The Reality of AI in Writing

I was recently contacted by a hybrid publishing company. I took the opportunity to see what they had to say because hybrid publishing is certainly growing. It is more accessible than traditional publishing and seems to be a good fit for many authors. I am beginning with the traditional route, but am not too rigid in my vision for my memoir’s path.

Writing a book and talking about a book you have written are two different skills. So lately, I have been taking any opportunity to talk about my book to build that skill as I feel I am a much better writer than I am speaker. So, developing the skills around what this journey will take is something I am always trying to gain access to.

I looked up the company. The founder is a professor from a credible university. There were not any best selling authors from the company but there were several authors whose voices have a place in the world and have won awards on smaller lists. so I figured a consult wouldn’t hurt.

​They said they only take 3% of people they consult with and that my book seemed compelling enough to get into their program. Who knows if that is true or not but it was nice to hear. But they use an AI tool for authors to upload all of their work into. It learns your style, your voice, and gains an understanding of how you think through interpreting your writing, from emails, blog posts, to your book. Sounds interesting but, I do not feel comfortable uploading my work to such a site. It seems like AI and that company can just steal my work within two seconds.

It also seemed like a push to push out AI books without putting in real work. I know little old me cannot fight AI. But it is crucial for authors to consider how AI might impact not only writers, but our readers too. There are emotional depths in books that AI cannot capture.  And I think it has to be upheld with great respect and responsibility. Unfortunately, those who take it seriously are the ones who might be outrun by those who jump on the AI bandwagon for obvious reasons.

I also received an whole transcript of our conversation with their representatives. I wish I had known the entire interaction was going to be imprinted on AI. $9,000 to use AI while using the lens of publishing to gain access to authors? Writing is such a huge time and financial commitment already. I can appreciate the innovative possibilities that AI brings to the table, but this is so frustrating. I am disappointed in companies like this. They contact authors, have pretty websites, tons of testimonials, and published work with awards, but ultimately use AI to make money off writers committed to their work. This is so impactful on writers and readers.

I went on a bit of a rabbit hole in response to the interaction. A lot of the book covers I saw published looked AI generated. Another blow to another creative profession. I would have liked to have had a more balanced interaction on the process of writing and editing rather than the push to sign up for a promising AI system. And worst of all; I could have been writing.