AI and Risk in Publishing: Building Trust While Managing Change

Artificial intelligence is increasingly part of the publishing conversation—but whether and how to use it remains an open question. For many publishing professionals, it comes down to one thing: How do we reduce the risk?

This webinar helps book publishers, agents, and publishing industry partners think critically about AI risk so they can make informed decisions about whether, when, and how AI fits their workflows.

AI expert GEORGE WALKLEY offers a framework for evaluating the operational, editorial, and trust-related considerations at stake—whether an organization chooses to adopt AI, limit its use, or opt out entirely.

Throughout BISG's AI and the Book Publishing Industry webinar series, one theme has surfaced again and again: publishing professionals want to understand AI's risks and implications clearly—both those weighing adoption and those who, for editorial, ethical, or business reasons, may decide against it.

In this timely session, George will examine the practical questions publishing organizations face when assessing AI.

Topics include:

• Choosing the right models for functionality, availability and data security
• Evaluating AI-generated content, maintaining editorial quality and accuracy
• Establishing internal AI governance and approval processes
• Preserving trust with authors, readers and partners

Rather than asking whether AI belongs in publishing, this session asks a more practical question: how can book industry professionals weigh the risks and trade-offs of AI in order to maintain the standards, credibility, and human expertise that define quality publishing? 

Whether your organization is exploring AI, setting boundaries around its use, or deciding not to adopt it, you'll leave with practical approaches for assessing risk, developing thoughtful policies, and aligning any AI decision with your standards, values, and business goals.

This webinar is an ideal precursor to BISG and BookNet Canada's presentation of the 2026 AI in the Book Industry Survey results (October 20), providing valuable context for the concerns, priorities, and perspectives reflected in this year's research.

Who Should Attend

This session is designed for publishing professionals—publishers, literary agents, publishing service providers, and industry partners—evaluating or implementing AI across their organizations.

About the Speaker

GEORGE WALKLEY is an independent consultant and non-executive director based in the United Kingdom. As a consultant, George has worked with clients in the media and publishing, professional services, education and non-profit sectors. He is a leading expert on the impact of artificial intelligence on media and publishing.

Working with the Independent Pulishers Guild (IPG), a leading publishing trade association, George developed and delivered the world’s first independent, award-winning, CPD-accredited training course on generative AI designed specifically for publishers. The course has now been delivered to delegates from more than 300 organizations around the world. He has spoken on AI at a range of conferences, corporate events and universities. 

George currently serves as non-executive chair of the communications group Midas, as a non-executive director of Burleigh Dodds Science Publishing and on the advisory board of Bristol University Press. His early career was spent in bookselling and publishing, notably fifteen years at the Hachette UK group, where he held senior executive roles in marketing, digital development and strategy. 

His first book, on the subject of AI and strategy, is published in December 2026 by Practical Inspiration Publishing.

About BISG's AI Working Group

BISG's AI Working Group brings together professionals from across the publishing ecosystem to discuss emerging developments, share experiences, and identify opportunities for industry collaboration.

Through September, the Working Group will continue meeting monthly as an informal discussion forum, providing a space for open conversation about the challenges and opportunities AI presents for the book industry.

This fall, the group will review the results of the 2026 survey and use those findings to help define future priorities, resources, and deliverables that can support the industry as AI adoption continues to evolve.

We welcome your participation. To join, e-mail info@bisg.org to express your interest and get on the mailing list for meeting invites, agendas, and other key communications