, and marketing.

• Mixed Results and Success Rates:
  Despite the glowing testimonials, not everyone sees the same level of success. Some students have struggled to recoup their investment, and a few felt the earning claims were overly optimistic compared to their actual outcomes.

• Quality of AI Content:
  While the AI tools are helpful for outlines and brainstorming, they aren’t a magic bullet. You still need to invest in quality ghostwriters and editors to produce books that actually sell. Some critics argue that the reliance on AI can lead to lower-quality content if you’re not careful.

• Customer Support and Refund Issues:
  There have been reports of inconsistent customer service and difficulties in obtaining refunds. Some users expressed frustration with slow response times or strict refund conditions, so it’s important to read the fine print and keep records of your progress.

• Aggressive Marketing and Reputation Concerns:
  The Mikkelsen Twins are savvy marketers, but some people feel their sales tactics are too aggressive or that they focus more on selling courses than on actual publishing. There’s also been some controversy and even a federal investigation into their business practices, which is worth considering if you’re on the fence.

Should You Join AI Publishing Academy?

After going through the program and seeing what it offers, I think the decision to join AI Publishing Academy really comes down to your goals, budget, and willingness to take action. If you’re serious about building a self-publishing business, want to leverage the latest AI tools, and value having a step-by-step roadmap with strong community support, this course can give you a real head start. I found the training detailed and actionable, and the community was a huge motivator whenever I hit a wall.

That said, it’s not for everyone. The upfront investment is significant, and you’ll need to budget for additional expenses like ghostwriting, editing, and marketing. Success isn’t guaranteed, and you’ll have to put in consistent effort to see real results. If you’re looking for a quick fix or aren’t ready to commit both time and money, you might want to hold off or explore other options first.

In my experience, AI Publishing Academy is best suited for those who are ready to treat self-publishing as a real business, not just a side hustle. If that’s you, and you’re excited about using AI to work smarter, not harder, it could be a great fit.

Recommendation: Here’s The Best Alternative

AI Publishing Academy Alternative

If you’re interested in making money online but aren’t sure self-publishing is your path-or if the price of AI Publishing Academy gives you pause-I highly recommend checking out Wealthy Affiliate. When I first started out, Wealthy Affiliate was my go-to resource for learning the ropes of online business, and it’s still one of the best platforms for beginners and experienced entrepreneurs alike.

Wealthy Affiliate teaches you how to build and grow a profitable affiliate marketing business from scratch. You’ll learn everything from niche selection and website creation to SEO, content marketing, and monetization strategies. What I love about Wealthy Affiliate is the hands-on training, the active community, and the fact that you can start for free and upgrade as you grow.

Unlike AI Publishing Academy, which focuses solely on self-publishing, Wealthy Affiliate gives you a broader foundation in online business. If you want to diversify your income streams, build authority websites, or just get a solid grounding in digital marketing, it’s a fantastic alternative. Plus, the monthly membership is much more affordable, making it accessible for anyone who’s serious about building an online income.

In short, if you’re not ready to dive into self-publishing or want to explore other proven ways to make money online, Wealthy Affiliate is my top recommendation. It’s where I got my start-and it could be the launchpad for your own online success story.

Recommendation: Here’s The Best Alternative