WIRED: HarperCollins, Simon & Schuster and Hachette Use AI Quietly

At least three of the Big Five US book publishers — HarperCollins, Simon & Schuster and Hachette — have been incorporating AI tools into their publishing processes without public disclosures or author consent, according to a WIRED report. The tools include large language models such as Claude and ChatGPT, used for tasks ranging from emailing literary agents to writing publicity and back-cover copy, designing cover art and generating marketing materials.

HarperCollins senior leaders purchased Claude licenses from Anthropic months ago, and the company has also bought licenses for ChatGPT and Jasper. Dozens of junior- and senior-level staff were "voluntold" to become "AI Champions," tasked with discovering use cases in monthly brainstorming sessions. A statement added to the new AI section of the HarperCollins online employee portal claims AI has a small environmental impact. At least one HarperCollins division has been "all in" on AI, including AI-generated marketing videos.

Literary agents suspected specific Big Five editors were using AI to write rejection letters, and employees at Simon & Schuster, HarperCollins and Hachette believe the suspicions were correct.

A Hachette spokesperson said the company supports the use of AI tools for operational purposes when they help authors' books reach more readers.

Context

Earlier this year, American book publishers appeared to be fighting back against generative AI, from suing Google for copyright infringement to canceling books by authors suspected of using LLMs. Hachette's horror novel Shy Girl and Macmillan's crime thriller Call Me, I'll Hide the Body are among the widely publicized cases of authors accused of using LLMs. The average entry-level salary for New York City publishing employees at the Big Five and Scholastic was $47,583 in 2023.