Today, Explained cover image

Today, Explained

Amazon’s garbage book factory

May 17, 2024
Constance Grady, a Vox senior correspondent focused on culture, dives deep into the murky world of online self-publishing. She uncovers the rise of 'garbage books' on Amazon, fueled by keyword tricks and AI. Grady discusses how these low-quality titles confuse readers and threaten the integrity of true authorship. The podcast also examines the ethical dilemmas surrounding self-publishing tactics and the struggles of aspiring publishers trying to navigate this chaotic literary landscape.
25:36

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Publishing garbage books exploits readers by using clickbait titles and misleading content.
  • Creating trash books involves unethical practices like AI-generated content and fake reviews for profit.

Deep dives

The Rise of Trash Books on Kindle

The prevalence of trash books on Kindle has become a significant issue, where books with misleading titles flood the platform, drawing unsuspecting readers. These books often capitalize on trending search terms, generating cheaply written content through AI and clickbait titles to manipulate buyers into making purchases. This flood of garbage books not only deceives consumers but also poses dangers when misinformation, particularly in fields like mushroom foraging, could have serious consequences, even risking lives.

Get the Snipd
podcast app

Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
App store bannerPlay store banner

AI-powered
podcast player

Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features

Discover
highlights

Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode

Save any
moment

Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways

Share
& Export

Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more

AI-powered
podcast player

Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features

Discover
highlights

Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode