Redefining Authorship: Blockchain & AI in Publishing

Self-publishing has become a powerful tool for authors to share their work with the world without relying on traditional publishing gatekeepers. In order to keep up with the modernization of the industry, Booksie, a self-publishing platform, is embracing blockchain and artificial intelligence (AI) technologies. Sol Nasisi, the founder and CEO of Booksie, shared his vision for the future of self-publishing in an interview with .

Blockchain technology can offer transparency and ownership to authors. The Alliance of Independent Authors launched Blockchain for Books in 2018 to raise awareness about the potential benefits of blockchain in the publishing industry. The use of blockchain can allow authors to regain control over their work and access valuable data. According to Nasisi, as more of the traditional web becomes closed off, blockchain provides authors with an alternative pathway to sell their books. It can create a new digital book publishing and purchasing experience that includes real ownership, limited editions, and opportunities for book collectors and resellers to participate in external markets. Blockchain’s immutability and transparency can protect authors’ work and prove that they are the original creators.

AI has become more accessible and integrated into various industries, but authors have had concerns about its impact on their work. There have been cases of alleged illegal use of copyrighted work to train AI systems without permission. Nasisi emphasizes that AI should be used as a tool to aid authors, rather than replacing or exploiting them. Booksie’s AI bot integration provides feedback to writers on both fiction and non-fiction works.

The combination of blockchain and AI has the potential to fundamentally change the publishing industry in the next decade. Nasisi envisions a future where authors use AI and blockchain to create entire worlds in multiple mediums and interact with fans in new ways. This could involve leveraging AI assistance to write a book and using blockchain to create limited-edition versions, video series, games, and merchandise based on the story’s world. Throughout this process, authors can maintain ownership and transparency. The impact of this convergence extends beyond publishing, with potential disruptions in industries such as higher education.

Booksie and its partner, Chainletter Labs, are actively working towards this vision. Nasisi believes that the publishing industry will never be the same with the integration of blockchain and AI. Self-publishing is poised to empower authors in unprecedented ways, offering exciting new possibilities for creators and readers alike.