Publishers Use AI Quietly, Staff Push Back at HarperCollins, Simon & Schuster, Hachette

Major US book publishers HarperCollins, Simon & Schuster, and Hachette are quietly using AI tools like ChatGPT and Claude for publicity copy, cover art, and emails without public disclosure or author consent, prompting staff revolts and internal backlash. Workers report executives pushing AI adoption through mandatory "AI Champions" programs and contests, while staff raise concerns about ethics, environmental impact, and job security. Employees say AI-generated rejection letters and marketing materials are common, with some publishers exploring productivity-monitoring software like Skan AI. Simon & Schuster employees recently gathered signatures on an open letter opposing Skan AI trials, though CEO Greg Greeley said no decision has been made. Agents are adding contract clauses prohibiting manuscripts from being run through LLMs, fearing unpublished work could be fed into AI systems.