Self-Publishing Weekly Updates, August 20, 2025

1. Authors Push Back Against AI Writing with TikTok Time-lapses

High-profile authors like Victoria Aveyard, Ashley Godschild, and Rachel Menard are taking to TikTok to protest AI-generated writing. They're posting time-lapse videos of themselves editing and writing to prove their work is authentic, highlighting emotional depth and human creativity as irreplaceable. Self Publishing Advisor+8Self Publishing Advisor+8Self Publishing Advisor+8WIRED
2. Industry Grapples with AI’s Role in Publishing

The Financial Times reports major concerns in the publishing world over generative AI. While some authors and publishers embrace AI tools for brainstorming or editing, there’s a growing push from groups like the Authors Guild for new contractual norms to safeguard writers’ rights and ensure AI is a collaborative tool—not a replacement. Financial Times
3. Startup Plans to Publish Thousands of AI-Generated Books

Spines, a self‑publishing startup, has announced intentions to publish up to 8,000 AI-generated books next year, sparking backlash. Critics argue the model devalues creativity and urges authors to be wary of “pay-to-publish” schemes that may compromise originality. The Guardian+1
4. Self-Publishing Services in High Demand at Politics & Prose

The indie bookstore Politics & Prose has expanded its in-house self-publishing arm, Opus, to such popularity that authors now face nearly a year-long waitlist. The service includes cover design, ISBN assignment, marketing materials, and store placement—starting at $599 and going up to $1,200. Washingtonian
5. ALLi Warns Indie Authors of Shopify Bot Attack Risks

A coordinated bot attack targeted self‑published authors selling via Shopify, creating fraudulent orders and unexpected fees. The Alliance of Independent Authors (ALLi) raised the alarm and encouraged authors to review their security and fraud monitoring systems. Self Publishing Advice