Macmillan Staff Criticize Publisher's AI Assistant NOA as Authors Warn of Strained Relations

Employees at Macmillan Publishers have voiced frustration over the company's workplace AI assistant, NOA ("No Ordinary Assistant"), which was celebrated at an internal launch party before being quietly discontinued. Workers told WIRED that the tool was unhelpful and failed to improve their daily workflows, raising questions about the publisher's investment in artificial intelligence. The short-lived experiment highlights the challenges traditional publishing houses face when adopting new technologies without adequate staff input or practical value. Beyond internal dissatisfaction, bestselling authors are also expressing concerns that AI is damaging their relationships with Big Five publishers. They argue that the industry's growing focus on automation and data-driven decisions is eroding the personal, creative partnerships that have long defined book publishing. Authors fear that cost-cutting measures and AI-driven processes may prioritize efficiency over editorial quality and author support. The backlash from both staff and authors underscores a broader tension within the publishing world: how to embrace innovation without alienating the people who create and produce books. Macmillan's NOA party, which some employees saw as tone-deaf, has become a symbol of misplaced priorities. As AI tools become more prevalent, publishers must balance technological advancement with transparency, collaboration, and genuine utility. The future of publishing may depend on whether companies can integrate AI in ways that truly support their workforce and authors, rather than simply chasing trends. For now, Macmillan's misstep serves as a cautionary tale for the industry.