Ever stumbled across those videos of the Mikkelsen twins cruising in exotic cars while telling you how they made millions publishing books they didn't even write? 

Yeah, me too. 

And if you're like me, you've probably wondered whether their course - now called AI Publishing Academy - actually delivers on its promises or is just another flashy online program selling dreams. 

I've spent weeks digging through reviews, testimonials, and course materials to give you the straight talk on what this program really offers.

What Exactly Is AI Publishing Academy?

AI Publishing Academy (formerly Audiobook Income Academy) is an online course created by twin brothers Rasmus and Christian Mikkelsen. 

The program teaches people how to publish books and audiobooks on Amazon using AI tools, without writing a single word themselves.

The Mikkelsen twins have built quite a following with over 70,000 YouTube subscribers and 15,000 Instagram followers. 

They've reportedly trained more than 55,000 students in their self-publishing methods, which now heavily incorporate AI to streamline the content creation process.

The basic premise is simple: find profitable niches on Amazon, use AI to generate content, package it professionally, and market it effectively. 

The twist? 

The new version leans heavily on artificial intelligence to make the process faster and more accessible to people who don't consider themselves writers.

The Course Structure: What You'll Learn

The program is structured into five main modules:

1. Mindset Training – The psychological foundation they claim you need for success

2. Book Creation – Using AI for ideas and their "Ultimate Prompt Sheet" for ChatGPT

3. Content Production – Leveraging AI to generate outlines and content

4. Packaging & Publishing – Cover design, formatting, and getting your book on Amazon

5. Marketing Strategies – Including using platforms like Pubby to boost reviews

Beyond the core curriculum, students get access to a private Facebook group with over 39,700 members and live coaching calls five times weekly. 

This community aspect is something Trevor Somerville highlights in his review as particularly valuable for troubleshooting and motivation.

I've got to admit, the integration of AI tools is pretty clever. 

They're essentially teaching people to use ChatGPT and similar technologies to create books that meet specific market demands, something that would have taken much longer just a few years ago.

The Real Cost (It's More Than You Think)

Here's where things get interesting. 

The course price varies dramatically depending on who you ask.

The program costs $6,000 upfront or four monthly payments of $1,500.

But that's just the beginning. You'll also need to budget for:

• Ghostwriters: $200-500 per book (if you don't fully rely on AI)

• Narrators: $150-300 per finished hour for audiobooks

• Cover designers: $50-150 per design

• Advertising costs: Potentially hundreds per month

• Various software subscriptions

So your true startup cost could easily reach $8,000-10,000 before you see a penny in return. 

This isn't necessarily unreasonable for starting a business, but it's far more than the course sales page might lead you to believe.

Success Stories: Are They Typical?

The Mikkelsen twins showcase several success stories, including one student who reportedly earned $20,023 in estimated royalties from 54 audiobooks. 

Another student, Trevor Somerville, claims to have made over $50,000 in his best month, as noted in his Medium post.

That sounds impressive, but here's what I noticed: most success stories involve people who published dozens of books and stuck with the program for years. 

This isn't a get-rich-quick scheme (despite how some of the marketing might come across).

The twins themselves claim to have published over 150 books, which gives you an idea of the volume needed to reach significant income levels. 

This makes sense - Amazon's self-publishing world is essentially a numbers game.

The Criticisms You Should Know About

Not everything about AI Publishing Academy is rosy. Some notable concerns include:

1. Overhyped Marketing: Many reviews, including some on Trustpilot, suggest the earning potential is exaggerated in promotional materials.

2. Credibility Issues: The Mikkelsen twins have reportedly had issues with Amazon policies in the past, including bans on Audible, raising questions about their current teaching methods.
   Market Saturation: As more people join the program, competition increases on Amazon, potentially making the strategies less effective over time.

3. Refund Policy Fine Print: The 180-day money-back guarantee requires you to attend orientation and publish an audiobook of at least 2 hours—no small commitment if you decide the program isn't for you.

David Fort's LinkedIn review points out that the competitive nature of the audiobook market means success requires significant effort beyond just following the course steps.

Cheaper Alternatives Worth Considering

Before dropping thousands on AI Publishing Academy, consider these alternatives:

• Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing: This platform is completely free to use and offers reasonable royalties. The learning curve is steeper without guidance, but there are plenty of free resources available.

• Sophie Howard's Kindle Publishing Income Course: A comprehensive alternative focused specifically on Kindle publishing, at a potentially lower price point.

• Free Education: Between YouTube tutorials, blogs, and forums like Reddit's r/selfpublish, you can piece together much of this knowledge without spending a dime—it just takes more time and effort.

The DIY approach works well if you're disciplined and willing to learn through trial and error. 

The main thing you'd miss is the community support and direct coaching that AI Publishing Academy provides.

My Bottom Line: Is It Worth It?

After reviewing everything about AI Publishing Academy, I think it comes down to your personal situation:

It might be worth it if:

• You have $2,000-6,000 to invest plus additional capital for publishing costs

• You're disciplined enough to follow through on the program

• You value structured guidance and community support

• You're interested in building a publishing business, not just publishing a single book

Skip it if:

• You're looking for a quick way to make money

• You're on a tight budget

• You prefer writing your own books

• You're willing to learn through free resources and trial and error

The program does seem to work for some people—that much is clear. But success requires significant investment beyond the course itself, both in terms of money and time.

For many aspiring self-publishers, starting with Amazon KDP directly and using free resources might be the smarter first step. 

If you hit roadblocks or want to scale faster, then courses like AI Publishing Academy could make sense as a later investment.

Have you tried AI Publishing Academy or similar self-publishing courses? 

I'd love to hear about your experiences. 

And if you're thinking about getting into self-publishing, let me know what approaches you're considering in the comments below or send me a DM on Instagram.

Disclaimer: This review is based on publicly available information and third-party reviews. I'm not affiliated with AI Publishing Academy, and this article is not intended as financial advice. Self-publishing success varies widely based on numerous factors including niche selection, marketing efforts, and market conditions.