Module #2 Making/Publishing History: Printing of THE Book
Blog Post by Iffet Secil Kinsan
The history of publishing shows that every major technological shift transforms how knowledge is produced and shared. The printing press once made books widely accessible, expanding the reach of information beyond elite groups. Today, new media tools such as artificial intelligence and TikTok are creating a similar but more complex transformation. Artificial intelligence is not only accelerating access to knowledge but also reshaping it. As Darrell Gunter (2023) explains, AI refers to systems that “mimic ‘cognitive’ functions that humans associate with... learning and problem-solving” (p. 5). However, this power comes with risks, including bias and misinformation, suggesting that technology does not simply distribute knowledge but also influences its form. From my perspective, having worked as a freelance contributor with publishing houses, I have observed how quickly digital tools are being integrated into editorial and production processes, often without fully addressing these risks.
Similarly, TikTok has transformed how books reach audiences. The platform allows content to spread rapidly, making it possible for books to gain popularity unexpectedly. For instance, Raquel Shante Delemos (2022) notes that a novel “was back on the... bestseller list... after being shared in an emotional BookTok video that went viral.” This highlights how visibility is no longer controlled solely by publishers but increasingly shaped by digital platforms and user interaction. In my own observation, this shift also changes how authors and readers interact, making publishing feel more immediate and participatory than ever before.
However, I think this shift also raises concerns about fairness and access. While platforms like TikTok and AI tools appear to democratize publishing, not all authors possess the same level of digital literacy or familiarity with these technologies. In particular, older or authors with limited digital literacy may struggle to adapt to rapidly changing digital environments. As a result, visibility may depend less on the quality of writing and more on an author’s ability to navigate algorithms, trends, and digital tools. This suggests that traditional forms of gatekeeping have not disappeared but have instead been replaced by new ones, shaped by technological skills and platform dynamics. If success in publishing increasingly depends on digital competence rather than literary merit, is this new system truly fair, and what responsibilities do platforms have in addressing this imbalance?
While both AI and TikTok increase accessibility, they also introduce new uncertainties. These new technologies and platforms not only expand access but also shape what becomes visible. Therefore, although new media democratize publishing, it also raises important questions about control, bias, and the future of knowledge production.
Finally, the accompanying image, generated with the assistance of ChatGPT, visually represents this shift by contrasting traditional print culture with contemporary digital platforms, and I believe it effectively captures the central arguments of my discussion.
References
Gunter, D. (2023). AI, the new frontier – opportunities and challenges. Research Information Yearbook 2023/2024.
Delemos, R. S. (2022). Marketing books on TikTok: Finding your audience on BookTok.
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