Earlier this year, we committed to supporting illustrators and not using AI art in our books. However, it is not only art where AI has shown up in books; it is the text, too.

Many book distribution platforms are asking the submitter to identify if AI is used. Amazon is one of those platforms.

When a person uploads a book file on Amazon, the question “Did you use AI tools in creating texts, images, and/or translations in your book?” must be answered.

With that question, Amazon hyperlinked a resource to the question, “What is AI-generated content?” Amazon defines it as “content as text, images, or translations created by an Artificial Intelligence-based tool.”

Below that definition is another hyperlink to their KDP Content Guidelines, which includes more information about AI. Under the content guidelines, Amazon delineates between AI-generated content and AI-assisted content.

We require you to inform us of AI-generated content (text, images, or translations) when you publish a new book or make edits to and republish an existing book through KDP. AI-generated images include cover and interior images and artwork. You are not required to disclose AI-assisted content. We distinguish between AI-generated and AI-assisted content as follows:

• AI-generated: We define AI-generated content as text, images, or translations created by an AI-based tool. If you used an AI-based tool to create the actual content (whether text, images, or translations), it is considered “AI-generated,” even if you applied substantial edits afterwards.
• AI-assisted: If you created the content yourself, and used AI-based tools to edit, refine, error-check, or otherwise improve that content (whether text or images), then it is considered “AI-assisted” and not “AI-generated.” Similarly, if you used an AI-based tool to brainstorm and generate ideas, but ultimately created the text or images yourself, this is also considered “AI-assisted” and not “AI-generated.” It is not necessary to inform us of the use of such tools or processes.

You are responsible for verifying that all AI-generated and/or AI-assisted content adheres to all content guidelines, including by complying with all applicable intellectual property rights.

For example, using ChatGPT to create a manuscript would be categorized as creating AI-generated content. Using Grammarly to check for spelling errors would be using AI-assisted technology.

The real issue with AI-generated content is that the content could be pulled from content already created, and the person using that content could risk legal troubles.

It might sound quick and easy to create a book using AI-generated content, but there are risks. Additionally, if a person is worried more about getting a book out quickly rather than having a solid story and compelling content, the person’s publishing priorities might not be in the right place.