Nearly half of novelists worry AI could replace their work | The IndependentNotifications can be managed in browser preferences.Jump to contentIndependentSwipe for next articleIndependent Bulletin homepageDownload ourSocial PartnerWe are 8 logo (opens in a new tab)AllNewsSportCultureLifestyleSam RussellThursday 20 November 2025 01:47 GMTImpact of Artificial IntelligenceA Cambridge University study reveals that almost half of UK novelists fear artificial intelligence will entirely displace their creative work.The report found that 59 per cent of novelists had their work used to train large language models without permission or payment, with 39 per cent reporting a loss of income due to generative AI.Many novelists anticipate a future decline in earnings, with 51 per cent explicitly fearing complete displacement by AI, and genre authors are identified as particularly vulnerable.Despite anxieties, 80 per cent of novelists acknowledge AI's societal benefits, and a third currently use it for non-creative tasks.Literary creatives are calling for stronger copyright enforcement, informed consent, fair remuneration, transparency from tech companies and government support, with 86 per cent advocating for an “opt-in” principle for AI training.In fullAlmost half of UK novelists fear AI will replace their work entirelyThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in