Last week, in mentioning my hardline distain for AI in the creative universe, someone labeled me naïve in thinking AI wasn’t here to stay, mentioning technology. Admittedly, AI already has been in existence for a few years in that department, but now it’s crossing into creativity, and that’s utterly insulting. In my not-so-humble opinion. it will deteriorate writing, art, and music. Unless we handle it astutely. My suggestion is this. 
Make it a requirement that an author post whether or not AI was utilized in the creation of the words or cover.
Our food has consumer laws mandating a list of ingredients so the consumer can make an informed decision whether to eat that many carbs, consume red and blue dyes, or allow preservatives into their system.
When I, as a reader, want to purchase a book, I want to insure I get value for the dollar invested. It’s why I, and other readers, read reviews. I will even read about the author if I’m pondering whether to read someone I never have before.
Personally, I want to support the author because I fully understand how important that support means. I also prefer to read something organically human, from the mind, heart, and soul. I want that connection. I want to admire that author’s genius.
Insert AI, and I don’t want to read it. Frankly, an author who doesn’t want to declare they used AI is trying to hide the fact they were not the sole creator.
Someone mentioned to me that AI levels the playing field for those who cannot get traditionally published or cannot afford editors and cover designers. Why does the playing field have to be leveled? There are beginner, journey level, and seasoned writers out there. In any profession, one must pay their dues to learn, grow, and produce quality material. Why do we need shortcuts?
If you want to use AI in describing a product on an ecommerce website, fine. But if you are taking me on a journey, if you are promising to entertain me, if you are offering me a gift of a wonderful story from your brain to mine, then make it genuine. I’d be more than willing to pay more for it.
Labeling of AI content is already happening.
For example, Amazon requires Kindle books generated by artificial intelligence tools to be labeled.
The labels must go on AI-generated content, which are “text, images or translations created by an AI-based tool”, even if substantial edits are made afterwards.
“AI-assisted content” doesn’t need to be labeled. This is work created by authors but which use AI tools to “edit, refine, error-check, or otherwise improve.” The guidelines also state that AI-based tools can be used to “brainstorm and generate ideas” without disclosure, as long as the text or images were ultimately created by the human author.
That seems to be the way things are leaning at the moment at least.