Let’s talk about Artificial Intelligence (AI)

If you publish a new book or edit an existing one, you will be asked at the time of uploading it if you have used AI to create the content.

You will need to understand if you have used ‘AI-generated’ or ‘AI-assisted’ content and know exactly what is allowed.

‘AI-Generated’ means that your text, images or translations have been created by AI, even if you have edited them heavily later. You MUST disclose this when uploading your book and indicate the level of human editing that has been involved (e.g. ‘minimal’ or ‘extensive’). This includes the use of AI-generated covers and interior artwork.

‘AI-Assisted’ means that you, the human, have created the work originally, but it has been improved using AI aids such as spell-checkers, brainstorming, or editing tools. This use of AI DOES NOT need to be disclosed.

Declaring the use of AI in your work does not automatically stop your book from being published, but if you are not truthful in your disclosures, you may risk having your content removed or face issues over copyright.

You should be mindful that you are the one ultimately responsible for everything you upload, and dishonesty can lead to your entire account being closed down, not just the single book in question.

Amazon KDP’s rules can be read by following the link here.

AI content also impacts copyright. Different countries apply different rules when a work contains AI-Generated content, and this article from Agentive AIQ is an excellent source of information to explain how copyright rules are applied in different parts of the world. Click the image to go to the site:

Should we be using AI at all?

The short answer is yes. When used effectively, it has huge benefits, and a writer today who ignores its potential is considered naïve.

Yet there are still some very firm principles that we need to stick to:

• ·      AI should only be used as a tool, and not to write a book. A machine cannot replace a human. A machine cannot understand feelings and emotions, nor live a real life like a human can.

• ·       Not every AI suggestion is helpful. Spelling and grammar checkers can point out different ways of saying things, but you still need to review every suggestion. You should only change something if it improves the quality of your work.

• ·       When your work is complete, it must still be your narrative voice that shines through. Not every machine-generated phrase offered will be suitable, and not every alternative piece of punctuation will add value.

• ·       Always reference your sources when quoting facts.

Will AI replace real authors?

At the moment, no. Book publishers want their customers to have a positive purchasing experience, and there has been a big increase in AI monitoring by the book publishing industry in recent years.

KDP, for example, does not support any content that includes nonsense text or misleading information. Many images created by AI contain mistakes when viewed closely, and AI-generated text may be riddled with mistakes or breach plagiarism or copyright laws.

The industry cannot monitor everything, however, and it is worth repeating that YOU are the person responsible for what appears under your name.

This is why you must verify that your content is accurate and does not contain any harmful or inappropriate material (be that generated by AI or as a human). Failure to properly disclose this, or the submission of low-quality, AI-generated content, can lead to the removal of your books from the platform and the termination of your account. 

What to tell your readers.

With so much controversy and misinformation around the subject of AI, you may feel that you would like to reassure your readers about your own stance. 

·       You could tell them on your website or social media pages that your work is legitimate and genuine.

·       You could reassure them about your ethical position and let them into the thought processes and research that goes into your work.

·       If trust is an important selling point for you, consider using words like ‘Free from AI, ’ ‘Original Work,’ or ‘research‑driven ‘ in your marketing campaigns.

Action you can take now

·      If you have used AI in the past, go back into your book publishing platform and identify which of your older titles were generated by AI.

o   Check the blurbs on your current books for anything that might sound generic or repetitive and consider refreshing it.

·       Avoid copying and pasting large chunks of AI output into your documents whilst researching, even if you intend to adjust it later.

o   Prepare a professional and factual response that you can reference if you are ever asked about your stance on AI by a customer.

Finally, as a safeguard for the future, it is a good idea to keep all of your notes and drafts, along with all the different versions of your novels, as evidence, should you be challenged about the authenticity of your work in the future.