AI can write a novel in seconds, but can it tell a story we actually care about? These days, AI is everywhere, from editing software to marketing algorithms, it’s impossible to ignore its growing presence, not only in our everyday lives but within the publishing industry. Thad McIlroy for Publishers Weekly said in 2023, “AI changes everything, fast. Scary fast.” (McIlroy 2023) And he was absolutely correct. Two years later, the AI landscape is even more menacing. While on the surface it may seem like a threat, is there a way we can use AI ethically while still encouraging creativity and ensuring quality?

How publishers are using AI

In 2023, publishers were using AI most commonly in marketing, copywriting, and metadata. (The Bookseller 2023) For small and independent presses, AI can be a game-changer. Limited budgets and small teams mean efficiency is crucial, and AI can help level the playing field against larger competitors. But the use of AI is not without controversy. Publishers must consider copyright, quality, and the potential loss of human nuance in creative work. In late 2024, The Bookseller stated in an article, “the book trade must advocate for copyright on authors’ behalf while innovating in AI to combat big tech’s ‘move fast and break things’ ethos.” (Lloyd 2024) AI can undoubtedly make tasks such as research, scheduling, and administrative work much faster, which suggests it could be implemented well for marketing and advertising. But for authors, designers, illustrators, and many others, AI is seen as a threat to creativity.

The IPG 2025 Autumn Conference

At this year’s Autumn IPG Conference, which I had the privilege to attend online, AI was a major topic. Tom West of Publishers’ Licensing Services stated that:

“AI is not going away. Publishers and authors should have a choice if their content is used and, if so, (they) should be paid for it.” (West 2025)

West via PLS Website

This seemed to be the consensus between publishers and fellow creatives at the conference alike. If publishers want to use AI or allow AI to use their content, there needs to be rules and regulations in place to ensure ethical use. West further described it as a need for “balance” and working alongside AI, rather than allowing it to take over. (West 2025)

ProQuest’s Tash Emonds discussed the recent Pulse of the Library report, which showed that the majority (35%) of libraries are currently exploring and evaluating AI. This may seem like a large amount, but she also warned that public librarians are still very unsure of AI. (Emonds 2025) This further stresses the need for more transparency and education around how AI is being used in the industry. There needs to be work done to ensure everyone is clear on how it is being used alongside their work, rather than as a replacement for it.

The future of publishing

Many are coming to accept that, even if they don’t want it to, AI is becoming part of every workforce. It should assist, not replace, human creativity. The goal is to enhance workflows while protecting the craft of storytelling and the integrity of the author’s voice. As Tom West stressed, the path forward is one of balance. AI can support the everyday tasks of publishing without becoming a threat to the creative and human side of making books.

Bibliography

Emonds, T. (2025). AI in Academic Publishing: Trends and Action. 16/09/2025. IPG Autumn Conference 2025 [online]

LLoyd, S. (2024). The publishing industry’s AI imperative. [online] The Bookseller. Available at: https://www.thebookseller.com/comment/the-publishing-industrys-ai-imperative [Accessed 18 Oct. 2025].

McIlroy |, T. (2023). AI Is About to Turn Book Publishing Upside-Down. [online] PublishersWeekly.com. Available at: https://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/digital/content-and-e-books/article/92471-ai-is-about-to-turn-book-publishing-upside-down.html.

The Bookseller. (2023). Publishers Outline AI Practices in Attempt to Balance Efficiency and Creativity. [online] Available at: https://www.thebookseller.com/features/publishers-outline-ai-practices-in-attempt-to-balance-efficiency-and-creativity [Accessed 18 Oct. 2025].

West, T. (2025). AI and Collective Licensing. 16/09/2025. IPG Autumn Conference 2025 [online]