Brandon Sandersonhas added his voice to theongoing AI debate in the book community, and his stance echoes the sentiments of many otherbest-selling authors railing against its use in publishing. Although theMistbornandStormlight Archiveauthor noted that there are “interesting things” the technology could be used for, he’s reluctant about it in creative spaces.
In a recentTikTokvideo,Sanderson admitted he has “a bit of a bone to pick with AI,“specifically the fact that it’s being used to create art — art that those inputting prompts sometimes take credit for. Sanderson compared the process of inputting AI prompts to being an art director, emphasizing that the latter doesn’t actually make or claim ownership of the pieces they direct:
“People use AI for all sorts of interesting things. My stance is, as I’ve said before, a little against it in creative endeavors. I’m concerned. One of the things I’m concerned about is people are saying, ‘Well, I’m an AI artist because I’m putting in the prompts.'”
Sanderson then pulled upStormlight Archivesketches created by Ben McSweeney.Sanderson has a bit of experience directing art, as he ideates some of the images included in his novels, offering instructions to those who create them. This is how Shallan’s sketches are brought to life inThe Stormlight Archivebooks. And Sanderson noted he’d never take credit for such pieces:
“I would never put my name as the artist on this piece of art. This is Ben McSweeney’s art. He did the art. Now, I gave him the prompt, yes. I asked for it, I commissioned it, I pushed him on it, but it’s his art. And this is kind of my worry with some of the AI things with writing and with art that’s happening. Being an art director does not give you ownership over the piece. And in this case — no matter how good your prompts, no matter how much you refine — you aren’t making the art.”
He went on to say that “the machine is making the art,” concluding his video with a powerful send-off that may ruffle some feathers: “I don’t think you’re an artist; I think you might be an art director to a machine.” It’s an interesting analogy, and it’s one that’s easy to understand, especially forfans of Sanderson’s booksand the artwork within them.
What Brandon Sanderson’s Take On AI Means For Publishing
A Big-Name Fantasy Author Speaking Out Could Get More Attention On The Subject
The conversation surrounding AI in the publishing industry has exploded in recent weeks, with authors growing increasingly concerned about the technology. Many of them, like Victoria Aveyard and Adam Silvera, have been vocal about the subject online, demanding those invested in books and publishing take a stand.
And a federal court ruling that AI companies could use copyrighted materials acquired legally to train their models (viaNPR) has only added to the tensions. It’s no wonder more and more authors are starting to speak out, anda big-name writer like Sanderson taking a stance could help their efforts.
Our Take On Brandon Sanderson’s AI Comments
His Breakdown Of The Topic Is Smart & Accessible
With the recent discussions about AI in publishing, it’s great to see such a well-known author speaking out about the problems arising from the technology — and doing so in a way that’s easy for the average consumer to grasp. Although the topic comes up frequently in online book spaces, it’s not something everyone is going to be knowledgeable about.
Sanderson’s breakdown gives readers who are out of the loop an accessible explanation of how AI works and why authors don’t feel it should be used to make art. GivenBrandon Sanderson’s reach, the message is likely to land where it’s needed.
