I added the “100% RAGe” tag to the cover art on all my books over a year ago. It was my way of stating, unequivocally, that nothing I publish was created with the use of generative AI.

Technically, spelling and grammar checkers — whether online or built into whatever software we’re using — qualify as AI. But there’s a bottomless chasm between (a) using AI tools to edit our work or serve as prompts, and (b) using generative AI to write our books for us.

What’s all this about Meta & AI and stealing books?

Meta Platforms (Facebook, Instagram, Whatsapp) has recently taken their quest for training generative AI to a whole ’nuther level, as first reported in The Atlantic. In a nutshell: Meta’s Zuckerberg authorized his minions to use pirated books to train their AI systems. Meta didn’t (a) pay a dime to anyone, (b) ask for permission to use copyrighted material, or (c) inform any of the authors whose work they stole.

Copyright infringement is too pedestrian a term. Many have labelled it a “Meta Heist.”

A class-action lawsuit is before the courts, spearheaded by a number of well-known authors and the Authors Guild (USA). Similar challenges have been initiated by the Society of Authors (UK), National Union of Authors and Composers (France), and Australia’s Society of Writers, to name but a few.

Did they steal your work, too?

The Atlantic posted a search tool for authors to check whether or not their books had been pirated by Russia’s LibGen (Library Genesis) and subsequently stolen by Meta’s minions. The articles are behind a pay wall, BUT the searchable database can be accessed at this link.

As it turns out, they’ve pirated two of my books: Tracker (Book 1) and Treehawke. So, I’m in good company with many internationally bestselling authors and researchers. That doesn’t exactly provide the dopamine rush one might expect.

Try the search tool. Enter your first and last name, and you’ll know within seconds.

What can be done?

If Meta’s already stolen your work, the short answer is … not much. But there are some steps you can take to protect your other and future publications.

The Authors Guild (US) and Writers Union of Canada both suggest that authors include a “No AI Training” clause in any publishing contracts you may sign. If you’re an indie author, they advise including a “No AI Training” amendment to the copyright information in your book’s front matter.

The Writers Union of Canada has posted Artificial Intelligence, an extremely helpful summary that links to numerous international resources. Scroll down about three-quarters of the page to find their recommended Artificial Intelligence Clause for future contracts you may negotiate.

The Authors Guild’s most helpful single article is Practical Tips for Authors to Protect Their Work from AI Use. You can find their suggested “No AI Training” clause there. It’s ideal for indie authors — simply include it in your copyright page/front matter.

Cynical aside:
If what’s past is prologue, Meta et al. will ignore AI clauses with as few pangs of conscience as they felt when they violated copyright laws in the first place.

A pox on both your houses

It’s tempting to quit all things Meta in protest.

And yet … their platforms are ubiquitous for connecting with readers, announcing new novel releases, highlighting when and where our books are on sale, and staying connected with the broader community of writers, editors, and readers.

But at what cost? They’ve obviously sold their souls — are we selling ours by our continued presence on FB and Insta?

A path forward (baby steps)

• I’ve added the “No AI Training” clause to the front matter of all my books — epub, paperback, hardcover. Even the books already pirated by Meta’s soulless minions. Because my books.
• I will continue to “go wide” in publishing and wider still in marketing my work.
• As Jenn Hanson-Depaula recommends, I will take stock of my reliance on Meta platforms and create an exit ramp/strategy (vs. deleting them without a plan for replacing them).

And — most importantly — I will continue to write, and publish, and support my creative community. “Be the change you want to see,” as the wise old adage reminds us.¹

1. ^{No matter who actually said it first. 🙂} ↩︎