top of page
Search

How is AI affecting the publishing business?

  • schlesadv
  • 2 days ago
  • 2 min read

AI is changing publishing as profoundly as the internet did 25 years ago. It's creating enormous opportunities, but it's also forcing publishers, authors, editors, and booksellers to redefine where human value lies.


The Bad

1. The flood of low-quality books

This is probably the biggest problem.

Millions of AI-generated books are being uploaded to online retailers.

Many contain:

  • Little original thought

  • Incorrect information

  • Poor storytelling

  • Generic writing

Readers increasingly struggle to distinguish professionally produced books from quickly generated content.

2. Increased competition

Because publishing is easier, everyone can publish.

That means:

  • More books

  • More authors

  • More advertising

  • More noise

Discoverability has become much harder.

3. Copyright uncertainty

Many questions remain unresolved:

  • Can AI-generated text be copyrighted?

  • Can AI train on copyrighted books?

  • Who owns AI-created artwork?

  • What constitutes infringement?

These issues are still being worked out in courts around the world.

4. Pressure on traditional publishing jobs

Some tasks once performed by:

  • Copy editors

  • Proofreaders

  • Marketing assistants

  • Graphic designers

  • Translators

are increasingly automated.

The demand is shifting toward professionals who know how to work with AI rather than compete against it.

5. Reader skepticism

Readers are beginning to ask:

"Was this actually written by a person?"

Books marketed as "100% AI-written" often face skepticism, especially in fiction and memoir, where authenticity matters.

The Gray Area

Ghostwriting

AI makes it possible for almost anyone to produce a readable manuscript.

But producing a readable manuscript isn't the same as writing a compelling book.

The difference between an average AI-assisted manuscript and an outstanding book usually comes down to:

  • Original ideas

  • Authentic voice

  • Emotional truth

  • Lived experience

  • Skilled revision

Those remain deeply human strengths.


Publishing exceptional books of all genres, for 18 years



 
 
 

Comments

bottom of page