Reflections on the use of AI in children's picture book illustrations
With artificial intelligence at our fingertips, self-published authors may be tempted to rush picture books into the market cheaply using illustrations created by AI.
There are many poor quality books created in this way online through publishing programs like Amazon KDP. Many of these books are obviously AI-generated as they have 'shiny', soulless or even bizarre illustrations. However, there are also AI-created books that are much harder to detect.
AI is a complex and evolving topic, and people will have different responses to picture books created in this way. Some people will be fascinated by the power of technology and impressed at what you've created. Some will be dismayed that children are reading these sorts of books. Others will be outraged that creative jobs are being replaced by machines.
If you’re seeking to make a picture book for a few family members and friends, perhaps as a bit of fun over a weekend without spending any money, experimenting with AI might be a good solution.
If you're more serious about a career in children's books, it's worth considering how using AI to create a book might appear to your readers and to the wider industry longer-term. It could make fellow authors and potential future publishers suspicious of your abilities or ethics. What’s more, you’re not exercising your own creative talents to their full potential.
Remember, using AI is essentially asking a computer to make something based on whatever source material it can find online. That is, words or pictures created by other people. Some people might call this derivative, or even plagiarism.
At a minimum, AI-created books lack some level of human connection, nuance and idiosyncrasy, which are important ingredients for art. The same applies for using AI to write stories. The result can feel a bit ‘hollow’.
Ultimately, it's up to you to see where your values lie, and how you apply this to your journey as a children's book creator.
Get insightful editorial advice on your draft picture book or chapter book. This service welcomes children’s authors of all experience levels seeking to polish their story before they submit to publishers or pursue self-publishing. Pricing is determined by story type and length. If you are seeking editorial support for longer projects, please contact Suzanne. If you're new to children's writing, the How to Write a Picture Book Mini Course is a good place to start. The course also includes a manuscript assessment.
Learn the basics of writing picture books, and get to grips with trade and indie publishing pathways. This virtual, self-paced course includes a comprehensive picture book manuscript assessment, plus bonus modules on self-publishing and marketing strategy.
