News/Publishing
A prestigious scientific journal just lost its editorial board in mass protest against AI
A mass exodus of editors at a prestigious scientific journal highlights growing tensions between publishers and academic communities. The immediate trigger; Nearly the entire editorial board of Elsevier's Journal of Human Evolution has resigned, marking the 20th such mass resignation from a scientific journal since 2023. Core grievances: Elsevier's proposed operational changes and cost-cutting measures sparked significant concern among the editorial board. The publisher planned to eliminate support positions for copy editing and special issues A dramatic reduction in associate editors was proposed, cutting the team by more than half Elsevier introduced an additional lower-tier editorial board with limited responsibilities...
read Dec 20, 2024How Scribd leverages Meta’s AI models to make nuanced book recommendations
The evolution of AI-powered book discovery is transforming how readers find their next great read, with Scribd, Inc.'s Everand service leading the way through innovative use of Meta's Llama language models. The transformation of book discovery: Everand's new Ask AI feature represents a significant upgrade from traditional keyword-based searches, serving a massive library of over 195 million pieces of content to 200 million monthly visitors. The previous system relied on pre-generated topics and basic keyword searches, limiting users' ability to discover specific content The new AI-powered system can handle complex, nuanced queries like exploring ancient martial arts elements in modern...
read Dec 16, 2024Authors Guild statement asserts authors control AI licensing rights
The evolving landscape of artificial intelligence in publishing has prompted new discussions about authors' rights and control over their intellectual property. Key position statement: The Authors Guild has released a comprehensive statement reinforcing that authors, not publishers or tech companies, should maintain control over AI licensing of their work. The organization emphasizes that authors must have the choice whether to allow their works to be used by AI and determine the specific terms of use This position follows HarperCollins becoming the first major trade publisher to establish an AI deal with a tech company The Guild expressed approval of HarperCollins'...
read Dec 12, 2024HarperCollins CEO sees print book boom, explores AI potential
The publishing industry continues to evolve as HarperCollins (HC) navigates print book resilience, digital transformation, and artificial intelligence integration, according to recent remarks by CEO Brian Murray at the UBS Global Media and Communications Conference. Print market dynamics: Despite digital growth, traditional print books maintain surprising strength in the publishing marketplace. Deluxe editions of backlist titles like "Wicked" and the "Bridgerton" series are experiencing robust holiday sales Print format continues to demonstrate resilience even as digital options expand HC remains committed to multi-format distribution while ensuring profitability for both authors and publisher Digital transformation landscape: The audiobook market shows continued...
read Dec 11, 2024Acclaimed author says AI is accelerating the downfall of publishing
The digital age has fundamentally transformed reading habits and book publishing, with recent data showing nearly half of Americans haven't read a book in over a year, as technology and AI continue to reshape how people consume information. Current reading landscape: Recent data from Test Prep Insight's 2024 National Book Survey reveals a concerning trend in American reading habits. 48.5% of survey respondents report not reading any books in over a year Less than one-third of Americans read for recreational purposes Digital distractions are increasingly pulling readers away from books, with people more likely to interrupt reading to check email...
read Dec 2, 2024Manga publisher taps AI to translate Japanese comics
Manga localization is undergoing rapid transformation as Japanese startup Orange deploys Anthropic's Claude AI model to accelerate English translations, addressing the massive gap between available Japanese titles and translated versions in the US market. Market dynamics and opportunity; The US manga market, valued at $880 million in 2023 and projected to reach $3.71 billion by 2030, currently has access to only 2% of Japanese manga titles. Orange's AI-powered translation system can complete manga titles in days, compared to the traditional 2-3 month timeline for human translators The company distributes translated content through their proprietary app called emaqi The automated process...
read Nov 27, 2024AI innovation and the future of book publishing
The rise of artificial intelligence and digital innovation is creating both opportunities and challenges for the traditional book publishing industry, fundamentally altering how content is created, distributed, and consumed. Industry transformation: The publishing landscape has dramatically evolved since Amazon's Kindle launch, with AI now driving unprecedented growth in publishing-related startups. A comprehensive database tracking publishing startups has grown from 1,300 to 1,763 companies since 2022, with 1,183 still operational Approximately 320 new AI-related startups have emerged in the past two years alone Major publishing houses are secretly developing their own AI capabilities while simultaneously pursuing legal action against AI companies...
read Nov 19, 2024Microsoft is the mystery company licensing HarperCollins books for AI training
The rapidly evolving landscape of AI training data has revealed Microsoft as the mystery company partnering with HarperCollins Publishers in a significant content licensing deal. Deal specifics: Microsoft has entered into a three-year agreement with HarperCollins to use select nonfiction books for AI model training purposes. The arrangement specifically covers "select nonfiction backlist titles" from HarperCollins' catalog Authors must explicitly opt into the training program Individual authors are being offered $2,500 per book for the three-year licensing period Author reactions: The compensation structure has sparked discussion among writers about the true value of their intellectual property in the age of...
read Nov 19, 2024Dutch publisher ignites controversy with its plans for AI translation
The use of artificial intelligence for book translations has emerged as a contentious issue in the publishing industry, with major publishers exploring AI capabilities while facing pushback from authors and translators. Key development: Veen Bosch & Keuning (VBK), the Netherlands' largest publisher recently acquired by Simon & Schuster, has announced plans to implement AI-assisted English language translations for select titles. The initiative will be limited to fewer than 10 commercial fiction titles that have limited English-language market potential VBK emphasizes that no literary titles will be included in this program The publisher maintains that human oversight will remain central to...
read Nov 18, 2024HarperCollins seeks AI training rights from authors
The publishing industry continues to grapple with artificial intelligence as HarperCollins explores a new frontier in AI training data licensing, offering authors compensation for the use of their works in machine learning. Key development: HarperCollins has established an agreement with an unnamed AI company to utilize select nonfiction books for AI model training, with authors having full control over participation. The publishing house is offering authors $2,500 for a three-year license to use their books in AI training The agreement currently focuses specifically on nonfiction titles from the publisher's backlist Authors must explicitly opt-in to participate in the program Industry...
read Oct 19, 2024Penguin Random House bans AI training on its books
Publishers take a stand on AI training: Penguin Random House, a major book publisher, has introduced new language on copyright pages to explicitly prohibit the use of their books for training artificial intelligence systems. The updated copyright page now states that no part of the book may be used or reproduced "for the purpose of training artificial intelligence technologies or systems." This change applies to both new releases and reprinted books, signaling a clear stance against unauthorized AI training using their content. Penguin Random House also reserves the work from text and data mining exceptions in accordance with European Union...
read Oct 1, 2024Robert Downey makes Broadway debut as AI-conflicted novelist
A provocative exploration of AI's impact on art: Ayad Akhtar's new play "McNeal" delves into the tension between traditional human creativity and emerging AI technologies, set against the backdrop of a near-future literary world. Robert Downey Jr. makes his Broadway debut as Jacob McNeal, a renowned novelist grappling with the encroachment of artificial intelligence on his craft. The play, directed by Bartlett Sher, opened at the Vivian Beaumont Theater in Manhattan, transforming the space into a sleek, futuristic setting reminiscent of an Apple store. Set in the "very near future," the story pits computer-mediated interactions against traditional artistic processes, raising...
read Sep 30, 2024Sci-fi magazine halts submissions after food of AI-generated submissions
AI-generated submissions flood sci-fi magazine: Clarkesworld, an online fantasy and science fiction magazine, has faced an overwhelming influx of AI-generated content, leading to a temporary shutdown of submissions and raising concerns about the future of human creativity in publishing. By late 2022, Clarkesworld's creator Neil Clarke noticed an increase in suspicious submissions, coinciding with the launch of OpenAI's ChatGPT. In February 2023, the situation became so dire that Clarke was forced to halt all submissions to the magazine. Clarke estimated that AI-generated submissions were on track to match the number of legitimate ones before the shutdown. The broader impact of...
read Sep 6, 2024Publishing Giant Wiley is Reorienting Itself as an AI Licensing Company
Wiley's strategic shift and AI opportunities: Wiley, the global publishing company, has concluded its fiscal 2024 restructuring program and is now focusing on expanding its presence in the artificial intelligence (AI) sector. The company completed its divestiture program, which involved selling three businesses and implementing layoffs, with the final two deals finalized on August 31, 2024. Wiley's restructuring aims to create a more focused and profitable company, resulting in a 6% revenue increase to $390 million and a 22% rise in adjusted EBITDA to $73 million, excluding the impact of divested companies. AI licensing deals drive growth: Wiley has successfully...
read Sep 5, 2024NaNoWriMo’s AI Debate Signals Looming Shake-Up for Aspiring Writers
NaNoWriMo embraces AI in annual novel-writing challenge: The National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) organization has announced that it will not prohibit the use of artificial intelligence in its annual speed-writing contest, sparking controversy and debate within the writing community. NaNoWriMo, an annual event where participants attempt to write a 50,000-word novel in one month, has been running since 1999 and now attracts nearly half a million participants each November. The organization's decision to allow AI assistance was justified as a means to address "classist and ableist issues" in writing, suggesting that AI could level the playing field for those with...
read Sep 4, 2024NaNoWriMo’s Stance On AI Writing Tools Ignites Fierce Backlash Among Writers
NaNoWriMo faces backlash over AI writing stance: The National Novel Writing Month organization has sparked controversy with its recent statement on AI writing tools, drawing criticism from writers and industry professionals. The organization's position: NaNoWriMo announced that it neither supports nor condemns the use of AI writing tools, arguing that opposing such technology could be considered classist and ableist. The organization stated that AI tools can reduce financial burdens for some writers and assist those with different cognitive abilities. NaNoWriMo emphasized individual freedom in choosing writing methods, acknowledging that some community members are against AI use for themselves. The statement...
read Aug 7, 2024Audible Introduces AI-Powered Search Feature
Audible, the Amazon-owned audiobook and podcast platform, is introducing an AI-powered search feature called Maven, marking a significant step in enhancing user experience and content discovery within its vast library of audio content. Maven's core functionality: Maven employs natural language processing to interpret user queries and provide tailored audiobook recommendations based on specific criteria or preferences. The AI-powered search tool can understand and respond to complex queries like "I'm looking for an uplifting fiction novel with a female protagonist," demonstrating its ability to process nuanced search parameters. This feature aims to simplify the process of finding relevant titles across Audible's...
read Aug 7, 2024South Korea Pioneers AI Textbooks to Transform Education by 2025
South Korea is set to pioneer the use of AI-enhanced digital textbooks in its educational system, marking a significant shift in the country's approach to learning technology. This innovative move aims to personalize education and improve student engagement through adaptive content. Revolutionizing classroom learning: South Korea plans to introduce AI-powered digital textbooks in its "future classrooms" starting in 2025, potentially transforming the traditional educational experience. Unlike conventional ebooks, these AI-enabled textbooks will have the capability to assess a student's reading level and adjust the content accordingly. The adaptive nature of these textbooks aims to provide a more personalized learning experience...
read Jul 30, 2024How 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...
read Jun 19, 2024Publishers Accuse Perplexity of Unauthorized Web Scraping
Perplexity, a buzzy AI search engine, faces criticism from publishers for ignoring robots.txt files and scraping their content without permission, raising questions about the startup's practices and the future of online publishing. Perplexity's alleged web scraping practices: Despite being blocked by some websites, Perplexity continues to access and use their content, sparking outrage among publishers: Wired and Robb Knight, a developer at MacStories, found that Perplexity ignored their robots.txt files, which are standard instructions for web crawlers to respect a website's preferences regarding content scraping. The publishers had explicitly blocked Perplexity in these files but discovered that the AI search...
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