Publishers are secretly embracing AI, while staff resist

In 2026, major US book publishers like HarperCollins, Simon & Schuster, and Hachette are quietly integrating AI tools such as Claude and ChatGPT into their workflows, despite public resistance. Staff report using these tools for tasks like writing publicity copy, designing cover art, and generating marketing materials, often without author consent. One employee at HarperCollins noted that executives pushed for AI adoption, even dismissing concerns about its ethical and environmental impact as 'the cost of doing business.' Meanwhile, literary agents suspect some editors are using AI to draft rejection letters, prompting authors to add AI clauses to contracts. Some publishers, like Hachette, claim they support AI for operational use but not for creative tasks. Simon & Schuster employees are also pushing back against AI-driven initiatives, including a proposed trial with Skan AI, which they fear could replace human roles. A HarperCollins staffer added that layoffs have forced staff to take shortcuts, leading to growing unrest within the industry.