How AI Publishing Enabled Thad McIlroy to Launch His New Book

A game-changing book release showcases the transformative potential of artificial intelligence in the literary world, despite initial distribution challenges.

Overcoming AI-driven publishing hurdles: Thad McIlroy’s new book, “The AI Revolution in Book Publishing: A Concise Guide to Navigating Artificial Intelligence for Writers and Publishers,” faced a brief setback when Ingram flagged and removed it from distribution due to concerns over AI-generated content:

• Despite McIlroy using AI for only about 1% of the book, such as demonstrating ChatGPT for image alt-text generation, Ingram’s filters mistakenly identified the book as AI-generated.
• The issue was quickly resolved after McIlroy raised concerns on social media, with an Ingram employee reaching out to rectify the situation, allowing the book to be released on schedule.
• This experience highlights the growing pains and challenges in navigating the intersection of AI and publishing, as well as the need for robust appeal processes for authors who may find themselves in similar situations.

Innovative publishing model and AI-powered translations: McIlroy’s approach to publishing and distribution sets his book apart, leveraging AI tools and an iterative release strategy to engage with readers and expand the book’s reach:

• By initially publishing the book for free on LeanPub, an online self-publishing platform, McIlroy was able to release the book in stages (75%, 90%, and 100% complete), incorporating feedback from the community along the way.
• AI was used to translate the book into 31 languages, ranging from Swedish to Thai, making it accessible to a global audience, albeit with some loss of nuance.
• The audiobook is available in six AI-generated versions, including three English-language editions (American, U.K., and Indian accents) and translations in French, German, and Spanish.

A comprehensive guide to AI in publishing: As a contributing editor at PW covering the intersection of technology and the book business, McIlroy provides a concise and accessible overview of AI’s potential impact on authors and publishers:

• The book covers a range of topics, including metadata, licensing, and the challenges publishers face in formulating AI policies.
• It also discusses AI startups in the publishing space, with insights into how authors and publishers can leverage AI tools effectively.
• McIlroy maintains a database of book publishing startups, which is available through PW’s website.

Broader implications: The release of McIlroy’s book showcases the transformative potential of AI in the publishing industry, as well as the challenges that come with navigating this new landscape:

• The initial distribution hurdle with Ingram highlights the need for publishers and distributors to develop more sophisticated systems for identifying and handling AI-generated content, as well as clear guidelines and appeal processes for authors.
• McIlroy’s innovative approach to publishing, which combines AI-powered translations, an iterative release strategy, and a flexible pricing model, may inspire other authors to explore new ways of creating, distributing, and monetizing their work in the age of AI.
• As AI continues to advance and become more integrated into the publishing process, it will be crucial for authors, publishers, and industry professionals to stay informed about the latest developments and best practices, making resources like McIlroy’s book invaluable.