Barnes & Noble CEO OK Selling AI-Written Books, Under One Condition
Daunt said transparency would be required as online criticism grows over AI-generated titles and some readers worry they could crowd out indie authors.
- On Monday, Barnes & Noble CEO James Daunt said he would stock AI-written books if clearly labeled and customer demand exists, opening the door to machine-generated titles across the chain's more than 800 locations nationwide.
- More than 70 authors, including Author Lauren Groff and Author R.F. Kuang, demanded in June 2025 that major publishers pledge never to release machine-created books, reflecting deep industry opposition to AI-generated content.
- Publisher Hachette Book Group discontinued the horror novel 'Shy Girl' in March after allegations it relied on AI, illustrating the industry's struggle with machine-generated content entering the market.
- By Wednesday, thousands of calls to boycott the bookseller flooded social media as critics argued AI-written works constitute plagiarism and displace independent authors seeking shelf space.
- Despite the controversy, Daunt believes significant commercial traction for AI books remains 'very unlikely,' and the chain currently takes active measures to exclude them from inventory.
12 Articles
12 Articles
Hanford Sentinel
AI-written books at Barnes & Noble? CEO clarifies statement that stirred calls for boycott
Barnes & Noble was turning a page on the chain's history of declining sales, but recent comments have stirred bad blood for the bookseller. James Daunt, the chief executive credited with breathing new life into the retailer, is clarifying the…
Barnes & Noble CEO is fine with stocking AI-written books — if they're labeled.
Barnes & Noble CEO James Daunt is also the managing director of British bookseller Waterstones, where he is pictured.Li Ying/Xinhua via Getty ImagesBarnes & Noble CEO James Daunt said he has "no problem" stocking AI-written books.However, this is only as long as there's consumer demand and the book is labeled as written by AI.Some users online have expressed anger at his suggestion, while others view it as realistic.You may pick up a book in the…
Barnes & Noble CEO Says He Has ‘No Problem’ Selling AI-Written Books: ‘We Will Stock Them’
(People) – James Daunt added that the chain bookstore may already be selling AI-generated books, “but we’re not really conscious of them” The CEO of Barnes & Noble is defending the sale of AI-written books. James Daunt, the chief executive officer of the popular book chain, said he finds no issue with selling books generated by artificial intelligence, so long as the book doesn’t “masquerade” as human-made. Speaking with Jenna Bush Hager on Toda…
CEO James Daunt says Barnes & Noble will stock AI-generated books.
The joke around the proverbial water cooler goes that this is apparently the week all the bigwigs in lit world got together and decided to embrace their own destruction. [Insert sad trombone sound.] James Daunt, the CEO of Barnes & Noble and the mogul behind Britain’s Waterstone’s and Daunt Books, told NBC this Monday that he theoretically “has no problem” selling books written by AI in his many, many stores. Speaking to Today host and book club…
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