Traditional and indie authors are increasingly vocalizing their opposition to the use of generative AI in writing by sharing behind-the-scenes glimpses of their creative processes on TikTok. Under the hashtag #WritersTok, they aim to counter accusations of AI use and highlight the inherent value of human craftsmanship in writing.
In a recent TikTok video, Victoria Aveyard, renowned for her Red Queen series, shares a striking visual of her hefty 1,000-page manuscript, demonstrating the tangible effort that goes into crafting a book. Her caption bluntly asserts, "Using GenAI to write a book doesn’t make you a writer, it makes you a thief." In a further TikTok post, she expresses her disdain for those who attempt to "launder" AI-generated content through self-publishing to secure traditional publishing deals, gathering over 350,000 views in total.
Debate surrounding AI-generated content is intensifying on social media platforms like Threads and TikTok. Writers frequently express concerns about the implications of AI wresting away opportunities that were once available to human authors. Aveyard warns that the r/WritingWithAI subreddit’s burgeoning popularity—now exceeding 40,000 subscribers—suggests a potential shift in the industry that threatens authentic authors.
Market research indicates a projected growth of the publishing industry by approximately $18.9 million between now and 2029, partly driven by an influx of self-published authors. However, the rise of questionable AI-generated books has complicated the search for genuinely human-created content. Authors are now defending their work against accusations in what some perceive as a modern-day witch hunt.
Ashley Godschild, an indie author, emphasizes the importance of showcasing the human elements that differentiate true authorship from AI-generated work. After being inspired by Aveyard, she posted her own time-lapse writing video, asserting her dedication to the craft and disavowing AI assistance, declaring, “I’m not a thief.”
Other authors, like Rachel Menard, echo these sentiments, utilizing their platforms to underscore the extensive, nuanced work that goes into writing. Menard highlights her rigorous editing process, arguing that AI cannot replicate the emotional depth necessary to create compelling stories.
Quan Millz, an indie author with a significant following, confronts baseless accusations of AI authorship head-on. He expresses frustration at the implications that his writing lacks authenticity, emphasizing that AI cannot capture the intricacies of language, especially those inherent to specific cultures or groups. Millz, who has used AI tools to aid in creating book covers, rejects the notion that AI could replicate the unique voice reflected in his work.
Together, these authors are reclaiming the narrative of what it means to be a writer in today’s landscape, standing firmly against the tide of generative AI proliferation in literature. They advocate for the recognition of the deeply human skills required to tell compelling stories while actively resisting the encroaching influence of technology on creative expressions.
