SPS-473: Vellum Pulled AI

This week on The Self-Publishing Show, James Blatch and Cissy Mecca dive into the controversy surrounding Vellum's optional AI integration and the heated reaction from parts of the author community. After Vellum withdrew its new Claude-connected feature following criticism, James and Cissy explore both sides of the debate, including authors' concerns about AI training, creative ownership and the right to work without AI. They also discuss Spines, an AI-powered publishing company that has raised $64 million, and what the growth of automated publishing could mean for the industry. On a more practical note, Cissy shares how she's using ChatGPT to improve her author website's discoverability and gives an update on her latest medieval romance launch, including what's working, what's changed and her plans for the series. James also returns to ElevenLabs to produce an AI-narrated audiobook, using Claude to tackle some frustrating technical challenges, while the pair discuss AI-generated book trailers and whether viral videos actually translate into sales. Plus, James prepares for a trip to Fort Worth to finalise plans for SPS Live USA, with an eye on an even bigger event in 2028. Key Talking Points Vellum's AI integration controversy and the differing views within the author community Spines raises $64 million and the growing role of AI in publishing Using ChatGPT to improve author website discoverability and GEO Cissy's medieval romance launch results and plans for her new series AI-generated book trailers and the challenge of converting views into book sales James's experience producing an audiobook with ElevenLabs and Claude The importance of giving authors choices about how they use AI SPS Live USA preparations and potential expansion in 2028 Links & Resources Mentioned ProWritingAid https://prowritingaid.com Discount code: IWC15 for 15% off annual subscriptions Stuart Grant's Author Discoverability Session https://learnselfpublishing.com/discoverable Free access to Stuart's SPS Live session on improving author discoverability.