Navigating the Pitfalls of AI-Driven Self-Publishing Platforms: World Book Day

23 Apr, 2024; Vandana Bhagra, Freelance Writer/Editor, Shimla

False Hope, Misleading Young Writers and Instilling Arrogance — Celebrating World Book Day today, while nurturing the love for reading and writing, but are we really becoming beacons of light for GenX?

In today’s digital age, the landscape of publishing has undergone a seismic shift, with the advent of self-publishing platforms offering aspiring writers newfound avenues to share their stories with the world. However, amidst the allure of instant gratification and the promise of literary success, there lurks a troubling trend: the proliferation of AI-driven self-publishing platforms that propagate false hope, mislead young writers, and instil a sense of unwarranted arrogance.

The rise of self-publishing platforms fuelled by growing accessibility of technology with just a few clicks, aspiring authors can upload their manuscripts, select cover designs, and see their books listed for sale on major online retailers. It is a tantalizing prospect, offering the illusion of literary acclaim without the traditional gatekeepers of the publishing industry.

Among the various initiatives that spring to life on World Book Day, one stands out as the Keekli Book Club a beacon for young minds eager to explore the world of literature, located in the hill station of Shimla City. With a focus on promoting children’s creativity, they have been passionate about providing children with a platform to express themselves and fostering a love for storytelling.

The belief that storytelling is a magical journey that transports readers to distant lands and sparks curiosity, aims to ignite a passion for reading and writing, while offering young readers the opportunity to immerse themselves in a world of imagination, knowledge and fantasy. And it is this passion that drives a writer to publish his/her book and see it on bookstores or in the hands of a reader.

However, amidst the growing popularity of self-publishing platforms, there is a cautionary tale to be told. While these platforms offer aspiring writers the allure of seeing their work in print, there is often a lack of quality control, resulting in published works riddled with grammatical errors, spelling mistakes and factual inaccuracies. Children and their parents can unwittingly fall into the trap of equating publication with literary success, overlooking the importance of mentorship and the craft of storytelling. Blatant errors when pointed out in these published works do little to infuse confidence among the younger generation, who may give up writing or peer review. By failing to emphasize the importance of mentorship, revisions and literary craftsmanship, editorial inputs, and final proofing, these institutions unwittingly contribute to the perpetuation of false hope and misguided aspirations.

Educational institutions and schools sometimes inadvertently contribute to this misconception by promoting such self-publishing platforms without adequate scrutiny. This World Book Day serves as a timely reminder that true literary achievement requires dedication, perseverance and guidance. Aspiring writers must learn the art of crafting compelling storylines, developing vivid characters, and weaving captivating narratives that resonate with readers. These are just two examples, if you search the net you will find similar mistakes. The roles of a sub-editor, editor or a proofreader seems to have taken a backstep completely.

History of World Book Day

Every year on April 23rd, book lovers around the globe come together to celebrate World Book Day, a UNESCO-initiated event dedicated to promoting reading, publishing, and honouring the importance of copyright. This annual celebration, also known as World Book and Copyright Day or International Day of the Book, was first established in 1995 and has since become a cherished occasion for bibliophiles worldwide. The significance of this day extends beyond the realm of literature, marking the anniversary of the deaths of literary giants namely, William Shakespeare and Inca Garcilaso de la Vega, as well as the birth or death of numerous other prominent authors. It is a day that pays homage to the enduring legacy of these literary luminaries and serves as a reminder of the transformative power of words.

In celebrating World Book Day, we honour the legacy of literary pioneers and renew our commitment to nurturing the next generation of storytellers. Keekli Book Club is one such outfit, committed to nurturing the young, there are similar many others where the focus is on reading and discussion books, bringing the characters live among the readers and toying with the original ideas to create something new and innovative. Embrace the power of words and embark on a journey of discovery through the pages of a book. For in the world of literature, the possibilities are endless, and the adventure never truly ends.