Bloomsbury chief AI will aid authors in beating writer’s block

Published: ২৭ October 2025. The English Chronicle Desk. The English Chronicle Online.

Artificial intelligence is poised to become a crucial tool for authors seeking to overcome writer’s block, according to Nigel Newton, the founder and chief executive of Bloomsbury, the publishing house renowned for the Harry Potter series. Newton believes AI can support creativity across a broad spectrum of artistic disciplines, though he cautions that it will not replace prominent or established authors entirely.

Speaking to the PA news agency, Newton explained that AI has the potential to encourage creative participation on a global scale. “I think AI will probably help creativity because it will enable the eight billion people on the planet to get started on some creative area where they might have hesitated to take the first step,” he said. According to him, AI can generate the opening paragraph or even the first chapter, providing an initial framework that allows writers to regain momentum and find their rhythm. Beyond literature, Newton noted that AI can assist in painting, music composition, and virtually every other creative art form, opening new avenues for experimentation and exploration.\

Despite the promise, Newton emphasised the importance of human authorship, particularly for well-known writers. He warned that fully AI-generated books could present a “problem,” as readers continue to value the authority, reliability, and established reputation of recognised authors. “We are programmed deep in our DNA to be comforted by the authority and the reliability of big brand names, and that applies more than ever to the names of big writers,” he said. Newton suggested that while AI might produce an abundance of content, readers are likely to seek reassurance from reputable sources, reinforcing the enduring importance of trusted literary brands.

Bloomsbury has experienced significant commercial growth in recent years, largely driven by a roster of high-profile authors. One such author is Sarah J. Maas, whose “romantasy” series A Court of Thorns and Roses has captivated readers worldwide, selling over 70 million copies in English alone. Maas’ popularity has been further amplified through social media platforms, particularly TikTok, demonstrating the influence of digital trends on book sales and author visibility.

The publisher’s recent financial performance reflects the impact of AI in the commercial sector. Last week, Bloomsbury’s shares surged by as much as 10% in a single day following a report of a 20% increase in revenue within its academic and professional division during the first half of the financial year. Newton attributed much of this growth to a licensing agreement involving AI technologies, highlighting the transformative role AI can play in supporting educational content and professional publications.

However, the company’s consumer division experienced a roughly 20% decline in revenue, attributed primarily to the absence of a new title from Maas during the same period. This contrast underscores the continued importance of star authors and bestselling series in driving sales for consumer-facing publishing, even in an era increasingly influenced by AI-generated content.

While Newton expressed optimism about AI’s potential to help emerging writers, the broader publishing community has seen tensions arise between authors and AI companies. In September, for example, the AI firm Anthropic agreed to pay $1.5 billion (£1.1 billion) to settle a class-action lawsuit brought by authors in the United States. The authors claimed that the company had used pirated copies of their works to train its chatbot, raising significant legal and ethical questions about copyright, creative ownership, and the use of AI in literary production.

Newton’s perspective suggests that AI will likely serve as an augmentation tool rather than a replacement for human creativity. By generating initial ideas or drafting preliminary text, AI can assist writers who might otherwise struggle with inertia or writer’s block. It can help individuals who have the creative spark but lack the confidence or momentum to begin a project, effectively lowering the barriers to entry for artistic creation.

The use of AI in literature also raises questions about originality, quality, and reader expectations. While the technology can produce content quickly, it does not yet replicate the nuanced voice, deep experience, or distinctive style of established authors. Readers, Newton argues, will continue to value the human element in writing, seeking out trusted authors whose work provides both entertainment and credibility. In this sense, AI functions as a complementary resource that can inspire, structure, and refine content, rather than replacing the authorial presence entirely.

Furthermore, AI may play a transformative role in democratizing creativity. By offering support to individuals who lack formal training, access to mentorship, or experience in the creative industries, AI could enable more diverse voices to emerge in literature, music, and the visual arts. Newton suggested that such a shift could have profound implications for the creative economy, potentially expanding the pool of creators and fostering greater innovation in cultural production.

Bloomsbury’s engagement with AI is already evident in its licensing agreements and the adoption of digital tools to enhance both academic and professional content. By leveraging AI, the publisher aims to streamline the production process, improve accessibility, and reach new markets, particularly in educational sectors where technology can provide interactive and adaptive learning experiences.

At the same time, legal and ethical challenges persist. The settlement with Anthropic highlights the need for clearer guidelines regarding the use of copyrighted material in AI training. Publishers, authors, and technology companies must navigate these issues carefully to balance innovation with respect for intellectual property rights. Newton’s cautious approach reflects an awareness that AI’s potential must be harnessed responsibly to avoid undermining the creative ecosystem it seeks to support.

In conclusion, while AI is unlikely to replace established authors, it is poised to become an indispensable tool for writers seeking inspiration and support. By lowering barriers to creative engagement, assisting with initial drafting, and providing innovative ways to explore artistic ideas, AI can enhance the creative process and expand opportunities for new voices to be heard. At the same time, human authorship, established reputations, and reader trust remain central to the publishing industry’s continued success. As the integration of AI in literature progresses, careful attention to copyright, ethical considerations, and the preservation of creative authenticity will be essential to ensuring a balanced and sustainable future for writers and readers alike.