AI and the novel

​Novels form the cornerstone of the UK's creative industries - one of the finest jewels in the UK’s cultural and economic life. They provide the basis for innumerable films, television series, musical scores, theatre productions and much more. However, the rise of generative AI has cast unprecedented shifts and uncertainty onto the literary creatives, publishers and agents behind the novels so central to the UK’s identity, education, culture, entertainment, and wellbeing.

​Dr Clementine Collett, a fellow at Cambridge University, has recently completed a research project on the impact of generative AI on the novel, working with hundreds of novelists, publishers, and literary agents across the country for the last year to investigate the impact of AI on their work. In late November, she’ll be releasing a report titled ‘The Impact of Generative AI on the Novel’. The report presents findings on how novelists and publishers are using AI, how they are being impacted socially and economically, and how the novel form itself is changing. The report also provides policy recommendations around copyright, licensing and transparency, forming a vital and urgent call for the UK to celebrate and sustain the creative industries.

​Join us at this launch reception to hear Clemi and others from government, trade unions and academia outline some of her findings, think about policy impacts, and enjoy a drink or two!