I’ve been aware of these scam books for years, and had been tempted to write about what their existence says about writing, authorship and the deadening grind technology is making of every aspect of the creative arts, but never got around to the job.
The industry refers to these titles as "low content" books. They're not written by authors and aspiring writers. They're produced by people seeking passive income.
They started popping up about 10 years ago, thanks to 4HWW and low barriers to entry on Amazon and other publishing-on-demand platforms. YouTube accelerated the trend. One major POD provider, Ingram, banned such titles 3 years ago. Note the list includes summaries, journals, and AI-generated content:
Summaries, workbooks, abbreviations, insights, or similar type content without permission from the original author. For example: A Summary of J K Rowling’s Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets.
Books containing blank pages exceeding 10%, notepads, scratchpads, journals, or similar type content.
Books or content that mirror/mimic popular titles, including without limiting, similar covers, cover design, title, author names, or similar type content.
Books that are misleading or likely to cause confusion by the buyer, including without limiting, inaccurate descriptions and cover art. For example: A book with a cover design that does not match the interior content; a cover that appears to be for a product other than a physical book.
Books listed at prices not reflective of the book’s market value. For example: a blank journal listed at $99.99.
Books scanned from original versions where all or parts contain illegible content to the detriment of the buyer.
Books created using artificial intelligence or automated processes.
The industry refers to these titles as "low content" books. They're not written by authors and aspiring writers. They're produced by people seeking passive income.
They started popping up about 10 years ago, thanks to 4HWW and low barriers to entry on Amazon and other publishing-on-demand platforms. YouTube accelerated the trend. One major POD provider, Ingram, banned such titles 3 years ago. Note the list includes summaries, journals, and AI-generated content:
Summaries, workbooks, abbreviations, insights, or similar type content without permission from the original author. For example: A Summary of J K Rowling’s Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. Books containing blank pages exceeding 10%, notepads, scratchpads, journals, or similar type content. Books or content that mirror/mimic popular titles, including without limiting, similar covers, cover design, title, author names, or similar type content. Books that are misleading or likely to cause confusion by the buyer, including without limiting, inaccurate descriptions and cover art. For example: A book with a cover design that does not match the interior content; a cover that appears to be for a product other than a physical book. Books listed at prices not reflective of the book’s market value. For example: a blank journal listed at $99.99. Books scanned from original versions where all or parts contain illegible content to the detriment of the buyer. Books created using artificial intelligence or automated processes.
Source: https://rogerpacker.com/ingramspark-bans-low-content-journal...