Pitch perfect? ChatGPT does book blurbs
Writing a novel is an uphill battle. You spend years working on it and finally, you have a book. However, the real challenge is writing a blurb that can entice readers to pick up your book. Publishers usually take care of that task, but sometimes they may get it wrong, and readers may not even bother to read it. Publishers have now turned to AI to create book blurbs to increase sales. ChatGPT is one such AI tool that can write blurbs on nearly any subject.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Literature
While AI has made significant advancements in several fields, the view of most writers is of bewilderment and dread toward AI tools like ChatGPT. Indie editors have already released novels co-authored with AI, and a few authors use AI to create storylines. However, AI can only give output based on probabilities, and it lacks human creativity.
ChatGPT's Challenges
To see how artful ChatGPT is, Tom Rachman put it to the test and asked it to write book blurbs for various books.
Write a blurb for a bad novel
In The Invasion of Dullsville, the town of Dullsville is the least exciting place to be. But everything changes when Mr. X, a mysterious and alluring stranger, arrives. Little do the townspeople know that Mr. X is an alien from a distant planet, determined to conquer Earth and enslave all humanity. The Invasion of Dullsville is the poorly written yet thrilling novel that will keep you on the edge of your seat, cheering for the misfits who come together to stop Mr. X before it's too late.
Write a blurb for a highbrow literary novel including every blurb cliché
The Weight of Words is a must-read for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of the human experience. Writer John Smith explores the complexities of the modern world with raw honesty and lyrical prose. With its richly drawn characters, this thought-provoking and beautifully written novel is a tour de force that will leave you questioning everything you thought you knew about life.
Write a blurb for a novel that you don't actually like
In The Endless Struggle, the protagonist navigates the struggles of daily life, making the book a forgettable and unmemorable experience. The writing style is passable, and the pacing of the story is adequate. If you are looking for a book that will leave you unimpressed, the Endless Struggle may be the right read for you.
Blurb for a dangerous book
If you choose to read The Dangerous Book by Jane Doe, be prepared to encounter controversial and potentially risky ideas that may be disturbing or triggering. The book challenges conventional thinking and encourages readers to approach the world around us with a critical eye. Please seek guidance from a trusted source before proceeding if you are unsure whether this book is suitable for you.
While AI tools like ChatGPT can be a useful aid in writing blurbs, they lack the creativity of human writers. The Imposters by Tom Rachman comes out on April 27, and it promises to be a must-read. You can buy it from The Big Issue shop on Bookshop.org, which supports independent bookshops and helps to fund The Big Issue's work.
