The AI Revolution in Book Publishing: A Concise Guide to Navigating Artificial Intelligence for Writers and Publishers

Revised May 2025

“Thad McIlroy brings his expertise to bear on one of the most important and potentially disruptive forces in contemporary publishing: the impact of generative AI. Rich in insight… The AI Revolution in Book Publishing is foundational for anyone who wants to understand how artificial intelligence is affecting both writing and publishing.” — Maja Thomas, Chief Innovation Officer, Hachette Livre

“A great overview of how AI might, or might not, fit into trade publishing. Thad’s analysis of the current state of the business adds important context to how the new technology can be best utilized.” — Jim Milliot, Former PW Editorial Director and current Editor-at-Large

“I’m amazed at the breadth of what's covered in The Al Revolution in Book Publishing ... When I read Thad McIlroy I feel like we're having a conversation!” — Joe Wikert, President, Revenue Path Group

“For publishing professionals, this book is more than just a theoretical exploration of AI. It's an invaluable resource that demystifies the complex world of AI.” — Ken Brooks, Treadwell Media Group

“Thad has accomplished the nearly unimaginable: clearly, authoritatively, and comprehensively explaining the multiple dimensions and intersecting issues of AI in publishing.” — Bill Kasdorf, Kasdorf & Associates

“I’m amazed at the breadth of what's covered in The Al Revolution in Book Publishing ... When I read Thad McIlroy I feel like we're having a conversation!” — Joe Wikert, President, Revenue Path Group

In The Al Revolution in Publishing: A Concise Guide to Navigating Artificial Intelligence for Writers and Publishers, writer and technologist Thad McIlroy provides an insider’s understanding of how Al is impacting the entire publishing ecosystem-from authoring to editorial and marketing to sales and distribution.

McIlroy’s decades of experience in publishing and technology will help both authors and publishing professionals better understand hot-button issues like copyright and Al for translation, to develop informed opinions, and to better engage in the many ways that the technology is reshaping the publishing industry.

McIlroy’s decades of experience in publishing and technology will help both authors and publishing professionals better understand hot-button issues like copyright and Al for translation, to develop informed opinions, and to better engage in the many ways that the technology is reshaping the publishing industry.

The AI Revolution in Book Publishing is the first book to look deep inside artificial intelligence as it impacts authors and book publishers. Yet it’s also concise and direct — only what you need to know.

Thad McIlroy is a digital publishing analyst and author based in San Francisco. His site, The Future of Publishing, provides in-depth coverage of book publishing industry trends, currently focusing on the intersection of AI with book authoring and publishing. A well-established expert in the technology and marketing issues surrounding digital publishing, he has authored a dozen other books and over 500 articles. McIlroy is also a partner in Publishing Technology Partners, and a contributing editor to Publishers Weekly covering artificial intelligence, publishing innovation, and book publishing technology startups.