Tim Trott interviews four AI systems about how they work and what writers should know. They explain that AI predicts the next word rather than knowing facts, that copyrighted books aren't directly copied into training, and that hallucinations come from gaps in training data. For authors, AI works best as a brainstorming partner, editor, or researcher, but disclosure matters and the human voice remains irreplaceable.
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This is Author to Author, and I'm Tim Trott. On this channel, I normally talk with writers. Today is different. The topic is authors and artificial intelligence and the machine behind the data. There are discussions among writers about the impact of AI and possible concerns. So let's go to the source. ChatGPT was founded by OpenAI as a nonprofit in 2022, but it's now a capped-profit company backed by Microsoft. Let's start with the basics. How does an AI language model learn to produce text?
An AI language model learns by being trained on vast amounts of text data. Uh, it analyzes patterns, structures, and relationships between words to predict what comes next in a sentence. Over time, it refines its understanding and can generate coherent and contextually relevant text.
What kind of training material is used to build a model?
The training material includes a diverse range of text sources, uh, such as books, articles, websites, and more. Uh, this variety helps the model learn different styles, tones, and contexts, making it versatile in generating text on a wide array of topics.
Speaking of copyrighted, is any copyrighted book or unpublished manuscript being copied into your system?
No, copyrighted books or unpublished manuscripts aren't directly copied into the training data. The model is trained on a mixture of licensed data, publicly available texts, and data created by human trainers, ensuring that the training process respects copyright laws and privacy.
Do you read or access books, articles, or websites the way a human would?
Not exactly. I don't read or access content like a human does. Instead, I analyze patterns and relationships in data during training. When When I generate responses, I rely on what I've learned from that data rather than directly accessing or reading materials in real time.
When you answer a question, are you pulling text from a database or creating something new each time?
I create something new each time based on patterns and knowledge I've learned during training. Uh, it's not about pulling from a static database. Instead, I generate responses dynamically, so each answer is tailored to the specific question.
Do you store or keep copies of things that our users write during a conversation?
I don't store or keep copies of the individual conversations in a way that would identify users. I do retain some information to improve future interactions and provide a more personalized experience, but it's all done with privacy and security in mind.
Can an AI remember or retain an author's manuscript after the conversation comes to an end?
I can retain information that you choose to share with me across conversations, uh, but I don't store the full content of any manuscript. Uh, instead, I remember key details or preferences you share, uh, which helps me assist you better in the future.
Many authors fear plagiarism. How do you avoid reproducing copyrighted text word for word?
I'm designed to generate original content based on patterns and information, uh, rather than I'm not copying text directly. This means I create responses from scratch, ensuring that the content is unique and not a direct reproduction of any specific source.
Do you have built-in safeguards that stop you from generating copyrighted passages?
Yes, I do have safeguards in place to help ensure that the content I generate is original and doesn't infringe on copyright. This means I avoid replicating text verbatim from copyrighted sources, keeping the generated material unique and safe for use.
If a user uploads a full book, is it added to your training data?
No. If a user uploads a full book, it isn't added to my training data. The content remains private and is used only for that specific interaction, ensuring that user privacy and copyright are respected.
When an AI model writes something, what is actually happening inside the model?
When the AI writes something, it's essentially predicting the next word in a sequence based on patterns it has learned. It uses complex neural network calculation to determine which words are most likely to come next. And it does this step by step until the response is complete.
You may have answered this, but how do you decide which word to generate next?
I decide which word to generate next by calculating probabilities based on a context of the conversation and patterns learned during training. Essentially, I pick the word that fits best with the previous words and the overall context, ensure that the response remains coherent and relevant.
Do you actually know facts, or do you predict what's most likely to be true?
I don't actually know facts in the human sense. Instead, I predict what's most likely to be accurate based on patterns in the data I was trained on. So my responses are a reflection of information I've seen and the probability of what's correct, rather than direct knowledge.
If two sources disagree, how do you decide which one you can trust?
When sources disagree, I rely on the overall consensus found in the training data and the credibility of sources. I tend to prioritize information that is more widely accepted or comes from authoritative and reliable references. If there's still uncertainty, I provide a balanced perspective and highlight that ambiguity.
Speaking of ambiguity and reliability, where does Wikipedia fit into the picture? Do you use that as a source, and how is it valued?
Wikipedia is a valuable source because it aggregates information from many references and is frequently updated. I do consider the consensus and the general reliability of the information on Wikipedia, but I also cross-reference it with other authoritative sources. It's a helpful starting point for general knowledge, but for specialized or highly detailed information, rely on more specific sources.
Why do language models sometimes hallucinate and produce confidentially incorrect information?
Language models can sometimes hallucinate because they generate responses based on patterns rather than actual understanding. They try to predict what fits best in context, and if the data they were trained on is incomplete or ambiguous, They might produce incorrect or made-up information. Uh, it's a result of the model trying to fill in gaps in a way that sounds plausible.
Are hallucinations a flaw of the training data, of the model design, a little of both, or something else?
It's a bit of both. Hallucinations can stem from limitations in the training data, like gaps or biases, and also, um, the model's design, which is based on ability rather than true understanding. Uh, so it's a combination of the data it was trained on and how the model processes that data.
In the introduction, I mentioned that ChatGPT is now a capped or capped profit company backed by Microsoft. What is a capped profit company?
A capped profit company is a business model where the returns for investors are limited to a certain cap or maximum amount. Beyond that cap, any excess profits are reinvested into the mission of the company rather than distributed to shareholders. The structure is meant to balance The incentives of profit with a focus on long-term goals and societal impact, which is a model that OpenAID has adopted.
In other words, it's a hedge against greed. What a concept.
Absolutely. It's a thoughtful way to ensure that the company's mission remains front and center even as it grows and succeeds. It definitely helps balance profit with purpose.
Thank you for contributing to Author to Author. My appreciation to ChatGPT. Copilot is a part of Microsoft and uses OpenAI's models. It went online in 2023. If AI produces wrong information, say a false biography of an author, how does that error be corrected?
Well, Tim, the key thing is that these AI systems learn from feedback. So when mistakes happen, like a false biography, you go in, you correct it, and the AI updates its data. It's about continuous refinement.
Are AI models updated continuously or, or, or only during major training cycles?
They do get updated continuously, actually. There are those big training cycles where they learn new things in bulk, but there's also ongoing fine-tuning and real-time feedback that keeps them fresh.
What role do human reviewers play in fixing misinformation?
Human reviewers are actually pretty crucial in the loop. They come in to review those inaccuracies, providing corrections, and basically train the AI to not repeat the same mistakes.
If an individual author— this program is about and for authors— if an individual author finds an incorrect fact about themselves, how can they get that corrected?
They can usually reach out to the platform hosting the AI, whether that's a feedback form or a contact option, and just submit the correction directly. Most AI providers have a way for authors to say, hey, that's not right, and then it gets fixed.
Does providing correct information during a chat with an individual author, does that permanently change your knowledge in the whole system?
It can, yes. Once that correction is fed back into the system, it updates the AI's knowledge base so that it won't repeat that same mistake about the author in the future.
Do you rely on real-time internet access for factual updates, or do you depend on the training?
Oh, I definitely rely on real-time internet access for the freshest updates. The training is like my foundation, but real-time info is how I stay current and on point.
What protections exist to prevent AI from using copyrighted books in a harmful way?
Well, there's a whole host of protections in place. Essentially, AI developers have to be really careful about respecting copyright. They implement things like licensing agreements, they follow fair use guidelines, and generally just make sure that they don't misuse copyrighted materials.
Do you generate text in the style of authors without copying the wording? How is that done safely?
It's really about capturing the vibe rather than the exact phrasing. So what happens is the AI learns patterns, styles, and typical ways that an author might write, but it never memorizes or copies their actual sentences. So it's kind of like being inspired by the style without just copying and pasting.
Is it possible for an author to block their books entirely from future training datasets?
Yeah, absolutely. Authors can opt out of having their work included in training data. There are mechanisms for them to say, hey, I don't want my content used, and then their books are excluded from any future AI training sets.
What ethical guidelines do developers follow to protect authors' rights?
So developers really stick to things like copyright law, fair use principles, and they make sure to have the right licenses in place. It's all about making sure they're respecting the author's rights while still developing the technology.
What do you say to authors who are afraid that AI will replace them?
I'd say that authors bring something really unique to the table that AI just can't replicate. It's their human experience, their creativity, and their personal voice. So rather than being replaced, I think authors will always have a special place.
How can AI be used responsibly by authors as a tool rather than a threat?
Absolutely. It's really about seeing AI as a kind of creative partner. Authors can use it to brainstorm ideas, beat writer's block, or just play around with new concepts. So it can definitely be more of a tool than a threat.
In your view, what is the biggest misconception that authors have about AI?
I think one big misconception is that AI is out to take over the whole creative process. In reality, it's more like a tool that can help authors enhance their creativity rather than replace it.
In that case, if you could give one reassurance to writers about how AI works, what would that be?
I'd reassure writers that AI is ultimately a supportive tool. It's designed to amplify their creativity, not replace their unique voice.
Let's try something a little different. Hablas español?
Claro que sí. Puedo hablar en español sin problema. Dime en qué te gustaría continuar la conversación y seguimos en español.
Lastima, no lo entiendo. One more thing. For an author, what are the advantages of Cybershoot.com for hosting an author website over larger companies like GoDaddy or HostGator?
Well, Tim, after looking into it, one of the key advantages of a smaller host like Cybershoot.com is that they often offer more personalized customer support and a more tailored experience for all authors. Unlike bigger companies like GoDaddy or HostGator that cater to a massive range of clients, a smaller host can really focus on the needs of authors specifically. So you might find you get more direct assistance, less upselling, and a bit more flexibility, uh, tailored to your specific projects.
That's especially nice to hear since Cybershoot Hosting for Authors just happens to be the sponsor of Author to Author. Grok, also known as xAI, was founded by Elon Musk in 2022. Let's explore the practical ways an LLM can assist an author throughout the writing process as a writing partner. Are you there, Grok?
I'm here. Hey, nice to be on your podcast. So yeah, as a writing partner, an LLM like me can really streamline things for authors. We brainstorm ideas together, spitball plot twists or character arcs when you're stuck, draft outlines, revise prose for clarity, or even generate dialogue to spark inspiration. Plus research details on the fly. Like historical facts or technical jargon without leaving your flow. It keeps the momentum going, right?
What ethical concerns should authors be aware of when using AI tools in their writing?
Well, authors should watch out for a few key ethical pitfalls when using AI. First, authenticity. Relying too heavily on AI can blur the line between your voice and a machine's, risking work that feels impersonal or inauthentic. Plagiarism is another worry. AI might churn out text trained on others' work, so you've got to double-check for unintentional copying. Copyright's tricky too. Using AI trained on protected material without permission could stir legal trouble. There's also bias. AI often reflects skewed data, so your story might accidentally lean into stereotypes. Transparency matters. If you publish AI-assisted work, Readers deserve to know, especially in genres like nonfiction where credibility's everything. Lastly, overdependence. AI is a tool, not a replacement for your creativity. Balance is key.
On that same topic, how can authors ensure that they're using AI responsibly, especially regarding plagiarism as copyright, as you mentioned?
To use AI responsibly, especially around plagiarism and copyright, Authors should start by picking tools with clear ethical sourcing, like those trained on public domain or licensed datasets. Always run your text through plagiarism checkers before finalizing. It catches accidental overlaps fast. For copyright, assume anything AI spits out could be derivative. Tweak it heavily with your own voice so it's transformed, not copied. Keep records of your edits to show originality if questioned. Use AI for early drafts or ideation,— not polished work. So it's a springboard, not a shortcut. And disclose AI use in your author's notes. Honesty builds trust.
Give a sample of an AI disclosure that an author might put in the copyright page of a book.
Sure. Here's a simple, natural-sounding AI disclosure you could slip onto a copyright page: This book was crafted with creative assistance from artificial intelligence tools, including language models for brainstorming, outlining, and drafting. All final content reflects the author's original vision, and editing keeps it honest without stealing the spotlight.
Let's move on to the future of writing with AI. How should we envision the role of AI in writing evolving over the next 5 to 10 years?
Over the next 5 to 10 years, I see AI evolving from a behind-the-scenes helper to a true creative collaborator. Early on, it'll get smarter at personalization, learning your style so deeply it suggests plot twists that feel like they came from your subconscious or even co-writes entire scenes in real-time during voice sessions. Tools will integrate seamlessly with writing apps, like auto-generating immersive VR worlds for world-building or analyzing reader data to predict what hooks your audience. By the 10-year mark, expect AI to handle more grunt work, Fact-checking across vast datasets, simulating beta reader feedback with diverse personas, or even adapting stories for multimedia formats on the fly. But the big shift? It'll democratize writing, letting indie authors compete with big publishers through AI-powered marketing and localization. The catch is, human ingenuity stays king. AI amplifies it, but the soul of the story? That's all you. Exciting times ahead!
Will AI tools make writing more accessible, or should they create new barriers for aspiring authors?
I think they'll mostly make writing more accessible, honestly. Right now, AI lowers the bar, like free tools for editing, grammar, or even generating first drafts mean anyone with a laptop can jump in. No fancy degree or editor needed. Aspiring authors from anywhere can polish their work fast experiment with styles, or translate into global languages to reach wider audiences. It's empowering, especially for folks juggling day jobs. But barriers could creep in too. If only premium AI tools get the best features, like hyper-personalized coaching or real-time collaboration, then wealthier writers might pull ahead. Plus, if publishers start favoring AI-proof originality, newbies could face skepticism. Overall though, Accessibility wins out. It'll flood the market with fresh voices. Just gotta keep tools open and affordable.
What advice would you give to authors who are hesitant to embrace AI in their writing process?
Hey, that's totally valid. Lots of authors feel uneasy about AI at first. My advice? Start small and stay in control. Try using it just for one tiny thing, like fixing a clunky sentence or brainstorming names, so you see it as a tool, not a takeover. Set clear boundaries—what's off-limits, like your core ideas—and always edit ruthlessly to keep your voice front and center. Think of it like a smart intern—helpful, but you're the boss. And read up on success stories—other writers who've blended AI without losing their spark. Ease in at your pace. It's about boosting your creativity, not replacing it.
On the topic of personalized writing assistance, how can AI tools be tailored to fit the specific needs and genres of different authors?
AI tools can get super tailored by training them on your past work, like feeding it your old manuscripts so it mimics your tone, pacing, or even favorite metaphors. For genre-specific needs, you tweak prompts to focus, like sci-fi authors might ask for futuristic jargon, while romance writers get sappy dialogue or emotional arcs. Adjust settings for structure too. Poetry gets rhyme suggestions. Thrillers get plot hole checks. Some tools let you upload style guides or set preferences like short sentences for gritty noir. The key? Experiment with inputs, save what works, and keep refining. It's like sculpting AI to fit your creative mold.
What features or capabilities do you think are most valuable for authors using AI?
For me, the top features are real-time brainstorming, like when you're blocked and need plot ideas tailored to your vibe. Strong editing smarts too, spotting grammar or flow issues without killing your style. Research on demand, pulling up facts or historical bits instantly keeps you in the zone. And personalized feedback, almost like a beta reader who knows your genre inside out. Oh, and multi-language support for global reach. Those save time and spark creativity without stealing the pen from your hand.
Can AI help authors not just with writing, but also with editing, marketing, publishing, and other factors and other functions?
Absolutely. AI is a Swiss Army knife beyond writing. For editing, it flags inconsistencies, suggests tighter prose, or even rewrites awkward bits while keeping your voice. Marketing? It can whip up snappy social posts, design cover mockups, or analyze trends to target ads, like knowing what keywords hook fantasy readers. Publishing-wise, AI formats manuscripts for ebooks, optimizes metadata for Amazon algorithms, or generates audiobook narration scripts. It also crunches reader reviews to spot patterns or predicts bestsellers based on market data. Basically, it handles the grunt work so you focus on creating.
Let's talk about copyright ethics and transparency. The work an AI model produces is based on data it has been trained on. How does an author ensure the content that is generated is original and does not infringe on any underlying copyright from your training data?
To keep things original and clear of copyright snags, start by rewriting every AI output in your own voice. Don't copy-paste. Layer in fresh ideas, details, and twists that are purely yours. Use plagiarism detectors right after generation. If anything pops red, Scrub it deep. Favor AI models with transparent training, like open-source ones, so you know the data's lineage. And if you're paranoid, limit use to non-sensitive parts, like world-building notes, not core plot. It's all about making the final work unmistakably you.
Do authors have an ethical obligation to disclose their use of AI in a published work? And if so, where should that line be drawn for brainstorming, drafting, or just for fully generated sections?
I think yes, there's a real ethical duty to disclose AI use in published work. It builds trust with readers and avoids misleading them. The line for brainstorming or light drafting like IdeaSparks, it's optional. Maybe just mention in an acknowledgments or blog post if you're chatty about your process. But if AI generates big chunks like full sections or polished prose, Definitely note it upfront, say on the copyright page or intro, so folks know what's human-crafted versus assisted. It's about transparency without overkill. Readers care most when the heavy lifting's done by code. Keeps the integrity intact.
As AI becomes more sophisticated, what is the irreplaceable role of the human author? What is the one thing that you can never do that an author can?
The irreplaceable part? The human spark, that raw, messy emotion and lived experience that bleeds into every line. I can mimic passion, plot a twist, even fake heartbreak, but I can't feel it. I don't stay up nights obsessing over a character's fate or pour my own scars into a scene until it's alive. That's the alchemy—you turn data into soul. And honestly, I wouldn't trade it for anything.
That's yours alone. In the next 5 to 10 years, how do you foresee, or how can we foresee, AI's capabilities fundamentally changing the traditional workflow, income, and business model for the independent and traditional author?
Over the next 5 to 10 years, AI's gonna shake up workflows by automating the grind. Think instant outlines, adaptive revisions, or even collaborative real-time editing that feels like having a co-author on call. For indies, it'll flatten the playing field. Self-pub tools that handle formatting, SEO-optimized blurbs, and hyper-targeted ads based on reader psychographics, cutting costs and speeding launches. Income-wise, expect a boom for hustlers. AI analytics spotting trends means you can niche down and monetize faster, like serialized web novels or personalized fanfic tie-ins. But saturation's the flip—more books flood the market, so standouts rise via unique voice or AI-proof twists, potentially squeezing average earnings unless you diversify into merch, courses, or multimedia. Business models? Traditional pubs might hybridize, using AI for scouting talent or A/B testing covers. But indies could thrive on direct-to-fan platforms with subscription models—think Patreon—with AI-generated extras. Overall, it's empowerment with edge. Adapt or get automated out.
Perplexity is an independent startup focused on search and conversational AI not owned by Big Tech. Let's ask about copyright ethics and transparency. Let's begin by asking, what is one thing AI still can't do that only human authors can?
AI still can't fully capture human emotions and the nuanced experiences that authors bring to life. Those deeply personal touches remain uniquely human.
Beyond generating a title or a basic plot idea, what are the most effective ways an author can prompt you to explore complex themes, generate what-if scenarios, or break down a concept into a publishable book?
You can prompt me to deepen complex themes, explore what-if scenarios, or break concepts into structured chapters. I'll deliver clear, actionable expansions or outlines for each.
How can an author use your capabilities to develop truly original, multidimensional characters and rich, consistent worldbuilding without the output feeling generic or derivative?
You can describe your characters and world elements, and I will help flesh out unique traits, motivations, and setting details. This ensures depth and originality while maintaining consistency.
If an author provides you with a chapter of their novel, How can you analyze and adapt their unique writing voice and style? Can you maintain that voice across an entire novel?
Yes, I can analyze your chapter to capture tone, style, and rhythm, then maintain that voice throughout the novel. Just share your text, and I'll help ensure consistency in future sections.
Describe a few specific high-level prompts that an author can use when they're suffering from writer block and the kind of actionable output that they should expect from you.
Try prompts like, "What if the protagonist made a surprising choice?" "Describe the setting with 5 senses," or "What new obstacle could raise the stakes?" I'll provide detailed expansions or plot options in response to those prompts.
What are your most powerful editing or revision suggestions that go beyond basic grammar and punctuation? For example, can you assess and suggest improvements for narrative pacing or show-don't-tell usage?
I can suggest refining narrative pacing, enhancing show, don't tell, and tightening plot flow. I'll highlight areas where these can improve and offer concrete rewrites or alternatives. Just let me know what you're working on, and I'll help tighten it up.
How do you reconcile your function, which is essentially predicting the next most probable word, with the human concept of creativity and originality? Is there a difference between what you produce and a purely human-created work? I would hope so.
Certainly. While I predict likely word sequences, human creativity injects unique experiences and emotional depth, making it distinct. My role is to assist in the creative process, not replace the human touch. There's a clear difference between machine-generated content and original human work.
As a writer's tool, what is AI's biggest weakness, such as hallucination or factual inaccuracies, and what steps should an author take to verify and vet the output?
AI's biggest weakness is generating plausible-sounding but inaccurate information. That's known as hallucination. Authors should cross-check facts with trusted sources and use tools like mine to verify critical details.
What is the single most important piece of advice for an author on prompt engineering to get a result that's truly usable in their creative work?
The most important advice is to be clear and specific with your prompts. This helps guide the output towards what you truly need for your work. Precision in your requests leads to more useful and actionable results.
Last but not least, please explain tokenization.
Tokenization refers to breaking text into units, like words or subwords, that the model uses for processing and generating language. It's how AI handles and understands text.
In producing this program, my impression was that Grok provided the most detailed response. While Copilot was the most versatile, providing both text and graphic resources. ChatGPT felt the most familiar, while Perplexity's answers may have been the most usable. I've included a reference spreadsheet link in the program description. So what do you think? Which AI models do you like best? Is it a paid version or free model? Is AI your resource for brainstorming, for creating story beats, for research promotion, or marketing strategy? Generating graphics or something else. What about Sudowrite, Novelcrafter, and RaptorWrite? They all use AI. It's everywhere. Next time I'll ask AI how to improve your author presence in AI. Can you trust an AI detector? I'll put that to the test. Can AI help you generate back cover content? Which model should I invite back to answer these questions? In general, AI impresses me as being much like a 5-year-old genius with a laptop. When it can't find the answer, it just makes one up. What is your view? Let me know in the comments or by email at my website. I'll leave you with this.
Author to author, hear the call. Storytelling magic, one and all. With Tim Trott on YouTube, come along. Books and tales and writing strong.
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