London, December 06, 2025
Waterstones Managing Director James Daunt announced that the UK bookselling chain would be willing to stock books created using artificial intelligence, provided these works are clearly labelled as AI-generated, ensuring transparency for customers.
Waterstones’ position reflects a pragmatic willingness to embrace AI in publishing, balanced by a commitment to editorial standards and consumer rights. The bookseller’s leadership emphasized that AI-generated books would not be stocked simply because they are a novelty; instead, the chain insists on clear labelling to maintain transparency about authorship.
James Daunt, Waterstones’ Managing Director, stressed that while the retailer is open to AI-created content, it will continue to apply its usual editorial oversight. This approach is designed to protect quality and ensure that books meet the expected standards regardless of how they were produced.
This stance comes amid growing debate in the publishing industry about the role of artificial intelligence in creative work. Waterstones is among the UK’s largest bookselling chains and its openness to stocking AI-generated titles signals a shift towards integrating new technologies while respecting consumer rights and authenticity. Clear labelling of AI authorship addresses concerns about transparency and helps consumers make informed choices.
The use of AI to generate books is already a reality on platforms such as Amazon’s Kindle Direct Publishing, where some titles have appeared without obvious disclosure. This practice has raised alarms among authors, publishers, and industry groups worried about copyright infringement, plagiarism, and the potential devaluation of human creativity.
By requiring AI-generated books to be clearly identified, Waterstones aims to strike a balance between technological innovation and ethical considerations. The chain’s policy foreshadows an industry trend where transparency and quality control become fundamental criteria for retailers in deciding which AI-crafted works to sell.
Waterstones’ approach aligns with emerging best practices regarding AI content outlined by digital platforms and search engines that advocate for clear disclosure and people-first content standards. This reflects a broader movement to ensure that automated or AI-assisted creations are not only identified but meet editorial expectations to provide meaningful value to readers.
In embracing this balanced model, Waterstones may influence how publishers and authors utilize AI technologies, encouraging responsible and transparent integration of AI in literature while safeguarding traditional publishing values.