As always, the ever-shifting landscape of the internet is shaping the future of book writing and publishing forever. From AI tools, to Simon & Schuster’s taking on BookTok as influencers themselves, the industry and readers alike can expect to get all shook up by the new innovations being made this season. Questions on efficiency versus ethics arise in the AI sector as translators get replaced by algorithms and DOGE meddles in museums. HarperCollins sees the newest installment in the Shatter Me series with their brand new imprint. Literary giants argue over self-publishing’s viability in the market. This spring season delivers thought provoking questions on the nature of publishing and on what we are willing to sacrifice for the sake of economic growth.

Self Publishing: Saturation or Evolution of the Publishing Industry?

The debate surrounding whether self-publishing has benefited or bombarded the book world rages on in a recent article on The Guardian. Citing acclaimed author Bill Bryson who bemoans that there are “more books than you could possibly read”, and with 2.6 million books self-published in 2023 alone, concerns of oversaturation are not unfounded. The piece weighs both sides of the argument. Proponents of self-publishing argue this avenue is an opportunity, pointing to Sarah J. Mass and Freida McFadden as standouts of not just self-publishing, but of publishing at large. The practice, they say, is helping to push for more inclusive standards. Where the industry may have passed over marginalized voices, or deemed a title too untrendy to push to the markets, self-publishing embraces all and allows for a more democratic take on the term “bestseller”.

AAP Warns Against Lax Views Towards AI at the White House

The White House’s “Administration’s Artificial Intelligence Action Plan” has evoked a response from the Association of American Publishers (AAP). They express their thanks in being included in the development of this Action Plan and urge the White House to seek a more holistic view on AI and its interactions with the Publishing Industry. Though the industry does benefit from the utility of AI, in other sectors, it grows wildly out of control. The current administration seems to be keen on protecting Intellectual Property, but the AAP warns against the ongoing theft against publishers and creators at the hands of the tech industry. On the other side, Big Tech is urging the White House to loosen regulations as they continue to train AI through pirate sites. The AAP stresses that we are in a critical time for protecting the industry and its authors from these “clearly illegal” practices.

Taylor&Francis Embraces AI Translation Tools

In other arenas, publishing is also embracing the use of AI. After “rigorous testing”, Taylor&Francis are introducing new, AI-driven technology to expand the scope of their academic translation operation. Manuscripts translated by AI will still receive the same review by the regular T&F editors, but by implementing AI tools, the publisher hopes to provide more access to authors in a variety of languages and backgrounds. However, T&F has come under scrutiny by the industry due to its partnership with Microsoft, one that involved the publisher relinquishing its authors’ work for AI training without their consent. This move is foreboding for the future of translation. Already, the Society of Authors found that a third of translators were losing job opportunities at the hands of AI. While the technology promises much for production, it comes with the risk of losing the trust of authors and translators alike.

Shatter Me Author Helms Brand New HC Imprint “Storytide”

After three years, Tehereh Mafi’s acclaimed series Shatter Me sees a brand new instalment. Watch Me, which is set to release April 15th, is spearheading a new imprint of HarperCollins Children’s Books: Storytide. Fan favorite character James Anderson returns, ten years older. As an enemy of what remains of the authoritarian regime, the Reestablishment, a target is painted on his back. His huntress is assassin Rosabelle. But when she grows to know her mark, will she be able to take the life of the boy who’s taken her heart?

When Publishers become Influencers

Simon & Schuster have announced an upcoming web series called Bookstore Blitz. According to the imprint’s new publisher Sean Manning, the idea is to upload weekly episodes featuring publishing’s “cultural tastemakers” in this age of the internet. With authors at the forefront of their books’ social media rise to fame, Manning plans to utilize these trend-savvy personalities as a way for publishers to speak directly to their audience. With the success of bestselling books on TiKTok, the enrapturing effect these authors have on their audiences is clear to see. Manning hopes the series will become a household name with the likes of Chicken Shop Date and Hot Ones.

Concerns over DOGE Interference in Library and Museum Funding

The Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) faces a daunting future with their new, Trump-appointed director, Keith E. Sonderling. After an executive order from the President to eliminate the IMLS entirely, Sonderling was sworn in accompanied by a “handful of DOGE staff”. With Sonderling claiming to be “committed to steering [the IMLS]… to enhance efficiency”, the implications are clear. Despite the IMLS representing only 0.0046% of the federal budget, there is great risk of funding cuts in the name of so-called “efficiency”. A representative of IMLS union workers stated that they expect staff to soon be put on administrative leave and are unsure of whether a grant funded future will exist for the museums and libraries of the United States.