Episode 14 - AI, Copyrights & Book Publishing with William May and Julie Trelstad

Argh! Not Another Podcast About Book Publishing, hosted by poet and 2025 Pushcart Prize-nominated author William May, announces a groundbreaking new episode featuring publishing strategist and Head of US Publishing at Amlet.ai | Book Publishing Mentor Julie Trelstad. The 14th episode, titled “AI, Copyrights & Book Publishing with William May and Julie Trelstad,” explores one of the most urgent and contentious topics facing writers and publishers today: how artificial intelligence is reshaping the creative and ownership landscape.

Trelstad, a longtime industry leader who has guided authors and publishers through several technological disruptions—from the rise of eBooks to the explosion of digital publishing and social media, approached May specifically after hearing about his podcast. She comes with a purpose: to help authors understand AI, protect their work, and harness new tools responsibly to aid in this era of change. A major highlight is Trelstad’s explanation of content registration and licensing for AI systems.

May shares, “What I understand is she’s on something of a crusade to help authors and publishing professionals understand AI. I was apprehensive about speaking with Ms. Trelstad, and I told her so during our initial chat before we started recording. Our conversation reflects my feelings quite clearly, and she was graceful with her responses, which I totally appreciate.” 

What follows is a thoughtful, warm, honest exchange between a cautious poet and a forward-looking strategist. The two passionate professionals explore how artificial intelligence is transforming book publishing—from creative process to content protection—and provide practical insights that help writers navigate these changes without compromising artistic integrity. The episode opens with Trelstad’s personal arc: what first drew her to publishing, how she became a digital innovator, and why AI represents a disruption unlike any before it.

May voices what many authors feel: worry that AI could dilute originality or replace creative roles. Trelstad addresses these fears directly, framing AI as a tool, not a replacement, and outlining how writers can maintain their voice while embracing new technologies.

ABOUT THE PODCAST

Argh! Not Another Podcast About Book Publishing is hosted by poet and 2025 Pushcart Prize-nominated author William May. The Pushcart Prize is an American literary award that honors the best poetry, short fiction, and essays from small presses and literary magazines. Winning is a significant honor in the literary world, and being nominated is considered a major achievement for a writer. 

Produced by Marsa Media and May with humor, candor, and deep curiosity, the show explores the many-layered world of publishing—from book creation to marketing to the evolving technologies shaping the industry. Each episode brings honest conversations with authors, editors, strategists, and innovators who are redefining what it means to publish in the 21st century.