ESCAPE FROM THE ENCHANTED CASTLE -An AI generated experiment
During the last PW panel on AI (Artificial Intelligence: Revolution and Opportunity in Trade Publishing), Ethan Mollick demonstrated that he could generate a full marketing plan, four marketing emails, social media tweets and a video in the span half an hour using AI. It was the end of the conference, and afterwards I was so shaken, I signed up for a free trail of Jasper.AI and asked it to generate an email to my Senator about why we need to start talking about UBI in the age of AI. (My protest sign is ready - #NoAIWithoutUBI.)
And I’ve also done the experiment myself, because I think the impact of AI on publishing, marketing and the general culture is going to be so incredibly disruptive that it’s helpful for more people to see what exactly we’re talking about. I’m sharing my prompts, in the order they were generated and AI’s content in purple, quoted text. No extra data was put into Jasper.
Prompt 1 - book cover for middle grade novel about two kids who escape from a castle
Additional selections: medium acrylic - style digital - keywords realistic
One thing to note about this AI-generated images, is that they were created using Jasper.AI. There are other AI programs (is that the right word?) that are specifically for creating art, and might give better results when it comes to things like faces, hands and feet - all of which seem to be mangled/missing in this version.
Prompt 2 - book cover for middle grade novel about two kids who escape from a castle
Additional selections: medium acrylic - keywords realistic
In this version I gave the same prompt but took “digital” out of the style choice.
Each prompt resulted in four pictures, the other three from this prompt 2 are included below.
Prompt 3 - write me back jacket copy for a middle grade novel about two kids escaping from a castle
In the heart of a forgotten kingdom lies a castle, shrouded in mystery and fraught with danger. Here, two unlikely friends, a kitchen maid named Elara and a stable boy, Jaxon, find themselves trapped. But their spirits cannot be contained. With courage in their hearts and a secret map in their hands, the duo embarks on a thrilling adventure to escape the castle's cold, stone walls. Along the way, they outwit guards, decipher ancient riddles, and uncover hidden doorways. But the castle is not ready to let them go so easily. Will their determination and friendship be enough to break free from the castle's clutches? Dive into "Escape from the Enchanted Castle," a riveting middle-grade novel that will transport young readers to a world where bravery conquers fear, and friendship is the key to freedom.
AI made up everything above with just the above prompt. AI created the title, “Escape from the Enchanted Castle,” the protagonists Elara the kitchen maid and Jaxon the stable boy, and the exterior and internal arcs the jacket copy describe.
I absolutely would not be able to tell this AI generated back cover copy from a human-written back cover copy.
Prompt 4 - write a marketing email for the book "escape from the enchanted castle"
Subject: Uncover a Thrilling Adventure in our New Book "Escape from the Enchanted Castle"
Hello [Recipient's Name],
We are excited to announce the release of our brand-new middle-grade novel, "Escape from the Enchanted Castle." This gripping tale takes young readers on a journey beyond their wildest dreams, where bravery, friendship, and adventure intertwine.
Step into an ancient kingdom and meet Elara and Jaxon, a kitchen maid and a stable boy who find themselves caught in the cold, stone clutches of a mysterious castle. With nothing but their courage, determination, and a secret map, they brave the odds, outwit guards, unravel ancient riddles, and discover hidden doorways in their desperate bid for freedom.
"Escape from the Enchanted Castle" is more than just a captivating story. It's a testament to the power of friendship, the courage to face one's fears, and the thrill of adventure - lessons that resonate with each turn of the page.
Don't miss out on this enchanting read! Order your copy today at [website link] and let the magic unfold.
Best Regards,
[Your Name]
[Your Position]
[Your Contact Information]
Again, could not tell this from a human-written marketing email, except that it took less than a minute to generate.
Prompt 5 - Write social media content for the middle grade book escape from the enchanted castle
1. 📚Escape from the Enchanted Castle is not just a book; it's the adventure of a lifetime! Join our brave heroes as they unravel mysteries and face unimaginable creatures. Available now! #MiddleGradeNovel #Adventure
2. What would you do if you found yourself trapped in an enchanted castle? 💫Follow our daring characters on a thrilling journey in Escape from the Enchanted Castle. #NewBook #MiddleGrade
3. Ever dreamed of being a hero? Step into the extraordinary world of Escape from the Enchanted Castle and experience an adventure beyond your wildest dreams. #MiddleGradeFiction #BookLove
4. Immerse yourself in a captivating world filled with magic and mystery. Will our heroes escape the enchanted castle? Find out in Escape from the Enchanted Castle! #BookRelease #MiddleGradeAdventure
5. Escape from the Enchanted Castle is a middle grade novel that will keep you on the edge of your seat! Dive into this captivating adventure today. #ReadingAdventure #MiddleGradeBookClub
6. Looking for your next favorite book? Look no further! Escape from the Enchanted Castle is a thrilling read that will transport you to another world. #BookRecommendation #MiddleGradeReads
7. Join our brave heroes as they embark on a dangerous quest to break the curse of the enchanted castle. Will they make it out alive? Find out in Escape from the Enchanted Castle! #AdventureAwaits #MiddleGradeFantasy
8. With twists and turns at every corner, Escape from the Enchanted Castle will keep you guessing until the very end. A must-read for all middle grade readers! #PageTurner #MiddleGradeMystery
I have to be honest, I was shocked when this list popped up with emojis, hashtags and marketing tweets for this book that does not exist.
Prompt 6 - Write book reviews for the middle grade novel “Escape from the Enchanted Castle”
Review 1
Title: An Enthralling Tale of Adventure and Friendship
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
"Escape from the Enchanted Castle" is a riveting adventure that kept me on edge from beginning to end. Elara and Jaxon, the young protagonists, are wonderfully well-rounded characters whose friendship and bravery resonate throughout the narrative. The vivid descriptions and intricate plot twists make the reader feel as though they're navigating the castle right alongside them. This is a must-read for any middle-grade reader who enjoys a good mystery and the spirit of adventure.
Review 2
Title: A Captivating Journey of Bravery
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
"Escape from the Enchanted Castle" is a journey like no other, filled with suspense, mystery, and a testament to the power of friendship. The author does an outstanding job of crafting a narrative that is both thrilling and engaging. The trials and tribulations that Elara and Jaxon undergo not only build their characters but also create deeper layers to the story. The ending is satisfying and leaves the reader with a sense of accomplishment. This book is a treasure in the realm of middle-grade novels.
Review 3
Title: Unraveling the Mystery of the Enchanted Castle
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
With "Escape from the Enchanted Castle," readers are in for a treat. The book is a masterful blend of mystery, friendship, and adventure. The characters, Elara and Jaxon, are truly the heart of the story. Their courage and determination are inspiring, and their friendship serves as a beacon of light in the face of the challenges they encounter. Though the pacing was a bit slow in places, overall, this book is a delightful read for children and adults alike.
In reviewing all this, I just noticed that AI was also working to balance the reviews. I didn’t specify what the reviews should be rated as (or even knew that AI was going to spit out ratings) but note the last review is a four star, with a criticism that Escape from the Enchanted Castle’s “…pacing was a bit slow in places…”
That said, these are four and five stars, and I wanted to see if AI would do a “deeper,” more critical review (…of this book that does not exist.)
Prompt 7 - Write a critical book review in the style of Kirkus Reviews for the middle grade novel Escape from the enchanted castle
Review 4
Title: Tales of Friendship and Adventure
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐
"Escape from the Enchanted Castle" weaves a tale of friendship and adventure that will keep middle-grade readers engaged. The book's strong suit is undoubtedly its characters, Elara and Jaxon – their friendship is heartfelt and their bravery commendable. However, the novel's narrative tends to favor description over action, leading to a sluggishly paced plot that may test the patience of even the most dedicated readers. The mystery aspect, though promising, could benefit from a deeper, more nuanced exploration. Despite its strengths, "Escape from the Enchanted Castle" falls short of its potential, offering a satisfying but ultimately uneven literary journey.
This reads like a professional review. Given these four fake reviews for a book that doesn’t exist and therefore cannot have been read, and the number of ways reviews have already been used to game the system, I can’t help but wonder if reviews will mean anything once AI becomes more pervasive and people can’t trust that an actual human read the book and wrote the review.
Prompt 8 - Write the first chapter of the middle grade novel escape from the enchanted castle
Chapter 1: The Invitation
As the first light of dawn spilled over the horizon, Elara found herself standing in front of the decrepit old castle, clutching an invitation in her trembling hand. It read: "Escape from the Enchanted Castle: A challenge for the bravest. Will you dare to venture?"
This castle, shrouded in mystery, was something she'd only heard about in her grandma's bedtime stories. But here she was, staring at its towering turrets and ominously creaking gate.
Elara, ordinarily as fearless as a lioness, was unsure. Staring at the castle, she felt a chill of trepidation. Then, her gaze landed on the second part of the invitation, "Do you dare?"
Her mind raced back to the tales of bravery and heart her grandmother had spun, imbuing Elara with an inner strength and unyielding spirit. She glanced one last time at the castle before folding the invitation and tucking it into her pocket.
"Yes, I dare," she whispered to herself, her voice barely audible yet resolute.
Just as she was about to venture forth, a figure emerged from the early morning fog. It was Jaxon, her best friend, holding an identical invitation in his hand, his face lit up with a mix of surprise and excitement. Their eyes met, and a silent agreement passed between them.
Together, they would face the unknown, unravel the mystery of the Enchanted Castle, and rise to the challenge. Little did they know that this was just the beginning of an adventure that would test their courage, try their friendship, and forever change their lives.
As a critique partner, I’d say this was a little over-written and perhaps more prologue than first chapter. But it’s incredibly readable, which is very unsettling to me as someone who is and works to protect content creators.
Also to note is that AI wrote the chapter titles and included the chapter headings, including the bold formatting.
Prompt 9 - Write chapter 2 of the middle grade novel escape from the enchanted castle
Chapter 2: The Gates of the Unknown
As Elara and Jaxon approached the ancient castle, their hearts pounded in their chests like a drumbeat echoing through the silent morning. The castle, bathed in the soft glow of dawn, appeared more daunting up close, its high walls and iron gates whispering tales of the past.
Jaxon, always the more pragmatic of the two, reached into his pocket and pulled out an old bronze key. His grandmother had given it to him along with the invitation, with a cryptic smile that now seemed to make sense. He inserted the key into the rusted lock, and with a loud creak, the heavy gates swung open.
They stepped into a lush courtyard, a stark contrast to the castle's grim exterior. The air was filled with the scent of moss and wildflowers, and a pathway of cobblestones led them further in. Statues lined the path, their stone faces worn by time but still exuding an aura of regality.
Despite the beauty around them, the undercurrent of danger was palpable. They could almost feel the eyes of unseen spirits watching their every move, gauging their worthiness. Jaxon and Elara exchanged a glance, their determination unwavering. The mystery of the Enchanted Castle was slowly unfurling, and they were ready to face whatever trials lay ahead. They forged on, their footsteps echoing in the quiet courtyard as they moved deeper into the heart of the castle.
[Tracy prompted AI to continue writing.]
The further they went, the more twisted and mysterious the castle became. Hallways led to dead ends, doors refused to open, and strange noises echoed from hidden corners. Yet Jaxon and Elara pressed on, their curiosity driving them forward.
Finally, they came upon a grand hall with a large throne at its center. On the throne sat an imposing figure cloaked in shadows, their features hidden from view. A deep, booming voice filled the hall, and Jaxon and Elara found themselves frozen in fear. But then the figure spoke again, this time with a hint of familiarity.
"Welcome, brave travelers," the figure said. "I have been expecting you."
With a flick of its hand, the shadows dissipated to reveal a kind-faced old man, smiling warmly at them. "I am the keeper of this Enchanted Castle," he continued. "And I have a task for you."
He explained that many years ago, a powerful curse had been placed upon the castle, trapping its inhabitants inside and preventing anyone from entering or leaving. Jaxon and Elara were to break the curse by finding the four enchanted keys scattered throughout the castle. Only then would the castle be free and its inhabitants released.
Excited by the challenge, Jaxon and Elara eagerly set out to find the keys. They searched every nook and cranny of the castle, facing a multitude of puzzles and challenges along the way. But they persevered, working together to overcome each obstacle and find the keys.
As they collected the final key, a blinding light filled the castle, and the curse was broken. The once desolate halls were now filled with laughter and joy as the inhabitants were finally free.
The keeper thanked Jaxon and Elara for their bravery and presented them with a small golden key as a token of gratitude. With this key, they would always have a way to return to the Enchanted Castle if they ever wished.
And so, Jaxon and Elara bid farewell to the keeper and the inhabitants of the castle. As they walked out into the bright sunshine, they couldn't help but feel a sense of accomplishment and happiness. Little did they know that their adventure was far from over,
So there we have it - with just a few prompts, AI created a concept for a middle grade novel, cover art, a marketing email, social media content, reviews of various enthusiasm for the project and two chapters. And other than the art, it’s all completely passable as human generated work. I also asked it to write a marketing email for my book, Princesses Can Fix It!, and I’m almost annoyed at how good and enticing it is. [I might post it here on my website for others to see, but I won’t be sending it to my newsletter subscribers!]
I think this is going to be as disruptive to the publishing industry as the steam engine was to manufacturing, and I can’t help but wonder who will buy all this quickly produced content. We can’t add hours to the day for people to consume more reading or marketing material, so what this tells me is - again - that we’ll see the people at the very top (not the publishers, but the AI service providers who are charging annual subscriptions, of course) rake in a whole bunch of money, as any individual creator’s part of the pie shrinks.
As content creation becomes largely the purview of one person with an AI subscription, there will be a lot more content creators who will also have to find other employment. And that too, will cut into the dollars for buying books.
I guess I just don’t understand why publishing and the media in general is excited to eat ourselves in this way. The people making the real money will be AI companies, built on the backs of free labor from publishers and content creators whose material is being fed into the programs.
We should be pushing for fair compensation for our authors, our illustrators, our book marketers, our book reviewers, etc. And I just can’t suspend my disbelief when it comes to being told that AI is an augmentation, not a replacement, for in-house content creators.
