Publishing Leaders Weigh in on AI, Agent Relations, and the Future of Young Readers

At the opening session of the People of Publishing conference, hosted by the Association of American Literary Agents, three of publishing’s most prominent leaders—Jonathan Karp (Simon & Schuster), David Shelley (Hachette Book Group and Hachette UK), and Jon Yaged (Macmillan)—shared candid perspectives on the state of the industry. Topics ranged from artificial intelligence and author-agent-publisher dynamics to the urgent need to cultivate young readers.

Ghosting and Communication Challenges

When asked about agent-publisher relationships, Karp addressed a persistent frustration: ghosting. He revealed that he’s urged Simon & Schuster editors to respond to agents within three weeks, even if the answer is simply, “it’s not for me.” Karp suggested agents should accept that response without pushing for lengthy explanations.

Interestingly, he added that publishers themselves often feel ghosted. Publicists, he explained, are sometimes unfairly criticized for lackluster campaigns, when in reality, they too face unanswered calls and emails. “We’re trying,” Karp emphasized, noting that even the most high-profile authors sometimes demand more while publishers are already stretched.

The Role of Agents as Mediators

Shelley framed strong agent relationships as those that balance advocacy with pragmatism. The best agents, he said, sometimes tell authors hard truths—such as accepting editorial or marketing strategies they may not like but that will ultimately sell more books. This balance, he argued, is critical to building trust between all three parties.

AI in Publishing: Promise and Resistance

All three executives acknowledged that AI tools have potential uses in publishing, such as automating metadata compilation, freeing professionals to focus on more creative and “uniquely human” work.

Yet enthusiasm in the room was muted. When Karp asked attendees if they were excited about AI, only a handful raised their hands—reflecting the broader unease across the industry.

Fighting for the Next Generation of Readers

Yaged, drawing on his background in children’s publishing, underlined the societal stakes of literacy. Reading at grade level in the third and fourth grade, he explained, correlates directly to future success and critical thinking skills—qualities essential to a healthy democracy. Book bans, he argued, are no coincidence: “The freer thinkers we have, the less chances there are for autocracy to survive.”

Shelley spotlighted Hachette’s Raising Readers initiative, which educates caregivers on how reading to children supports mental health and long-term achievement. He compared it to public campaigns for physical fitness, suggesting the industry must communicate its benefits just as effectively.

Karp pointed to efforts by the National Book Foundation to deliver books to children who lack access, while noting that copyright concerns are currently absorbing much of the Association of American Publishers’ resources. He emphasized the need for greater coordination among publishers to tackle access and literacy.

A Shared Sense of Responsibility

While their opinions varied, Karp, Shelley, and Yaged converged on one point: publishing leaders bear a responsibility not just to authors and agents but to readers—especially the youngest ones. Whether through careful adoption of AI, fostering healthier author-publisher dynamics, or defending access to books, the panel reinforced that the industry’s decisions today will shape both its future and the cultural fabric of society.