The publishing industry has been slow to embrace technology, with traditional publishers often wary of how innovations like AI could disrupt established processes. Their skepticism stems from concerns about content quality, job redundancies and the impact AI could have on creative workflows. Meanwhile, the self-publishing world has positioned itself as the recipient of AI-edited content, suggesting its own flexible, non-judgemental structure. But, despite the promise of the technology, the use of AI in publishing has drawn criticism from both authors and traditional publishing houses who see it as a threat to the core of literary art.
The spinesa self-publishing platform in Miami, plans to publish 8,000 titles by 2025 with the help of AI (It has published more than 1,700 so far. Founded in 2021 by Yehuda Niv, a former Israeli Air Force computer engineer who began his entrepreneurial journey with Israel-based publishing house NIV Books, Spines’ AI platform automates much of the publishing process, from editing and formatting to design integration and distribution. Users pay between $1,200 and $5,000 for platform services, depending on the level of AI support needed. On average, a job that used to take six to 18 months for a traditional printer can now be completed in just two or three weeks, the company says.
“When people hear AI, many think we’re creating AI-generated books, but that’s not the case,” Niv, who serves as CEO of Spines, told the Observer, adding that, while AI handles many tasks on the platform, human editing. services are available to writers willing to pay more. “Our priority is to ensure that innovation enhances, rather than diminishes, the creativity and human understanding that is at the heart of great publishing,” said Niv.
Spines said it aims to help millions of writers bring their stories to life—so they can focus on writing great books while AI handles the hard work of publishing. Authors often give up after multiple rejections from major publishers. Even when their work is accepted, publishing houses charge between $10,000 to $50,000, Said Niv. “AI has made it possible to get the same result in less than three weeks, at a fraction of the cost.” The $5,000 platform package includes a hardcover book, an e-book and an audiobook.
However, not everyone is convinced. Deidre J. Owenfiction writer and founder of independent publisher Mannison Press, dismissed Spines as a “vain” publisher. “The use of genA.I. it greatly denigrates the creative process and undermines the essence of thinking and departure from it. “The author’s voice is unique, it takes time to develop and it will be hampered if forced to outsource to AI,” he told the Observer.
The role of a book editor goes beyond basic proofreading and formatting; they act as intellectual partners who help refine the author’s work while maintaining its originality and integrity. While AI can handle mechanical tasks like proofreading, the judgment and insight of a human editor is essential to enhance a writer’s unique voice and ideas. Owen says that the current limitations of AI in replicating human intelligence may result in homogenized content and declining standards of programming. “Traditional publishing isn’t for everyone, but turning everything over to AI isn’t the answer,” he said. “If a person isn’t willing to spend their time, energy and heart to master their art, why would anyone want to eat an empty, slapdash product?”
Spines has raised $22.5 million in total funding. Oren Zeev, founder of Zeev Ventures and an early backer of Amazon ( AMZN )’s Audible, led an initial $16 million Series A round of funding in November along with existing investor Aleph VC, an Israeli venture capital firm.
“Traditional AI businesses will disrupt both the business model and the knowledge needed to become a book publisher,” Michael Eisenberga partner at Aleph VC who led Spines’ seed round in April, told the Observer. “AI will democratize publishing and create a real marketplace of ideas. It’s a big bet that AI can improve freedom of expression and the spread of ideas.”
In addition to core publishing services, Spines offers AI-driven marketing tools and royalty management systems to help authors increase their reach and track sales. Authors keep 70 percent of their money—compared to the 10 to 20 percent typically offered to regular publishers. The company also offers distribution memberships starting at $19 per month, and worldwide channel access is available for an additional fee.
“This shift could redefine the way authors see their financial opportunities in publishing—making it a more accessible endeavor for creators of all backgrounds,” Eisenberg said.
Frank-Jürgen Richterformer director of the World Economic Forum and author of more than 37 books on global strategy, believes that the rise of AI can ultimately be beneficial. human-made media. “The role of publishers in identifying and nurturing authors will become increasingly important as the market becomes saturated with AI-powered publications,” Richter told the Observer.
He added that the future of publishing will be shaped by how AI can complement—not replace—human intelligence. “AI publishers will only succeed if they can match the sales success of traditional publishers. At the end of the day, authors will choose a publisher to sell their books.”
