Agents, Authors Question HarperCollins AI Deal
In a significant move, HarperCollins has become the first Big Five publisher to strike a licensing deal to provide access to select nonfiction books for AI training purposes. Authors and agents are approaching the deal with caution and skepticism, while also maintaining a measure of hope.
Details of the Deal
According to sources, HarperCollins has agreed to allow limited use of select nonfiction backlist titles for AI model training. The three-year agreement requires authors to opt in, with a $5,000 fee per book split evenly between the author and the publisher. This payment will not affect author royalties.
Protective Measures
The deal includes protective terms such as limiting verbatim reproduction and a commitment from the AI company not to train on pirated content. Despite concerns, HarperCollins CEO Brian Murray has been commended for advancing the conversation around AI licensing for books.
Industry Response
While HarperCollins leads the way in AI licensing deals among trade book publishers, others in the industry like S&S, PRH, and Hachette have not pursued similar agreements. Literary agents have been urged to proceed with caution, drawing parallels to early e-book rights negotiations.
Final Thoughts
As the industry navigates the evolving landscape of AI technology, the HarperCollins deal serves as a milestone in addressing the intersection of AI and publishing. While questions and uncertainties persist, the agreement underscores the importance of collaboration between authors, publishers, and AI developers.
