Artificial Intelligence has been making the rounds over the internet and for a good reason. With tools like ChatGPT becoming common, people across multiple industries wonder how it can affect their jobs and what it means for their industry’s future.
In the realm of publishing, AI’s future applies to many aspects. According to Publishers Weekly, here are some ways that AI in publishing works out:
1. Editing.
We have countless editing software readily available, including Grammarly, Linguix, and ProWritingAid. While many of these apps have done a great job providing technical corrections like spelling and grammar usage, it still has some blanks to fill—specifically in analyzing natural-sounding dialogue or conversations that don’t always adhere to proper grammar and syntax.
However, Grammarly has recently included AI assistance in their version, allowing writers to rewrite or rephrase specific passages. While it’s still in the development phase, its evolution is promising. However, human developmental editing is still the first phase of going through raw manuscripts.
2. Book production.
Many aspects of book production, digital or print, have already been automated or semi-automated. For instance, automated page production can help cut off significant time before making going through its final phases.
When used correctly, AI will fill in some of the gaps in automated book production, specifically in production inefficiencies, before the book turns to print.
3. Distribution and advertising.
Of all the aspects of publishing, marketing is the most promising area of how AI in publishing will play out. Many publishing houses have a marketing team to help the author’s work reach a broad audience. To some extent, self-publishing authors must do the same, although they need a team to do the job. AI in book distribution and advertising will use raw consumer data, which will help shape marketers into how they’ll sell their stories to them.
AI can also provide suggestions to consumers on what their next read should be based on their latest purchase. This personalized appeal makes it attractive for people signing up on subscription-based news sites, online reading platforms, and newsletters.
4. Book discovery.
Upcoming authors who have always dreamed of having a book published but have limited resources may find AI to be a godsend in the future. While some genres are saturated due to popularity and trends, AI can help provide authors with real-time sales information, i.e., what is selling and what is not.
Additionally, marketing teams will also benefit from AI as it will help with providing data like competitive analysis and if there’s any niche in the market that needs to be filled. When optimized correctly, an author can make their big debut on the internet, provided they know how to use the technology to their advantage.
5. Educational publishing.
There has been an influx of online courses that has continued to grow over the years. Online course providers like Course Era and Udemy help people discover new skills to further their careers or expand their interests.
AI can help in educational publishing by automating, analyzing, and updating a specific course’s content. This effect helps keep subscribers updated on the latest information while also sharpening their skills as the years go by.
6. Entertainment and possible adaptations.
Many books that gained popularity may get an adaptation, whether a movie or a television series. AI can streamline beloved books into possible adaptations by suggesting how showrunners can garner the most interest from viewers. AI’s ability to extract and analyze raw data in real time can also help creatives decide how to direct the story’s adaptation.
Will AI replace me soon?
Many people are worried that they will quickly become replaced by AI. This concern is understandable since there are many worries about whether AI can replace writers. Do not fear if you’re a writer and wondering if a machine will suddenly replace you—do not fear.
Despite the impressive growth and promises that AI tech has shown, it still needs to be more expansive in harnessing creativity and imagination and channeling them into words that can touch the human soul.
Additionally, even if you’re not creative (like a writer or artist), you shouldn’t worry if your boss will replace you with AI soon. For one thing, AI can only do so much without prompts, so if management needs to understand market trends, acquiring such tech will be futile because they still need experts to provide data, analyze it, and generate ideas that will benefit the company. Think of it this way, what’s the use of buying a sports car if you’re not going to use it?
However, if there’s a suggestion to be made, it’s this: you shouldn’t fear AI, but you must know what it can do. By approaching new technology with an open mind, you’ll find that it can be a much-needed aid in your creative process and marketing plan. Working together with AI by adding a degree of humanity into your content will most likely soothe these worries.
Final thoughts: AI is evolving at an alarming pace, and there are opportunities in it that we can’t ignore. In the case of the publishing industry, AI can help streamline and ease some of the repetitive tasks found in the area while also filling in some gaps. AI can be an excellent tool for upcoming and established industry players considering its versatility and usefulness.
Nevertheless, while these developments are promising, there is still a long way to go before AI becomes a well-oiled machine. Since much AI tech is still developing, we cannot guarantee that we can produce creative content flawlessly and seamlessly.
There are also increasing concerns from people far and wide who have qualms about AI tech slowly replacing them. While these concerns are understandable, it’s important to note that AI still has limitations, especially in the creative realm. AI can only function by being constantly trained and needing humans to help them. In short, it’s rare for AI to generate content on its own accord unless prompted to do so. With these in mind, it’s safe to say that the only way we can truly welcome AI into the realm is if we view it as an assistant, not a replacement for human creativity and passion.