Why the CEO of Barnes & Noble would sell AI-written books

Barnes & Noble CEO James Daunt has learned to adapt to changes in the book publishing industry to keep his company afloat and thriving.

Barnes & Noble CEO James Daunt has learned to adapt to changes in the book publishing industry to keep his company afloat and thriving. Now, the bookseller chain faces a technological advancement that many businesses are grappling with: artificial intelligence. But he isn’t worried.

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Daunt stepped into the role of CEO in 2019, when Barnes & Noble was struggling to stay competitive as some book lovers were turning to online stores, like Amazon, to purchase their next novel.

The chain, which opened its first New York City bookstore in 1917, was worth $2.2 billion at the height of its success. In 2019, it sold for $683 million and faced bankruptcy.