We’re rolling out a “Human‑Creators‑First” policy and explaining why our podcast will now prioritize authors who write their own stories and use human‑made cover art. In this bonus episode we unpack the hidden costs of AI‑generated covers—from unpaid training data to the erosion of artists’ livelihoods—and share concrete alternatives: finding independent cover illustrators, responsibly using stock assets, and leveraging skill‑sharing networks.If you’re an indie author feeling pressured by AI tools, DM us and we’ll connect you with resources and real‑world help.Contact information & relevant linksInstagram – cover artist Karl Dahmer: https://instagram.com/dahmerartInstagram – author Ross Killey: https://instagram.com/rosskilley_authorShutterstock AI Contributor Fund article: https://petapixel.com/2023/07/12/shutterstock-may-have-paid-out-over-4-million-from-its-ai-contributor-fund/XPiks blog on Shutterstock payouts: https://xpiksapp.com/blog/how-much-shutterstock-pays-contributors/Toolify AI news on AI‑powered book covers: https://www.toolify.ai/ai-news/aipowered-book-covers-the-ethical-dilemma-for-indie-authors-3626920#bar5RNZ story on NZ Book Awards AI‑cover ban: https://www.rnz.co.nz/life/books/top-writers-ruled-out-of-nz-book-awards-due-to-ai-coversNPR coverage of 70+ authors’ open letter (2025): https://www.npr.org/2025/07/03/nx-s1-5454736/more-than-70-writers-send-open-letter-about-ai-to-literary-publishers Help Keep Zombie Book Club alive!!! - https://www.gofundme.com/f/keep-zombie-book-club-alive Zombie Book Club Links Sign up for our Newsletter!!!! --- https://zombiebookclub.io/newsletter/ Join the Brain Muncher’s Zombie Collective: https://discord.gg/rn3nPDa4CB ZBC Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zombiebookclubpodcast/ ZBC Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/710957975263518/ Zombie Book Club Voicemail: (614) 699-0006‬ Zombie Book Club Email: [email protected] Our Merchandise Store (Where you can find our Evil Magic Chicken Zombie Shirts): https://zombie-book-club.myspreadshop.com

Ask this episode

“What did the council decide on item 42?” — answered with the speaker and the moment.

Transcript

Related