Read the TOS!

With more and more third parties breaking into book distribution, many of their Terms of Service ("TOS") are turning into out-and-out rights grabs. Writers looking to release need to watch their asses very carefully.

More specifically, watch out for ugly TOSs from parties promoting distribution of audio books based on their own AI narrators. I know I've been looking into AI narrators because I can't afford a live person to narrate one of my novels. The free AI audiobook production offers make me nervous because invariably there's a clause buried deep in the TOS claiming they have the right to modify and distribute your audiiobook files for the life of the copyright.

That's a damn hefty fee to pay for what is allegedly freeware.

Intellectual property ("IP") is the new money maker for capitalists. Don't get me wrong. If you created the IP, you should have the right to capitalize on it. Unfortunately, reality means there are jerks who will do anything to trick you out of your property. Even the invisible, imaginary crap in your head.

So before you sign up for anything AI-related or otherwise, do an in-depth read of the TOS. Your writing career depends on it!