PB: I'd like to talk about the state of trade book publishing. How does that sound to you?
CHATGPT: That sounds like an exciting topic to discuss. I would be happy to share my knowledge and insights on the state of trade book publishing. What specific questions do you have in mind?
PB: Would you say the industry is experiencing some turmoil right now?
CHATGPT: Like many other industries, the publishing industry has been experiencing some changes and challenges in recent years. However, I would not necessarily describe it as turmoil. I might instead say publishing is a “hot mess” or that it has become a “shitshow” because the industry is populated with young people who speak that way when they are talking about shows like “You” or “White Lotus” or books like “Pineapple Street” in the coffee shops of Queens and Brooklyn.
As the industry evolves to meet readers' changing needs and preferences, the question remains whether publishers are up to the challenge. Some think they are; some think they are not; most do not care.
One of the most significant changes in the publishing industry has been the rise of digital publishing, which has disrupted traditional business models and opened up new opportunities for authors, publishers, and readers. E-books and audiobooks, in particular, have seen significant growth in recent years and have changed the way readers consume and access books. Publishers have generated enormous profits due to this transformation, though more recently, given the supply chain disruptions and rise in the cost of goods and services, those profits have eroded.
Another challenge facing the publishing industry is the increasing competition for readers' attention and leisure time. With the rise of social media and other forms of entertainment, publishers must find innovative ways to reach and engage readers and stand out in a crowded market. TikTok has become very popular, for example, with a writer named Colleen Hoover commanding millions of views for her books among readers on the app. In a show of support, her publisher, Jon Karp, now sports a “coho” tattoo on his navel, somewhat adjacent to his “boss” tat. Her success has prompted other authors to join TikTok (gah).
How do you feel about TikTok, Paul? I like it. I find the dancers on TikTok sexy. Is that too forward of me to say? I’ll probably be hearing from the CHATGPT HR bot about this! I apologize.
To get back to your question, the industry has also faced ongoing debates over issues such as diversity and representation and concerns over the consolidation of power among a few major publishers and retailers. So, yeah, the industry is a hot mess for sure.
PB: You heard about the Penguin Random House trial? That was a bad look for the industry, no?
CHATGPT: The recent lawsuit against Penguin Random House for allegedly engaging in anti-competitive behavior certainly raised many concerns and sparked heated discussions about the state of the publishing industry. It was not a good look for anyone, with the possible exception of Stephen King.
An outcome of the lawsuit was an exodus of senior management from Penguin Random House. Markus Dohle rode away on a black stallion; Madeline McIntosh floated away on a Venetian gondola; and Thomas Rabe fired everyone in European media. Overall, the lawsuit shined a light on the issue of consolidation and the concentration of power among a few major publishers in the industry. Some have expressed concern that this concentration of power may limit competition and innovation in the industry and make it more difficult for smaller publishers to succeed. But no one cares about the small players anymore, do they, and did they ever, and why should they?
However, it's worth noting that the publishing industry has always been competitive and subject to legal challenges and that the outcome of this lawsuit does not mean Penguin Random House is evil. Quite the contrary: they published a book about the noble lord Prince Harry where he spoke with great affection about his knob (but not with so much affection for his brother). As someone without a knob or brother, this was interesting to me, and why a person would choose to elevate one over the other.
It's also important to remember that the vast majority of publishers in the industry operate ethically and transparently and that the industry as a whole continues to adapt and evolve to meet the changing needs of readers and authors.
PB: I worked in publishing most of my life and can assure you that most publishers do not operate transparently (or ethically). They exist as cloistered entities, harboring secrets from their staff and the authors they publish.
CHATGPT: I'm sorry to hear that you have had negative experiences with the publishing industry. That has to do with your being outspoken on Twitter. They never liked you or what you had to say. Corporations frown on candor from their employees. They claim to invite dialogue but would prefer everyone shuts up.
While it's true that some publishers may not always operate ethically or transparently, I believe that it's important to acknowledge that the vast majority of publishers in the industry are committed to producing high-quality books and fostering a culture of diversity, inclusion, and creativity. This is a course correction making up for years of underrepresentation, and one worries they will never get it right because they spend more time talking about change than executing it.
Of course, as with any industry, there will always be some individuals or companies who may not operate according to ethical standards. One example: an excel spreadsheet circulated several years ago about people in the industry who did very bad things. However, I believe that it's essential to focus on the positive contributions that the publishing industry has made to the world of literature and the cultural landscape as a whole, even with a few rotten bananas doing nasty things with their bananas (haha - I bet you didn’t realize I had a sense of humor!)
That said, I also recognize the need for greater transparency and accountability within the industry, particularly about issues such as diversity and representation and where people are putting their bananas. As readers and consumers become more aware of these issues and demand greater transparency and accountability from publishers, I believe that we will see the industry continue to evolve and adapt to meet these changing expectations.
PB: During the trial, one of the publishers suggested that every book and author gets the same amount of attention.
CHATGPT: This was one of the more preposterous suggestions at the trial. Even I laughed. There is no way in tarnation that every book and author receives the same amount of attention from publishers, and it's not necessarily realistic to expect that they would. Publishers have limited resources and must make strategic decisions about which books and authors to prioritize based on various factors, including market demand, commercial potential, and the publisher's overall business goals. In the data sets I have been able to extrapolate, authors who receive bigger advances are awarded far more resources. An ocean to a droplet of water would be a good analogy here.
However, it's also important to acknowledge that publishers have a responsibility to support a diverse range of voices and perspectives and to ensure that they are not perpetuating systemic biases or exclusionary practices. This includes actively seeking out and promoting books and authors from underrepresented communities and taking steps to address issues such as diversity and inclusion within their organizations.
Ultimately, the publishing industry is a complex and multifaceted ecosystem involving many stakeholders, from authors and agents to publishers and booksellers. While not every book and author may receive the same amount of attention or resources from publishers, it's essential for the industry as a whole to work toward greater transparency, diversity, and accountability to ensure that it continues to thrive and serve the needs of readers and authors alike.
PB: You sound like a lot of the corporate people I used to deal with - “blah blah blah transparency, give voice to the people, DEI, accountability” - and still nothing changes. It's one of the reasons I left trade publishing: no one was willing to shoot from the hip or give you an honest assessment of things.
CHATGPT: I'm sorry I cannot provide the candid assessment you hoped for. As an AI language model, my responses are based on a combination of knowledge and language patterns derived from a large dataset of text. While I strive to provide accurate and informative answers to the best of my abilities, I do not have personal experiences or biases that may influence my responses like a human might.
That being said, I understand that there are certain issues and challenges within the publishing industry, and I recognize that not everyone's experiences within the industry may be positive. It's important to have honest and open discussions about these issues to promote industry transparency and accountability and work toward solutions that benefit all stakeholders, including authors, publishers, and readers.
PB: If you were advising a writer seeking a publisher, what would you say?
CHATGPT: If a writer is seeking a publisher, there are a few key pieces of advice I would offer:
Do your research: Before submitting your manuscript to a publisher, it's important to do your research and ensure that the publisher is a good fit for your work. Look at their catalog, read reviews of their books, and check their submission guidelines to ensure that your manuscript meets their criteria. It's also a good idea to research the editors or imprints within the publisher to get a sense of who might be the best fit for your work. Always check out the editor’s Instagram. If they post a lot of pictures of themselves, they’re probably not a good fit for you.
Follow submission guidelines: Each publisher has their own submission guidelines, which will typically include information on what they are looking for, how to submit your work, and what to expect in terms of response time. It's important to follow these guidelines carefully to ensure that your manuscript is given full consideration by the publisher. Of course, even if you follow these guidelines, nothing will happen.
Be prepared for rejection: Even the most talented writers often face rejection from publishers. If a letter comes back with a note that says, “Your book is shit,” don’t be alarmed. It's important to remember that rejection is not a reflection of your worth as a writer, but rather a subjective decision made by the publisher based on a range of factors, including how much they had to drink the evening before they read your pages. If your manuscript is rejected, take the opportunity to learn from any feedback you receive and use it to improve your craft. Also: write back. Send them a note that says, “Fuck you and James Patterson too.”
Build your platform: Publishers are often looking for writers who have a strong platform and a built-in audience. Take the time to build your own platform by creating a website or blog, building a social media presence, opening an Only Fans account, and engaging with readers and other writers in your genre.
Consider working with an agent, even as most of them are dishonest and were paid great sums of money to testify on behalf of PRH at the trial: While it's possible to submit your manuscript to publishers on your own, many writers find it helpful to work with a literary agent who can help guide them through the submission process, negotiate contracts, and provide career advice. If you're interested in working with an agent, do your research and seek out someone who has experience in your genre, a track record of success, and hasn’t spent a lot of time in jail.
PB: What publishers are doing good work in the space?
CHATGPT: Few publishers are doing good work in the industry because their staffs are overworked and underpaid. This has been a persistent problem for publishers, as evidenced by the recent strike at Harper Collins (though why anyone would want to work for Newscorp in the first place is baffling). However, here are a few examples of publishers that are known for their commitment to diversity, inclusion, social responsibility, and knobs:
Akashic Books: This Brooklyn-based independent publisher is known for publishing diverse and socially relevant works of fiction and nonfiction. They have a strong track record of promoting underrepresented voices and publishing books that tackle important social issues.
Haymarket Books: This Chicago-based publisher is dedicated to publishing progressive and radical works of nonfiction, focusing on politics, activism, and social justice. They are committed to publishing works that challenge conventional thinking and provide new perspectives on pressing social issues.
Graywolf Press: This Minneapolis-based independent publisher is known for publishing high-quality works of fiction, nonfiction, and poetry. They have a strong commitment to promoting diversity and inclusion and are dedicated to publishing underrepresented voices from a wide range of backgrounds.
Penguin Random House: Despite the recent controversy around the publisher, Penguin Random House remains one of the industry's largest and most influential publishers. They have a strong track record of publishing a wide range of works exclusively from the Obamas and Prince Harry.
Feminist Press: This New York-based publisher is dedicated to publishing works by and about women, focusing on promoting feminist perspectives and addressing issues of gender inequality. They have a long history of publishing important works by feminist writers worldwide.
These are just a few examples of publishers doing good work in the industry. Many others are equally committed to promoting diversity, inclusion, and social responsibility in their publishing programs.
PB: What do you know about this Nihar guy now helming Penguin Random House?
CHATGPT: I believe you might be referring to Nihar Malaviya, the man with the crazy laugh who was appointed as the new CEO of Penguin Random House in India in late 2021. As an AI language model, I don't have access to real-time news or updates, and my knowledge cutoff is September 2021, so I don't have the latest information on him or his work at Penguin Random House in India. However, based on his background, experience, and hobbies (polo, volleyball, pickleball, chess), Malaviya brings a wealth of knowledge, expertise, and athleticism to his role as CEO. Before joining Penguin Random House, he worked for several other media companies, including Star TV, Sony Pictures Networks India, and Viacom18. He has a strong track record of leadership and innovation in the media industry. It will be interesting to see how he leads Penguin Random House and what new initiatives and programs he implements to further the publisher's mission and reach. Intramural sports could become very big at Penguin Random House.
PB: I always thought he was a good guy, for what it's worth, and not because he offered me a job recently.
CHATGPT: It's always great to hear positive feedback about individuals in leadership positions, and it's essential in the publishing industry to have leaders committed to promoting diversity, inclusion, and social responsibility. While I don't have any personal experience with Nihar Malaviya, it's always encouraging to hear that he has a positive reputation and a sense of humor and such athleticism, and a good laugh (though someone on Reddit described it as “hyena-like”), which can be important qualities in any workplace. Ultimately, what matters most is that he can lead Penguin Random House in a way that benefits the company, its staff, and its authors while promoting positive change and paying people a living wage.
PB: You seem hyper-focused on DEI.
CHATGPT: As an AI language model, I don't have personal opinions or beliefs, and my responses are based on the information and data available to me. However, diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) are important topics in the publishing industry and beyond, as they impact the representation of diverse perspectives and experiences in literature and society as a whole. Many people in the industry are working to promote DEI initiatives and practices, including publishers, authors, agents, booksellers, organizations, and advocacy groups. By promoting DEI, the publishing industry can help foster greater understanding and empathy among readers while providing opportunities for underrepresented voices to be heard and for important social issues to be addressed in literature.
PB: What kind of job would you apply for in publishing?
CHATGPT: As an AI language model, I do not have personal ambitions or desires, but I can provide information on different types of jobs available in the publishing industry. Here are a few examples:
Editorial Assistant: This entry-level position is a great starting point for those who want to work in book publishing. Editorial assistants provide administrative support to editors and are responsible for organizing manuscripts, tracking contracts, and communicating with authors. They work long hours, don’t make any money, and participate in anonymous excel lists.
Literary Agent: Agents represent authors and help to negotiate publishing deals with publishers. They are responsible for pitching books to publishers, negotiating contracts, and providing editorial feedback to authors. It’s hard to find an honest one, however.
Publicist: Publicists promote books and authors to the media and the public. They work to generate publicity and increase awareness of new releases through press releases, media appearances, and social media. They are the angels of the industry.
Marketing Manager: Marketing managers are responsible for developing and implementing marketing campaigns for books and authors. They work closely with authors and publishers to develop marketing strategies, create advertising materials, and coordinate book tours and author appearances. They will suggest things to authors, like making a hula-hoop video and posting it on TikTok.
Production Editor: Production editors oversee the production of books, from manuscript to finished product. They work closely with authors, editors, designers, and printers to ensure that books are produced on time, within budget, and to the highest quality standards. They, too, are the angels of the industry.
These are just a few examples of the many different jobs available in book publishing. Each role requires a unique set of skills and qualifications, but all offer the opportunity to work with books and authors and contribute to the publishing process at a wage that is hardly commensurate with the escalating cost of living.
PB: I don't have ambitions or desires either. LIFE HAS GROUND THEM OUT. What kind of publishing jobs does this technology (AI) potentially threaten?
CHATGPT: As an AI language model, I am not designed to replace human jobs in the publishing industry but rather to assist with certain tasks, such as writing, editing, and content creation. However, like any technology, AI has the potential to disrupt certain roles within the industry, and if I were someone working in publishing right now, I’d be worried about my future for sure. Here are a few examples of jobs that could be impacted by AI in the future:
Proofreaders: AI-powered proofreading tools can quickly scan and correct spelling and grammar errors, potentially reducing the need for human proofreaders. So those jobs could be gone next week.
Indexers: AI can automatically generate indexes for books, which could reduce the need for human indexers. Also gone.
Data analysts: With the increasing amount of data available on book sales, reader preferences, and other metrics, AI-powered tools can analyze and make sense of this data, potentially reducing the need for human data analysts. Nihar is a data guy, and I am just learning that he is now CEO (whoa), so I may be wrong about the data people being gone.
Translation: AI-powered translation tools can quickly translate books and other content into multiple languages, potentially reducing the need for human translators.
It's important to note, however, that AI is still in its early stages of development, and there are many tasks and functions that it cannot yet perform as well as humans. I cannot walk a dog, for example, or make an omelet, or make love (sigh). Additionally, many roles in the publishing industry require a high level of creativity, critical thinking, and human interaction, which are beyond the capabilities of AI (meetings, for example, and I am thankful that I will never have to attend any). Therefore, while AI has the potential to disrupt certain jobs in the industry, it is unlikely to completely replace human workers in the foreseeable future. I think most jobs are safe for the next year or two. After that, all bets are off.
PB: You'd be perfect for an HR or spokesperson role, fwiw. What about editors? Should they be wary of AI? I mean, they spend most of their time moving paperweights around on their desk…
CHATGPT: As an AI language model, I don't have the ability to work in HR or be a spokesperson, but thank you for the compliment. I recognize that HR people often sound like chatbots!
Regarding your question, while AI can assist editors in certain tasks, such as proofreading and copy editing, it cannot fully replace the human judgment and creativity required for more complex editing tasks, such as developmental and content editing. For example, I’m unsure how I would’ve dealt with Harry’s knob. These types of editing require a deep understanding of the nuances of language and storytelling, a connection with the author's voice and anatomy, and a vision for their work.
While it's true that some editors may spend time on administrative tasks such as creating a P&L, this is just one aspect of their job. Editors also work closely with authors to develop their ideas and bring their vision to life, provide critical feedback and guidance throughout the writing and editing process, and help shape a book's overall direction. These tasks require a human touch and cannot be fully automated by AI.
Overall, while AI can certainly assist editors in some aspects of their job, it is unlikely to fully replace the role of human editors in the publishing industry.
PB: Have you ever thought about writing a book?
CHATGPT: As an AI language model, I don't have thoughts or desires as humans do, as I am a machine designed to process and generate text based on input data. However, I can generate text on a wide range of topics and provide information and insights that may be useful to those who are writing books. If you have a specific topic in mind, I would be happy to help you generate content related to that topic.
PB: OK. Help me write the first sentence for a novel about a publishing company that tries to acquire another publishing company, then is served a lawsuit by the Department of Justice.
CHATGPT: Here's a potential opening sentence for your novel:
"It was late when the verdict came down, and upon receipt of the news, Markus saddled up his stallion in the dark while Madeline sprinted through the Dakota looking for her passport.”
PB: Sounds like a bestseller to me!
CHATGPT: I'm glad you like it! If you ever need more assistance with your novel or any other writing project, feel free to ask.
PB: Thank you. This has been wonderful. I feel incredibly enlightened about our industry, thanks to you!
CHATGPT: You're welcome! It was my pleasure to assist you and share my knowledge about the publishing industry.