Three major publishers reportedly use AI in book marketing and design

Workers at three of the five largest US book publishers say their companies are using AI tools in parts of the publishing process.

They name HarperCollins, Simon & Schuster and Hachette, and describe uses including publicity copy, emails, marketing materials and cover art.

More than two dozen publishing workers spoke anonymously because they feared consequences at work.

They say authors and the public are not always told when AI is used.

At HarperCollins, employees were asked to find ways to use the tools, and some say their concerns about legal, ethical and environmental effects were dismissed.

This comes as publishers have publicly taken action against alleged AI-related copyright infringement and have canceled some books suspected of using AI.

The accounts raise questions about transparency, authors’ consent and the role of staff in decisions about the technology.

The accounts describe ongoing use and internal discussions, but do not say what changes the publishers will make next.