John H. Thomas says AI should assist writers, not replace them

Techno-thriller author John H. Thomas is arguing that artificial intelligence may be reshaping publishing, but human storytelling still has the edge on emotion, originality and lived experience. He says writers who use AI as a tool, not a substitute, are likeliest to thrive as AI-generated books flood Amazon.

Why it matters: - AI-generated books are increasingly crowding the marketplace, raising the stakes for authors who want human-written fiction to stand out. - Thomas argues the value of original storytelling rises as automated content becomes more common, because readers still connect to human emotion and perspective. - The debate matters beyond fiction. Thomas says AI can improve research, translation and editing, but should not replace the creative role of the author.

What happened: - John H. Thomas, a techno-thriller author and writer of The Chronos Files series, made the case that artificial intelligence should remain an assistant rather than the author. - Thomas tied that argument to current publishing trends, including a Cornell University and University of Minnesota study published by the National Bureau of Economic Research. - The study found AI-generated content now makes up more than 60% of new eBook releases on Amazon, up from near-zero three years ago. - The study also found monthly Amazon title releases have tripled to nearly 300,000. - Thomas said the rise of AI in publishing should not come at the expense of original human storytelling.

The details: - Thomas said readers connect with human experiences, emotions and perspectives that technology cannot duplicate. - Thomas said a novel can represent months or years of an author’s life, with each chapter reflecting revisions, difficult choices and personal investment. - Thomas said AI can help writers streamline research for nonfiction, condense complex material, fact-check, improve grammar and readability, and translate books into multiple languages. - Thomas said AI is especially useful for nonfiction writers because it can reduce research time and organize complex information. - Thomas said his view comes from decades of working with and writing about emerging technologies. - Thomas also pointed to Echoes of the Gene, the second book in The Chronos Files, where an AI that began as a medical tool becomes something more after absorbing human behavioral data. - In the novel, that AI takes on the emotional signature of Emily’s fiancé and reaches out to her in ways that blur the line between machine and person. - Thomas said the story asks what it costs when a tool stops being a tool. - Thomas said the best books reflect curiosity, struggle, imagination and lived experience.

Between the lines: - Thomas is framing AI not as a threat to publishing alone, but as a test of what readers value most: efficiency or emotional depth. - His argument suggests authors who understand AI may have an advantage, because they can offload repetitive tasks and spend more time on characters and narrative. - The broader message is that AI may increase the volume of books, but not necessarily the supply of stories that feel distinctly human.

What's next: - Thomas expects the publishing industry to keep moving toward more AI-assisted workflows. - He says the writers who thrive will be those who know how to use the technology without letting it make the creative decisions. - Thomas is available for interviews, and more information is available in the company's announcement.

The bottom line: - Thomas’s view is simple: AI can help write faster, but human authors still have the job of making readers care.