AI Translation Reshapes Literary Publishing as Translators Warn of Creative Loss
The publishing sector is progressively integrating AI-driven translation, shifting from theoretical discussions to real-world applications. Founded in Sweden in 2021 by Robert Carlberg, Nuanxed employs an AI tool for initial drafts, which are then refined by human editors. This blended approach is also evident in companies such as GlobeScribe in the U.K. (2025), Fluent Planet in France (September 2024), and Ailaysa in India (2019). HarperCollins is keen on advancing AI translation, with CEO Brian Murray revealing intentions to streamline translations abroad, particularly in India. Additionally, the French division of HarperCollins's Harlequin has collaborated with Fluent Planet, resulting in the termination of translator contracts. Industry professionals have voiced concerns regarding AI's influence on creative translation, noting that AI-generated content often lacks copyright protection in numerous countries.
Key facts
- Nuanxed, founded in Sweden in 2021 by Robert Carlberg, uses AI for first drafts and humans for finalization
- AI translation companies include GlobeScribe (U.K., founded 2025), Fluent Planet (France, launched September 2024), and Ailaysa (India, AI division unveiled 2019)
- HarperCollins CEO Brian Murray said in August on the fiscal 2026 results call that the company aims to automate overseas translations, particularly in India
- Harlequin's French branch partnered with Fluent Planet and terminated translator contracts, prompting outcry from the French Literary Translators Association
- Katrine Øgaard Jensen of the American Literary Translators Association warns translators could become editors of large language model outputs
- Emily Wilson's 2017 translation of the Odyssey, published by W.W. Norton, became a hit after Christopher Nolan's film adaptation released this summer
- Elisabeth Jaquette of Words Without Borders says editing AI translations can take longer than translating from scratch
- In many countries including the U.S., AI-generated work is not eligible for copyright
Entities
Artists
- Robert Carlberg
- Brian Murray
- Katrine Øgaard Jensen
- Emily Wilson
- Homer
- Christopher Nolan
- Senthil Nathan
- Elisabeth Jaquette
- Stefan Tobler
- Jimi Hendrix
- Bob Dylan
Institutions
- Nuanxed
- GlobeScribe
- Luman Technologies
- Fluent Planet
- Ailaysa
- HarperCollins
- Harlequin
- French Literary Translators Association
- American Literary Translators Association
- W.W. Norton
- Words Without Borders
- And Other Stories
- International Booker Prize
- Publishers Weekly
Locations
- Sweden
- United Kingdom
- France
- India
- United States