booksFriday, August 7, 2026

AI book deal fallout and Streisand's children's book

Today's book news is split between the fallout from an AI scandal that cost an author $2 million and the lighter fare of Barbra Streisand's upcoming children's book. The AI story raises big questions about publishing's future, while Streisand's announcement is pure celebrity charm.

Sources

AI and publishing

The big story is the $2 million book deal pulled over AI suspicion, a sign of how tense the industry is about machine-written work.

#01post.substack.comAug 7

An author’s $2 million book deal was pulled over suspected AI use. Where does publishing go from here?

A $2 million deal being pulled over suspected AI use is a landmark moment. It shows publishers are willing to walk away from big money to protect authenticity, and it sets a precedent for how AI-generated content might be treated.

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#02www.fastcompany.comAug 7

Why do people actually prefer AI-generated stories to human writing? New study reveals surprising insights

This study's findings could reshape how we think about AI in writing. If readers genuinely prefer AI stories, the industry's resistance might be at odds with audience taste, which is a tension worth watching.

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Celebrity and classics

Lighter news: Streisand's children's book and a sudden Australian craze for an ancient text.

#03www.showbiz411.comAug 7

Barbra Streisand Will Publish a Children’s Book Next March Dedicated to Her Grandchildren: Let’s Hope it’s Not 900 Pages, Like Her Autobiography

Streisand's pivot from a 900-page memoir to a children's book is a fun contrast. The book is dedicated to her grandchildren, and the title 'And by the way...' suggests her signature wit will carry over.

#04www.smh.com.auAug 7

The 3000-year-old book Australians suddenly can’t get enough of

A 3000-year-old book suddenly selling out in Australia is a curious phenomenon. Whether it's a viral moment or a genuine resurgence, it's a reminder that ancient texts can still capture the public's imagination.

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