Concerns Rise Over AI’s Impact on Book Publishing Quality and Transparency

A 2025 BookBub survey involving 1,229 authors revealed that 45% have incorporated generative AI into their writing, while 48% have not used it and do not plan to. Notably, 74% of those who do use AI do not inform readers of its usage.

Janet Gallaspy, a volunteer librarian at the New Augusta Public Library, fears that AI may hinder original storytelling. She has observed problematic patterns in books, including lack of depth in characters, choppy sentence structures, and inconsistent plots. Gallaspy has reconsidered her reading habits, stating that these issues often lead her to abandon books she would have previously completed. She emphasized the importance of knowing whether AI was used to edit or completely write a book, suggesting a distinction between using AI for enhancement versus relying on it entirely. Gallaspy also expressed concern about the impact of AI on students' writing development, advocating for opportunities that allow young individuals to hone their skills independently.

Mississippi author Cody Smith, who has published about 40 books since 2017, has experienced both traditional and AI-assisted publishing processes. Smith explained that he uses AI to brainstorm, organize content, and edit manuscripts, boosting his productivity. He noted that while AI can expedite tasks, it also risks compromising quality assurance. Smith discloses his use of AI at the beginning of his books, attempting to inform readers about the level of AI involvement in his work.

Kollin Napier, chief artificial intelligence officer for the Mississippi Artificial Intelligence Network (MAIN), cautioned against equating writing style with authorship. He urged readers to verify authorship, check factual accuracy, and consult credible reviews when assessing a book's quality. Napier also raised concerns about the limitations of AI detection tools, which may not definitively indicate whether AI was employed in the writing process. He reiterated the importance of using AI as a supportive tool rather than a substitute for human creativity, emphasizing that authors remain accountable for the final output of their work.

Napier believes readers deserve transparency regarding the methods used in book production, stressing that ultimately, human judgment must oversee AI's contributions.