Link: Writers condemn startup’s plans to publish 8,000 books next year using AI | Books | The Guardian

Spines, an AI-backed startup, plans to publish up to 8,000 books next year, charging authors between $1,200 and $5,000 for services including editing and distribution. Critics argue the company prioritizes profit over quality, undermining the craft of writing.

Independent publishers and authors have labeled Spines as opportunistic, dismissing its claim of not being a vanity publisher. Author Suyi Davies Okungbowa criticized Spines for lacking genuine interest in literature and reading.

Despite securing $16m in funding, Spines faces backlash for potentially devaluing the publishing process by significantly reducing the time to publish a book to just two to three weeks. Critics believe this approach could compromise the quality and originality of the published works.

Anna Ganley of the Society of Authors warns against contracts where writers pay to be published, citing concerns over originality and the potential misuse of AI in developing their services. She urges authors to consider more traditional routes to ensure quality and legitimacy.

Spines defends its model, claiming it democratizes publishing by allowing faster and cheaper access for authors typically rejected by traditional publishers. According to Spines, their technology enables authors to focus more on writing and less on the publishing process.

As the debate continues, the future of AI in publishing remains a contentious topic, with traditional and new methods vying for legitimacy and acceptance among writers and readers alike. This highlights the ongoing struggle between technological advancement and maintaining the integrity of literary creation. #

--

Yoooo, this is a quick note on a link that made me go, WTF? Find all past links here.