Amazon's 'Ask This Book' feature and AI concerns

[Twolane]

It just never ends.

https://writerbeware.blog/2025/12/12/kindles-new-gen-ai-powered-ask-this-book-feature-raises-rights-concerns/

https://authorsguild.org/news/statement-on-amazon-kindle-ask-this-book-ai-feature/

https://kindlepreneur.com/amazon-ask-this-book/

[TimothyEllis]

I had no idea this was even coming.

Nor do I see any need for it.

In my books, the main questions would be where did that character first show up, but that could have been 100 novels before. I seriously doubt the bot will be able to answer outside of the current book.

Seems pretty useless to me.

What worries me is what happens in reviews, when the bot gives bad answers, and the reviewer blames the author.

[Hopscotch]

Why not ask "Ask This Book" to tell you what the characters are doing after the book finishes, ie, generate your very own and unique AI sequel?

[PJ Post]

For non-fungible Art, where readers/fans are excited to explore and discover, savor the narrative even, I doubt they'll use this feature much. Although, I won't be surprised if they find new ways to enhance their enjoyment with it - AI can be pretty nifty. And the feature doesn't really matter for the commodity-bin writers. Those readers are not likely to be fans or brand loyal, so however they use this feature, it won't really affect sales or the reading experience. It may even improve it.

It may hurt Cliffs Notes, though.

[TimothyEllis]

It may hurt Cliffs Notes, though.

Why him specifically?

[LilyBLily]

It may hurt Cliffs Notes, though.

Why him specifically?

Summaries, Timothy, meant for people who don't read the book.

[Post-Doctorate D]

Maybe Cliffs Notes can expand into offering summaries for authors who didn't write their books.

[LilyBLily]

Maybe Cliffs Notes can expand into offering summaries for authors who didn't write their books.