Waterstones CEO: We are open to selling books authored by robots

The CEO of Waterstones has expressed a willingness to stock books created by Artificial Intelligence, provided they are transparently labeled. James Daunt emphasized that it would ultimately be the reader's choice whether to buy them if they appear in stores.

Concerns have grown among authors regarding the effect of AI on the publishing industry, with recent research revealing that many writers fear their jobs could be threatened by automated content creation.

Speaking on BBCs Big Boss podcast, Daunt, who has led Waterstones since 2011, acknowledged the potential of AI to produce significant literary works, suggesting it might even create something akin to "the next War and Peace." He added that while AI content is rapidly expanding, much of it is not suitable for bookshelves, and booksellers would naturally approach such material with caution.

A study conducted by the University of Cambridge highlighted widespread apprehension among novelists that human-authored books could become a premium commodity if AI-produced content dominates the market. In response, Daunt stressed that literary works rely on a clear connection between the reader and the author, a relationship that requires a real person and is central to the bookselling experience.

We sell what publishers release, but instinctively, we would resist material that undermines authors livelihoods, Daunt said. He clarified that Waterstones would not knowingly sell AI-generated books disguised as human-authored.

When asked if AI books could be sold if clearly identified as such, Daunt confirmed: Yes, if transparency is maintained, it is up to the reader to decide. However, it is unlikely that our booksellers would promote them prominently.

He acknowledged the vast investments in AI by technology companies and admitted the potential of the technology is unpredictable. Who knows? Perhaps AI will produce the next literary masterpiece. If readers want it, we will offer it, as long as it doesnt misrepresent itself, he concluded.

Author: Ethan Caldwell