Hey, I’m Tommy Swindolly, and this is Fortune Publishing. On this channel, I talk about the publishing business, brand building, philosophy, and much more. In today’s video, I’m going to discuss the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on self-publishing, specifically focusing on its connection to Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP).
Recently, Amazon introduced a new feature for authors uploading books to KDP. Now, there’s a checkbox on page two that asks if AI was used to create the book. This step was taken to address the increasing number of AI-generated or AI-assisted content being uploaded without proper disclosure.
When it comes to AI-generated content, it means that tools like Mid-Journey or ChatGPT were used to completely generate the book. On the other hand, AI-assisted content refers to using AI tools but making significant edits and changes to the generated content.
KDP is not prohibiting the upload of AI-generated books, but they require authors to be transparent about their use of AI. This move is a response to the influx of low-quality AI-generated books that have flooded the platform. To combat this, Amazon has also implemented a three-book upload limit per day to ensure better quality control.
The main concern with AI-generated content is the potential for a poor customer experience. Many authors have been uploading books without sufficient knowledge or expertise on the subject matter, leading to disappointed readers. While AI can be a useful tool, it is not always completely accurate, and authors need to take responsibility for ensuring the content meets the promises made.
Dale, a self-publishing expert, spoke with KDP and confirmed that authors can still upload AI-generated or AI-assisted books. However, it is crucial to be honest and disclose the use of AI. Failure to do so may result in customer complaints and potential removal of the book based on a case-by-case evaluation.
As a publisher, it is essential to prioritize a great customer experience. Amazon provides monthly reports on book status, including warnings and recommendations. Paying attention to these reports and addressing any issues ensures a favorable relationship with Amazon’s algorithms and ultimately leads to better sales.
Another consideration with AI-generated content is the risk of plagiarism. AI draws from a vast database of information, including the entire internet. Authors must conduct thorough proofreading and run the content through copyright checkers to avoid copyright infringement.
If authors choose to use AI-assisted content, they should still invest time in editing and proofreading. Quality control is crucial to add value and avoid copyright issues. The same diligence applies to generating images, ensuring they are not rip-offs of copyrighted works.
While Amazon seems to allow AI-generated and AI-assisted content, it is advisable to spend quality time editing, proofreading, and verifying the text. Authors should also anticipate the potential creation of a separate category for AI-generated and AI-assisted books in the future, as some customers may prefer to know the origin of the content.
In conclusion, authors should be honest and transparent about their use of AI in self-publishing. By complying with Amazon’s focus on providing an excellent customer experience, authors can build a successful business. Proofreading, editing, and conducting copyright checks are essential steps to ensure the quality and integrity of AI-generated or AI-assisted content. By following these guidelines, authors can navigate the evolving landscape of self-publishing in the AI era.
If you have any books you want to list for free or need more advice, you can visit my partner’s website, LitBook Pro, linked in the description of this video. Additionally, you can join my Facebook group for further support and discussions.
