HarperCollins Seeks Authors’ Book Licenses for AI Training

HarperCollins Partners with AI Technology Company to Enhance Model Quality

Background

HarperCollins has reached an agreement with an artificial intelligence technology company to allow limited use of select nonfiction backlist titles for training AI models to improve model quality and performance.

Author Choice and Protection

While we believe this deal is attractive, we respect the various views of our authors, and they have the choice to opt in to the agreement or to pass on the opportunity. At HarperCollins, we believe in presenting authors with opportunities for their consideration while simultaneously protecting the underlying value of their works and our shared revenue and royalty streams.

Innovation and Experimentation

HarperCollins has a long history of innovation and experimentation with new business models. Part of our role is to identify new opportunities that benefit both our authors and the company. This agreement is an example of our commitment to innovation and our dedication to finding new ways to promote the success of our authors.

Scope and Guardrails

The agreement has a limited scope, and we have established clear guardrails around model output that respect authors’ rights. We believe this is a responsible and ethical approach to using AI technology and will continue to monitor and adjust the agreement as necessary.

Conclusion

Our partnership with the AI technology company is an exciting step forward in our commitment to innovation and experimentation. We believe that this agreement has the potential to improve model quality and performance, and we are proud to offer our authors the opportunity to participate. We will continue to work closely with our authors to ensure that their interests are protected and their rights are respected.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What are the select nonfiction backlist titles that will be used for training AI models?
A: The specific titles have not been disclosed, but they will be limited to nonfiction works from HarperCollins’ backlist catalog.

Q: How will authors be compensated for their work?
A: Authors will receive their regular royalties for any sales or usage of their work.

Q: What measures will be taken to ensure that author rights are protected?
A: The agreement includes clear guardrails around model output that respect authors’ rights, and HarperCollins will continue to monitor and adjust the agreement as necessary.

Q: Will this partnership impact the quality of author works?
A: No, this partnership will not impact the quality of author works. The training of AI models will only be used to improve the quality and performance of models, not to alter or manipulate the content of the works themselves.