AI publishing: Where big data uncovers the next bestseller

Forget everything you thought you knew about self-publishing. Inkitt, a platform on AI publishing, isn’t relying on luck or connections to uncover the next bestseller.

Their secret weapon? Artificial intelligence.

This innovative approach just attracted a whopping $37 million in funding, signaling that AI publishing is a force the industry simply can’t ignore anymore.

Inkitt’s AI publishing model isn’t just a fancy concept. It’s already produced tangible results, with books discovered on their platform being snapped up for film and TV adaptations.

How Inkitt use AI publishing?

Inkitt is a self-publishing platform with a twist. Unlike traditional self-publishing avenues, Inkitt leverages advanced artificial intelligence (AI) within its process, analyzing reader engagement data to predict which stories have the potential to become bestsellers.

The startup aims to challenge industry giants like Penguin Random House by claiming a higher success rate with its algorithmic selection process. It focuses on the long tail of undiscovered talent and caters to preferences gleaned through data analysis.

This makes them a unique force in an increasingly competitive market.

Inkitt utilizes AI publishing models to determine the next bestseller (Image credit)

Inkitt’s potent AI publishing model operates in several stages:

• Manuscript analysis: As authors upload their work onto Inkitt, the AI meticulously analyzes elements like plot, character development, pacing, and writing style
• Reader engagement tracking: The core of Inkitt’s power lies in tracking real-time reader interaction. The AI monitors metrics such as how long readers stay on a page, where they drop off, and which sections generate the most excitement
• Bestseller prediction: Combining manuscript analysis with reader engagement data, the AI develops ”bestseller scores”. This enables Inkitt to identify those books with the highest potential for mainstream success

The results speak for themselves.

Inkitt boasts millions of users, dozens of bestselling titles, and even adaptations like its popular “Beautiful Mistake” TV series. It ranks among the top publishers worldwide and consistently outperforms traditional houses in converting manuscripts into bestsellers.

How does self-publishing work?

In self-publishing, an author takes complete control of bringing their book to market. They handle the tasks traditionally done by a publishing house. This starts with writing the book but extends to editing, design, and formatting. The author becomes responsible for creating a professional-looking cover, arranging the interior layout, and even obtaining an ISBN to identify their work.

Instead of submitting their manuscript to publishers, a self-publishing author chooses where to distribute their book. Major online retailers like Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing offer access to a massive audience.

But what if there was a… Smarter way?

Inkitt takes the concept of self-publishing and adds a unique, technology-driven twist. Authors still begin by submitting their work to the Inkitt platform, much like they would to any self-publishing retailer. However, this is where the traditional path diverges.

Inkitt employs AI and data science to analyze the vast pool of self-published stories. Their algorithms look for specific elements like:

• Plot structure
• Readability
• Engagement potential

Identifying stories that have a higher chance of resonating with a wide audience. This offers emerging authors an opportunity that traditional self-publishing can’t – a data-driven boost toward potential bestseller status.

Inkitt then further assists authors by using AI in tasks like translation, audiobook narration, and potentially even cover art generation. The goal is to streamline the publishing process and use technology to increase a story’s reach and marketability.

By incorporating AI, Inkitt aims to empower more authors to achieve success, while also building a content library tailored to reader preferences identified by their extensive data analysis.

The AI publishing model has already produced tangible results (Image credit) All eyes on personalization

To realize its vision of personalized and AI-assisted storytelling, Inkitt is actively testing and refining its approach to narrative generation. The company leverages a diverse range of Large Language Models (LLMs), including those from OpenAI, Anthropic, and Mistral AI.

Rather than relying solely on any single LLM, Inkitt strategically builds custom solutions around these different models. This approach likely aims to combine the strengths of each technology while minimizing potential weaknesses, ultimately creating a unique content generation system tailored to their needs.

Where does this leave AI publishing in ongoing controversies?

Inkitt’s emphasis on AI analysis raises questions about the balance between an author’s original vision and potential changes suggested by algorithms designed for mass appeal. Where is the line between constructive feedback and compromising artistic integrity?

As a matter of fact, this was the reason behind the ArtStation protests: The human touch.

The ArtStation protests erupted when the platform began featuring AI-generated images prominently alongside human-created art. Artists were outraged for several reasons that deeply resonate with the potential issues in AI publishing.

Inkitt’s AI publishing model analyzes elements like plot, character development, pacing, and writing style (Image credit)

The fundamental tension is the accessibility and potential efficiency of AI tools versus the preservation of the human touch that makes art and literature resonate on a deeper level.

Inkitt, by leaning into AI publishing, will undoubtedly have to address these same concerns as it seeks to build its 21st-century content empire.

With all these controversies surrounding AI publishing, let’s remember a famous quote by the man who illuminated our future:

“Vision without execution is hallucination.”

– Thomas Edison.

Featured image credit: Susan Q Yin/Unsplash.