Scalzi criticizes AI-generated book publicity
John ScalziNovelist and technology commentator
Scalzi criticizes AI-generated book publicity, saying he would be annoyed if his own publicity used it. He argues that generated promotional emails are easy to recognize and dismiss. These are his judgments, not measured effects on sales.
“Publishers are not doing their new books any favors in using it.”
Original post
Where this statement fits
Should book publishers use AI tools in their internal workflows?
WIRED's October 9, 2026 report documents disagreement over publishers' internal AI use. Simon & Schuster's Wibke Grutjen defends optional, approved tools. Literary agent Emma Dries prefers a ban, or clearer disclosure. Publicist Kathleen Schmidt accepts administrative assistance but rejects AI-written publicity pitches.
Source and context
Original post
About this source
Scalzi gives his view of AI-generated publicity, not measured sales effects.
Archived copy (opens in a new tab)Before the quotation
His post quotes Adam Morgan's report on publishers' internal AI experiments.
After the quotation
He grounds his view in receiving many AI-generated emails.
How this statement is classified
The label describes this statement's response within the context above.
Why this label?
Scalzi directly condemns publishers' use of AI-generated publicity.
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Authors Guild
“Publishers should likewise be transparent about any use of AI in the marketing or sale of a book”Read statement
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The Dispute Index. "Scalzi criticizes AI-generated book publicity". First published: 2026-10-30. Last updated: 2026-10-30. https://disputeindex.com/events/7341-scalzi-criticizes-ai-generated-book-publicity-saying-he