Full Breakdown
Barnes & Noble CEO Backs AI-Written Books Amid Expansion
5/19/2026, 2:21:05 AM
Daunt’s Position on AI-Generated Books
James Daunt, Barnes & Noble’s executive since 2019, told TODAY’s Jenna Bush Hager that the retailer will stock AI-written titles if they are clearly labeled, do not masquerade as human-authored works, and meet a quality threshold. He noted that among the chain’s 300,000 titles some AI-produced books may already be present, but he expects limited commercial traction for such titles in the near term.
Barnes & Noble’s Growth and Inventory
After Elliott Advisors bought Barnes & Noble for $683 million in 2019, the chain has entered a growth phase, opening 67 new stores in 2025 and planning 60 more in 2024 across states such as Ohio, Texas and California. The retailer now carries about 300,000 titles.
Author and Industry Concerns About AI
A 2025 Cambridge University study found 59 percent of UK novelists say their work has been used to train language models without permission, and over one-third of surveyed authors report income loss as generative AI displaces writing work. These findings highlight tension between AI adoption and author rights.
Key Numbers
- ~300,000 titles in stock
- 67 stores opened in 2025, 60 slated for 2024
- $683 million 2019 acquisition
- 59 % of UK novelists’ work used without consent
- >33 % report income loss
Official Response
Barnes & Noble’s corporate messaging echoed Daunt’s view that AI-generated books should be handled with common sense and acceptance, emphasizing that any such title must be transparently identified. The company reaffirmed its commitment to serving local communities.
Criticism from Authors
Authors note that over a third report income loss as generative AI displaces work that supports novel writing. The Cambridge study adds that 59 percent of UK novelists say their texts have been used to train language models without permission or payment, raising concerns about unauthorized use of creative work.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Yes, I have actually no problem selling any book, as long as it doesn’t masquerade or pretend to be something that it isn’t, and that it has an essential quality to it, and that the customer, the reader, wants it,” — James Daunt, CEO, Barnes & Noble
- “So as long as an AI-written book says it’s an AI-written book and doesn’t pretend to be something else and isn’t ripping off somebody else, as long as that’s clearly stated and the customer wants to buy it, then we will stock them.” — James Daunt, CEO, Barnes & Noble
- “00:38 Barnes & Noble CEO's best piece of advice 00:00 00:00 “At the moment, it seems unlikely to us that these AI-generated books are going to get much commercial traction.” — James Daunt, CEO, Barnes & Noble
- “is clarity around who the author is and whether they’re a real person.” — James Daunt, CEO, Barnes & Noble
Outlook for AI Books
Daunt’s view suggests AI-written books will remain a niche, dependent on labeling and reader demand. As the chain expands, its practices may shape industry standards for AI content.
