Author John Scalzi on Why AI Won't Replace Human Novelists

Renowned author John Scalzi shares his thoughts on the role of artificial intelligence in the literary world, asserting that AI will not replace human novelists. In a recent blog post, Scalzi outlines several reasons why he believes AI-generated text lacks the depth and authenticity of human creativity.

Scalzi's Stance on AI in Writing

Scalzi, known for his science fiction works, declares that he will not use AI in the text of any of his published work. He cites multiple reasons, including the non-copyrightable nature of AI-generated text and the contractual obligations to write his books independently. Scalzi emphasizes, 'I write better than AI can or ever will, and I can do it with far less energy draw.'

No Worries About Being Replaced

Scalzi is not concerned about AI replacing him as a novelist. While AI can generate novel-length works faster than humans, he points out that these texts often lack the effort and care that go into human writing. 'Nearly all of it will sit there, unread, until the heat death of the universe,' he says, highlighting the issue of discoverability and marketing.

Marketing and Discoverability

Scalzi argues that the success of a book depends significantly on marketing and visibility. Traditional publishers and indie authors invest in promoting their work, which AI-generated content typically lacks. 'Readers will know when my new books are out, and they will be able to find them in bookstores, be they physical or virtual,' he explains, emphasizing the advantage of established authorship.

Burning Out on AI

Scalzi also notes a broader trend of people becoming disillusioned with AI. Microsoft recently acknowledged that its AI Copilot feature is not well-received, and similar sentiments are seen across various industries. 'People in general are burning out on AI,' he observes, suggesting that the novelty of AI is wearing off.

References

• 10 Thoughts On “AI,” February 2026 Edition | Whatever